MMHM Jan 2008

Matthews Mint Hill JANUARY/FEBUARY 2008 • Volume 3/Issue 1 • ALSO Serving Weddington, Indian Trail AND stallings

A NEW APPROACH TO LEARNING

Charter Schools Offer an Option Men’s High School Basketball Overview Shop Consignment Stores For Yourself, Your Family and Home

MAGAZINE

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • •• • • • •• • •• • • • •• • •• • • • •• • •• • • • •• • •• • • • •• • •• • • • •• • •• • • • •• • •• • • • ••

Contents COMMUNITY

(10) Charter Schools

see why more parents and students are choosing a different path.

(16) Word on the Street

(10)

Romance is in the air! This issue we have some sweetheart stories from local residents.

(18) Basketball

See how area varsity men’s teams stack up.

MIND/BODY/SPIRIT

(24) Aging with Grace

Growing older is inevitable – the challenge is doing it with dignity.

(44)

BUSINESS

(30) Mission: Possible

Set goals for your business and your life – and reach them – with these strategies.

LEISURE

(36) Santé

This family-run restaurant is a great choice for a romantic dinner.

(42) Happenings

Events about town, from the Blumenthal to downtown Matthews and Mint Hill.

(36)

(44) Another Man’s Treasure

Area consignment shops offer everything from baby gear to designer furniture.

HOMESTYLES

(48) Inside Job

We have some great ideas for winter indoor projects.

On the cover: Sarah Payne, Jeremy Abig and Jaida Castro are kindergartners at Socrates Academy.

Photo courtesy of Socrates Academy.

6 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

(18)

Publisher’s Word I am thankful to commemorate the second anniversary of Matthews Mint Hill Magazine.

It seems just like yesterday that I decided to venture out into the unfamiliar world of publishing. It has been one of the best experiences and life lessons I have ever had. I am truly blessed to have had an idea, make a plan, act on it, and then see it grow into what it is today.

Now – more than ever – I am excited about the core group of people that make up the magazine staff. It has been a long hard road to find the right people for the roles that make this magazine work. Most business owners will identify with how important it is to put together the right team.

Thanks need to go to Sean, Liz, and Somiah for the graphic design; especially to Somiah for her hard work and dedication in taking us to the next level. Now, we have our latest addition, Art Director Sandy Pawlowski. I have high hopes that she will take the look and layout of our magazine even further.

Cyndi Conrow has been a stabilizing force over this past year; she’s helped make our editorial the best it can be. She works tirelessly to ensure top quality, and she is a pleasure to have on our team.

Kim Thomas is our Director of Advertising Sales. Kim is an experienced and talented professional who came to us after spending years at The Charlotte Observer. She’s well on her way to establishing the client relationships that make it possible to do what we do.

Writers like Sharon Mason, Rich Lange, Jenn Thompson, Jane Duckwall, and our many other contributors have gone into our community and brought back stories that hopefully have informed, engaged, and entertained you.

Last, but definitely not least, is my wife Abby Whitehurst. Over the past year, she has taken on the huge job of General Manager in charge of making sure we get this magazine to the readers on time and with the quality you deserve.

I hope the next two years aren’t as hectic as our first two, but just as rewarding. Here’s to you and yours this new year.

Todd Whitehurst Publisher

GROUP PHOTO TO BE TAKEN FRIDAY

Happy New Year! www.matthewsminthill.com

7

Matthews Mint Hill

MAGAZINE

Volume 3, Issue 1 • January/Febuary 2008 www.MatthewsMintHill.com (704) 846-0477, office • (704) 943-1506, fax PUBLISHER TODD WHITEHURST publisher@matthewsminthill.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CYNTHIA CONROW

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JANE DUCKWALL RICH LANGE SHARON MASON JENN THOMPSON DONNA WILLIAMS VANCE CHUCK MOBLEY

GRAPHIC DESIGN SANDY PAWLOWSKI

PHOTOGRAPHY SHARON MASON ABBY WHITEHURST TODD WHITEHURST SANDY PAWLOWSKI

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING SALES KIM THOMAS

carolina

MEDIA

publishing PRESIDENT TODD WHITEHURST publisher@matthewsminthill.com

GENERAL MANAGER ABBY WHITEHURST abby@matthewsminthill.com

ADVERTISING SALES TODD WHITEHURST publisher@matthewsminthill.com, (704) 651-5020

DISTRIBUTION MICHAEL WHITEHURST MATTHEWS-MINT HILL MAGAZINE is published by Carolina Media Publishing, LLC. 325 Matthews Mint Hill Road, Matthews, NC 28105 (704) 846-0477, office • (704) 943-1506, fax This publication copyright 2007 by Carolina Media Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication may be produced, in any form or by any means, without prior written permission of Carolina Media Publishing.

MATTHEWS-MINT HILL MAGAZINE cannot be held responsible for any unsolicited material.

8 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

Distribution Locations Matthews Area AlphaGraphics Beantown Tavern Best Western Carolinas Natural Health Center Charlotte EENT CMC _ Matthews Medical Plaza Crews Recreation Center Dilworth Coffeehouse Grand Slam USA First Charlotte Physicians Fuddrucker’s Goddard School Hampton Inn Jonathon’s Restaurant Kristopher’s Matthews Chamber of Commerce Matthews Childrens Clinic Matthews Community Center Matthews Library Matthews Presbyterian Hospital Monkey Joe’s Panera Bread Peak Fitness PJ’s Restaurant Presbyterian Urgent Care Renfrow Hardware Showmars Siskey YMCA Sleep Inn SportClips Thai House Total Wine Township Grille Vinnie’s Raw Bar

Stevens Mill, Idlewild Market Hoods Crossroads, Windsor Square, Sycamore Commons Bellacino’s Best China II Dick’s Sporting Goods Dilworth Coffeehouse Elliot’s BBQ Emerald Lake Levine Senior Center Pizza Spiga Outback Steakhouse UPS Store - Stevens Mill UPS Store - Sycamore Commons Mint Hill American Community Bank Angela’s Pizza Big Guy’s Pizza Carolina Bagel Co. Cafe Charlotte Children’s Clinic CMC _ Mint Hill Medical Plaza Dr. Lawrence Sladek, DDS Hair-y Care-y Salon Jimmie’s Restaurant Lawyers Glen Retirement Home Mama’s Pizza Mini Mac Storage Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce Mint Hill Family Practice Mint Hill Grill and Deli Mint Hill Library New Asian Cuisine Penny’s Place

Rookies That’s Entertainment Showmars UPS Store - Mint Hill Pavilion Woof n’ Hoof Galleria/Sardis Rd.N. Monroe Rd, Arboretum Boardwalk Billy’s Cartridge World Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe Capt. Steve’s Seafood Greg’s BBQ Matthews Barber Shop Indian Trail/Stallings Clara’s Choice for Herbs Extreme Ice Center Indian Trail Pharmacy Joe’s American Grill Johnny K’s Restaurant Skinnyz SOHO Hero The Divide Trail’s End Restaurant Union Mail Stop

Add Your Business!

