MMHM May 2008

Matthews Mint Hill MAY/JUNE 2008 • VOLUME 3/ISSUE 3 • ALSO SERVING WEDDINGTON, INDIAN TRAIL AND STALLINGS

MAGAZINE

Meet Five Outstanding Graduates

Local Fishing Spots Rock Store Bar-B-Q Outdoor Living Trends matthewsminthill.com

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Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

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What’s

COMMUNITY

(10) Seniors 2008

Inside

Meet some outstanding young people from our area high schools.

(16) Word on the Street

(10)

The regulars at Penny’s Place talk about their first cars.

(18) Fish Tales

(18)

We take a look at some nearby spots for this favorite pastime.

(24) Matthews USA Soccer Club

With a new attitude and new leadership, this club heads into tryouts and beyond.

MIND/BODY/SPIRIT

(28) Celebrate Older Americans month with the Levine Senior Center in Mattthews.

BUSINESS

(34) iMatthews

(40)

A new website is an online gathering place for the local community.

LEISURE

(40) Rock-Solid Value

The Rock Store Bar-B-Q serves up tasty meals in an historic setting.

(46) Travel Tips

Where to go and how to get there this summer.

(50) Happenings

Get the 411 on local events here.

HOMESTYLES

(52) Outdoor Living Trends

Now’s the time to enjoy spending time oudoors – find out the latest on outdoor spaces.

On the cover: We spotlight five local high school seniors, chosen for their academic success, community service and personal achievements.

Photos by Katie Schnellinger.

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Distribution Locations Matthews Area AlphaGraphics Beantown Tavern Carolinas Natural Health Center Charlotte EENT CMC _ Matthews Medical Plaza Crews Recreation Center Dick’s Sporting Goods Dilworth Coffee – Matthews Elliot’s BBQ First Charlotte Physicians Fuddrucker’s Goddard School Jonathon’s Restaurant Kristopher’s Levine Senior Center Matthews Chamber of Commerce Matthews Childrens Clinic Matthews Community Center Matthews Library Matthews Presbyterian Hospital Monkey Joe’s Outback Steakhouse Peak Fitness PJ’s Restaurant Presbyterian Urgent Care Renfrow Hardware Showmars Siskey YMCA SportClips Thai House Total Wine Township Grille UPS Store - Sycamore Commons Vinnie’s Raw Bar

Stevens Mill Bellacino’s Best China II Emerald LakeGolf Club The Coffee Garden UPS Store Mint Hill American Community Bank Big Guy’s Pizza Carolina Bagel Co. Cafe CMC _ Mint Hill Medical Plaza Dilworth Coffeehouse 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 Pizza Spiga 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 Indian Trail/Stallings Clara’s Choice for Herbs Extreme Ice Center Indian Trail Pharmacy Joe’s American Grill Johnny K’s Restaurant SOHO Hero The Divide Trail’s End Restaurant Union Mail Stop

Add Your Business!

(704) 661-6950

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Matthews Mint Hill

MAGAZINE

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

GENERAL MANAGER ABBY WHITEHURST

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CYNTHIA CONROW

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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4pm - 10pm daily

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PRESIDENT TODD WHITEHURST publisher@matthewsminthill.com

GENERAL MANAGER ABBY WHITEHURST abby@matthewsminthill.com

DISTRIBUTION ABBY 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 2008 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.

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Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

Publisher’s Word “The movie rental store was made for rainy spring days.”– T.W.

_____________________________________________________________

I

t has been a reflective last couple of days. I was deeply affected by the character of Daniel Plainview in the movie “There Will Be Blood.” Daniel Day-Lewis plays his character. Plainview was a strong character, with integrity, courage, and a certain level of comfort in his own skin. He was loyal, kind, respectful and had a strong love for his son. What struck me the most about the character was his honesty and ability to read people.

Daniel Plainview was hard, aggressive, impatient, cold, confident, and determined to succeed. He had an arrogance about him that was a big part of his overall personality. He viewed others as inferior and weak and admitted that he didn’t like most people. Competition is what drove him to succeed – and he did succeed in business. He gave his son only the good parts of himself, as much as a father can.

Daniel Plainview was a man with a past, much of which was not shown in the film. I get a sense that the movie began when he had hit bottom in his life.

He had nowhere to go but forward, and to lie down and die or quit was not an option, at least not yet. Fortune smiled on him when he discovered oil while mining for silver. I assume that he had been told in the past that he was crazy or foolish to pursue his desires or choice of occupations. In the movie, he was just a few days from peril.

The ending of “There Will Be Blood” could be disappointing to some, but it will fit the expectations of others. It is up for much interpretation and is truly a story to contemplate. The movie is rated R because it has mature themes and some violence. But I believe it’s a great story that is worthy of viewing, especially for fathers and teenage sons.

When one of his workers was killed in the well, he took and adopted the man’s baby son as his own. The boy was no more than 6 to 12 months old. The whereabouts of the boy’s mother was never told, but it was evident that she was not available to either the boy or Daniel.

Ten years later we find H.W. Plainview to be a good young man who obeyed his father and was included in all that his dad did in life and in business. They were happy and had a relationship based on respect. It was clear that Daniel felt no greater joy than to spend time with his son and reflect on the power of their relationship.

Todd Whitehurst “There Will Be Blood” was released on DVD in mid-April.

Please e-mail me with any comments or suggestions on any of my editorials. publisher@matthewsminthill.com

From the Inbox Dear staff at Matthews Mint Hill Magazine: As a new business I wasn’t sure where to start and to what degree I should advertise. After picking up a copy of your magazine at a local Matthews restaurant and recognizing the quality of the publication and the market of families and other businesses it must be reaching, I decided to give Todd (the publisher) a call.

My decision to advertise in the magazine was a very good thing!

I began to receive calls and visits to my cake shop right off the bat from my first ad. Every month since becoming an advertiser the inquiries have increased and after you so graciously printed the story of Cakes by Victoria with beautiful glossy pictures, the calls have flooded into my shop.

I can’t thank you enough! Your staff have been easy and a pleasure to work with. Matthews Mint Hill Magazine is a true asset to the community and your sense of integrity shines through. The articles are always relevant, inspiring and help to bring people and businesses in this area together in a positive way.

Again, I thank you for a job well done.

Sincerely, Victoria Moore Cakes by Victoria matthewsminthill.com

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PHOTOS BY: KATIE SCHNELLINGER AND ABBY WHITEHURST

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Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

We asked counselors at five area high schools to recommend a graduating senior to highlight in this issue. We’re pleased to feature these five young members of our community.

By Jane Duckwall matthewsminthill.com

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COMMUNITY

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.

– E.E. Cummings Kyle Fitzgerald, Porter Ridge High School Counselor Stephanie Zak and her coworkers at Porter Ridge wasted no time recommending Kyle Fitzgerald.

“He is number one in our graduating class,” she said. “Aside from that, he is involved in tennis, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), his youth group at church and Interact,” which is Rotary International’s service club for high schoolers.

Recently, Kyle was busy with one of the Interact Club’s projects, a March fundraiser in memory of Brandon Elam, a Porter Ridge student who died of cancer last October. He’s also contributed countless community service hours to the Special Olympics, Red Cross blood drives, and Operation Christmas Child.

For five of the last six years, he’s worked at Operation Christmas Child’s warehouse to put together shoeboxes filled with items for children in Third World countries. Kyle is active at First Baptist Church of Matthews, works part-time at Harris Teeter, and plays on his school’s tennis team.

As busy as he is, Kyle still finds plenty of time to study – despite a demanding academic schedule that includes three AP classes. Asked for his grade point average, he answered “I can’t be exact. I think it’s like 4.89.”

He’s been accepted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, but at press time, he was still waiting to hear from Duke, Harvard and Yale. “I’ll probably go to Chapel Hill,” Kyle said. “I grew up as a Carolina fan, and always wanted to go there.”

He’s received a $1,500 Robert C. Byrd Scholarship to help defray his college expenses. Kyle said he hasn’t yet decided what his major will be.

When asked what drives him to succeed, Kyle answered: “I think I’m just really a competitive person. What I really want is to be the best I can.”

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Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

Brent “Judd” Heideman, Jr., Providence High School When Providence High School Guidance Counselor Jewel Abbott gave his recommendation, he described Judd Heideman as “at the top of his class, and an athlete. He’s the ideal, mature young man, hardworking and humble.”

