| Date post: | 22-Mar-2016 |
| Category: |
Documents |
| Upload: | nancy-stephen |
| View: | 215 times |
| Download: | 2 times |
UNION
Clowns, magician have jobs making fun.
$13,700 vacation – and no showers!
Life lesson: A silver platter for you.
Who are your ‘ideal’ dinner guests?
August / September 2013www.UnionLifestyle.com
Lifestyle
Get your copy of
Union Lifestyle
at home.
2 easy ways to order
OnlineUnionLifestyle.com
MailUnion Lifestyle
PO Box 1064
Monroe, NC 28111-1064
YES, I want a subscription.
Subscriptions are free, just pay postage & handling - $20 a year - 6 issues
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
o Check enclosed o Charge my MasterCard or Visa
Card number Expiration (mm/yy) 3-digit code
Mail this card with payment or visit us online to subscribe.
Adult Kickball TournamentBring your “A” game and show that big red ball who’s boss!
(Plus raise funds for the American Red Cross)
Saturday, Sept. 219 a.m. - 6 p.m.
(Check in at 8 a.m.)
Parks Williams Athletic Complex
2011 Ashton Avenue in Monroe
Don’t play kickball? No worries! Come enjoy the fun
and cheer on your local teams.
Calling all kickball fanatics!
The Fine Printl Teams of 9-15 playersat least 16 years old.
l Each team must haveat least two women.
l $200 per team or $25per individual.
l Register by Sept. 11
l Prizes for the winningteam and most creativeteam uniform.
To register, call
(704) 283-7402.
EditorNancy E. Stephen
Contributing WritersDeb Coates Bledsoe
Jessie Lindberg
Luanne Williams
Photographers
Deb Coates Bledsoe
Michele Curel
Nancy E. Stephen
Danny Sernick
Ellen Vilas
Union LifestyleA publication of
Cameo Communications, LLC
PO Box 1064
Monroe, NC 28111-1064
(704) 753- 9288
www.UnionLifestyle.com
Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013 3
ContentsUnion Lifestyle
August / September 2013
5Salvage Shop – a
treasure trove
for the crafty.
8Mother and
daughter just
clownin’ around.
9Rubber face
serves local
magician well.
12Monroe mom a
world-known
lighting designer.
14Entrepreneur keeps
memorabilia to
remember his roots.
18New? Or not?
We shopped
consignment.
20Life Lessons:
God gives silver
platters for a reason.
22If you could choose
dinner guests, who
would you choose?
24The Derby:
New decor, same
yummy food.
LifestyleUNION
August / September 2013
Vol. 2, No. 5
On the cover
Amber Norquist, AKA Gumdrop, paints
a child’s face at Latham’s Nursery.
Nancy Stephen photo
6A $13,700
European trip –
and no showers!
Like us on Facebook!www.facebook.com/UnionLifestyle
Lots of jobs look glamorous and easy – from adistance. More than once I’ve exclaimed “I could do that” only todiscover that I really couldn’t.
For this edition, several women shoppedUnion County’s consignment andsecondhand shops, just to satisfy ourcuriosity of “hmm, wonder what’s outthere?” Many people shop secondhandshops to save money, but I’d heard thatgood “designer” buys also were available.Were they?
Friends quickly joined in the hunt, but I needed a model for adultclothes.
Hey, I can do that! I momentarily forgot my body is nothing likeoff-the-rack sizes. But the shopping was fun. I perused multiplestores and found items in each that I’d be happy to wear – and will,now that the clothes are in my closet.
Friend and photographer Deb Bledsoe offered to “shoot” me in myfashions. Before it was all over – and our shoot only took 20minutes, clothes changes included – I really wanted to be shot.Modeling is not my forte, for certain.
Deb was encouraging and kind, to say the least. “Move a little tothe left . . . put your arm down. Not that arm, the other one. Lookat me. That looks awkward. Head up, shoulders down. Looksreally good,” she said glibly and continuously. She’s a good friend.
Did I mention that our outdoor photo shoot took place duringJuly’s rainy season and that the humidity was about 90 percent –when it wasn’t raining. The clothes were stuck to my back; my hairbecame plastered to my neck.
“Now smile,” Deb continued. Yeah, right!
The modeling challenge reminded of another “I can do that”situation several years ago. As a newspaper editor, I participated inlive election night coverage on Wingate University’s TV station.
I studied hard and took lots of notes on candidates andramifications of bond issues, should they pass or not. I dressed inmy most professional suit, coiffed my hair a la “news anchor ” andtroweled extra makeup on my pale skin to accommodate the lights.
Nothing, however, would prepare me for the marathon on-cameratime. This was back in the day when (a) voting was not totallyelectronic and (b) the electronic systems that did exist did notwork! On air at 7 p.m.; off air after midnight. I must confess – onetime, I took a bathroom break and never went back on air.
The job of a broadcaster is more difficult that it appears. I could dothe local analysis and provide background information, butkeeping a pleasant expression on my face was nearly impossible.
And I apparently roll my eyes skyward when I’m thinking, whichmakes me appear to be more than a little ditsy. Eventually, Iresponded to the election night requests with something like “I’mso sorry, I’ll be cleaning outhouses in eastern Egypt that night.”
Truly, I need to stick to my “real” job.
Thanks, I’ll keep my day job!
‘I look younger and less stressed . . . but I still look like me.’
Does your appearance
really matter?
Waldman DermatologyCertified by the American Board of Dermatology
10512 Park Rd., Suite 113 Charlotte, NC 28210
(704) 542-8018
1423 E. Franklin St.Monroe, NC 28112
(704) 289-9448
www.garywaldman.com
Freshen your look – it doesn't
have to cost a fortune.
Walter employed his then 18-year-old daughter, Julie. She andher cousin “ran the store while he went out and bought thefabric,” Julie said. “We were thrilled to death the first time wesold $100 worth. We thought we had really done something.”
Donnie started working at the cloth store in 1981 helping Walterpurchase material from surrounding cotton mills. The two spenteach day on buying trips as far away as Georgia, Julie says.
In 1986, Julie and Donnie constructed their 9,000-square feetbuilding on Morgan Mill Road. After 36 years, it’s not surprisingthat the Watkins don’t advertise. “They don’t need to,” says long-time customer Janice Edwards from Wingate. “Everyone knowsthe Salvage Shop.”
“When I sew, the Salvage Shop is the first place I go,” Janiceadds. “My mother came here; my sister came here. It’s just afamily tradition. You can’t beat the prices here, you really can’t.”
The Watkins credit their low prices to one fact – they sell fabricby the pound, not the yard. It’s a tradition that Julie’s fatherstarted the day he opened his store. “A lot of people think that’sstrange,” she says, but to her, it’s not. “We buy it by the poundand sell it by the pound,” Donnie explains.
It’s not as easy to keep the store stocked with cloth these days,since most local mills are gone. “Now I have certain distributors Ibuy from,” Donnie says, “but it’s harder to find stuff. Ninetypercent of everything is imported; it’s hard to find anythingAmerican-made any more.”
The Salvage Shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located at424 Morgan Mill in Monroe. For more information, call (704)289-4640.w
Deb Coates Bledsoe, a former newspaper editor, is a freelancewriter and photographer
Salvage Shop – Treasure trove for the craftyFrom left are Donnie Watkins (back), Laura Jordan, Julie Watkins and Brittany Jordan with store mascot, Angel. Deb Bledsoe photo
By Deb Coates Bledsoe
If you’ve lived in Union County for long, youknow that the Salvage Shop in Monroe is not only unique, butalso a hidden gem.
If you want fabric for a dress, you go there. For cloth to covertables, you go there. For virtually anything related to sewing,you go there. You can find dress patterns, buttons, ribbon, trim,thread, upholstery supplies, decorator fabric, quilt materials andpiping cord and much more.
“We’ll sell about anything,” jokes Donnie Watkins, who ownsthe business with his wife, Julie. “If we can make a dollar off it,we’re going to sell it.”
If you think he’s kidding, check out the “hair-on cowhides”near the entrance. They sell about six cowhides a month for useas rugs, headboards, pocketbooks, ottomans and wall hangings.
While most fabric purchases are for curtains or quilts, folkshave made some unique purchases through the years. Oneresident wanted several thousand yards of heavy outdoor fabricto make into fan covers for chicken houses. Another boughtpolar fleece to cover a small plane at the airport.