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for those you hold close We’re right in your neighborhood.

CMC–Matthews Medical Plaza is now open at 332 Sam Newell Road, giving you and your family access to premier healthcare located right in the heart of Matthews. Our boardcertified physicians in the areas of cardiology, hematology, internal medicine, oncology and pediatrics are currently welcoming new patients. So call today for an appointment.

This convenient location also offers an on-site pharmacy and an Urgent Care Center.

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332 Sam Newell Rd., Matthews, NC 28105 • www.carolinasmedicalcenter.org Matthews_Ad3_MattMintMag.indd 2

10/16/07 3:46:13 PM

Charter Schools

Three area schools offer an attractive alternative to traditional public or private schools – here’s a look at Socrates Academy, Union Academy and Queen’s Grant Community School

By Jane B. Duckwall

10 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY 2008 / FEBUARY 2008

PHOTO COURTESY SOCRATES ACADEMY

Socrates Academy kindergartner Blaze Dieth completes a worksheet.

COMMUNITY

M

arla Killion was growing concerned about the number of mobile classrooms at Sardis Elementary School when a friend told her of plans for a charter school in Union County.

She started weighing the pros and cons, unknown school versus known school.

Although she’d had no problems with Sardis, where her three children were enrolled, she’d seen the number of kindergarten classes increase substantially in the span of a few years and knew the large subdivision under construction nearby would strain the school even further.

“I did a lot of debating,” she recalled, referring to the choices she faced eight years ago. “Do you wait until it gets underway and make sure it will be successful? Do you make this leap of faith, and hope it’s going to work out?”

At an information session about the proposed charter school, she met Principal Ken Templeton and members of the charter school’s board. Their vision for the new school won Killion over, so her leap of faith didn’t need to be far.

She signed her children up: The oldest would start as a third grader, her twins as first graders. Killion has never regretted the decision.

Hundreds of others with similar stories to tell have contributed to the growing enrollment – and lengthy waiting lists – at each of the area’s three established charter schools.

Enrollment is growing as are waiting lists at the three area charter schools.

Socrates Academy, Matthews The newest of the three, Socrates Academy, opened in 2005 with kindergarten and first grade. It has grown a grade a year, and in the 2009-2010 school year will add a fifth grade and reach its capacity of 360 students – or scholars, as they are called at the academy.

Principal Janis Dellinger-Holton said the school’s board is considering submitting an amendment to its charter to add sixth, seventh and eighth grades.

The school was the brainchild of several Greek community leaders whose vision included teaching Greek to all students, using the Socratic method, and following both the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and the National Greek Curriculum Standards.

Current students come from Union, Mecklenburg, Gaston and Cleveland counties. Parent volunteers can help arrange carpools on request. Parents provide the daily transportation for students to and from school but the idea of acquiring a bus at some point has been discussed.

Each Socrates family is expected to volunteer 36 hours a year to the school, and visitors are likely to see parents at nearly every turn. One of those parents may be Athanasia Smith, a native of Greece and a frequent volunteer.

Smith likes the education her 7-yearold triplet sons are getting at Socrates – including their exposure to her native language and culture. She also likes the academy’s use of the Socratic method, which teaches lessons through the use of guided questions “so they are encouraged

What is a charter school?

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools defines charter schools as “tuitionfree public schools created on the basis of an agreement or ‘charter’ between the school and the community, which gives the charter school a measure of expanded freedom relative to traditional public schools in return for a commitment to meet higher standards of accountability.”

Charter school students are not bound by county lines, but must stay in their home state. The schools receive public funding for operational expenses, including salaries, but no funding for facilities. This money must be raised independently through donations or fundraisers.

The North Carolina Education Alliance reports the state has 98 charter schools, serving more than 21,000 students – an average of about 214 students per school. www.matthewsminthill.com

11

PHOTO COURTESY SOCRATES ACADEMY

COMMUNITY

Socrates Academy opened a new building in Matthews this school year.

to learn by using analytical and critical skills,” she said.

Socrates offers before- and after-school programs and enrichment activities are available for an additional charge.

The application process for Socrates Academy closes Jan. 31, and the lottery selection for new students will be Feb.5. Open houses are planned from 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 9 and 17 and from 5 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 10 and 16. For more information, visit the school’s website at www.SocratesAcademy.us

Queen’s Grant Community School, Mint Hill Queen’s Grant Community School, which offers kindergarten through eighth grade, opened in 2002 after some area parents agreed they wanted an additional option for schooling. After getting its charter, the founding board started looking for an organization to manage the school.

National Heritage Academies (NHA),

12

Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

based in Michigan, was the best match for the founders’ vision, Principal Christy Morrin said. NHA manages the school’s state and federal reporting, addresses compliance issues, supplies the curriculum, and oversees staff development. Using an outside organization to manage the school sets Queen’s Grant apart from other area charter schools, which are managed by their boards.

The school currently has 718 students from Cabarrus, Union and Mecklenburg counties, with more than 1,000 on the waiting list. A parent ambassador helps coordinate carpool arrangements; Transportation is not provided.

In kindergarten, classes are limited to 20 students. First through eighth grades have classes with up to 27 students. The school has no teaching assistants, but “we have a lot of parent volunteers, a lot of assistance,” Morrin said.

Each family is expected to volunteer a total 20 hours at the school, which helps

fill gaps and adds to the school’s sense of community.

“We stay full,” Morrin said, adding that there’s a waiting list at every grade level.

Tya Jones, whose three children attend Queen’s Grant, likes the sense of community at the school, which reminds her of her own childhood in an Indiana farming community where “everyone knew each other, and everyone knew each other’s parents.”