Judd is ranked fourth out of a class of 430 with a GPA of 4.873. He was named captain this year of three athletic teams – cross country, swimming and track – and was twice a state qualifier in cross country. He’s vice president of the Spanish Club, and was named to the Spanish Honor Society and the National Honor Society. He was nominated for the Morehead-Cain Scholars Program. But these honors represent only a fraction of the honors and awards Judd has received at Providence.

His lengthy community service record includes tutoring students outside of school in Spanish, algebra, pre-calculus and history.

“My favorite thing to hear is, ‘Oh! Now, I get it!’ because we’ve made a connection that wasn’t there before,” he said.

Judd is also the youth representative on the pastoral council at St. Matthew Catholic Church and serves as a translator for Spanishspeaking families at parent-teacher conferences at Montclaire Elementary.

He plans to major in biology and minor in Spanish, and he’s been accepted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Auburn University. Judd says he’s “leaning toward” Chapel Hill.

When asked what motivates him to excel, Judd answered, “a lot of it is my faith, for sure. It’s carried me through a lot…Just turn it over to God. I enjoy challenges and finding out new things and discovering what it’s all about and knowing there are bigger and better things that await.”

Paige Hughes, Independence High School Independence High School counselors Marsha Edwards and Henrietta Reid describe Paige Hughes as a student whose strength and ability to excel – despite formidable obstacles – set her apart.

Paige was living in New Orleans when her father died of a stroke in 2003. Nine months later, her mother suffered a stroke that left her unable to continue teaching, which she’d done for nearly 30 years.

“After she had her stroke,” Paige said about her mom, “the only income we had in the household was the Social Security income after my father’s death.”

Then Hurricane Katrina hit, putting their home under water and their lives in even greater chaos. An aunt arranged for them to come to Charlotte.

Before long, Paige was at Independence, where she now is president of DECA and FSO (Friendship Sisterhood and Opportunity); secretary of the National Technical Honor Society and the Key Club; and a teacher cadet, assisting in a special education class.

Paige’s GPA is 3.6 and she is ranked number 68 in a class of 395, she said.

But her challenges continue. Her mother is still paralyzed and requires 24-hour care. Her grandmother’s health is now failing too. An aunt has moved in with them to help out.

Paige doesn’t complain, though. Her father’s death and mother’s stroke “made me appreciate life and not take anything for granted,” she said. “It’s taught me to be independent. It made me seem like an adult at the age of 13.”

She’s been accepted at UNC-Charlotte, a choice that allows her to stay close to those who need her at home. She’s been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from DECA and a $1,000 scholarship from the Charlotte Relocation Council.

Inspired by her mother, Paige wants to be a middle school teacher, and hopes to earn a master’s degree in education.

Nino Saralidze, Butler High School When Nino Saralidze came to Charlotte with her mother from the Republic of Georgia, she enrolled as a freshman in the ESL program at Butler. It was already March, and she felt overwhelmed by the new language and the new culture.

Math wasn’t a problem because “numbers are the same everywhere,” she said. But in physics, she had to use a dictionary even to understand the definitions. She was very disappointed at the end of the term to receive a B. She earned an A in each of her other seven classes.

She’s continued to earn straight A’s, and her GPA is “over a 4.0,” she said.

Nino’s determination to succeed, despite language and cultural barriers, prompted her guidance counselor, Jan Kilgo, to recommend her for this article.

Nino lived in Tbilisi when her mother decided to take her to Charlotte, where her uncle ran a cleaning business. Georgia is “a very small country right below Russia, a very old country, and very poor,” she said. “It was always my dream to come to the United States because of the educational opportunities and the standard of living.”

English is her third language – after Georgian and Russian – and she helps translate for her mother, who doesn’t speak English.

She has completed some community service projects through the

Key Club, and loves expressing herself through art – as her AP art projects attest.

Nino plans to attend Central Piedmont Community College “because that’s how we figured would be easier for us, because I want to go back to my country for a while. I miss my family and miss my friends,” she said. “And then I will pursue my dreams of a big university and studying law.”

Nino’s mother, who was a nurse in Tbilisi, is a great source of motivation.

“My mom was always the one pushing me,” she said. “I did not want to disappoint her. She did everything for me to come here. And I’m really grateful.”

Jenna Turbyfill, Weddington High School Weddington senior Jenna Turbyfill has a $30,000 academic scholarship waiting for her at Wingate University – if that’s where she decides to go.

“I’m keeping my options open,” she said in mid-March. “I want to be sure I can provide a good life for myself and be independent.”

If such caution seems unusual in one so young, it may help to explain that Jenna was forced to grow up quickly in August 2004, just

matthewsminthill.com

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COMMUNITY

as she was ready to start life as a high school freshman. That’s when her mother died unexpectedly.

“It’s been very heart-wrenching,” Jenna’s father, Rick Turbyfill, explained. “But I’m very proud of her. She’s trooped forward. She’s kept going.”

Jenna has taken on a lot of household responsibilities, he said.

“She’s very motivated.”

She’s also fiercely independent, as her answers to questions about GPA and class rank indicate.

“I haven’t really kept up on that,” she said. “I don’t really look to other people to set my standards for me.”

But her high recommendation by WHS Counselor Dan McCloskey and her scholarship offer to Wingate offer proof that Jenna’s confidence is well-earned.

“Mr. McCloskey has been awesome,” she said.

“I’ll be the first in the family to go to college, and he’s helped me out every step of the way.”

She’s considering the pharmacy program at Wingate. She’s also interested in sociology and creative writing, and has already earned college credits by taking a psychology course offered by CPCC through Weddington High School.

One reason Jenna’s interested in Wingate – aside from the scholarship offer – is that she would be able to live at home, where she can offer support to her father and younger brother, Nick.

“I want to make sure I make something out of myself,” Jenna said when asked what motivates her.

“My father stuck it out, and he’s done a good job raising me. I just want to make him proud.”

Hope for the future When Jenna, Judd, Paige, Nino and Kyle don their caps and gowns and join their classmates for graduation in June, no doubt they will find themselves reflecting on the various paths that brought them to this point. Matthews Mint Hill Magazine wishes them – and their classmates – continued success as they cross the bridge from “what has been” to “what is yet to be.” n

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cOMMUNITY

Word on the Stree We asked the crew at Penny’s Place in Mint Hill to tell us about their first car.

Clockwise from left front: Jack Steele – 1938 Chevy Charles Messer – 1970 SS Chevelle Sissy Poor – 1989 CRX David Upton – 1961 Rolls Royce Roy Dellinger – 1939 Chevy Mickey Wilson – 1946 Mercury, black

PHotos BY ABBY WHitEHurst

This group of regulars at Penny’s Place in Mint Hill had a lot of fun with this question. Penny’s is filled with automotive memorabilia, and many customers are involved with the classic car hobby. Besides some goodnatured ribbing about age, the dialogue went something like this: “1946 Mercury…”

“I thought your first ride was a horse and buggy.”

“Shut up!”

“1961 Rolls Royce…”

“You can’t even spell ‘Rolls Royce!’”

Just another morning at Penny’s Place: Classic cars, classic folks, and laughs all around.

Harley Pigg

Harley is a loyal Ford man. His first car was a 1954 Ford, but he says his second – a 1956 Ford with overhead valves – ran better.

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Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

eet CHARLOTTE, N.C.

SINCE 1953

Billy Kiser

PHotos BY ABBY WHitEHurst

Penny’s Place owner, Billy, has a passion for cars.

His first car was a 1969 Mach 1 Mustang, which he liked so much, he and his wife, Shirley, got married in it. Later he bought two just like it, one for him and one for Shirley.

Daily Specials Tues: Chicken Parmigiana Wed: Fried Perch Fillets Thurs: Roast Sirloin au Jus Fri: Turkey with Dressing Billy will host a Cruise-In at Penny’s Place on May 24 and June 28, with several classic cars on display.

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Located in the Mint Hill Pavillion

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Fax your order: (704) 545-0299 matthewsminthill.com

17

Gone Fishin’

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Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

With a little luck, a little skill and a lot of patience, you can catch “the big one” in area ponds and lakes.

Here’s a look at some of the best local fishing spots.

By Jane Duckwall

T

he sun was shining at the sevenacre pond at Col. Francis Beatty Park, and Jeff Shine carried his fishing pole and tackle box to a shady spot at the water’s edge.

A Springtime breeze carried the sounds of geese honking and birds chirping across the water as he settled in. A dog barked somewhere in the distance.

On this Friday morning, Shine was at the pond as much for the relaxing atmosphere as he was for the fish.