But there also are normal purchases, frequently for quilters.“We sell to crafters,” Donnie says, “but not many people makeclothes any more.” The majority of their business is upholsterymaterial and foam rubber.
Julie and Donnie are second-generation shop owners. Herfather, Walter Moser, opened a cloth store in 1977 in a buildingthat has since been torn down. When he opened the doors,
Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013 5
6 Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013
By Nancy E. Stephen
Jaime McDonald is making her first trip abroad in15 years this summer, but her trip is anything but normal.
It’s not like Chevy Chase’s movie “European Vacation” or eventhe old “If This Is Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium.” There willbe no visits to the Eiffel Tower, no serenading gondoliers inVenice and no museum visits.
And there’s no shower for seven days.
And she’s paying $3,700 for the opportunity.
And she had to raise an additional $10,000!
The 35-year-old New Salem resident is running 250 kilometers/155 miles across rough Icelandic terrain over seven days as partof this year’s Racing the Planet expedition. “They provide tentand water; everything else, including food, is in your backpack,”she explains.
Racing The Planet is a privately held company that offersdiehard runners worldwide endurance run opportunities whilesupporting medical and education charities. Jaime is one ofseven runners on the Runwell team, which is raising additionalfunds for drug and alcohol treatment facilities, a charitableendeavor near and dear to her heart.
Jaime is a recovering alcoholic, which she calmly tells youupfront, without drama or excuses. Like many alcoholics, Jaimehid her drinking well; her parents never knew their daughter hada problem.
But a “critical life point” thrust her into excessive drinking, sheexplains. A former boyfriend broke into her house and thencommitted suicide, which Jaime just couldn’t handleemotionally. “At that point, I struggled with drinking . . . andstruggled with it . . . and struggled with it. It just snowballedfrom there.
Reykjavikorbust.NewSalemwomenraisesthou$and$
fortheopportunitytoruncrosscountry
for7days,withoutshowering.
Jaime McDonald runs
along side a competitor
at a recent race.
Danny Sernick photo
Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013 7
“Every night, I’d black out, getup the next day and go getmore alcohol. I don’t knowhow I survived.
“One night, when it was thedarkest of the dark, there was amoment of clarity. I criedmyself to sleep, then went tomy parents.” And then shestopped drinking – cold turkey– and turned her life around.
“Addiction is such a taboosubject,” she says. “Peopledon’t want to talk about it.”That’s something she knowspersonally. Jaime hasexperienced negativity whenshe speaks about her recoveryefforts, which she discussesopenly. “We’ve got to talkabout it more and get morepeople involved.”
She attempted to startrunning while stilldrinking, seeing afriend who had lost 60pounds. “I thought ‘I’dlike to do that.’ I’vebattled my weight sinceI was 14 and tried allsorts of diets.”
But she soon realizedthat sobriety was thepriority. “I ran three 5Kraces before I gave upalcohol, though.” One
month into sobriety, she ran another 5K, and then another andanother.
“That first 5K, when I crossed the finish line, I knew I’d finallyaccomplished something. I went out there and did it; it was 100percent me. When I started the race, I started crying; when Ifinished, I was crying.
“I decided to run a half marathon and joined a training programin Charlotte. After it, I continued running, but focused ontraining, not races.” But that didn’t last long.
“It’s overwhelming when the race starts. When I start out, mylegs feel like cinderblocks. When I get into a groove, I geteuphoric.
“When you cross the finish line and you’ve done it, everyone isthere cheering you. You cross the finish line, they announce yourname and put a medal over your head. It’s amazing.”
“I’m not built like a normal runner and I’m not the fastest runnerout there, but I still get my medal,” she says. Completing a race“is a sense of accomplishment. There are so many emotions.”
Racing The Planet in IcelandApproximately 300 runners from 40 countries will start inReykjavik. The first four days of the seven-day trek will beabout 25 miles each day, but not necessarily on levelground or even paved road. Then it’s 50 miles in 30 hours,followed by “just” seven miles on the last day.
Jaime calls it a run/walk experience and will be usingtrekking poles to help her navigate water and terrain sosteep you can’t run up it. “It could be a lot of powerwalking.”
Jaime has planned her backpack to the nth degree. “Youwant your pack to be as light as it can be, but at the sametime you don’t want to starve while you’re out there.” Hergear weighs about eight pounds, without the food. Shewants the total weight to be less than 25 pounds and istaking dehydrated meals and protein powder for meals,plus peanut or almond butter, peanuts and beef jerky.
The route follows the outside edge of Iceland, where Jaimeexpects to see gorgeous vistas each day, including geysers,volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers and fjords. She also plans toblog when possible at www.4deserts.com/beyond/iceland/
Taking just one pair of shoes, she’ll remove the insoles atnight to air out. She’s also taking just two sets of clothes,airing one out each night while she sleeps in the other.
“Water is for food purposes only, not for washing,” sheexplains, adding, “By day three, everyone will be smelling sobad, you won’t know if it’s you.”
Temperatures on the course are expected to be between54°F and 71°F during the day and 32°F at night. “There willbe about 20 hours of daylight at that time. Northern lightsshould be visible; that should be great to see when it getsdark.”
After mastering the half marathon, she set her sights on theChicago marathon. She was in the midst of training whenRunwell approached her about being on its Iceland team forRacing The Planet.
Since Chicago, Jaime has run a marathon or 50K (31 miles)every month. Her running coach lives in Colorado, but becauseof her dedication, the distance doesn’t matter. Her coach sends aweekly running program, and they video and phone chat.
Running and exercise are Jaime’s life. She cross-trains and runsseven days a week, typically about 45 miles. Last year, sheaccumulated close to 2,000 miles and is shooting for 2,500 milesthis year. “The rest of the time, I’m trying to recoup.”
When she’s not running, she’s a private running coach andoversees trainings for Charlotte Running Company, providingmulti-week training programs addressing form, stretching andnutrition. She meets with clients once a week for 12 weeks,when they should be ready to run a half marathon, she explains.
She’s also an ambassador for Great Race Nutrition, Swirlgearand Runwell.
8 Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013
Mother and daughter
just clownin’ aroundBy Luanne Williams
You may have seen them at a carnival, admired their
bright pink hair or stepped on one of their oversized feet.
Perhaps the mother-daughter duo brought a smile to your face,
either with their variety of colorful paints or their silly clown
antics.
They are Glitterbugg and Gumdrop, also known as KristenWarden and Amber Norquist, and they’re a familiar sight at areaparties, festivals and grand openings.
But as much fun as they now inspire, Kristen's decision topursue clowning a dozen years ago was anything butlighthearted.
Born in Alaska, Kristen, 47, grew up in Charlotte and movedwith her husband to Monroe. Each year when she took theirchildren to Festival in the Park at Charlotte's Freedom Park, shewould find herself mesmerized by the clown acts.
“I was fascinated by their antics, the way they moved, theirfacial expressions, the face makeup, their shoes. I lovedeverything about these clowns,” she says.
A television ad for Shriner's Clown Camp further piqued hercuriosity, and soon she found herself absorbing every aspect ofthe art form at the two-day convention in Charlotte, where shebought an outfit and a horn, took a few classes and had a veteranclown create her Glitterbugg face.
“I was overwhelmed witheverything. Mind you, I hadnever considered being aclown in the past,” Kristensays. “My husband had noidea.”
In fact, she was sooverwrought with herdecision to become a clownand a face painter that shealmost didn't make it homefrom the event.
“I left the convention thatnight late with my clownface on and my regularclothes on at aroundmidnight,’ she says. “I hadto stop at a conveniencestore and call an ambulanceas I was having a panicattack!”
Over the next month,Kristen read everything shecould about clowning,practiced painting on faces(despite having not one“artful bone” in her body,she says) and booked her first party.
“I was a nervous wreck, but you know if it is something youwant bad enough, the strength comes from somewhere deepinside,” she says. “I was not going to let anything or anyone, noteven my own insecurities, stop me from making this happen. Idid it, and it was an awesome rush!”
Although Kristen took a year-long hiatus from clowning whenher husband was injured and became a paraplegic, she couldn'tgive up her Glitterbugg personality and was back at it by 2005,improving her skills, getting great feedback and finding herselfoverbooked.
“Amber was just starting college and needed money, and I hadan extra clown gig. But Amber was having no part of being aclown,” she remembers.
Alas, the need for a paycheck and the promise of expert facepainting instruction from her mom — not to mention a brandnew costume that Kristen sewed for her — won her over, andGumdrop was born.