She also likes the school’s moral focus, concentrating on a different virtue every month, and the regular assemblies where students recite the school creed and the pledge of allegiance, and sing a patriotic song. They also make it a point to give back to the community. For example, the school’s November food drive for needy families filled 96 bags with food and grocery store gift cards.

Families raised more than $76,000 this year in the school’s fundraising campaign, which encouraged each student to raise

PHOTO COURTESY SOCRATES ACADEMY

$100 by collecting donations or earning the money from family and friends. Much of the money was matched by employers. The funds will be for various expenses, such as library purchases, athletics, art supplies, and the school’s performing arts programs.

The middle school sports teams contribute to the school’s community and sense of pride. Students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades can try out for the school’s baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball teams. The teams play against other charter schools, private schools and Weddington Middle School and Porter Ridge Middle School in Union County.

Morrin said the school now has grown to include ninth and tenth grade at a separate location. Queen’s Grant Preparatory High School operates out of space rented from Garr Christian Academy, 7700 Wallace Rd. in Charlotte. The high school, which has 105 students, is headed by former Queen’s Grant Community School teacher Bob Thomas. \

The last day for open enrollment at Queen’s Grant is Feb. 28.The lottery is March 24. For more information, visit www.QueensGrantCommunitySchool.org

Union Academy, Monroe The only charter school in Union County, Union Academy is also the area’s oldest. It

Socrates Academy teacher Shea Short with student Luke Butler.

www.matthewsminthill.com

13

cOMMUNITY

Students at Queen’s Grant Middle School in Mint Hill prepare for a classroom debate.

is a year-round school founded in 2000, the brainchild of Union County residents Tim and Maureen Laniak, who began developing the idea in 1998.

Its program is centered on what Principal Ken Templeton calls the three C’s: Challenging academics; character development; and community service and involvement. Templeton, who’s been principal or headmaster at Charlotte Latin, Gaston Day, and American schools in Iran and Colombia, said that another goal of the school is to draw on the diversity of the county. He pointed out that he considers most of Union County’s schools “not very diverse in population,” being either overwhelmingly white or minority, either affluent or disadvantaged. He considers Union Academy a more diverse mix, with approximately 84 percent white and 11 percent African American, with the balance split between Latino and mixed-race students.

When it opened, the school served kindergarten through fourth grade. It has added a grade every year, and will graduate

14

Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

its first class in 2009. It is split into two campuses: About 400 Kindergarten through fourth grade students are at the lower school campus, 3828 Old Charlotte Hwy. in Monroe. Some 500 middle and high school students in grades five through 12 are on the upper school campus, 675 North M.L. King Jr. Blvd. in Monroe. Combined, the school’s total enrollment is approximately 900 students, who come from Union and neighboring counties.

Class size at Union Academy The average class size for the elementary school is 20 to 23 students, but there are fulltime assistants in kindergarten through second grade classes.

In grades three and four, the class size is about the same and each grade shares three

assistants between four classrooms. Most of the middle school and high school classes have about 20 students, with some as few as 15.

The school has rigorous standards for academics and earned a “School of Excellence” label its third year for test results. But Templeton is quick to point out that “we do not teach to the test, that is something we try not to do.”

Sports offerings for middle and high school students include baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, softball and soccer. Next year, swimming, football and wrestling will be added. Opponents include smaller Union County public schools as well as other charter and private schools.

As part of its community service focus, the school arranges for students in all grades to participate monthly in off-campus service projects. The school has partnerships with several organizations, including the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and Winchester Children’s Center. A recent auction raised more than $200,000 for

charity and for the school’s expansion projects, including a new media center.

It requires every family to volunteer at the school 60 hours a year, a requirement that Templeton is very strict about – even if it means ejecting a student from school because of familial noncompliance.

Marla Killian, the school’s family volunteer coordinator, is a little more flexible, explaining that “we do make allowances and do give probationary periods… But the bottom line is, if you’re a family refusing to be involved, then you’re not going to stay.”

And with a long waiting list, the school can well afford to draw the line. mmhm Union Academy will hold information sessions on Feb. 24 at 3 p.m., March 2 at 3 p.m. and March 3 at 7 p.m. The lottery will be on April 13 at 3 p.m. Families must attend an information session to be eligible for the lottery. Find out more about Union Academy at www.UnionAcademy.org

The Details:

Area Charter Schools Union Academy

The lower school campus 3828 Old Charlotte Hwy. in Monroe.

The middle and high school is at

675 North M.L. King Jr. Blvd. in Monroe.

Check the school’s Web site for more info: www.UnionAcademy.org Socrates Academy

3909 Weddington Rd. in Matthews.

Find out more about the school at www.SocratesAcademy.us.

Queens Grant Community School

has kindergarten through eighth grade offered at 6400 Matthews-Mint Hill Road.

Queens Grant Preparatory High School

is renting space at Garr Christian Academy, 7700 Wallace Road in Charlotte, but has plans to open at a new Mint Hill site in 2008. Information is available at www.QueensGrantCommunitySchool.org.

Queens’ Grant Community School has kindergarten through eighth grade at its main campus. High school students attend classes in a rented space until the new site opens later this year. www.matthewsminthill.com

15

COMMUNITY

Word on the S What is the most romantic thing you have done for someone or that someone has done for you?

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APG

PHOTOS BY ABBY WHITEHURST

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High School

HOOPS Sports rivalries run strong and deep all year long in the Matthews-Mint Hill area

By Rich Lange

L

their best, and challenge their opponents but he left the leadership role in the hands come game time. of senior guard Josh Humphrey. Humphrey Butler High School looks to be ready. Coming off a junior year Bulldogs anticipate strong season as in which he was a key contributor to the defending conference champs Bulldog’s tournament success, Humphrey Butler rolls into this season as defending is expected to be the team’s leading scorer champions of the 2007 Southwestern 4A this season. He started this year with a Conference Tournament. Last season’s game-high 28 points versus Mallard Creek, Bulldogs entered the tournament with a and Coach Kurt Wessler will be looking record that showed more losses than wins, for more games like that from Humphrey but they triumphed in the end with a 66-64 as the season wears on. With help from win over Weddington. fellow senior Jordan Springer, Connect with local DeMontez Stitt junior A. J. Evans, and the high school basketball racked up an rest of the squad, Humphrey booster clubs impressive list of and the Bulldogs look to honors last year: he challenge East Mecklenburg Butler High School www.butlerathleticboosters.com was named Firstin the conference race.