“Sometimes, I don’t care if they’re biting or not,” he said.

Shine, who estimated he’s been fishing “30 years or more,” said the pond at Col. Beatty Park is the only one he goes to anymore. He’s

happy with its population of crappie, bass, catfish and brim, he said.

But if he changed his mind and decided to go elsewhere, he wouldn’t have to go far.

People in the Matthews-Mint Hill area who love to fish have a lot of different options nearby.

Squirrel Lake Park Less than three miles away, the pond at Squirrel Lake Park in Matthews is brimming with fish.

“We have a relationship with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission and they stock the pond at Squirrel Lake twice a year with channel catfish,” said Corey King, recreation program supervisor for the City of Matthews. “Twelve hundred fish a year.

About 600 twice a year.”

Although it’s stocked with channel catfish, other varieties of fish also call the pond home, including “brim, and some bass,” he said.

The pond is “about an acre,” he said.

There is no pier, so people must fish from the bank.

Squirrel Lake Park offers picnic tables, grills, trails, a playground area, and a large picnic shelter. The only thing it’s missing for a fun family fishing outing is tackle, and that problem can be easily solved through the

Matthews Summer Concert & Movie Series 2008 Presents:

PHOTOS BY ABBY WHITEHURST

Siblings Riley, Bailey and Madison Creech show off one that didn’t get away during a fishing outing at Squirrel Lake Park in Matthews.

Stumptown Park - 120 S. Trade St.

Matthews Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource Dept. 704.321.7275

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Sleeping Beauty The Catalinas Open Season

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440th Army Band

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Too Much Sylvia

Sat. July 12th Sat. July 19th Sat. July 26th

E.T. Joystick Surf ’s Up

Motown, Oldies, Variety Band Movie-PG, Mother’s Day Crafts & Princess Costume Contest!

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Vendors will be on site selling food, treats and drinks.Schedule may be subject to change. NO PETS PLEASE.

matthewsminthill.com

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cOMMUNITY

town’s fish tackle loaner program.

King said would-be fishermen can stop at the Matthews Community Center during business hours and check out a tackle box, rod and reel.

“It’s a $5 deposit,” he said, explaining that the deposit is refunded when the equipment is returned. “We just ask that someone 18 or older check it out.”

Those who prefer using live bait to the loaner lures can easily swing by Renfrow Hardware in downtown Matthews or another bait supply store to get everything they need for their outing.

The ponds at McAlpine Creek, Idlewild Road and Freedom parks

Ronny Roberts, referred to as “the fishing guru” by some of his colleagues at the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department, works out of the McDowell Nature Preserve. But for three years he was a park ranger at McAlpine Creek Park, where he enjoyed fishing when he got the chance.

McAlpine features a three-acre pond, “probably one of the best” fishing ponds in the area, he said.

Its underwater terrain boasts tire reefs, trenches, mounds and other shapes fish like,

he said.

The pond has large-mouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish, he said.

“There are probably some bullhead catfish there too,” he added, explaining that the nearby creek sometimes floods the ponds, adding additional species to the water.

Roberts recalled a time when the pond was drained, and he and his co-workers collected the fish population with nets and put them temporarily in a plasticlined dumpster.

Squirrel Lake Park is a popular fishing destination for beginners. The Creech family enjoyed their first time fishing together at the park. Top photo: Dad Billy Creech helps Madison and Riley as Bailey continues to reel ‘em in.

Inset: Riley gets some assistance from big sister Madison.

Opposite page: Squirrel Lake Park, Matthews.

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Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

“There were probably 40 fish over five pounds,” he said, and people who saw them couldn’t believe they’d all been in the pond.

An even more surprising find came out of the seven-acre pond at Freedom Park, where fishing is also permitted.

“There was a guy that was fishing at Freedom Park and he caught a 10-pound largemouth bass,” Roberts recalled.

People have also pulled grass carp weighing 45-50 pounds out of Freedom Park’s pond, he added. The carp were added years ago to eat aquatic vegetation.

Another option, closer to Mint Hill, is Idlewild Road Park.

“It was built on private property, and we (the county) bought the property,” he said.

“I’m guessing it’s an acre and a half.”

More choices with distance Some local fishermen, however, prefer fishing a little farther from home. Michael Whitehurst, for example, likes to fish at Lake Norman. But one of his most memorable fishing trips was at a private farm pond near Mount Pleasant in Cabarrus County, where he went fishing with his cousins.

He caught two large-mouth bass

within “ten or fifteen minutes,” Michael said.

Understandably, he had them mounted.

Another local fisherman, Cole Minton, said his favorite nearby spot is at Cane Creek Park in Union County, which has a 350-acre trophy bass lakes on 1,050 acres of parkland.

“It has such a laid-back atmosphere,” he said. “There are always kids running around, playing, having a good time, and families picnicking. You can relax.”

He recalled walking around the edge of lake, on trails, and finding a promising back

corner, where casting by a log landed him “like a nine-pound, six-ounce bass,” he said.

He took it out, showed it around, and put it back in the water, where he hopes to catch it again sometime.

One of three trophy bass lakes in the state, the lake at Cane Creek Park is considered to provide some of the best largemouth bass fishing in North Carolina. It also has bluegill, crappie and catfish.

“Be patient for the fish to bite.

When you feel a tug you should tug it or reel it in.”

–Fishing advice from 6-year-old Alec

An Old Pro Six-year-old Alec Mock knows all about fishing at Cane Creek Park.

“I’ve been there thousands of times.”

His grandparents, Glenn and Linette Mock, visiting from Wisconsin, said Alec and his 4-year-old sister, Ainsley, caught “little bluegill” on a fishing excursion at Cane Creek. They were putting those skills to test at the pond at Col. Beatty Park on a recent morning when Alex offered this advice to new

fishermen: “Be patient for the fish to bite,” he said. “When you feel a tug, you should tug it or reel it in.”

If Alec and his sister catch anything on their frequent fishing trips to Col. Beatty Park, they may have to give some credit to the pond’s creative underwater terrain.

“We’ve got one place out there we call the playground,” said Ronny Roberts of the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department, explaining that old playground equipment rests there.

The pond also has a split-rail fence and tires lined in various shapes to make the terrain more interesting.

“There’s more tires than anything else,” Roberts aid. “The fish have all sorts of little reefs to lay in. We tried to put them all in casting range.”

The lake was filled in the late 1990s – Roberts doesn’t remember the exact year

Let’s Go Fishing!

For more information about: • Squirrel Lake Park, visit www. matthewsnc.com and click on the links for town departments and “Parks & Recreation.”

• Col. Francis Beatty, Idlewild, McAlpine Greenway and other Mecklenburg County Parks, visit www.charmeck.org and click on the links to Mecklenburg County’s Parks and Recreation Department.

• The tackle loaner program, visit www. charmeck.org and click on the links to Mecklenburg County’s Parks and Recreation Department, followed by the fishing link.

• Cane Creek Park, visit www.co.union.nc.us and select “Parks and Recreation” from the drop-down menu.

• Fishing in general (including getting your fishing license on-line), visit www. takemefishing.org or www.ncwildlife.org.

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cOMMUNITY

Riley Creech enjoys fishing on a Spring day in Matthews.

– “but after we got it filled up, we had it stocked with bluegill sunfish,” he said. “I can’t remember the exact number, but we stocked them at about one inch. We did that in the Spring, and let them grow all Summer.

Then, in the Fall, we added large-mouth bass: One bass per 100 bluegill.

“Since that time, they’ve been growing. I don’t even know what year we stocked. No matter, the bass and bluegill have had plenty of time to get to their full potential. It should be an excellent fishery. A pond that large, it’s very unlikely it would get over-fished. On average, in a good pond, you should be able to take about 100 ponds per acre per year” without depleting the supply.

“So Beatty would be a good bet to go fishing,” he said. n

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Matthews USA Soccer

Matthews USA Soccer Club finds fresh direction under new leadership; tryouts scheduled for May 21-24.

I

f the enthusiasm of its leaders is any indication, the Matthews USA (MUSA) Soccer Club has a very bright future. Gary Curneen, MUSA’s Director of Coaching for the girls program, says things are looking up for the club as it readies for tryouts and summer training for the 2008-2009 season.

“We have the best coaches, the best facilities, and there is so much potential in this area,” Curneen says. “It really is an exciting time for us.”

The club will hold tryouts for its Premier, Classic and Challenge teams May 21 - 24 at Colonel Beatty Park on Weddington Road.