“I had bought a lot of face paint and read everything on facepainting, so I taught Amber through necessity, and she began tolove it,” Kristen says.
Her husband, Tracy, and son, John, attended a clown conventionin Kentucky with Kristen, and John became Gumball,specializing in balloon art. Though the clowning was not a long-term venture for him, it has become a way of life for Kristen andAmber, who split the engagements they contract.
“We rarely work together, but we do practice together,” Kristensays.
Please see Clowns on Page 11
JOBS
UF
Local clowns Glitterbugg and Gumdrop, also known as Kristen
Warden and Amber Norquist.
Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013 9
By Luanne Williams
When Jason
Frame got his first magic
set at age 6, he didn't
realize his first tricks were
the beginning of a career.
Nearly three decades later,
he’s found the true magic
lies in inspiring children.
A motivational speaker,balloon artist and managerof several companies,including Fun FilledEntertainment, HocusJokus, eTrickShop, etc.,Jason finds himself most
at home when he's interacting with children and families atbirthday parties, festivals, churches or as a table-side attractionat area restaurants.
“I prefer medium size crowds or the more intimate settingsbecause what I like to get across to kids is that ‘magic ispossible; this is fun; we're going to have a good time’,” saysJason, 34, of Monroe.
He’s been hooked since his parents gave him a Harry Blackstonemagician’s kit.
“I started putting on shows for my friends and family andcharging them a quarter or a dime. Then when I saved upmoney, the first thing I did was to buy another trick,” he says.
He was further inspired at age 11 when his dad took him to seeDavid Copperfield. By the end of high school, he was doinghundreds of shows per year — charging more than a quarter —and finding himself increasingly in demand at birthday parties,NASCAR events and alongside radio personalities at remotebroadcasts.
He also found people eager to buy the paraphernalia he wasusing and began selling magic supplies at a flea market boothand then online. He started Fun Filled Entertainment in 1999and later opened Abra Magic Shop, now located at 2330Concord Highway.
Known to some as “The Real Balloon Guy,” Jason doesn't weara cape or create a mysterious persona when he performs hisillusions. The self-taught performer sees himself as “just anormal guy” entertaining with comedy and sleight of hand andhelping kids and their parents retain or recapture a childlikesense of wonder.
JOBS
UN “I love kids, and I've seen over the years, they just seem to haveless self-esteem. Compared to 10 or 15 years ago, it seems likethere is less ‘kid’ in kids today,” he says. “Seems like they arewithdrawing into themselves or playing their (video) games.”
Jason says he knows many children are growing up withoutfamily stability or in peer settings where they feel pressured toconform. He uses magic to counteract those stressors.
“I see 9- and 10-year-old girls wearing makeup,” he laments. “Itell kids, ‘you don't have to dress like everybody else, you don’tneed to do drugs’.”
His magic gives him a connection with youngsters and anavenue to encourage them. In June, he performed at Lake Lure'sCamp CARE (Cancer Ain't Really the End) for a few hundredchildren and had an 8-year-old blind girl help him make a rabbitappear. He says she was overjoyed as her caregiver explainedwhat was happening.
Please see Magician on Page 10
Jason Frame uses his “rubber face” to bolster the excitement
during his magic shows. Nancy Stephen photo
Magician connects with
kids of all ages
After years of face
painting, Kristen Warden, also known as
Glitterbugg, decided she wanted a bigger
canvas.
Enter pregnant bellies.
“I started researching and found people
10 Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013
Magician
What makes the magic work, Jason says,is his ability to tailor his performance tothe crowd, whether it's a campperformance or a hospital visit.
“You can’t just do a scripted act; you'vegot to be able to read your audience andsee what they are responding to,” he says.“When I go to an event, I bring two orthree different shows, and I'm flexibleenough to switch.”
He says a typical Saturday may find himat four to six parties doing magic andballoons, and each will turn out a littledifferent. He incorporates new tricksamongst crowd favorites until they'refully mastered, and then drops some ofolder illusions.
Some tricks, however, he can’t seem todiscard because his fans won’t let him.
“There's one trick where I take a little ballthat I ‘eat’ during the show, and then allthese balls come back out followed by
Pregnant bellies and bald heads bring new ‘career’ to clownreally like this fun art form,” Kristen saysof belly painting. From floral designs tofrogs, basketballs to jack-o-lanterns, she'screated a variety of scenes and says momsoften tell her the process of having theirbellies painted is as relaxing as a massage.
Flowers and butterflies are her mostrequested designs. Kristen says the mostdifficult scene to paint was the N.C. StateWolfpack coming out of a basketball.
Once, “this lady was coming over to getpainted, and she kept changing the datefor me to paint. When she finally showedup and I started doing her belly, I couldsee remnants of permanent marker,”Kristen says.
“She said her husband had thought hecould paint with markers — that didn'twork out too well.”
Pregnant bellies aren't the only shapes
streamers. And then I sneeze a giantsneeze, and this seven-inch ball comesout of my head,” he says. “I took it out ofthe show and some people got mad, so Ihad to put it back in. I've been doing thattrick for 15 years.”
Jason doesn't tire of the same tricksbecause the audience makes eachexperience unique. As for goals beyondgrowing his businesses, he jokes thatwhen he gets married, he would like awife “who would fit nicely into a box andnot mind if I chop her into pieces and puther back together.”
Meanwhile, he'll keep fine-tuning hisdexterity and eye-to-hand coordination,and keep reminding kids of the fun ofmagic and the joy of childhood.
To see the Jason in action, go to StarsBurgers in Indian Trail any second orfourth Wednesday or to Showmars inMonroe any Tuesday during the dinnerhour (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) or log on towww.FunFilledEntertainment.com andclick on appearances.
Magician and balloon artist Jason
Frame creates a balloon hat for Emma
Boyer, 8, of Indian Trail. Nancy Stephen photo
If you haven’t visited in awhile, you haven’t seen The “New” Derby!
Daily food and drink specials
Clowns“Sometimes we bump heads over who
gets which job or how to create a certain
design, but it all works out.”
Now 27 and a student at Central
Piedmont Community College, Amber
says she’ll probably always be involved
in clowning and face painting, no matter
where her culinary studies take her. The
mother of a 4-year-old son, she says she
enjoys painting girly designs best, but
tries to stay abreast of popular kid movie
characters or other themes that little ones
may request.
“We've done several jobs where I paint
adults before they go out for the night,”
she says. “We've had a lot of guys who
want it done. When it's adults, we get to
be a little more elaborate and take a little
more time than the three minutes we have
with kids.”
She's painted football helmets on bald
men (left), masquerade faces for nights
on the town or St. Patrick's Day parties.
As her hobby grew into a family
business, Kristen never lost the
enthusiasm that led her into clowning and
face painting.
“I was very happy to be able to make a
few extra dollars and still enjoy my
passion for the creative side of me that I
didn't even know existed a few years
Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013 11
1012 Skyway Drive in Monroe l www.TheDerbyOnline.com l 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
before,” she says. “When you are sitting
there with a child in front of you — this
child, a couple sponges, a few brushes and
a table full of paint — what else could be
better?”
“I love seeing the kids’ eyes light up when
you hand them that mirror and they see the
creation come alive on their face,” she
adds. “I get excited just thinking about it.”
Glitterbugg tailors her own persona to fit
the situation, toning her costume down to a
silly hat and colorful socks at times to
avoid frightening little ones who may be
afraid of characters, or going all out when
the occasion warrants.
Noisy parties don't break her
concentration. “I just tune everyone out
and just focus on the little one in front of
me,” she says. “It is so calming. I get a
feeling of almost tunnel vision — me, my
paint, an idea and a beautiful canvas of
unique faces to create a one-of-a-kind
piece of art.”
In addition to Amber, Kristen has also
taught clowning and face painting to her
sister-in-law, Denice Reynolds of
Lincolnton, who is now Daisy Doo.
All of the clowns can be reached on their
Web site, www.FaceArtAndMore.com.
Luanne Williams is a freelance writer and
former newspaper editor. t
Pregnant bellies and bald heads bring new ‘career’ to clownthat Kristen has transformed. She once gota request to paint the heads of 11 bald men.
“When the guy called I thought he waspulling my leg. I had a blast. So funny tosee older men get excited about a picturepainted on their head.”
By Nancy E. Stephen
I f you’ve heard the comment about small-town
business professionals – if we were good, we’d live in a big
city – you haven’t met Dusti Helms Wiggins.