Team All Area by the Independence Independence High School Charlotte Observer, High School www.bigIsports.com co-Player of the Year Patriots, new coach face in Mecklenburg a tough road ahead Providence High School www.pages.cms.k12.nc.us/ County, and 2007’s With the football Patriots providence/athboosters.html Mr. Basketball in usually playing on into North Carolina. Stitt’s December as a participant Weddington High School graduated and now in the state championship www.wdhs.ucps.k12.nc.us/php/ plays for Clemson, tournament, it is difficult for booster_clubs.php

PHOTO ON LEFT BIG STOCK ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY TODD WHITEHURST

ocal schools get a LOT of attention on the state – and even the national – level for their football programs. But as the state football championships wrap up, it’s time once again for high school hoops – and in our area, rivalries carry over from the gridiron to the hardwood.

The Southwestern 4A athletic conference includes Ardrey Kell, Butler, East Mecklenburg, Independence, Myers Park, Providence, South Mecklenburg, and Weddington high schools. This season opened with a number of non-conference games, then moved on to the holiday tournament. Now the schools are well into their conference schedules, with midFebruary’s conference tournament in sight.

From there, teams can be selected into a 64-team post-season tournament that determines the state champion.

Last season, East Mecklenburg and Myers Park were the only schools that could claim winning conference records. This season, Matthews and Mint Hill area teams seem ready to challenge themselves to perform

Freshman Anthony Stitt is a guard on the Butler varsity team.

www.matthewsminthill.com 19

LEISURE

The Butler High School varsity men, including Griffin Pittman, Josh Prince, A.J. Evans and Victor Hampton, are defending their conference champion title this season.

the basketball team to get much attention for the first few weeks of the season.

Longtime Independence basketball head coach Tony Huggins left the program after last year, and first-season coach Richard Spasoff finds himself starting this year with a depleted squad, and in search of leadership and scoring. Last season’s bright spot – senior guard Chad Tomko – is now sharing minutes at guard on the UNCWilmington Seahawks roster. The 2006/07 season ended with a losing record for the Patriots, and the roster of tough opponents ahead doesn’t offer much hope for anything different from this year’s squad.

Providence High School Panthers gaining momentum with experienced players and head coach The Providence Panthers hope to continue the successful run they’ve had the past four seasons under Coach Myron Lowery. Since Lowery’s arrival at Providence for the 2003/04 season, the basketball team has enjoyed unprecedented success. They won the conference tournament in 2005 and made it to the Sweet 16 in the state playoffs in 2006.

20 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

Providence players Thomas Berlacher school record for most consecutive shots and Lamar Bradbury look to be standouts with out a miss in a game – 12 for 12,” says this season. Berlacher scored 40 points, and Coach Lowery. had 11 rebounds and six assists in Coach Lowery says that the best the 86-51 early season win part of his job is working with over Waddell. Berlacher is the kids. “I love my job, a team captain, and has I love practice, and I Want to go? been a starter since his love the kids. The ball Basketball games are played on a games are the gravy.” sophomore year. He variety of nights during the week, made the all-conferLowery says that the and tickets are cheap – around $5 ence team last season. goals for this seaeach. Volunteer opportunities are “Thomas Berlacher son are to take one available through each school’s is a great kid,” brags game at a time, and athletic booster club organization.

Coach Lowery. “He to show outstandhas great basketball ing sportsmanship. skills, is an outstanding “Making the playoffs leader on and off the court, is great, but we focus on and maintains a 4.5 GPA,” winning tonight’s game, and adds Lowery. The coach believes then the next game. Conduct and that Berlacher can reach the 1,000 points sportsmanship are important to me and my milestone this season. team. On the floor, in the community, and Lamar Bradbury is another all-conference in the classroom. I haven’t had a technical player from last season on the Providence foul in eight years,” says Lowery. squad. “Lamar is another great kid. He Weddington High School works extremely hard, and it shows on the It’s a whole new ballgame for the Warriors court and in the classroom. Lamar earned Coach Gary Ellington leads his team into a 3.75GPA last quarter, and he holds the a unique situation this season. With the

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21

COMMUNITY

opening of Marvin Ridge High School, several former Weddington student athletes are now attending Marvin Ridge. That means the team that went to the conference championship game last year is no more. A brand new team is in place made up mostly of students new to Weddington High School. And, it means playing against some very familiar faces at Marvin Ridge. “Our guys see some of our players from last year on their roster. Both teams are competitive,

It will be a challenging first year for Ellington as Weddington’s head coach. Only three players are returning from last year’s team, and the team roster lists just one player taller than 6’3”. Last season’s standout player Corey Rase is the lone starter returning to the roster. Rase is a senior guard, and was the leading scorer on last year’s team. He has the reputation as being a great shooter, and no doubt the team will rely on his scoring ability and leadership throughout the season.

MMHM

and it makes for a fun rivalry,” says Coach Ellington.

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23

MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT

A

Aging Gracefully With maturity comes wisdom, insight and the realization of God’s plan for a “better me.”

PHOTO BY BIGSTOCK

By Linda Bondy

24 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

A

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PHOTO BY BIGSTOCK

ging gracefully. What an idea. There has always been a certain appeal to the thought that I might someday be a gracious grandmother figure who is respected and admired by family and friends.

This imaginary mature woman is cheerful, kind, patient, loving, and above all, wise. There are no aching limbs, no lack of energy, forgetfulness, poor health, or discouragement.

I’ve always been competent. It’s how I’ve made my world work. Any problem attacked with enough energy and intelligence can be solved, right?

In my 20s and 30s that seemed to be the case.

I was successful in college and graduate school.

I married the man of my dreams. I had a career until I decided to become a stay-at-home mom.

We had five beautiful, bright, (mostly) wellbehaved children and everything was right with the world.

In my early 40s, things began to change. My older children reached rough patches in their teenage years. My husband left the safe, financially secure, corporate world to begin a new career. My mother died. My husband and I felt that there was something missing in our

www.matthewsminthill.com 25

MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT

Author Linda Bondy and her horse Guinness.

marriage. All of these are fairly common life events, but they all conspired to rob me of the serene complacency of my youth.