Adding strength with a quality coaching staff Curneen, who came to the U.S. from Northern Ireland in 1999 to play soccer for Wingate University, is now the women’s soccer head coach for the university in addition to his coaching duties with MUSA. He says coaching is the key difference-maker for MUSA going forward.

“We are slightly different from other associations in that we offer a soccer-specific environment,” he says. “We also want to give something back to the game, starting 24

Matthews Mint Hill

at the grass-roots level. And that means giving young people what they need to grow as players. That begins with qualified coaches.”

Since January, when MUSA’s former Director of Coaching Gary Hamill moved up to Executive Director, the focus has been on adding talent at the top levels of the club.

He says his coaching team “is committed to providing a professional environment for the learning and growth of our club players from the micros all the way to collegiate prospects.”

Curneen stepped into his new position at MUSA in February and also serves as a college liaison and marketing director. The Club named Chip Wiggins as Director of Coaching for U-12 through U-14. Wiggins has extensive college-level experience, having coached in Kansas, Maine, and South Carolina.

In May, veteran Charlotte soccer coach Gary Hoilett will take over as Director of Coaching for boys. Hoilett is head coach at Charlotte Catholic High School, where his teams have won five state championships and made 11 state final appearances in the last ten years. He’s also been named NC High School Coach of the Year three times during his tenure at Catholic.

In addition to the various degrees, winning records and impressive resumes, Curneen said members of the staff hold many coaching licenses and diplomas, many of which require

May/June 2008

extensive training. They also offer a unique worldview; the coaches are experienced leaders from the U.S. and come from all over the globe, including the U.K., Guatemala, Romania and Jamaica.

The club’s leadership doesn’t just rest on its experience. Some say one of the signs of an effective leader is the willingness to keep learning – and that’s exactly what MUSA’s directors of coaching do. Earlier this spring, they traveled to England to learn from some of the best.

“We really learned how the top teams in the world are developing talent,” Curneen said of the trip. “And how the academy setups in England are producing some of the world’s top players.”

“We also learnt new training techniques and how important it is to develop the complete player in terms of nutrition, academics, strength and conditioning programs, and player psychology.”

A unique, “soccer-only” environment Matthews USA is one of the few clubs in the area that has multiple divisions for youth soccer players, from U-6 recreational players to U-18 Premier, all under one organization.

And because soccer is all MUSA does, there is the kind of focus that can add a depth of

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Field Directions: Take I-485 to exit 57 Providence Rd, turn North onto Providence Rd/Hwy 16. Go to the 1st major intersecion: McKee Road/ Ballantyne Commons.Go approx. 3 miles to Weddington Rd. & turn right.Soccer fields are at the back of the park.

For more information, please visit our website: www.matthewsUSAsoccer.com •Financial Aid Available• matthewsminthill.com

25

cOMMUNITY

commitment to the sport.

“Soccer is a game for the public,” Curneen says. “We want to give our players the very best we can; that means the best coaches, the best facilities and even the most affordable prices.”

He added that MUSA’s fees tend to be more friendly to the family budget than some of the other organizations. “Our club is less expensive, often by a significant amount.”

MUSA takes advantage of some of the area’s top facilities and best-maintained

26

Matthews Mint Hill

fields. The club uses Colonel Francis Beatty Park, Lake Park in Indian Trail, McKee Road Park and Wingate University. Curneen says the club has access to more than 20 full-size fields. A move to an indoor facility is in the future, he added.

Looking to the next season and beyond For the coming Spring and Fall, MUSA expects to field between 60 and 70 teams of young people at all levels of proficiency, starting with the 5-year-old recreational player.

“We are looking at young players who want to challenge themselves at the next level, learn the game and skills under quality instruction, and enjoy doing so,” Curneen says.

He said the goal for this next year is to achieve more success on the regional level, but the club’s sights are firmly set on becoming a standout on the East Coast and nationally.

Matthews USA offers older players the opportunity for exposure at the college level.

Six nearby institutions of higher learning – UNC Charlotte, Wingate, Pfeiffer, GardnerWebb and Belmont Abbey – are represented

by MUSA coaches. And the club hopes to offer U-23 teams beginning in 2009.

May/June 2008

The club’s season starts in September with practices and competition begins in October.

There will be training opportunities and camps over the Summer. Young men and women from Matthews, Mint Hill and anywhere else in Mecklenburg or Union counties – at all competitive levels – are invited to try out. n

Interested?

Come to the MUSA tryouts May 21-24 (see the complete schedule in club’s ad on page 25).

Show up 30 minutes early to complete paperwork. Be sure to wear shin guards and bring a water bottle. Online registration is also available.

For more information: Visit www.matthewsusasoccerclub.com E-mail matthewsUSA2007@aol.com

matthewsminthill.com

27

Celebrating Seniors 28

Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ABBY WHITEHURST AND LEVINE SENIOR CENTER

May is Older Americans Month and the Levine Senior Center in Matthews celebrates with a range of activities for those 65 and better.

By Jennifer Phillips

T

he Levine Senior Center will celebrate Older Americans Month with a wide variety of activities to promote awareness and advocacy for this growing segment of our population. The tag line for the center says it all: “Live Now, Age Later, Celebrate Life!” That is just what participants and staff are doing, not only during the month of May, but each day as they continue to fill lives with stimulating activities, exercise programs, intellectual classes, and special social events.

The Levine Senior Center in Matthews recently celebrated its second anniversary. It’s a place where seniors stimulate their mind, body, and spirit. It offers a wide variety of classes specifically designed to meet the changing needs of the population. Before the Center opened, there were limited activities in the area specifically designed for seniors.

The Levine Senior Center’s motto is “Live now, age later, celebrate life!”

Council on Aging Annual Conference Each year the Council on Aging hosts an annual conference in May to celebrate Older Americans Month. This year’s conference will be at the Levine Senior Center on May 6, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will focus on transforming Charlotte-Mecklenburg into a senior-friendly community through education and advocacy.

A senior-friendly community allows aging adults to maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life. This year’s conference will provide opportunities to learn how to make a community more livable and senior-friendly. The keynote speaker, Elinor Ginzler, is Senior Vice President of Livable Communities Strategies for the American Association for Retired People (AARP).

The conference will explore the specific aspects of a senior-friendly community in the areas of housing, care giving and transportation. This event is a must-attend for anyone who is 65 or older, anyone who works with aging adults, or anyone interested in helping build a more senior-friendly community. The Council of Aging is pleased to offer this opportunity to the community to further advance the quality of life of aging adults. For additional information, call (704) 391-5216 or go online at www.charmeckcoa.org

National Stroke Month Events

Levine Senior Center members enjoy the Arthritis Plus class on a recent Thursday afternoon. The Center offers a variety of water exercise classes and has times set aside for open swim.

The Levine Senior Center provides health education in partnership with Presbyterian Hospital Matthews. The Center hosts free seminars led by Presbyterian experts that cover a wide range of topics such as nutrition, diabetes, women’s

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MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

Ann Overcash volunteers at the Levine Senior Center twice a week.

She’s shown with an unidentified member in the Center’s gym.

health, and stress-free living.

In recognition of National Stroke Month, the Center’s May program will focus on stroke prevention. According to the American Stroke Association, the chance of having a stroke nearly doubles for each decade of life after age 55.

Anita Webber, Stroke Coordinator for Presbyterian Healthcare, says “Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of disability. North Carolina is part of the ‘stroke belt’. This area, along with the coastal plains of Georgia and South Carolina, has consistently had the highest stroke death rates in the nation for at least the last 30 years.”

Recognizing the tremendous need for stroke education, the Center and Presbyterian have made the stroke seminar an annual event. Last year, more than 150 seniors attended to learn about the risk factors of stroke, how to recognize when a stroke happens and what to do when one occurs.

This year’s event will be held May 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include an educational seminar by Dr. Aris Chaconas, Medical Director of Neuroscience Services at Presbyterian Healthcare. The event will also feature blood pressure checks and cholesterol screenings, and participants will have access to a variety of information on resources in the community for the senior population. To register for this event, please call (704) 384-CARE.

Mecklenburg County Senior Games On May 14 at 6:30 p.m., the Center will host the performing arts portion of the Mecklenburg County Senior Games. The event hosts 65 athletic and artistic events for senior adults to showcase their talents. The goal of the program is to promote fitness and wellness within the senior population.

Currently more than 350 active participants compete on a local level, and the top qualifiers move on to the N.C. Senior Games.

