South Charlotte, NC August 2023

Kids and Pets Issue

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Breakfast · Brunch · Lunch · Events

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Summer With Our Kids and Pets

We're in the final stretch of Summer.  My how time flies by when you're having fun!

This issue is about our Kids and Pets.  Pets can be our best friends and many of us think of them as our 'fur babies' and will do anything for them.  Dr. Erin Koballa shares with us information on taking care of our lovelies in this post-COVID era.

If you're fortunate to have kids, you'll want to give them even more love and care than your pets so check out all the articles included here.   We give you insight on how to enjoy dining out with the entire family, including the kids, and you'll also want to check out our list of ideas for having fun during these last few days of summer.

To top it off, you'll be inspired as we introduce you to three very talented young ladies who amaze us with their accomplishments and maybe they'll inspire your kids too.   Our readers, digital viewers and social media followers voted Carmel Christian School one of the best private schools this year so we give you some of the reasons why so many families love this school.

Love the time you have with your kids and pets South Charlotte!

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Lyn Coaldwell | lyn.coaldwell@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Carol Long | carol.long@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Melissa Latin | melissa@charlottefashionplate.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Melinda Burris | mbwillms@gmail.com

SALES SUPPORT

Nelson Sweezy | nsweezym22@gmail.com

Alexandra Rothman | alexandrarothman10@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ann Brewer, Melinda Burris, Dr. Erin Koballa, Jessica Landon, Ronni Pruitt, Lyshia Valdez

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alzheimer's Association, Studioplaxco, Carmel Christian School, Ronni Pruitt, Lyshia Valdez, Ian Lawrence at Moving Mountains Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

REHAB SERVICES:

city scene

1: Jamie Boll appeared with the lovely Kristen Miranda who hosted as master of ceremonies for the Gala 2: The message is clear and this year's Gala emphasized the need to end this dreadful disease 3: Jamie Boll, the most vivacious auctioneer ever, helped ALZ raise over $500,000 at the ALZ Gala 4: The tables were perfectly decorated in purple at the Westin Hotel for the Alzheimer's Gala 5: There were beautiful jewelry pieces wonderfully presented on the silent auction tables at the Gala 6: Significant memorabilia and treasures graced the silent auction tables at the ALZ Memory Gala 7: The registration desk was a busy place as guests were excited to enter the Gala

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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8: Guests enjoyed great food and drinks as they listened to information presented about ALZ 9: Amelie's created delicious special edition macaroons for ALZ and the importance of the Association's work 10: Jamie Boll and Kristen Miranda enjoyed mingling with guests 11: The community turned out to support the ALZ Gala and the organization's great works 12: Beautiful people and beautiful dresses ruled the night at the ALZ Gala 13: Handsome gentlemen were everywhere at the ALZ Gala 14: The band provided great music for listening and dancing during the evening Gala

Dining Out

WITH YOUR KIDS

Dining out with the entire family should be a relaxed and stress-free experience for both the children and the adults. Here are a few tips you can follow to make dining out as a family as stress free and fun as possible.

PLAN AHEAD:

Being organized is key for starting out.  Making preparations ahead can make all the difference to a family when going out.  Consider the following:

• Choose a restaurant that is family friendly where servers and management are welcoming to kids and families.  Don’t force your kids into situations that are not welcoming to them.

• If you need a high chair or a booster seat, make sure the restaurant has what you’ll need.

• Do your research and make sure the restaurant has kid-friendly foods as well.  Do they have a kid’s menu or do they have the foods your kids will need if they have special dietary needs?  Don’t assume anything.

• You’ll feel a lot more comfortable dining with your children if the restaurant is somewhat informal and caters to families.  However, restaurants with fine dining can also accommodate families with children too and it’s good for your kids to learn early how to enjoy an upscale restaurant, especially if that is what you prefer.

MAKE IT AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

• Like anywhere else you take your kids, it’s important that they are trained and have their best behavior in place when going out.  Train your kids that it is not appropriate to run around the restaurant or leave the table unless it’s necessary.

• Consider the best time of day to take your kids out.  Is breakfast better than lunch since it may interfere with their nap time if they are younger? Late dinners may not be good for smaller kids if being out is disruptive to their sleep schedule.  The timing needs to always be right.

• Whenever possible, make a prior booking with the restaurant so that you do not have to wait unnecessarily.  Try to book at least a half an hour before your regular meal-time to ensure that there is time to order and prepare the food before the kids get restless.