Physical changes began. Restful sleep became more elusive, my energy level varied widely, my ability to accomplish tasks diminished, my memory dulled, my eyes refused to focus on normal-sized print, and a few gray hairs appeared. The competent, energetic, can-do person I had always been no longer returned my gaze in the mirror.

My initial reaction to these changes was disappointment and frustration. If I couldn’t do the things I’d always been good at, what was I worth to others or myself? But God, in His graciousness, had another, different message for me. As I became less confident and competent, God sent messages telling me that I was becoming softer, kinder, less demanding, and easier to be around. My husband, my children, and my friends delivered these messages. As I started to recognize the theme behind God’s messages

26 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

“I realized God is trying to grow me into a different person.”

He has sent me difficult life situations to show me that I need Him, and that I need other people. I only recently began to take that to heart.

So what does that look like? For the uptight, together, organized, competent me, it translates to taking myself less seriously. Laughing at mistakes. Demanding less of myself and of my family in the way of performance, and knowing that the performance standards I once used to measure my worth were artificial constructs designed by me.

Here’s a simple example of how I find myself trying to cope with new limitations: After a recent church service, someone I had known for several years greeted me. She and I are not close friends, but we’ve been in the same Sunday school class and know at least a little bit of each other’s stories. As she

asked me about my kids I realized I couldn’t remember her name. I remembered her story and could even picture her husband’s face in my mind. But I didn’t have a clue about her name. I finally gave up and relaxed. I didn’t need to call her by name – I just tried to be present to her in the moment.

Do I like it when I can’t remember someone’s name, or when I start a sentence and then forget the idea I wanted to communicate? No. Do I enjoy being tired during the day after a night of restlessness? No. Am I comfortable that my body is experiencing many of the physical symptoms of menopause? No, no, no! But I am convinced that God is leading me through these events for His purposes. I am convinced that He has a better me in His mind’s eye. The road to maturity leads me along a path of aging. While I would love to have the muscles and stamina of a 25-yearold, I wouldn’t trade places with the person I was then. “Calm and settled” I was not, but I would like to think that you could begin to describe me that way now.

www.matthewsminthill.com 27

MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT

28 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

What do I hope for as I continue to age? I would like to resemble that wise, gracious, grandmother figure. I now know that becoming that person means hearing and eyesight will deteriorate, bones will lose density, and muscles won’t be as strong. But the opportunity for my character has never been greater.

Am I afraid? On some days, yes. I could develop Alzheimer’s disease like my mother. I could be widowed. I might have a child die.

Aging might bring me painful health problems.

The operative words in those sentences are “could” and “might.” What will happen is that God will be present in my world, inviting me to trust Him. I know that He changed me into the person I am now. I know that there is still so much more that I can become. I trust that he will continue to transform me. MMHM

www.matthewsminthill.com

29

BUSINESS

Mission: Possible Setting goals – and reaching them – may be easier than you think. Here’s how to define your vision, stay motivated and avoid roadblocks

By Chuck Mobley

I

PHOTO BY BIGSTOCK

have learned a few remarkable things about goals. The first is that I don’t like the word. It’s generic. I prefer mission, vision or direction. A goal or dream is something we’d like to do; a mission and

30 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

PHOTO BY BIGSTOCK

direction has conviction and we are headed toward a collision course with a brighter future. We are going somewhere we have never been!

How do we get to a place we’ve never been? We must do things we have never done. We have to learn new behaviors, new habits and activities – and they all must be driven by new attitudes. That’s the second thing I’ve learned.

Compelling missions, visions and directions shape behaviors. As we lock on to a great one, we act as if we’re possessed with the need to fulfill. We’re motivated by a strong passion for the mission; we work feverishly and excitedly and things happen.

We’re driven by a deep internal motor that wants us to accomplish.

The third thing I’ve noticed is that obstacles or roadblocks are the other side of the coin when it comes to of vision, mission and direction. There will always be something in our way. But, here is the thing: I have seen that there is an inverse correlation – a negative relationship – between the intensity of our mission and our obstacles” I think this is the key, the secret, the magic elixir! I’m sure, somewhere, this has previously been written, stated and preached. But, by gosh, I’m gonna do it again! The greater the mission, the more clear

www.matthewsminthill.com

31

LEISURE

the direction, and the less ominous the individual obstacles become!

The mailbox

I like analogies. People who know me have a name for the ones I frequently use: “my life “Chuck-isms.”

So please indulge me here.

It’s like if you want the mail and you have a broken foot. It may seem a long way to the mailbox.

It’s just the mail and it’s not a big deal. It’s just not worth it.

But imagine that you were expecting a $12.5 million check in the mail. It’s seed money for your new business plan. You had spoken with a venture capitalist who wanted to be a part of the vision for your new company. You knew that the $12.5 million check just might be in the mailbox, just 50 feet away. The postman has just placed several plain white envelopes into the otherwise unglamorous black metallic box.

I bet you find away to cover the 50 feet without even pausing to think about your foot.

The litmus test

I’m assuming you have goals of your own.

Every day, at the end of the day, score your behavior and activity on a scale from one to 10. The score will measure your actions and how they relate to the direction and vision you have laid out for yourself.

These activities should be measurable, quantifiable

32 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

and tailored to your unique abilities. If they are not, someone else should be doing them.

1 = I have spent about 10% (or less) of my time doing the activities and behaviors required for me to move toward the future I say I want.

10 = I have spent 100% of my time doing the activities and behaviors that are required for me to move toward the future I want. Put this on your calendar every day as your daily score, and determine your weekly average. Do this for 30 days and come up with an average for the month. Read and understand the results.

An average of zero to seven means the vision you have is not compelling enough for you to do what needs to be done. It’s not for you. And, even if it is, you are not going to get there because you are not willing to do what it takes. The truth, although painful, will help if it is embraced. Find another vision.

An average of eight means you are on the right track! You may need to find someone who is compelled by the same mission and work together.

Focus on each other’s true strengths and unique abilities.

An average of nine or ten means you have got it going on! You are a rising star and are fully engaged to your mission! MMHM

So, what’s your mission, and what direction are you headed?