Continued on page 32.

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Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

About Older Americans Month In 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated May as Senior Citizens Month to encourage the nation to pay tribute to older people across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter’s proclamation changed the name to Older Americans Month; it became a time to celebrate those 65 and older through special events and public recognition.

Seniors: A Growing Population The U.S. Census Bureau reported 37.3 million people in the US 65 and older on July 1, 2006. This accounted for 12% of the total population. Between 2005 and 2006, this age group increased by 473,000 people. The projected number of people 65 and older is expected to increase to 86.7 million by the year 2050, which will make up 21% of the population.

Bridge is one of the many classes that is held on a regular basis. The Levine Senior Center features classes on everything from the arts to computer, government, exercise and nostalgia.

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31

4/4/08 9:10:59 AM

MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

Continued from page 30.

The local events – ranging from a swim meet to bowling and much more – will be held at venues around the Charlotte area on various dates throughout the month. For more information on this and other events check out the website www.cmseniorgames.org

About the author Jennifer Phillips is the Community Relations Manager for Windsor Run

by Erickson, a new residential retirement community in Matthews. Windsor Run will hold informational sessions in May. Call (704) 321-2112 for more information.

Want to participate?

The Levine Center hosts a number of programs, including health and wellness classes, exercise classes, performing arts, dance, clubs, card games – even Wii bowling and a jam band. There is also a fitness center and swimming pool. Lunch is served daily for a fee.

Membership is open to anyone age 50 or older; a six-month membership is $30 and a yearly membership is $60. The center is located at 1050 DeVore Lane in Matthews near the intersection of Hwy. 51 and Independence Blvd. Call (704) 846-4654 or see www. levineseniorcenter.org for more information. n

32

Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

Blood pressure checks will be a part of the National Stroke Month event at the Levine Senior Center.

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Families grow. Communities grow. So it’s important that your healthcare options grow too. We are pleased to announce the opening of Matthews Primary Care and to introduce Dr. Sachin Mody.

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matthewsminthill.com

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iMatthews.com:

How a Community Communicates Today

Darryl Parker of Parker Web Marketing started the iMatthews online community.

34

Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

PHOTOS BY ABBY WHITEHURST

By Chuck Mobley

Popular new website gives locals a place to network, share information and gather for conversation.

By Aaron Garcia

O

n February 11, Darryl Parker essentially posted his mission statement for his newest endeavor, iMatthews.com. The owner of Parker Web Marketing posted the article entitled “An Online Community for Matthews, N.C.,” but it was really the day before when Parker spelled out his vision for iMatthews.com when he posted the piece, “Inspiration for Community” on his blog.

In the post, he recalls the feeling of community he had when visiting his grandfather’s farm out side of Charleston, S.C. He recalls the familiarity fostered by a tight-knit community and even admits “My entire life I’ve sought to recreate that feeling.”

With that post, Darryl Parker effectively turned the town into a virtual version of his grandfather’s farm. iMatthews.com is a website solely dedicated to the town of Matthews. It’s a place where town residents and businesspeople can share information and discuss topics of local interest. Visit the site and you’ll find posts about sports, news, restaurants, lost pets. There are classified ads, family photos, a community calendar, announcements and groups of like-minded people: Small businesses, Boy Scouts, cigar smokers, nature lovers, book readers and more. In short, iMatthews fosters the community atmosphere that brought so many people to the area in the first place.

“I wanted to create a space that was a little more ‘of the community’,” says Parker. “So it’s the whole bottom-up concept.”

So far, it’s working.

Todd Whitehurst, local entrepreneur and publisher of Matthews Mint Hill Magazine, has already seen a benefit from the site and explains how it has helped him further plug into the community.

“I think it’s an awesome idea,” said Whitehurst. “It gives you a great place to network with other business owners and people that you may or may have not run into in the past. Maybe I’ve heard their name, but with the picture that’s up there, now I can put a face with the name. It’s an easy way for us to get together.”

In his business, that type of penetration into his selected market is invaluable, explains Whitehurst.

“I’ve solicited the site for article ideas for the magazine and I’ve gotten a couple back already. I want feedback from the community about what they want to read.”

As of late April, the site has already attracted nearly 200 members, but Parker explains that interest will grow once people realize how much control over the site they actually have.

“I think the biggest hurdle initially was just letting people know that it’s in their hands,” explains Parker. “I’m trying not to guide it. I personally spend a lot of time on the site, but I try to do it from my personal interest standpoint as much as I can. I have administrative tasks that I have to do, but the thing that I’m trying to do is get people engaged from their own personal interests.

And we’ve given them all the tools to do

so, from blogs to videos to photos. There are several members that have already taken advantage of that and are really using it to their personal and business benefit.”

One thing that has made the site so successful so fast has been the seemingly instant credibility it earned. Within days of launch, Matthews Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tina Whitley and Matthews Mayor Lee Myer were onboard.

“I think we had a little bit of a perfect storm of people that we knew in order to kind of pull it together,” says Parker. “I think we got it out to the right group of people who are willing to tell other people about it.

I think that’s what it came down to.”

The concept, according to Whitley, is exactly what the town needs in a time of rapid growth. The ability to communicate is vital to any community and can even make a local government’s job easier. The website can function as a modern-day town crier.

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matthewsminthill.com

35

BUSINESS

The iMatthews Team from Parker Web Marketing.

Sean Pfost, Andrew Schulz, Darryl Parker and Don Grothoff.

“Anything that enables to communicate better between each other is excellent,” says Whitley. “We can always do that with our chamber members within the chamber, but this allows everyone access to people that aren’t even chamber members. The downtown Matthews area needs cohesiveness and we need communication, so anything that will give that to the community is excellent.”

Parker is pleased with how things are going and has visions for the future. He envisions an increase in the groups formed through the site, as well as an influx of creative content. As long as it keeps the appeal of bringing the people of Matthews together, the site will be successful.

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Matthews Mint Hill

“When you can take it offline and can make the physical connection, that’s powerful,” Parker says. “You feel like you’ve already been introduced. It makes the offline connection that much more robust.

“Isn’t that what community is?”

May/June 2008

n

Check it out iMatthews is at www.imatthews.com.

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May/June 2008

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BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

matthewsminthill.com 39 www.ckliving.com

Rock Store Rocks The ‘Cue 40

Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

Former Independence High educators find success with historic building, friendly atmosphere and some of the area’s best barbecue.

By Michele Dotson

O

Rock Store piles the pulled pork high and tops it with cole slaw, Carolina style.

n Old Monroe Road in Stallings sits a quaint stone building that’s been there since 1930. It is now registered in Union County Historical Property Listings. Through the years it has been a gas station, a convenience store, and even a coffee house, but since January of 2005 it has been the home of Rock Store Bar-B-Q where you will find some of the best pork and beef that will ever cross your lips.

Started by two former educators, Rock Store grew out of a weekend hobby and part-time catering business. At Independence High, Jack “Bubba” Chavis was an administrator and Jay Mondock taught social studies and math.

“We began cooking in competitions on the weekends and doing some catering. We used to barbecue for the teachers and do fundraisers,” says Chavis, who left Independence and was an administrator at Bethel Elementary School in Cabarrus County until leaving a career in public education to run the barbecue business full time.

Many Independence teachers remember the annual barbecue that took place around homecoming each year. It was a time for faculty to bring their families and enjoy each other’s company before heading to the homecoming football game.

“I used to help them some with the cooking when they were here,” says automotive technology teacher Doug Pressley. “I now own one of the cookers that they used while they were here.”

The faculty portion of the barbecue is no longer an annual event, but many teachers frequent Rock Store to get some of the great food and remember the good times.

“I have spent many pleasant hours at the Rock Store,” says Assistant Principal John Trela, who kept in contact with Chavis and Mondock after their departure from Independence. He is a regular at the restaurant, where he says “the atmosphere is very casual and extremely friendly. Jack and Jay make everyone feel at home.”

Art department chairman Bill Futch also enjoys the restaurant’s atmosphere. “I feel that the Rock Store Bar-B-Q is a place out of time where enjoyment is the essential element,” he says.

Although many friends and former co-workers do frequent the place, Rock Store has created its own set of regulars. At lunchtime on recent sunny afternoon, with the aroma of barbecue wafting lightly in the air, the place was full and there was a steady stream of customers, most of whom proclaimed to be “regulars.”