Dusti, a 42-year-old mother of two, has “been there, done that.”
She still “does that,” but is happy to work from her hometown of
Monroe. As an internationally-renown lighting designer, she has
designed lighting for venues ranging from Chanel Cosmetics
counters to the Walt Disney concert hall in Los Angeles and the
Kiasma contemporary art museum in Helsinki.
She describes her entrance into the world of international
lighting design this way.
“I met a (New York)
lighting designer when I
was in interior design
school in UNC-
Greensboro. During a
two-week honors studio,
something really
connected. I always
struggled to finish a
project in design school,
but in this studio, it
clicked.”
Dusti laughs as she recalls the lighting studio and what might be
considered as her ego. “I had taken one lighting class and did
very well in that class. I thought I was the queen of lighting.”
The first day in the studio, she learned quite the opposite. “I
realized I knew nothing about lighting technically. You have to
bring together the aesthetic and technical.”
But she was hooked on lighting design.
After graduation, she took an internship in Philadelphia at
a firm that created master plans for cities such as
Washington, Philadelphia, Baltimore and whole college
campus lighting. “I was supposed to stay for a summer
and stayed 3 1/2 years.”
From there, her rise to international acclaim was quick.
“I went to a small firm in New York City and did some of
the most prestigious projects in the world,” she says
quietly and matter-of-factly.
“I did the Mercer Hotel in New York and a new entry to
Disneyland in Los Angeles.” In between, she lighted the
Sony Center in Berlin with its 3 million square footage,
then the largest project in Europe.
“I worked about 120 hours a week, but I loved it.” While
designing on her own, Dusti also became the studio director of
the lighting firm, managing all the designers.
But after years of jetting around the world – focusing lights in
Helsinki, as well as to trips to Hong Kong, Singapore and Los
Angeles – “I was getting a little burned out.” Not surprising,
since she had also started a catering company. “I needed a little
mental break.”
She opened her own firm – Mood – in 1999, “with three or four
clients ready to give me contract work,” and hasn’t lacked for
clients since.
She found a niche in upscale residential lighting for clients with
high-end art collections. “My clients have spent millions of
dollars on art for their home and need a professional lighting
designer. One collection was valued at more than $100 million,
so for him to spend $150,000 on lighting, it was nothing.”
The artwork “has to look like it’s supposed to look, but you also
have to consider the sensitivity to light and to take care of them.
We could set a light level for normal days to care for the
paintings and program a brighter setting for parties.
The Joy AcademyLearn the happiness solution!
Our course can change your life!
l 24 hours of happiness coaching
l Activities and meditations
l 56 daily newsletters filled with happiness tools and tips
www.GetHappyNow.biz (704) 283-2900 x 201
Next 8-week class
starts Sept. 18 in Monroe.
Max Center in Bilbao, Spain c. photo by Michele Curel
12 Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013
Restoring Historic Downtown Monroe . . .one building at a time.
Office and retail space available John Wiggins, 704.242.4393
www.UrbanMonroe.com
“I love the scale and the interaction with the residential client.
You have to walk them through everything.”
Before Dusti begins lighting a home art gallery or art spread
throughout the house, she knows exactly where each piece of art
will go and the size of it. “The artwork that I get to light is
amazing! I get to go focus each light on each painting.
“Homeowners sometimes buy their art at auction, but they’ve
never seen it properly lighted until we’re finished. It’s very
exciting.
“It’s interesting to look at how to light art in a home versus a
museum. In a museum, it’s always about going from piece to
piece to see it. When it’s in a dining room, it’s not all about the
art. It’s more about mood. Some pieces might not be lighted
during dinner or be more dimly lighted for coffee or after dinner
drinks.”
High-end residential has a few perks. “The high end client
doesn’t micromanage. You feel the freedom to do your work.
They’re just so gracious, but you have to know your
boundaries.”
Dusti has created whole house lighting control systems for
expensive homes across the country. And they can be complex.
“You could push a button and set the lighting for the entire day
or push another to set the lighting for a party.
“You have to think like this. The client is going to sit here and
read, and he’s going to need this light.” The homeowners “show
up when the home is finished. The house is staged; the lights are
set; the refrigerator is stocked and Band-aids are in the cabinet.”
Dusti decided to move back to Monroe in 2007 after a family
visit. “I got reconnected with my family and knew I just wanted
to be here. I had been struggling with living in New York and
where my career was.”
She didn’t know if she could keep her career going from Union
County, “but thought I’d give it a try. And it has worked; I have
all the work I can do right now.
“At first, I thought I’d work with people in Charlotte, but
realized with the Internet, it doesn’t matter. I still work with
some of the same people,” including retail chain Brunello
Cucinelli, an Italian cashmere line, where she lights four to five
locations a year and with Chanel. “Their executive director is
someone I worked with 15 years ago. She called me out of the
blue after searching my website.”
Another benefit to moving back was her reconnection with her
now husband, John Wiggins. They knew each other casually
many years ago, but John moved to Germany for a few years
before moving back home to Union County, too. The couple now
has two children, Zac, 2, and Amanda, 1.
“I like to do smaller scale residential and retail so that I can focus
on the entire project while my kids are napping.”
Monroe mom an
internationally-acclaimed
lighting designer
Bombay Talkie, an Indian restaurant in New York City
Private residence in Naples, Fla.
Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013 13
14 Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013
By Nancy E. Stephen
Dennis Moser knows he’s living a good life and is
very thankful for it.
The 48-year-old has worked long and hard to build his life froma childhood in Monroe when his mother worked three jobs tosupport the family and he trapped rabbits for meals.
But Dennis will quickly tell you that his success isn’t due to himalone. His employees have given their hearts to The MoserGroup, he says, but God has guided his life all the way.
Dennis, his two sisters and mom originally lived in the CampSutton area of Monroe. “I grew up so poor,” Dennis remembers.“Those were very difficult times.”
But Dennis didn’t know his life was tough; it was just what heknew.
“I thought I had the world licked. I didn’t realize that Mom wasalways so tired because she struggled with three jobs. When she
had a good week, she’d always buy Brunswick BBQ sandwichesas a special treat. And she made the best sweet tea.
“I always remember a day in 1976, sitting on the end of the fold-out couch in the living room (which his mother Barbara slepton), watching the Olympics on a black and white TV with foilon the antenna. She had heated up a sandwich and I had the tea,and I thought ‘life can’t get any better than this.’ That was thegreatest day.”
With a drive atypical for most teens, Dennis started his firstbusiness – lawn care – at the age of 10. Later he and friendGrant Hall started Horizon Enterprises, while both were incollege. “We worked odd jobs to help pay our way throughschool. We planned to stop working two weeks before goingback to college, buy a VW bus and head across country toMontana. But we stayed so busy and had so much work that weworked through and never made the trip.”
With no family backing him, Dennis’ college career atAppalachian State was funded through his hard work, a Pellgrant, a scholarship for leadership and loans.
He knew early on that his career would be in real estate. It’s afield that he wanted to be in since the ninth grade.
“I worked on a construction crew building duplexes. I startedasking the contractor what it cost to build, asked the ownerabout the rent and looked at the financials. It excited me; I knewthen that I wanted to be in the real estate business.”
Dennis’ primary business, The Moser Group, currently is listedas eighth in the region for commercial real estate sales.
While Dennis was in college, a banker advised him to build uphis credit and loaned the student $500 unsecured, which hequickly paid back. The next loans were for $1,000, then $5,000that he also paid back promptly. “That’s how I started buildingup my credit.”
Entrepreneur keeps nostalgic decor at hand to remind him of his roots
The Moser Group
office features multiple
scenes of nostalgia,
which give clients a
warm, cozy feeling
when they visit.
Nancy Stephen photos
Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013 15
By his senior year in college, he was ready for the real estate
development business. He bought a corner lot in Wingate for
$12,500, intending to build a car wash, but never did.
Instead of developing the land, he sold it, financing a 30-year
loan personally. “I sold it for a lot more than I paid for it,” he
says. “That was a good decision.”
His next foray into real estate was the building of a duplex,
where he lived in one side and rented the other. “That made my
payments; we ended up living there for nine years.”
By “we,” he includes his wife Patti, who he met in college and
married in 1990. He gives Patti credit in the success of The
Moser Group. “Without her, I wouldn’t have achieved in the
world’s eyes the success that we’ve achieved. She handled the
books and worked behind the scenes in the early days.”