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LEISURE

Sightings Holiday Business Breakfast 2007

Business leaders from Matthews and Mint Hill gathered at Jimmie’s Restaurant for a holiday season networking breakfast last month. Pictured clockwise from top left are Rich Ferretti of Southern Winds Realty and Dale Luna of Edwards Jones Investments; Demetra Tsikles of A Access Lock and Key, Andrew O’Gara of Keep up Appearances and Michele Dotson of Independence High School; Andrew O’Gara and Dale Luna; and publisher Todd Whitehurst leading the holiday gift exchange.

34 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

www.matthewsminthill.com

35

Santé executive chef and owner Adam Reed

LEISURE

Surprising Santé 36 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

PHOTO BY TODD WHITEHURST

Loyal customers return to this charming restaurant known for its inspired menu, warm ambience and the best-kept secret in downtown Matthews: A romantic hidden patio By Jenn Thompson

T

PHOTO BY TODD WHITEHURST

he most historic cludes working in the kitchstorefronts of ens of some of New York The Details downtown City’s most renowned Matthews 165 N. Trade St establishments like have been home (704) 845-1899 The Russian Tea to many familyOpen for lunch from Room, Maxim’s, owned businesses 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and René Pujol. throughout the Tuesday through Friday “We changed last century, and the name, but Adam Reed, Dinner: 5:00 to 9 p.m. we didn’t want executive chef and Tuesday - Friday to change evowner of Santé, is 5 to 10 p.m. erything. We just proud to continue Friday and Saturday wanted to elevate that tradition with his what it already was.” own family.

The original menu was Reed owns the cozy dining enhanced with new dishes, spot with his wife, Veronica, and on but there were also old favorites that weekends the couple’s 11-year-old he knew would have to stay. “As soon daughter Erin greets guests. “She is as we bought the place, we started getactually quite good at interacting ting phone calls and people knocking with adults,” says Adam with a proud on the doors and asking us not to take smile. Erin was only five when Adam the honey mustard-glazed salmon filet and Veronica purchased the restaurant off the menu,” remembers Adam. in 2001. “I had already been in place Another perennial favorite is his here as the executive chef for a few braised red cabbage salad, served warm. years,” says Adam, whose career in“We always take it off the menu during

www.matthewsminthill.com 37

PHOTO BY TODD WHITEHURST

LEISURE

The “Santé”-name comes from the traditional French toast, “A votre santé” or “to your health.”

the summer and people are always sad to see it go.” The dish is so popular that it warrants an announcement when it returns to the menu. “I will usually send out an e-mail to our regulars to let them know that the cabbage is back!”

He also relishes the opportunity to surprise his diners with a special rack of lamb. “I only do it about once a month, but people ask almost every night to see if we have it. I like to keep it as a special thing.”

There’s plenty at Santé to make an evening special. The intimate interior features exposed brick walls, an antique tin ceiling and vintage-inspired chandeliers, all of which pay homage to the location’s history – the circa 1880 building has also been a barbershop and bathhouse, and has been on the National Register of Historic Places for more than a decade.

The restaurant can accommodate up to 50 guests, but the best seat in the house at Santé is one that most diners don’t even know is there.

“I think our patio is one of the best in the city,” says Adam. “It is hidden

38 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

away behind the building, so you can’t hear any noise from the street.”

The charming bricked patio is secluded and equipped with heat lamps for year-round romantic dining under the stars.

“These sort of hidden patios are more like what you would see in Charleston and Asheville, where the outdoor space is actually a part of the ambiance of the restaurant itself, rather than an

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39

PHOTO BY TODD WHITEHURST

LEISURE

Santé offers a cozy ambience and gourmet dining in downtown Matthews.

Veronica work hard to keep entrée prices around $25, while many other restaurants are increasing theirs. “It’s been hard to maintain our pricing, but we don’t ever want to forget the role we play in the dining scene for our clientele.”

During the last 10 years, Adam and Veronica have seen a lot of growth in that scene in the South Charlotte and MatthewsMint Hill area. “People have a lot more options these days,” says Adam. For Santé, the key to success has been maintaining their small size and defined identity. “It is tempting to want to expand your space or open a second location, but then you risk losing focus on who you are as a restaurant. We aren’t trying to cater to everyone. We are just trying to be who we are.”

Adam derives that strong sense of identity from his family.

Adam is the fifth chef in the family tree and he now shares his love of cooking with Erin, starting with the classic French crepes that his grandmother used to make for him as a child.

“My grandmother made crepes for me, and then taught me how to make them, and eventually I made them for her. Now I have started making them with my daughter, and maybe one day she will be making them for me.”

Erin will continue to learn the ropes (and the recipes) of the family business from inside the warm glow of Santé – a familyowned business worthy of its historic downtown location, and with a menu worthy of its friendly, romantic, “destination dining” identity. MMHM Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.

40 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

LEISURE

January

2242

18-19

U.S. Army Soldier’s Chorus Blumenthal Performing Arts Center www.blumenthalcenter.org

5

Matthews Farmers Market Downtown Matthews 8 -10 a.m. www.matthewsfarmersmarket.com

19

Matthews Farmers Market Downtown Matthews 8-10 a.m. www.matthewsfarmersmarket.com

8

Stitch - In Mint Hill Library (704) 545-3932

19

Chicken Day Charlotte Nature Museum www.discoveryplace.org

8 - 13

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS Blumenthal Performing Arts Center www.blumenthalcenter.org

9

Scones ‘n Bones Matthews Library (704) 847-3698

19 - April 30

Rockwell’s America

Celebrate the Art of Norman Rockwell

IMAX Dome

www.discoveryplace.org

10

Immune Strengthening Tips for Cold and Flu Season Matthews Library (704) 847-3698

12

Free ACT Practice Test Matthews Library (704) 847-3698

12

Pilates for Beginners Mint Hill Library (704) 573-4054

14

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Blumenthal Performing Arts Center www.blumenthalcenter.org

15

Get Knotty!