“The food is incredible, and it’s priced right,” says Jill Opdyke, a regular customer who works in Monroe and whose boyfriend, Mike Billings, lives in Indian Trail. “It’s close and the locals like to come here.”

Opdyke’s sister Laura Gutknecht enjoys the food and the atmosphere.

“We like to come here and then shop at the produce stand,” she said, referring to Providence Produce, which has been located in the lot directly

FOOD PHOTOS COURTESY ROCK STORE; OTHERS BY ABBY WHITEHURST matthewsminthill.com

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LEISURE

Chopped beef brisket is also on the menu at Rock Store..

next to the restaurant for about four years.

Rock Store is laid out to precision, making resourceful use of its small space. There are several large tables that can comfortably accommodate four to six adults. For warmer days, there are two covered tables outside.

This bustling place runs efficiently without leaving one feeling rushed. Order at the counter, get a drink from the soda fountain, and find a table. The food’s usually ready before you’ve had make your way to your table with set your drink down.

No other restaurant could work in this space, but keeping the menu limited to pork, beef brisket and ribs, with appropriate sides, of course, is perfect. Baked beans, macaroni and cheese, white and red coleslaw, cucumber and onion salad, cornbread and banana pudding portions come in Styrofoam cups with lids, just the right size

to satisfy your hunger. They also come in one-pound containers if you’d like to take some home, especially the banana pudding, which happens to be Chavis’ mother’s recipe. And if you’d like a little help with your own at-home barbecues, there are bottles of Historic Rock Store Bar-B-Q Sauce for sale.

The food is hot, delivered quickly, reasonably priced and most importantly, tastes very fresh. The best thing about the barbecue is that it tastes just like it came out of the cooker, which it did.

“We’re open from 10-7:30. We cook it fresh and sell it until it runs out. Then we start all over again the next day,” says Chavis. “Ribs, pork and barbecue, that’s all we do.”

When you ask Chavis about what makes Rock Store such a success, surprisingly, he doesn’t mention the barbecue as the main reason.

“We have the best customers in the world. We see the same faces each week, and get to meet new people all the time,” says Chavis with a big smile. The personal attention is evident and every customer gets greeted like an old friend.

Mondock agrees, adding that this is a much unexpected result of the success of the restaurant. “The ability to serve people and give them something they like; it’s really great to see people happy and so excited by this place. We get new timers every day.”

Happily, the Rock Store is not the only place to get this famous barbecue. Chavis says that they still enjoy getting out with the cookers and doing catering and fundraisers. In fact, they have a mobile kitchen for just that purpose.

“We still do events and catering,” says Chavis. As a matter of fact, on April 26, the mobile kitchen will head out to do 3,000 plates of barbecue for the Indian Trail Athletic Association. The catering is not Continued on page 44.

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Mon-Thurs: $39 Mon-Thurs, Senior Rate: $27 Good for up to 4 players.

Expires June 30th, 2008

Tournaments & Outings Wedding Receptions Conference Room To learn more, call Jessica Watts @ 704-573-1000 ext.28

jessica@oldesycamoregolf.com www.oldesycamoregolf.com

42

Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

Santé

Fine Dining Restaurant & Caterers 704-845-1899

Rock Store Bar-B-Q occupies an historic building on Old Monroe Road in Stallings.

Rock Store: A Look Back The Rock Store was built sometime in the 1930’s. It was called Reno Curve back then and was modeled after some rock buildings Banks Hezekiah Funderburk saw in his travels through Reno, Nevada.

Funderburk, who owned a string of service stations from Charlotte down through Hamlet, Fayetteville and on down to the East Coast, was owner of Funderburk Oil Company located on 7th Street in Charlotte, down near Lupi’s Café.

“For years it was a service station, beer joint and pool hall. It was more of a man’s place to hang out,” says Mrs. Carolyn Funderburk, who is the current owner of the building. Banks H. Funderburk was her father-in-law.

She said her husband, Banks Bernard Funderburk, eventually took over the

business of leasing the building, and it stayed Reno Curve, the service station and men’s hangout until the 1970’s, when it was renovated and became a gift shop.

“The gift shop only lasted about a year, though,” says Mrs. Funderburk. “Back then, there wasn’t much out here.”

Pleasant Plains Rd. was the main road from Charlotte to Monroe, and there just wasn’t enough traffic to keep the gift shop afloat. Enter Mac Haywood who turned the place into a convenience store, which was a going concern for the next 27 years.

But it’s The Rock Store BarB-Q that has brought Mrs. Funderburk the most joy.

“For the first time in history, the Rock Store is a family establishment,” she says.

“These are my proudest moments because it’s working and they’re (Bubba and Jay) here to stay.”

Intimate Relaxed Candlelit Dining Voted: “Best Restaurant for Romance.”

Come and enjoy our secluded Garden Patio.

Mid-Week Dinner Special

$ 75 per couple, inludes bottle of selected wine.

Tues. - Thurs.

Lunch: Tues.- Fri. 11am-2pm Dinner: Tues. - Sat. 5pm on Brunch: Sunday 11am-2pm

165 N. Trade St. Matthews www.santeofmatthews.com matthewsminthill.com

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LEISURE

Continued from page 42

limited to big, public events, though. One’s as likely to find Chavis and Mondock at a casual family affair as well as huge fundraiser.

“Chavis catered my fortieth birthday and everyone loved it. My brother-in-law goes there often. The homemade vinegar sauce is the best I’ve had and the homemade sides are great,” says Kelly Lewis of Charlotte. “Couple of good guys living their dream and successful at what they do!”

The secret to the success of Rock Store Bar-B-Q is the right combination of good food, awesome service and atmosphere. It is two parts fresh, mouthwatering barbecue, one part homemade banana pudding, and a pinch of feeling like you’re eating at your mama’s house. Add to that a handful of cash you get to keep in your own wallet and a dash out the door full up and on time for wherever it is you’re going. It’s no wonder it’s a popular lunch spot for folks from Charlotte, Matthews, Mint Hill and Monroe. And after a long day’s work, there’s no better way to end the day than by not having to go home and cook supper: Stopping in for the family special, which includes pork barbecue, three pints, cornbread or gallon of tea for $22, (add $3 for beef ) is an absolute bargain.And Want to go? in the words of regular customer, John Trela: “The ribs are tremendous. Good food, good sized portions, good price Rock Store Bar-B-Q is located at 3116 Old Monroe and great atmosphere, what else could one ask for in a Road in Stallings. The restaurant is open from hometown barbecue restaurant?”

10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. n What else, indeed. www.rockstorebarbq.com

Fresh fruits and vegetables at Providence Produce Many customers of the Rock Store will stop at the adjacent market, Providence Produce. The produce stand, owned by David White, has occupied the space since 2005. The market now has two other locations in addition to the one next to Rock Store: Providence Road Market Providence Road @ Ballantyne Commons Parkway Next to the Shell Station Ballantyne Village Market 14825 John J. Delaney Dr. Between Daily Chef and the parking deck Both of these locations are open through October 14; the Rock Store market will be open through November.

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Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

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45

LEISURE LEISURE

Stress-Free Summer Travel I t’s no secret that a little extra planning can make a trip go a l ot smoother. But this summer’s economic challenges, tight security environment and predicted heavy crowds mean the savvy traveler needs to be on top of the game.

By Jennifer Thompson

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Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

“Destination-specific activities like renting a Jet Ski, deep sea fishing, sail boating, or parasailing in a tropical locale are better left to reservation upon arrival or within 24 hours, unless they will allow you to cancel or reschedule without penalty or offer a refund for bad weather,” says Horos.

Know what to expect

T

he free-wheeling days of summer are just around the corner, and everybody is itching to get out of the normal grind. But how do you avoid the fate of having a dream getaway turn into a nightmare of expensive fees, unsavory accommodations and unplanned complications?

We went straight to the source – namely Tammy Horos, travel consultant for Carlson-Wagonlit – to get the scoop on how to save money, travel smart, and enjoy every last minute of your too-short summer.

Planning is key Horos’ foremost piece of advice is to plan as far in advance as possible.

“The Internet has unfortunately made the public think if you wait until the last minute, you’re going to get a better deal,” she says. “In reality, you’ll likely end up highly disappointed, and contrary to popular belief, paying much more than you would have if you planned in advance.”

The farther out you book, the more options you’ll have in terms of flight times and choice of seats. Advance planning also allows you to find a resort, cruise or hotel that fits all your wants and needs, like an adults-only pool, adjoining rooms, babysitting services, beach access or in-room video games. But chronic procrastinators can take heart – there are a few things that can wait until you’re down to the wire.