The couple has two daughters – MacKenzie, 19, who is studying
commercial real estate in college, and Lexie, 15.
The Mosers eventually moved into a house at Lake Providence,
but even then, Dennis didn’t buy a home the typical way.
Entrepreneur keeps nostalgic decor at hand to remind him of his roots
Sun Valley Commons“Sun Valley Commons will be a good project. We starteda $60 million project when others thought we werecrazy.”
Dennis and his partners developed the 53-acre complexhome to Sun Valley 14 theater, multiple restaurants,offices and more. The theater is expected to draw morethan 500,000 people each year.
He hopes the development eventually will be a focalpoint of shopping in Union County. “Our goal was to stopthe tax dollars from leaving Union County and to createan area to keep the shopping and folks here. This benefitsour county, schools and residents.”
Having achieved the first step of creating a destinationlocation and restaurants, the development now looks toattract stores for shoes, clothing, jewelry and sportinggoods, as examples, as well as medical offices. Already, adance studio and dentist have committed to a newbuilding facing Old Charlotte Highway.
The Moser Group has ridden the growth of Indian Trailwell, but it wasn’t quick. “When we started in IndianTrail in 1989, there were 2,600 residents; now there are34,000. We’ve been involved in a lot of (U.S.) 74development and industrial projects. A lot of therestaurants and retail, we’ve been involved with. We didLowe’s and are working to develop an apartmentcomplex with 384 units. There’s a great demand in IndianTrail.”
His plan has always been to buy the best corners atstoplights and locations with the highest traffic arteries.“Our focus is on Providence Road, Old Monroe, US 74and Idlewild, the main arteries from I-485.”
The Moser Group wasn’t immune to the financial downturn thatstarted in 2008. “When a depression hits the industry, you give itall back, paying employees, paying real estate taxes.
“We’ve been blessed and fortunate to make it because we’ve hadlow debt, because we had a cash flow and because we did astudy in 2009 to find out what industries were thriving in thenation.
“We found that two areas heating up were movie industry andapartments. Those are two things we tried to focus on; that’swhat is in demand.”
“We saved money to buy the lot and paid for half the cost of thehouse immediately. The rest, we paid in just a few years.”
Dennis built The Moser Group “one project at a time, makingsure that each stood on a good foundation, that each had a goodcash flow.”
In May 2000, he wanted to go debt free personally and acquiredbusiness partners. “My goal was to stop guaranteeing the notespersonally. Fortunately, I’ve since had great partners who we’vebeen able to make money for. It’s allowed me to have less risk,so it’s worked good both ways.”
16 Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013
The beginning of D’MoesThe office of The Moser Group is unremarkable from the
outside, but it’s a gem inside. Dennis has rebuilt a 1940s
Texaco service station inside, with original 1948 pumps
and a ’47 Dodge pickup and drink machines from the
’40s and ’50s.
“It’s about memories,” he explains. “The concrete floors
intentionally have cracks and flaws just to remind us of
the simple times.” A functioning, but unneeded decorative
screen door to his office closes with a squeak followed by
a bang, invoking additional memories, and visitors are
offered a Nehi peach or grape drink and a Moon Pie. “If
you keep it simple, it’s comfortable and relaxing for
people who come in.”
Dennis took his love of nostalgia to the development of
D’Moes, a hotdog restaurant in Indian Trail.
When the real estate business slowed down, Dennis and
his partners sought new opportunities, which inspired
Dennis to dream of creating his own restaurant.
The restaurant’s name is takeoff on his name and a high
school nickname.
“I always wanted it to be a simple concept, and hotdogs
are the simplest thing you can put together. I found out
there is a great demand for this concept and look. It’s
about consumer demand; folks are very passionate about
hotdogs, just like BBQ. They like it THEIR way; it’s got
to be a certain way.”
The Indian Trail restaurant is a test of the concept and
menu, and the company is exploring numerous franchise
opportunities.
Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013 17
Will your family’s health
insurance change in January?
Dixon HallCLU, ChFC, ChHC, LUTCF, AAI, AIS, API, AU, AIM, RHU, REBC
Your insurance expert since 1989.
The Affordable
Care Act makes
many changes
to healthcare.
Know your
options!
Ask an expert! Free presentations to businesses, churches, groups & families.
Free Insurance Review!
Call or text (704) 254-6437
www.AffordableHealthcareAndYou.com
Email [email protected]
And in the future? Full retirement is not in Dennis Moser’s game plan. “I hope tostay involved in the brokerage/sales side of the real estatebusiness. I’ll likely back off of the development side, slowdown eventually.”
But, he adds, “I’d like to work as long as I’m able. It’s a lot offun to me, a challenge. It excites me.
“I like creating jobs for folks in our county, like creating thegood places to live, work and shop.”
Has he fulfilled his life dream? “I wanted to be a goodhusband, dad and friend. Businesswise, I never dreamed of itgoing to this level and having the opportunities I have had.
“One of my goals is to build a YMCA in Indian Trail andpartner with one of the hospitals to have a dementia wing tooffer a medical side to care for dementia patients and anotherside where they can work out their minds and bodies. I wouldlike to be a part of a team to create that.” His mother sufferedfrom dementia for many years prior to her death, and Dennisparticipated in her care.
“I want people to remember that I cared – that I loved UnionCounty and that I made a difference in quality of life for thefuture generations. Not for my business successes, but for myheart and contributions to others.”
‘How do you keep it together?’A stressed friend once asked, “How do you keep it together?”
Dennis wasn’t certain. “So I looked at our finances to see how
we lived and discovered how we lived was a key to our peace.”
From the beginning, Dennis gave away 10 percent of his time
and money, saved 15 percent, invested 50 percent back in the
company and lived on 25 percent.
That’s why he drove a 1979 pickup with the back end rusted out
for many years, then a Honda with 180,000 miles. “We lived that
‘delayed gratification lifestyle,’ but we didn’t know it at the time.
We were buying land, investing in car washes and real estate
instead of houses, cars and personal vacations. That financial
dedication then allows me to now choose how I spend my time.”
Dennis has turned his personal financial model into a ministry,
speaking at the Free Enterprise Leadership Camp at Wingate
University, schools and churches.
“I feel a responsibility to teach the next generation about
financial planning. They want it now, but I’m trying to teach
them that if they live (my delayed gratification) lifestyle for
seven to 10 years, they can be free financially. If you don’t have
your finances in order, work will always be No. 1.
“You need to invest in what you’re passionate about, do what
you love. I did. I’ve never had a day when I had to go to work.
Instead, I had the opportunity to go to work.”
In his spare timeDennis has a passion for the outdoors; he loves to golf, fish andhunt. He’s hunted predators around the world and is one of 10pros featured on the Bass Pro Shops' AWA Whitetail Pro Serieson the Outdoor Channel.
“For me, it's the passion of the pursuit, not the kill,” he says,which makes the Pro Series ideal. In this competition, huntersdon't actually kill the deer, but track it the same as any otherhunt. Instead of bullets, the hunters shoot blanks and theshotgun’s digital scope has a memory card that keeps track of hisaccuracy. The 10-second video clips are used to determine themost skillful hunter.
He’ll film in November for the 2014 season.
18 Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013
New?(Or Not?)Look what we found!
Most women (and a few men) love to shop for bargains.When complimented on our attire, we’re quick to say“Thanks,” then confess (or brag) that we paid $7.98 forour dress. It’s a badge of honor to find really inexpensive things –whether they are clothing or household goods.
We wondered what inexpensive items we could find in thecounty’s consignment and secondhand shops that could fitinto our lifestyle.Here’s what Jennifer Lawrence, Ellen Vilas, SheilaCrunkleton and I found in just a few hours of shopping insome of Union County’s many shops. - Editor Nancy Stephen
Top left, Amelia Lawrence, 6, wears a Lilly Pulitzer wrap skirt ($10.50),
while Benton, 4, sports a yellow Gymboree shirt and Circo shorts ($2.80.)
All from Butterflies & Bullfrogs.
Above, Amelia wears a Fresh Produce dress ($5.50) and new green hair
clip ($6) and Benton has a Mini Boden motorcycle shirt ($5.50). All
from Butterflies & Bullfrogs.
Left, Amelia styles in a pink Lilly Pulitzer dress ($6.99) while her brother
wears Gymboree plaid shorts ($3.49) and a Basic Editions blue polo
shirt ($3.49). All from Kids Korner.