Mint Hill Library (704) 573-4054

15

Frederica von Stade and Samuel Ramey Blumenthal Performing Arts Center www.blumenthalcenter.org

16

Historical Eras in Literature and Culture: The Wild, Wild West Matthews Library (704) 847 -3698

17

Free ACT Practice Test Matthews Library (704) 847-3698

Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

Paco Pena Flamenco Dance Co. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center www.blumenthalcenter.org

February 2

Matthews Farmers Market Downtown Matthews 8-10 a.m. www.matthewsfarmersmarket.com

2

Groundhog Day Charlotte Nature Museum www.discoveryplace.org

6

The African Children’s Choir Blumenthal Performing Arts Center www.blumenthalcenter.org

13 - 14 The Pink Floyd Experience

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

www.blumenthalcenter.org 15

Poetry Slam Blumenthal Performing Arts Center www.blumenthalcenter.org

16

Matthews Farmers Market Downtown Matthews 8-10 a.m. www.matthewsfarmersmarket.com

Happenings

29

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43

LEISURE

TREASURE HUNT Go consignment shopping in Matthews and Mint Hill and you’ll find everything from highend furniture to designer baby clothes – all at thrift store prices

PHOTOS BY ABBY WHITEHURST

By Donna Vance

44 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

Rebekah Proffit shops at Karrousel Kids in downtown Matthews.

T

PHOTOS BY ABBY WHITEHURST

he Style Network’s popular show, Clean House, could really clean up in Matthews. The show’s Yard Sale Diva, Trish Suhr, could sell a subjecthome’s contents on consignment at Consignment 1st furniture store, and designer Mark Brunetz could really showcase his creativity decorating with the store’s unique accents and pieces.

If you visit Consignment 1st, you’ll see large and small furniture items, instruments, knick-knacks, lamps, dishes, rugs – just about anything you’d need to decorate and furnish a home. “I’m impressed with it,” said Cheryl Corder, a Consignment 1st customer on the prowl for an end table.

Barbara Bryant, visiting from Pemberton, N.J., to help her daughter decorate her new home, echoed Corder’s sentiments.

“I have an interior design background, and so many times, you have to wear jeans at consignment stores, step over stuff and look for a sink to wash your hands,” she said. “But this place is rather upscale. It’s nice.”

Owner Dave Hayes, a former teacher from Middletown, Ohio, hoped customers wouldn’t be put off by the store’s high-end appearance before seeing its reasonable price tags.

“That’s one thing that I said when we opened the store in Columbia (S.C.), “ he said with a smile as he put on his best Southern accent. “ ‘I hope it ain’t too pretty.’”

Dave and his wife, Debbie, brought their business to Charlotte in 1987 and opened the Matthews store. From there, they grew their business into Consignment World, Inc., and ran three stores simultaneously in Matthews, Charlotte and Pineville.

“In 2001, we decided to franchise our brand and have since sold nine franchises to other owner/operators. The Matthews location is owned and operated by Debbie and me, and serves as the training center for our franchisees. Our latest franchise is in Columbia, S.C., and is more than 29,000 square feet. In fact, nearly all of our stores are considerably larger than most other consignment stores,” he said.

Today, Consignment 1st has its corporate offices in Matthews, plus nine store locations – five in the Charlotte area, including Matthews, University City, Huntersville, Lake Norman and Gastonia; two in South Carolina and two in Virginia.

www.matthewsminthill.com

45

LEISURE

Find treasures ranging from designer furniture to decorative accessories at Consignment 1st

46 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

22

Ever wonder how the consignment game works? Generally, the shop will take your goods, display them and sell them. After they sell, you get a portion of the proceeds.

Some shops, such as Once Upon a Child and Plato’s Closet in Matthews, pay up front for items, so you don’t have to wait to get your money.

Once Upon a Child offers baby and children’s items, and Plato’s Closet caters to the teen crowd with clothing, shoes, outerwear – even books. Both shops pay on the spot with the help of a computer pricing system, Sales associate Kari Schlappich says Plato’s Closet has a set price for each item. “We don’t give them the prices, the computer does,” she said. She added that all the items that come into Plato’s Closet and Once Upon a Child have been “logged into the computer according to designer.”

Upon receipt of an article, the associates enter the garment data and condition, and the computer tells them immediately how much the consignee gets and how much the piece will cost on the racks.

Trendy Tots, a boutique in Mint Hill, works on a traditional pay-after-it-sells system, but uses a computer-based pricing system, and offers consignees half of the base selling price.

Karrousel Kids is another consignment shop specializing in kids’ apparel, and another example that not all consignmnet store merchandise is used. Trendy Tots, Karrousel Kids and Consignment 1st all have several new items in stock.

Karrousel Kids is tucked away in downtown Matthews and has a loyal following of customers who stop in for quality items at great prices. With seven children, shopper Jackie Proffit knows how to spot a bargain. She’s outfitted her whole family at Karrousel Kids, starting with her oldest (who is now 19) when the shop opened some 15 years ago.

“It has been a real blessing,” Jackie said.

Consignment 1st has specific hours for customers who want to consign items to bring them in, or you can make an appointment. For large items, the shop offers evaluation by photo and a fee-based pickup service. Items stay in the store 90 days, after which time the owner can pick

them up or designate smaller items to be donated to charity.

Hayes said most of the Consignment 1st inventory “comes from the greater Charlotte metro area. People who are downsizing, redecorating or moving always need our services and we also liquidate businesses that close and need their excess inventories sold. In the last three years, manufacturers and distributors from Hickory and High Point have begun to consign new items to us. So in addition to our quality used items, we now stock on average about 15 percent new items.”

He also said that “For the consumer, Consignment 1st is a great place to begin the search for that special dining room, piece of silver or that eclectic whimsical piece that they just can’t live without.”

There’s no doubt that consignment shoppers love a bargain. The unpredictable nature – not knowing what each store will hold on any given day – adds an element of surprise that makes consignment shopping even more fun.

“There’s a thrill that accompanies shopping any place that sells previously owned merchandise,” said shopper Deanna Joy. “The excitement of the purchase lies in the hunt, in the find, and in the capture – especially when one of your finds is a pretty good price,” she said with a wink.

Hayes added: “They soon find that shopping often is imperative and fun. In fact,” he said, “we incorporated the fun part into our logo.” The company’s logo reads: Consignment 1st – Furniture, Antiques & Fun. “It’s fun for us and our customers.”