If you haven’t taken a vacation since last summer, Horos suggests you do your homework before heading to the airport.

“By this summer, nearly every airline will have instituted a fee for a second checked bag,” she predicts. “Each airline can have a different policy, so always check their websites before you go.”

Fees for checking bags at the curb are likely to increase as well, so when in doubt, carry some extra cash and be prepared to pay (and tip) the Skycap.

Also, starting this summer, passports will be required for all air and sea travel outside of the U.S. This means that destinations that previously required just a driver’s license or other I.D. now require a passport. This includes Alaskan cruises, since they stop in Canadian waters. The only exceptions are the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, which are, obviously, part of the U.S. It’s also imperative that you dig out your forms of ID now and check them for damage – that crack on the corner of your driver’s license or a peeling photo backing on your passport might make the difference between the vacation of a lifetime and seven days sitting at home.

“Any signs of tampering can void the validity of your documentation and you won’t pass security,” says Horos.

For the most current info, head to www.tsa.gov.

Stretching your dollar If you are on a budget but don’t want to stay stateside, be aware of your U.S. dollar’s spending power and to steer clear of international destinations that are monetarily tied to the Euro or British pound.

“You’ll almost always get a better deal in Latin American regions like Mexico, The Dominican Republic, Belize and Costa Rica than you would in areas that are under the colonial influence of the English, French or Dutch (British Virgin Islands, Grand Cayman, Aruba),” Horos says.

Another piece of advice: If you are going to travel to European-influenced regions, go by boat.

“Cruising offers a great value because it allows a U.S. traveler to purchase their food, lodging and shore excursions ahead of time in U.S. dollars.”

If you want to find deep discounts domestically, check your weather map for the highest temperatures. “If you can handle the

If you can handle the heat, you can get great deals in Arizona and Las Vegas during the summer.”

— Tammy Horos, Carson-Wagonlit

matthewsminthill.com

47

LEISURE

heat, you can get great deals in Arizona and Las Vegas during the summer months,� says Horos.

Get professional help There is one magic trick that can solve all your travel woes and save you some much-needed cash: Hire a professional. “People think travel agents are too expensive to use but having a professional acting on your behalf can actually save you money,� says Horos.

Travel agents have instant access to up-to-the minute information on flights, hotel vacancies, and special pricing deals, which means they have the power to put money back in your pocket just by adjusting your flights by a few minutes, moving your hotel reservation by a day, or suggesting a family package you might not have known existed at all. And, Horos says, unlike the Internet, hiring a professional means someone is accountable when things go wrong. “My profession is to manage some of the most precious commodities that my clients have: Their money, their family and their vacation time. I’d better do it right!� n

Quick Tips • The sooner you book, the bigger the deals and the better your options. • For cheaper trips, steer clear of the Euro, travel by sea or head for hot climates. • Surf before you fly: Transportation Safety Administration at www.tsa.gov and the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov • Get professional help to travel worry-free and wallet-heavy.

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Find out more Tammy Horos is a consultant with Carlson Wagonlit Travel at Stonecrest.

Call (704) 752-9544 or visit www.cwtstonecrest.com.

48

Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

0SDIBSE -BLF %S

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HIDDEN TREASURES

matthewsminthill.com

49

Happenings MAY 3

sat

8

Mother/Daughter Tea Matthews Library 3 p.m.

(704) 847-3698

9

Gallery Crawl “Art in the Family” Mint Hill Arts 7 - 9 p.m. www.minthillarts.org

thurs

fri

9

fri

9

fri

10 sat

10 sat

50

Matthews Summer Concert & Movie Series GT All Stars concert Stumptown Park 7 p.m. www.matthewsfun.com

Teen Scene Crews Rd. Recreation Center 6:30 - 9 p.m.

(704) 708 - 4432 Matthews Night Out Transactors Improv Co. Matthews Community Center 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

(704) 321-7275 Senior Citizen Computer Class Matthews Library 11 a.m.

(704) 847-3698 Matthews Summer Concert & Movie Series: “Enchanted” Plus Mother’s Day Crafts & Princess Costume Contest Stumptown Park 7 p.m.; movie begins at 8:30 www.matthewsfun.com

Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

13

Stitch-In Mint Hill Library 12 noon Sheila Moore, (704) 545-3932

15

thurs

Winning at Weight Loss Matthews Library 7 p.m.

(704) 847-3698

16 fri

Matthews Summer Concert & Movie Series Matthews Ballet presents “Sleeping Beauty” 7 p.m.; movie begins at 8:30 www.matthewsfun.com

17 sat

Matthews Summer Concert & Movie Series The Catalinas Beach Band 7 p.m. www.matthewsfun.com

23 fri

Teen Scene Crews Rd. Recreation Center 6:30-9 p.m.

(704) 708-4432

24 sat

Matthews Summer Concert & Movie Series: “Open Season” Plus Matthews Barnyard Petting Zoo Stumptown Park 7 p.m.; movie begins at 8:30

31 sat

Matthews Summer Concert & Movie Series The Gougers Americana/Country Band Stumptown Park 7 p.m.

tues

JUNE 6

fri

Teen Scene Crews Rd. Recreation Center 6:30 - 9 p.m.

(704) 708 - 4432

7 sat

Matthews Summer Concert & Movie Series: “The Goonies” Plus summer activities & giveaways Stumptown Park 7 p.m.; movie begins at 8:30

9 - 12 “Painting Loose in Watercolor”

m-th

Mint Hill Arts www.minthillarts.org

13

“Footloose The Musical” Matthews Playhouse 7:30 p.m. www.matthewsplayhouse.com

fri

13 fri

Gallery Crawl “Art and Artisan” Mint Hill Arts 7 - 9 p.m. www.minthillarts.org

14

“Footloose The Musical” Matthews Playhouse 7:30 p.m. www.matthewsplayhouse.com

14

6th Annual Mint Hill Police Golf Tournament Charlotte National Golf Club 8 a.m.

Entry deadline: Monday, June 9 Marsha Brackett @ (704) 545 - 1085

sat

sat

14 sat

Matthews Summer Concert & Movie Series Charlotte Symphony Plus Matthews Help Center Food Drive Stumptown Park 7 p.m. www.matthewsfun.com

20

“Footloose The Musical” Matthews Playhouse 7:30 p.m. www.matthewsplayhouse.com

20

Teen Scene Crews Rd. Recreation Center 6:30 - 9 p.m.

(704) 708 - 4432

21

“Footloose The Musical” Matthews Playhouse 2 p.m. 7:30 p.m. www.matthewsplayhouse.com

21

Matthews Summer Concert & Movie Series: “Bee Movie” Plus bingo with 107.9 The Link Stumptown Park 7 p.m.: movie begins at 8:30 www.matthewfun.com

22

sun

“Footloose The Musical” Matthews Playhouse 2 p.m. www.matthewsplayhouse.com

25 wed

Matthews Summer Concert & Movie Series 440th Army Band NC National Guard Band Stumptown Park 7 p.m. www.matthewsfun.com

26

“Footloose The Musical” Matthews Playhouse 7:30 p.m. www.matthewsplayhouse.com

27

“Footloose The Musical” Matthews Playhouse 7:30 p.m. www.matthews playhouse.com

fri

fri

sat

sat

thurs

fri

matthewsminthill.com

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x

x

PARADISE IN THE BACK YARD

Say goodbye to the simple grill and patio.

Elaborate swimming pools, fireplaces, kitchens, luxurious landscaping and interior-style furnishings and lighting – the trend is moving toward complete backyard environments.

By Sharon Mason

N

ot long ago, most back yards were simply expanses of green grass, meticulously tended by their owners.

Weekends were spent mowing, weeding and fertilizing until every blade of grass was perfectly manicured and ready to compete in that unspoken contest for the block’s greenest lawn.

Once the work was finished, it was time to light the charcoal grill and cook hot dogs and hamburgers, which would be served on paper plates around a redwood picnic table with a citronella candle to keep the mosquitoes away.

Today’s homeowners view their back yards differently. Outdoor spaces have become an extension of a home’s interior, providing additional living area for unwinding or entertaining. Here in the South, our weather makes it practical to enjoy the outdoors for three seasons out of the year. Add a spa or a fire pit and it is possible to use an outdoor space year-round.

Pool and patio areas have become increasingly more elaborate as homeowners seek refuge at home from the stresses of demanding jobs and hectic lifestyles.