Nancy Stephen photos
Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013 19
New?(Or Not?)Look what we found!
Left, Nancy Stephen wears a gown by
Cache (retail value $150), just $24.99
at Designer Consigner.
Above, new Kim Rogers shorts ($6,
Upscale Resale), a new sample knit
shirt ($15.99, Designer Consigner), and
new Aigner sandals ($10, Second
Chance Boutique.)
Right, shorts by Bamboo Traders ($6,
Upscale Resale), with a generic white T-
shirt ($4.95, Sister Chix), Susan Graver
red jacket ($14.39, Designer Consigner)
and new Ann Marin sandals ($7,
Upscale Resale.)
Deb Coates Bledsoe photos
Our mantel holds a blue pottery plate ($10.36, Southern MarketPlace), small blue
Seagrove vase ($7.95 at the MarketPlace), clear round vase with flowers ($15,
Second Chance Boutique) and a small picture in frame ($3, Second Chance).
Our bed tray (not purchased) holds the Seagrove vase, an English china cup and
saucer ($5, Hidden Treasure), a book ($.99 at The Thrift Store), and a small plate
ready for toast ($4, Southern Whimsy). Ellen Vilas photos
Shhh!SPEAKEASYDon your 1920s glad rags for a swingin’ good time!
Saturday, Sept. 7 s 7 p.m.Coca-Cola Event Center in Monroe
(704) 283-2525 s UnionSymphony.org for tickets
$50 each
This project is supported by the Union County Community Arts Council and the Grassroots program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency.
Live music by Union Jazz and
Southern Fried Jazz
Food and drinkDancing
Gaming tablesS ilent moviesVintage shopPhoto booth
.
By Jessie Lindberg
When I was young and scribbling my future
children’s names in the back of my diary, I remember saying
numerous times, “When I have a baby…” and planning exactly
what I would do and what my life would be like.
I remember wanting four children, a wonderful husband and all
those things that girls dream of. And my life is every bit as
fulfilling and wonderful as my 17-year old mind had planned on
it being. But it certainly is not what I had planned.
I got my fairy tale when I married my sweet husband Tregg inApril 2005. We were a fun-loving, social couple who neverstayed home. We both worked in the corporate world and weretruly living a dream.
Soon our friends started having children, all healthy and happy.And on June 7, 2008, our precious son Brody was born. WhenBrody was about 36 hours old, we were told by doctors that heneeded genetic testing because they suspected that he had achromosomal abnormality. It turns out that our little boy has a
genetic abnormality that has never been seen before – byanyone, anywhere. We were told that his future was unknownand we would just have to wait to see how he progressed.
Brody is now 5 and although he does a lot of babbling, hisdiagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech means he doesn’t sayany words. He has severe developmental delays and is yearsbehind kids his age. Will he ever get a job, get married, moveout on his own? All of those are unknowns to us for now.
The only way I can describe how it feels to have a child withspecial needs, while all your friends are having perfectly,healthy, “normal” children, is that it feels like you are on adeserted island screaming for help and no one can hear you.
No one, no matter how close they are to you or how much theywant to support you, can understand what it’s like to watch eachage that a milestone should occur pass, and you don’t see it.
Other kids are running, talking, learning and your little guy isstanding by watching it all happen. It’s heartbreaking, and youcry and you ask why and wish things could just be normal. AndI did all that, until one day, I looked into Brody’s eyes and sawthe most genuine, pure form of happiness a human couldpossibly possess, and I realized how wasteful that sadness was.
My son struggles with things that come so easily to other
children, and yet there is nothing about those struggles that
dampens the pure joy he gets out of the smallest things in life.
God gave me – and you – a silver platter for a reason
Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013 21
Start here...Go anywhere!
The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on Colleges. In the 2013-14 academic year, South Piedmont will o�er
52 associate degree programs, 16 diploma programs, 40 certi�cate programs.
www.spcc.edu
It’s incredible that a 5-year old can unintentionally see the
bigger picture and put things into a perspective that I now
realize that only a young child can.
It was at that moment that I knew that there was, in fact, a
bigger picture. And it was my life and my opportunity to take
the cards that I know I was purposefully dealt, and embrace
them. I started to feel honored. This child was not given to me
by accident. God knew that I would do right by him and give
him all opportunities he deserves, while never letting a day go
by without him knowing how special he was.
It was also no accident that I walked into the office of The Arc
of Union County two years ago to get some guidance on how to
best provide for my son, and they were hiring. Wow. My life had
come full circle, and my purpose in life was handed to me on a
silver platter.
I wear several hats at The Arc, and each of them gives me the
opportunity to help parents like me, and to let them know that
they’ve been given a gift, and I’m here to help them navigate
through their journey. This experience has made me a better
mom, a better advocate for my own son and, most importantly, it
has helped me gain a level of perspective that makes every day a
richer, happier one.
Don’t mistake an opportunity for an unlucky hand. You r life has
been hand-selected for you. In everything, try to find your silver
platter.
Jessie Lindberg is resource/development coordinator at The Arc
of Union County.
{}life
lessons
frAnklin grAhAm
I have watched him grow from a rebelinto one of the greatest workers forhumanity and world disasters. I love theway he gets his organization, Samaritan'sPurse, into action while others are waitingdays or weeks for orders to see what'snext. I would love to hear his stories!
condoleezzA rice
I have always admired and respected herin her career. She has proven time andagain how very intelligent and positiveshe always appears. We share the samebirthday, so I would make it a celebration!
Lynda Keziah, 2000
williAm henry belk (1862 – 1952)
He was an entrepreneur who worked andthought “outside the box” when heopened his first store in Monroe. Hisenterprise provided quality merchandiseas well as jobs. His legacy still providesmany jobs and support for the community.
J. rAy shute (1904-1988)
He also thought and operated “outside thebox.” His forward thinking resulted in the
Ed and I laughed when we discovered weboth wanted to invite the Obamas and theClintons.
But that would be four guests and wewere each “allowed” only twoindividuals. Fortunately, we theorized, wecould combine our two individuals eachthus allowing us to collectively have bothcouples for a dinner party!
There are interesting similarities betweenthem and yet each is very unique.
Neither of us would be asking pointed or
building of Monroe’s first airport. He wasinstrumental in Camp Sutton locating in thecounty during WWII and its hospitals beingused as polio hospitals in the 1948-49epidemic. His visionary thinking in thedevelopment of Camp Sutton, after it wasdecommissioned, into a business park hascreated many jobs and wealth in the county.
Johnny Pigg, 2012
frAmers of the constitution
I never cease to be amazed that 30 plus menwere able to sit down, talk about what thiscountry would need to guide it through allof the growing that it would experience andcome up with a document that still hasrelevance to us almost 300 years later. Itstill protects our rights and gives us asolution to what to do about issues thatmight arise that have not been addressed.Isn't that foresight amazing?
Carol Tyson, 2003
Arnold pAlmer
He and I are the same age, and I havefollowed his spectacular career since hisWake Forest days. He single handedlybrought golf to the masses, making it an
22 Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013
Union Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center
who would sit at
your table?
If you could invite
any two people,
alive or deceased,
to have dinner
with you, who
would you ask?
And why?
We posed these
questions to some
Men and Women
A combined pArty with four guests – the obAmAs And clintons
challenging questions but rather just
soaking in the conversation that these four
might have.
We’d like to experience the flow of
thoughts and stories that come from such
bright, articulate and humorous people
who have shared history in a way none of
us could imagine.
Should be a lively, entertaining andeducational evening!
Ed, 2007, and Angela Bower, 2005
enormously popular TV experience. Hislife has been clean and void of any scandal.
billy grAhAm
I was mesmerized when I first heard him inCharlotte in 1957. And, although his livepreaching days are over, I still take everyopportunity to hear him on television. Hehas preached the Gospel to more peoplethat the Apostle Paul! What a life.
Charles Norwood, 1975
my greAt, greAt grAndmother,
mAry ruffin pAtterson.During the Civil War, she endured majorhardship and was brave and strong. Whenshe refused to tell Northern soldiers whereher Southern soldier husband was, theypenned her in a chicken coop, saying theywould kill her the next day if she didn’ttell. Fortunately, slaves released her duringthe night and hid her in the forest.
Jesus
It would be incredibly interesting to listen
Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013 23
ee n foiatrtisgRenl
ee
y
ISTERREG O
nlo
$20W h it ashit d
nlynts OeStudw eNNe((N
)nlynly)
ISTERREG O704- 982 -5733
niutella.bwww
who would sit at
your table?
of the Year for
Union County.