At a Glance:

The scoop on consignment shopping Consignment 1st

Home furnishings and decorative items 9601 Independence Pointe Pkwy., Matthews (704) 847-2620

www.consignmentfirst.com Karrousel Kids

Boys’ and girls clothing and accessories 103 Charles St., Matthews

(704) 847-4300 Trendy Tots

Children’s clothing, baby gear and maternity wear 11300 Lawyers Rd., Mint Hill (704) 545-7576

www.shoptrendytots.com Plato’s Closet

Teen and young adult fashions 9623 E Independence Blvd., Matthews (704) 844-6744

Once Upon a Child

Clothing and kids’ furniture, gear and toys 10046 E Independence Blvd., Matthews (704) 847-6337

MMHM

The stock at Consignment 1st changes so frequently, you never know what you might find.

www.matthewsminthill.com

47

HOMESTYLES

Inside Jobs

Winter is the perfect time to organize and spruce up your home.

By Sharon Mason

The holidays are over, and it could be that your home looks bare and dingy without all its Christmas finery. It will be several months before we can get out in the garden, so it’s time to tackle some indoor projects. Winter is the perfect time to make your home more organized and give it a new personality.

Get organized Many of us would like to be more organized, but where do we start? According to professional organizer Kristin Del Rosso of Pea Organizers of Charlotte, the first step is to analyze what areas of your home are causing you stress because they’re disorganized. For instance, is the bedroom messy and cluttered or calm and restful? Are your bills late because you don’t have an efficient system for dealing with papers?

Decide which rooms need help and work room by room.

The next step is to come up with a vision for how you want to use the room. She then helps the homeowner wade through the clutter by dividing items into categories:

A professional organizer can be an objective partner who can help make decisions on what to keep because he or she is not emotionally attached to the possessions. But for Del Rosso that doesn’t just mean to pitch everything. She tells her clients to keep anything they want as long as they have a place for it and don’t mind dealing with it. Once they have a good system in place it makes it easier to recover when clutter reappears. Plus, if the organizer follows the client’s vision, the client will be motivated to maintain the system.

Del Rosso also helps design strategies for dealing with mail. “Today’s mail is tomorrow’s pile,” she says. The F.A.T. (file, act, toss) principle keeps paper under control and tax time is dramatically simplified if records and receipts are filed by categories in an accordion folder as they come in. “It takes minutes a week and a few hours at tax time rather than taking days to sort through all the records.”

48 Matthews Mint Hill Magazine ) JANUARY / FEBUARY 2008

PHOTOS BY ABBY WHITEHURST

• Things to donate • Items to throw away • Stuff to sell • Items that stay in the room • Items that belong elsewhere

PHOTOS BY ABBY WHITEHURST

Marla Cilley, better known as The Flylady, has developed an entire system devoted to getting rid of the chaos in your life by getting organized. Her website, www.Flylady.net has millions of subscribers who heed her email advice about how to deal with clutter and how to develop routines that will keep their homes looking tidy.

Many of us have made New Year’s resolutions to be more organized but buying more plastic bins is not the answer. “You cannot organize clutter,” says Cilley, “only get rid of it.”

The Flylady recommends that you clear your “hot spots” twice a day. These are the places where junk collects. We all have them: It could be next to the phone, the kitchen counter, a desk or just a corner. Get rid of magazines and catalogs once a week to keep them from piling up. She also advises you to set a kitchen timer and spend 15 minutes decluttering every day and warns that when tackling a large organizing project, don’t get out more stuff than you can put away in an hour.

Time for some pizzazz Now that everything is tidy, add a little sparkle to your home by painting, wallpapering or replacing window treatments. Butch Gardner of Hanging Around Town has lots of solutions, from paint and wallpaper to rearranging furniture. He likes to get a feel for the homeowner’s taste and then make additional recommendations. This time of year is a good time to do projects like this because it is easier to schedule a contractor now than during the holiday rush.

A coat of paint is an easy fix-up, but for more drama, try wallpaper. A few years ago, wallpaper was eclipsed in popularity by faux finishes. But now wallpaper is back! Advances in manufacturing have made many papers easy to strip without damaging the walls. Many homeowners are using wallpaper in the dining room and powder room instead of doing a faux finish.

Innovative painting techniques continue to be popular as well. “I do about 50-50 wallpaper and paint,” says Gardner. He recently made a dining room look larger by painting stripes on the walls in a Tiffany blue and cream color scheme. He also likes to use dramatic ceiling treatments such as ornately painted medallions and faux finishes to draw the eye upward adding the illusion of height.

Another update that Gardner recommends is to replace a dated light fixture. Shiny brass colonial style chandeliers are being replaced by more rustic bronze fixtures with translucent globes. It produces softer lighting and a dazzling look with a minimum of effort. Then, for a striking effect, have the ceiling medallion faux finished to look like part of the light fixture.

Even something as simple as new cabinet hardware can change the look of your kitchen or bathroom. According to Lauren Sullivan of Lowe’s Home Improvement Center in Matthews, many homeowners are replacing brass or bronze hardware with brushed nickel to complement their stainless steel appliances.

Nickel doesn’t fingerprint like other finishes, nor does oil rubbed bronze, another popular choice.

Once the cabinets have new hardware, many homeowners decide to replace the faucets to match. Mark Murdock, also from Lowe’s, says it’s an easy do-it-yourself project for anyone who has a little mechanical skill and knowledge of how to use tools. “The hardest part is getting your hand up behind the sink to take off the wing nuts, but we have a tool for that,” he says.

Complete instructions are available at www. lowes.com along with instructions for many common household projects.

With just a little organization and a few minor decorating touches, you can simplify your life and transform your home from ordinary to fabulous.

Indoor project experts: Organizer Kristen Del Rosso (704) 344-0210 or thepea.com Wallpaper and paint specialist Butch Gardner (704)201-3253 or www.hangingaroundtown.com Home redesigner Angie Gatton (704) 844-8533 Internet declutterer and motivator The Flylady www.flylady.net

Finishing touches With the larger projects completed, home redesigner Angie Gatton suggests a few finishing touches that can add life to your rooms: • Look at your picture frames and replace photos that are old and faded.

• Clear out and re-arrange bookcases and display areas. Find accessories from other rooms for a completely new look without spending any money.

• Are your window treatments worn or dated? Have them replaced or restyled.

• New throw pillows can give a fresh look to the sofa.

• Add houseplants to make things look alive.

• Discard and replace stained or frayed table linens.

• Fill a vase with branches for a dramatic accessory.

Vertical stripes can make a room look larger. This dining rom was refreshed with paint by Butch Gardner of Hanging Around Town. www.matthewsminthill.com

49

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Iron Gate Mint Hill High $400K’s .75 - 1.5 Acres

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