Modern furnishings take the spotlight In outdoor furniture, modern frame and table top materials combine classic style with an indestructibility that cannot be matched by traditional materials. All-weather wicker has been around for years, replicating the nostalgia of a southern porch while remaining impervious to rain and sun. Now wicker designs have an updated twist with cleaner lines and a more spare, European style. Pair these designs with a beautiful mosaic table top made of marble or granite, and the outdoor dining area becomes as elegant as a formal dining room.

Multiple pools, waterfalls and stone pathways distinguish many of today’s more elaborate outdoor living spaces.

PHOTO COURTESY OF POOLS BY DESIGN

HOMESTYLES

Many of today’s outdoor furniture styles would be equally at home in a living room or den as they are on a patio. At Summer Classics in downtown Charlotte, it is possible to customize an outdoor look. In a process akin to that of an interior design showroom, customers can select a frame, then choose from more than 100 fabrics for the cushions.

New high-tech fabrics come in softer textures than previous generations and they resist fading. Designer touches like fringe can now be used outdoors, too. A mold-resistant rug woven from UV-treated yarns completes the stylish look and can easily be cleaned with a garden hose.

Fresh colors and patterns come outdoors The neutral colors that have been in style for the past few years are moving aside in favor of brighter tones, mostly still from nature. Either alone or used to update a neutral color scheme, paprika, cinnamon, lime, coral and wasabi are among some of the shades that are making an impact on outdoor décor. Crisp, nautical blue is back (and very popular) and the combination of robin’s egg blue and chocolate brown that has been a favorite indoors for the past few years has found its way outside.

Menswear suiting patterns like pinstripes and herringbones in fun colors provide a quirky backdrop for bolder paisleys, plaids and florals.

Outdoor spaces are an extension of a home’s interior.

Patio dining has moved beyond “hot dogs by the grill.” Inset: Stripes and other menswearinspired patterns are showing up outdoors.

Outdoor fireplaces add an interesting focal point and a warm glow to outdoor settings.

Create a backyard oasis During our sticky Southern summers, nothing beats a swimming pool for sheer entertainment value, and many homeowners are creating their own backyard havens with a pool as the centerpiece.

Simon Spiers, owner of Pool by Design, says people are looking for the facilities of a luxury resort that they can use year ‘round. Simon and his wife Jo own the company, which specializes in complete custom backyard packages. Pool by Design can provide outdoor kitchens, fire pits, waterfalls, and specialty lighting along with the swimming pool for a one-stop, coordinated backyard setting.

The Matthews and Mint Hill area’s soil and climate are conducive to a variety of

construction techniques. But for a luxury home, a pool made of concrete or gunite is the best choice. Up North, extremes in temperature make these surfaces more susceptible to cracking, but they are good choices here because of durability and virtually infinite design possibilities.

Many homeowners are creating backyard havens with a pool as a centerpiece.

For someone who wants truly original pool, budget and the lay of the land are the only limits. Sophisticated designs requiring complex installations can be tailored to the style of the home, more classic for a traditional dwelling or a natural, free-form shape for a more casual setting.

Several exciting trends have emerged in modern pool construction and design. The most visually stunning is the infinity- or matthewsminthill.com

55

HOMESTYLES

vanishing-edge pool, which creates the illusion that the water is overflowing. To accomplish this look, the water flows over the edge into a trough from where it is pumped back into the pool. The effect is beautiful, but it is a highly specialized installation requiring extra maintenance to keep it running properly, so it is not appropriate for every setting.

Beach-entry pools are very popular as well, but are expensive to install properly and susceptible to staining. The National Spa & Pool Institute recommends a one-foot drop for every seven feet of run, so a 21-foot-long “beach” is required just to reach three feet of depth. A better choice is a tanning ledge, a shallow area which provides a platform for seating. Many tanning ledges have room for a couple of lounge chairs, so it’s easy to relax and keep cool at the same time.

evolution of pool technology makes today’s pools practically worry-free. Where before, cleaning systems required large amounts of chlorine to keep the water sparkling, today’s methods require chlorine levels of only two parts per million. Contrast that to city water, which has 15 to 20 parts of chlorine per million. “My pool water tastes better in scotch than my tap water,” quips Spiers.

More effective algaecides, efficient filtration systems, automatic pool cleaners and computerized maintenance systems mean homeowners spend less time on upkeep and more time enjoying their investment.

Automation systems make it possible for a homeowner to call on the way home from work and have the spa heated, the lights dimmed and music playing by the time they walk in the door at the end of a hard day.

Easier maintenance and upkeep The hassle of keeping the chemicals balanced, cleaning the filter, fighting algae and keeping the pool clean used to deter many people from owning pools. However, the

n

Outdoor fabrics now come in sunny colors and interesting textures – more like indoor furnishings than ever.

FURNITURE PHOTOS COURTESY SUMMER CLASSICS; POOL PHOTOS COURTESY POOL BY DESIGN 56

Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

Create your outdoor haven Pool by Design specializes in swimming pools and everything else you need for a complete backyard paradise.

Contact Simon or Jo Spiers at (704) 333-7446 or www.poolbydesign.com.

Mint Hill Branch Associate of the Year 2005, 2006 & 2007 For Listing Units & Volume and Sales Units &Volume

Mint Hill Is Sold On Debbie.... Shouldn’t You Be Too? Give me a call, Let’s get Started!

704-578-5059

ENROLL NOW!

FOR SUMMER FUN AND LEARNING Send your school-age child on a summer adventure he or she won’t forget. Helio and Nica, friends from the planet Neptron, will lead your child on an exciting Gold Medal Adventure that explores teamwork, health, goal-setting, and more!

• Summer-camp activities in one convenient location • Flexible scheduling • Familiar friends and teachers

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Monroe KinderCare 9500 Monroe Road (704) 847-2542 .

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Orchard Ridge KinderCare 6814 Orchard Ridge Road (704) 563-1061

7°/°Ê >ÀÀ Ã

Visit Summer Classics for outdoor furnishings.

308 West Morehead Street, Charlotte.

Call (704) 372-0095 or www.summerclassics.com.

Program availability varies by center. See Center Director for additional details.

©2008 Knowledge Learning Corporation

Enroll Now! Visit www.mySummerAdventures.com or call 1-877-KinderCare to find additional centers near you.

matthewsminthill.com

57

C E N T R A L

P I E D M O N T

Excellence and integrity. These are the values that guided Savannah Clay in her 30-year career as manager of IBM’s Worldwide Manufacturing Educational Operations. Today, she instills these same values in her students as an instructor in Central Piedmont Community College’s Business and Accounting Division at the Levine Campus.

C O M M U N I T Y

C O L L E G E

Savannah Clay, Instructor, CPCC Business and Accounting Division Levine Campus, Matthews

CPCC instructors have that rare combination of academic credentials and real world experience. So while you’re getting a degree or certificate that will advance your career, you’re also getting it from people who know the business.

CPCC serves more than 70,000 people at our six campuses throughout Mecklenburg County, as well as in hundreds of classes online. CPCC offers more than 100 degree, diploma, and certificate programs. You can earn your degree, start your career, change your career, or get the courses you need to transfer to a four-year school.

No matter where you’re going, CPCC helps you Get There.

Call 704.330.2722 or visit www.cpcc.edu

58

Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

A Commitment to Excellence

matthewsminthill.com

59

All-Brick Homes On 3/4 Acres, Plus Estate Homesites In Mint Hill.

NEW !

SE PHA

The Brookmere

Stonebridge at Mint Hill Full Brick Luxury Homes From The $330’s • 55 acres of preserved open space • Access to a stunning 8-acre fishing lake • Walking and biking paths within the community • Lakeview and walk-out basement homesites available • Nearby are 2 soccer fields, tennis courts, beach volleyball and a 9-hole disc golf course • Conveniently located just one mile from I-485 with easy access to Matthews, shopping, restaurants and more!

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Directions: Take I-485 to Exit 44 (Mint Hill/218).

Go west towards Mint Hill for 1/2 mi. Right on Bartlett Rd. Proceed 1/2 mi. to Stonebridge on right.

Rd.

MINT HILL

MATTHEWS

Exit 41

Phone: (866) 434-5660

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Exit 51

74

Model Hours: Sun. & Mon. 1-6, Tues. - Sat. 10-6.

Brokers warmly welcomed! *Limited time offer. Offer only available on new contracts when financing through NVR Mortgage. See sales representative for details.

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Matthews Mint Hill

May/June 2008

ryanhomes.com