These are their
answers.
The names are
followed by the
year the
individual was
Man or Woman of
the Year.
to him and to discuss all the mysteries ofthe universe – all the “whys and hows” ofhis creations. As a Martha, to be able to sitat his feet and truly listen would be to learnthe lesson from the Biblical Martha. Itwould be an opportunity to redeem myname and follow his admonishment.
Martha Allen, 2012
elizAbeth i of englAnd (1533-1603)
Henry VIII's daughter who never married,but reigned masterfully for half a century.
elizAbeth lewis (1790-1882)
She was my third great grandmother andtraveled from Wales to begin a new life inAmerica amidst Indian and Civil war.
my mother, pAuline elizAbeth
edwArds (1917-2004)
She was born before women could vote yetbravely home-delivered five babies on afarm during WWII. She died living afeminist's dream life of freedom of choice.
Dot Greene, 1989
A combined pArty with four guests – the obAmAs And clintons
24 l Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013
The Derby’s new ads have it correct. If you haven’t
been there in awhile, you haven’t seen the “new” Derby.
The Monroe landmark on Skyway Drive sports a
new name (formerly The Brown Derby), new
signage and bathrooms and a new intimate bar
area, but the owners wisely kept its traditional
offerings, otherwise known as
comfort food.
The lunch and
dinner menus scream
“comfort,” thanks to a 26-item
list of vegetables, plus
homemade soups, salads,
sandwiches, pasta fish, steaks
and more. And it isn’t Burger
King, but you can certainly
have breakfast “your way” at The
Derby.
Eggs any way, pancakes, waffles,
French toast, biscuits and gravy,
omelets plus almost any meat you can think of, including
livermush, smoked sausage, steaks and pork chops.
We took a party of five adults and two children to enjoy
breakfast at The Derby, but we have to admit, it’s one of our
favorite breakfast restaurants.. The pancakes were fluffy, not
doughy, and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, they made a hit
with the kids. Adults tucked into scrambled eggs and omelets
with a variety of meats.
If omelets are your thing, then The Derby will not disappoint.
Be ready to share, though; the portions are large. We’re
particularly fond of the Greek omelet with feta cheese, tomatoes
and onions, but we’ve been known to combine
the Greek omelet with the vegetable omelet,
which adds peppers and mushrooms to the mix.
But with all good breakfast menus, you can create
your own omelet, adding ham,
sausage, bacon,
livermush, peppers,
onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and
cheese (American, cheddar,
mozzarella or feta.)
Omelets and other egg specials are
served with hash browns or grits and
biscuits or toast.
The Derby’s bacon is consistently good – very
crispy and never greasy. But beware of the
country ham – you’ll get enough for three
people or four biscuits. It is delicious, though – never tough.
One of our diners is addicted to the oatmeal, calling it “by far,
the best oatmeal I’ve had in years. It’s creamy, not gummy,” she
says. The grits are also very tasty, and you won’t need to add a
thing when they arrive at your table. Hash browns also are
nicely cooked, crispy brown outside and soft inside.
The most expensive breakfast items are, understandably, an
8-ounce ribeye steak or two pork chops with two eggs, both
Eating Out
in
Union
The Derby: New decor but same yummy meals
and Italian meals and has plenty of low-
calorie and vegetarian options. (4.75 stars)
Quality: No matter the meal, the fried
food isn’t greasy; salads are always fresh,
and food is always hot, seasoned, but not
overly seasoned. (4.75 stars)
Service: Wait staff is always friendly and
responsive, and meals are delivered as a
group, even when you have a crowd. A
little bartending training is needed, though.
(4.25 stars)
Ambiance: Recent renovations have
taken the ambiance to the next level. The
wood that surrounds the bar suggests an
old Irish pub. Multiple big screen
televisions dot the walls, but the sound is
turned down so they’re not intrusive.
The Derby also has a private dining room
to accommodate 35. (4.25 stars)
Menu: The Derby has great depth of
menu, especially if you like Southern
food. The restaurant also features Greek
Value: You really can’t beat the value
here. Good food and good prices! (4.75
stars)
Overall: Will we return? Absolutely –
good food, reasonable prices and you
always run into old friends! (4.5 stars)
The Derby
1012 Skyway Drive, Monroe
(704) 283-6411
Monday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
TheDerbyOnline.com
Bacon, eggs and grits -
we added the pepper!
Ribeye steak
with sweet potato
$9.95. Otherwise, pancakes, waffle, French toast or biscuits and
gravy specials, all served with two
eggs and meat, are just $4.95
to $5.95. Omelets range
from $3.95 to $6.95, and
breakfast sandwiches top
out at $3.95 for country
ham or smoked sausage
and egg.
On repeated trips, we’ve found
the coffee to be consistently
excellent, which you might not
think is extraordinary, but we’ve been to far too many
restaurants where the coffee is just too darn weak.
A second party of five adults visited The Derby one evening,
trying everything from beef liver to a Calabash shrimp and
flounder plate to a ribeye, hamburger steak and vegetable
platters.
The hamburger steak from the senior menu ($7.75) was cooked
to “medium” as ordered and came with two sides from the long
list of old favorites. Mashed potatoes and gravy are always
good, and the lightly battered fried squash had a nice flavor.
Several different cuts and sizes of steak are featured. The 10-
ounce ribeye ($19.95) was grilled perfectly to “medium rare”
and was juicy and tender. It also came with two sides.
One diner suggested you can’t go wrong with fried fish
($10.95), then changed his mind, remembering heavily breaded
and greasy fish sometimes found at other restaurants. The
Derby’s fish, however, has a light breading and is fried to a light
golden brown with no excess oil.
The biggest issue with the vegetable plate ($7.25) is choosing
just four from the list of 26. Of course,
you can always order more. While
some turned up their noses at
the prospect of ordering beef
liver out, one diner called it
“scrumptious.” Topped
with onions and gravy, it is
served with two sides, as are
all dinner entrees, and your
choice of cornbread or roll – or
both!
We can also recommend the
vegetable soup, having
enjoyed it on many occasions. The bowl ($4.50) is like your
mother used to make – chock full of mixed vegetables that
didn’t come out of a can.
The Derby’s desserts are not made on site, but the Charlotte
bakery’s treats are outstanding, so it’s forgiveable. The Derby
keeps a visual display of the sweet treats, just to whet your
appetite.
Our party of five sampled three different desserts and decreed
them wonderful and amazingly low-priced. The Key lime pie
($4.25) was light and refreshing, but the lemon meringue pie
($3.95) and chocolate and vanilla tuxedo cake ($4.75) were
special.
The tuxedo cake features a creamy vanilla cheesecake layer
between the darker chocolate cake bottom and the lighter
chocolate mousse top layer. The lemon meringue pie also
featured three layers with three textures and tastes.
Outstanding taste for all, but not low
calorie.
Our one
disappointment
was the bartender
being off the night
we visited. Our
waitress couldn't make
a traditional martini and didn’t
go to find someone who
could.
We knew that Jimmy, the owner,
was on site and could make a
martini, if it had been important.
But a switch was made to wine.
The Derby offers daily bar specials and wine by the glass or
bottle.
Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013 25
From the deep ocean floor
to Aw Shucks!
Kids can mine fossils the
old-fashioned way – with
screens and sluice.
Classify your fossils and
keep all that you find!
Fossil miningPaddle boats & pony ridesAnimal barnGrain bin slide 1800s train carKid's play areaHorseshoes, corn holeGeneral storeHayrides
StartingSept13.Corn maze Pumpkin patchBonfiresHaunted trail Spooky stories & s’mores
Summerhoursbyappointment.
FallpublichoursstartSept.13.
$8Admission
AwShucksFarms.com
for discounts & hours.
3718Plyler MillRd.Monroe
(704)709-7000
Fried founder, shrimp and okra
Vegetable plate: corn, limas,
fried okra and baked potato
Lemon meringue pie, tuxedo
cake and Key lime pie
Movie NightMovie to be determinedBounce houses, facepainting and gamesCrossing Paths Park, Indian Trail
Jammin' by the TracksStreet dance with Hipshack
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. l FreeMain Street, Waxhaw
Get your dancing shoes on for a great night! (704) 843-2195
Music on MainTrial by Fire (Journey Tribute)
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. l FreeMain Street, Monroe
Jammin’ by the TracksBand to be determined
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. l Free l Main Street, WaxhawBring your lawn chairs! (704) 843-2195
26 l Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013
U.S.601S,Monroenn (704)282-4661MonroeCountryClubGolf.com
MonroeCountryClubforthearea’s
BEST GOLF DEAL!
Annualmembershipsaslowas$800!
Swing by
Front 9 designed by Donald Ross
Champion Bermuda greens
Driving range
Pro shop
CITY
OF
MONROEa heritage of progress
MONROECOUNTRY CLUB
Jammin’ by the TracksMusic by Yellow Brick Road (Elton John tribute)
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. l Free l Main Street, WaxhawBring your lawn chairs! (704) 843-2195
2121things to do in Sweet Union
9Aug.
Shaggin’ for Dollars - “Hooray for Hollywood”7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. l Rolling Hills Country Club$35 until July 31; $45 after. Benefits Hometown Heroes and theUnion County Community Arts Council
10Aug.
Jammin’ by the TracksMusic by The Horsefly Band (Blues/Classic Rock)
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. l Free l Main Street, WaxhawBring your lawn chairs! (704) 843-2195
26July
Jammin’ by the TracksMusic by Lauren Light (Pop/Rock/Pop-Punk)
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. l Free l Main Street, WaxhawBring your lawn chairs! (704) 843-2195
2Aug.
Southern Style Home & Garden Inspirations
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. l $45Museum of the Waxhawswww.museumofthewaxhaws.org
17Aug.
23Aug.
7Sept.
16Aug.
22Aug.
Antique and Muscle Car Cruise In Featuring Model A Fords
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. l Free l Main St., Downtown Monroewww.historicdowntownmonroe.org
9Aug.
Labor Day ConcertUnion Symphony Youth Orchestra
2 p.m. l Free l Marvin Ridge High School(704) 283-2525 or unionsymphony.org
2Sept.
Speakeasy - A jazz celebration7:30 p.m. l $50 l Coca-Cola Event Center in MonroeFood, drink, dancing, gaming, silent moves, vintage shop.Music by Southern Fried Jazz Band and Union Jazz
(704) 283-2525 or unionsymphony.org to purchase tickets
7Sept.
Antique and Muscle Car Cruise In Featuring trucks
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. l Free l Main St., Downtown Monroewww.historicdowntownmonroe.org
13Sept.
Southern Hometown Music Festival &Car/Truck ShowBring your chairs, towel, blanket, coolers and rock the dayaway with some awesome bands.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. l Aw Shucks Farm l 3718 Plyler Mill Rd., MonroeFeaturing: Nine bands, country girl contestGeneral Admission: $12 in advance & $15 at the gate.https://www.facebook.com/events/177122209118259/
31Aug.
Boots and Bow Ties Ole Fashioned Country FairUnion County Community Shelter
5 p.m. – 10 p.m. l $50Twin Oaks Farm, Wingate Benefits Union County Community Shelterwww.unionshelter.org
2013 Boll Weevil JamboreeDowntown Marshville l FreeSpend the day enjoying vendors,
music, amusement rides, food and
games, then hit the evening street dance.
Sponsored by Marshville Chamber of Commerce
(704) 624-3183
Kickball Tournament9 a.m. – 6 p.m. l Free to watchParks Williams Athletic Complex
2011 Ashton Ave., Monroe
$200 team registration l (704) 283-7402 to register.Benefits American Red Cross
The Gibson Brothers7:30 pm. l $25IBMA Entertainer of the Year, Gospel
Recorded Event of Year
Batte Center at Wingate University
www.battecenter.org
Call now for the season’s best seating!Season subscriptions available at (704) 283-2525.
Section A - $75t Section B - $55tSenior Citizen (B) - $45t Student - $45
www.UnionSymphony.orgThis project is supported by the Union County Community Arts Council and the Grassroots
program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency.
Monday, Sept. 2Labor Day Concert
Union Symphony Youth Orchestra
2 p.m. at Marvin Ridge High School; free
Saturday, Oct. 5 Jazz in Stride
Union Symphony Orchestra 7:30 p.m. at The Batte Center; $15-$25
Sunday, Oct. 27Classical Masterworks
Union Symphony Youth Orchestra4 p.m. at Marvin Ridge High School; $12
Friday-Saturday, Nov. 8-9Wingate University Opera with
Union Symphony Orchestra7:30 p.m. at The Batte Center; $15
Dr. Jessie Wright Martin, music director
Sunday, Dec. 8A Christmas Concert
Union Symphony Orchestra with CentralUnited Methodist Church Festival Choir
James O’Dell, music director5 p.m. at the Monroe church; free
Friday, Dec. 6Believe
Union Symphony Youth Orchestra andUnion County Youth Ballet
7:30 p.m. at Monroe Crossing; freeWith Union Jazz, Marvin Ridge
Advanced Chorus and Jazz Bonita Simpson, ballet director
Sunday, March 30Spring Concert
Union Symphony Youth Orchestra4 p.m. at Marvin Ridge High School; $12
Sunday, April 27Full Symphony RelacheUnion Symphony Orchestra
4 p.m. at The Batte Center; $15-$25
Sunday, May 18Pops on the Plaza
Adult and youth orchestras4 p.m. in Downtown Monroe, free
Sponsored by City of Monroe
Union Symphony is proud to have RichardRosenberg as artistic director of
Union Symphony Orchestra and Tom LaJoie as music director
of the Youth Orchestra.
21Sept.
21Sept.
27Sept.
28Sept.
Got an event
the public
would enjoy?
Submit your activity with all
the details: who, what, when,
where and cost – to
for inclusion in the magazine
and/or online.
Union Lifestyle l August / September 2013 27
Stallings FestNoon - 7:30 p.m.Stallings Municipal ParkFree rides, local bands, giveaways
and food vendors. Local crafts, artists and businesses!
21Sept.
Music on MainMusic by Darrell Harwood
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. l FreeMain Street, Monroe
www.historicdowntownmonroe.org
25Sept.
2013
–14
SEAS
ON
Paula Poundstone
WINGATE UNIVERSITY
THE GIBSON BROTHERS
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia presents:
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR & OTHER ERIC CARLE STORIES
DAVID SEDARIS
“ Sedaris’s droll assessment of the mundane and the eccentrics who inhabit the world’s crevices make him one of the greatest humorists writing today”
SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK
FROM THE TOP
POPOVICH COMEDY PET THEATER
MIKE WILEY in JACKIE ROBINSON: A GAME APART
Nebraska Theatre Caravan Presents:
THE FANTASTICKS
JOHNNY CLEGG
PAULA POUNDSTONE
“Poundstone improvises with a crowd like a Jazz musician… swinging in unexpected directions without a plan, without a net.”
www.battecenter.org 704-233-8300
ATNGWI
TYSIERUNIVE AT
NO
OSAAS
Y CAUNGRHY THE VER
Ne of Mermaid Theatr
HERSTROBTHE GIBSON
HER TTHER ERPILLAR & OTTERPILLAR & OY CA
esents:cotia prSova N
HERS
THE TOPMFRO
HE TONEY IN HTWEES
-OCK RHE
AE S44 S-
”ydadayo t tognittiirri w wrss wttssiumorumorihs c’’s cdlrrloe wht tt thibahno ihwwhnesmsssmes as assolloll asr d drss dis’is’srris’addaeS““S
130 2,42ARISDESDVIDADAVI
ORIESTTORIES CARLE SCC CARLE SRIEERIY CAUNGRHY THE VER
”setteaere ghf tf the onm oie hkas mecivviers cs cr
sccsirrittrneccec ehe t thedd tn aneaddanu mhe t theff t ott o
ORIESHER TTHER ERPILLAR & OTTERPILLAR & OY CA
Cebraska Theatr
GA: NOSNNSIBORE IKKICCKAJJAinY ELIWE KIM
PY DEMOCOPOVICH P
ts
-
esents:P
TRAPPAAE MAGGA
ERT THEA THEATTEP
-
4–13
-
ONETSDOUN
GGLE
ICKSTAS
aravan Ce ebraska Theatr
esents:rParavan
3102
ww23-407
b.www
.”etcepxxpenn ug ig in uns wesiisvviorpme inot
00383-23
rgo.erer.tneecttttab
tuohtthi, w, winallat a puohtthis ws winoitticerreid dd die…naiiacisuz mzzz mae a Je a Jakke a Jid ld liworh a ctth a cis ws wi
2