• Don’t necessarily wait until everyone is ready to order to have food brought to the kids.  Order the kids’ meals first to satisfy them and keep them occupied so when your food arrives you can enjoy your meal as well.  Take a look at the menu before arrival if you’re visiting a new restaurant to reduce the amount of time before the meals are served.

BE PREPARED:

For small children bring along baby wipes for hands and mishaps. These also work well for wiping down surfaces like high chair trays and table tops.  Bring smaller utensils that are easier for younger children to handle if needed.  Drink cups and bottles need to come with you if you’re taking younger children out for a meal. It may seem odd but bring a few snacks just in case there is a problem with food being delivered on time.  This works great and can prevent fussiness and restlessness.

KEEP THE LITTLE ONES BUSY:

Depending on how young your children are and how many you have in your party, you may look more like you’re going on an overnight stay rather than visiting a restaurant, but it pays to have everything you need.  Bring along a small variety of items for quiet activities like small reading books, coloring books, paper, pencils and small figurines.

ENCOURAGE SOCIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT:

Eating out provides a wonderful opportunity for children to observe and use a range of good manners and social skills. Support your children with taking developmentally appropriate levels of responsibility for what to eat and drink, for ordering their meal and for making suitable requests from waitstaff.

We’re fortunate to have many quality restaurants in the Charlotte market that take good care of families; however, we recommend two that happen to be marketing partners. Zinicola in Ballantyne is more formal and is great for children who have been trained to dine out in a more sophisticated atmosphere. Then, down Hwy 521 just across the state line, is That’s Amore . Both are Italian and have great food choices and atmospheres for families with kids.

Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital and Pet Care During the Post-COVID Era

VETERINARIANS RESPOND TO CHANGE

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to numerous industries, including veterinary and pet care. With a global lockdown in effect, we saw the way pets fit in our families, lives and communities change! People spent more time at home. If they had pets, this strengthened the bond shared between them. Pet owners had more time to observe changes in their pets and seek vet care for issues they may normally not have noticed. For those that didn’t have pets, the increased time at home allowed for welcoming new furry friends into their families. These changes created an influx of veterinary visits, an overworked/overextended veterinary

team, as well as a growing pet owner population that views their pets as family members more than ever before.

But now that COVID is “over”—I think we can debate whether this will ever “end”—but at some point, we must start returning to some sort of normalcy. We must embrace the changes that COVID gave us, find a way to make things work and find a way to make it better! At Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital, we have taken a proactive approach, striving to embrace and even reverse the effects of COVID on our industry.

Over the last 15-20 years, we’ve seen the personality of “the pet owner” change. A generation or two ago, our pets were pets.

ARTICLE BY DR. ERIN KOBALLA, DVM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STUDIOPLAXCO

They were kept outside. The vet visit was routine. We blindly trusted vets to care for our pets appropriately. Fast forward to now. Looking at pet owners collectively, we have become helicopter pet parents! Most owners want to be involved every step of the way in the care of their pet, from the moment they walk in the door.

With COVID, owners couldn’t do that. Most vet hospitals only saw appointments curbside. Owners would call from the parking lot, and a staff member would come to the car, collect a brief history and the patient, then return inside where an exam and procedures would be performed. Maybe the doctor returned to the car with the pet. Or maybe they just called the owner from inside to discuss. Or maybe there was no interaction with the doctor at all. This created a degree of distance and obscurity between pet owners and their vets. A pet owner couldn’t see the value in the service being provided. Some of this was a product of COVID, but some of it was due to the development of bad habits on the part of the veterinary industry in attempts to cope with an ever-growing demand.

From our opening day in November 2022, the doors of Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital have been completely open to owners. While there is always the option for curbside, we want to involve owners in the vet appointment experience from the moment they walk in the door. Our reception area is clean and welcoming with a beverage station and comfortable seating. We have specially designed comfort exam rooms, which are furnished to minimize stress and anxiety during veterinary visits for both patient and owner. The rooms have a home-like feel with couches, (washable) rugs and even a bookcase with light reading and warm decor. We use pheromone diffusers and gentle handling techniques to promote a sense of security and comfort for our furry patients. By reducing stress and fear, we can conduct thorough examinations and provide necessary treatments more effectively. CONTINUED >

The pet owner experience doesn’t stop after entering an exam room. With a pet population growing in heart and size, it is essential that we as your vet team help support you with the knowledge and understanding of vet care. At Charlotte Companion, we understand that prioritizing client education, building trust and establishing effective means of communication is crucial for the success of this! We take the time to establish a welcoming, trusting and authentic bond with both pets and their owners. We actively listen to concerns, answer questions and provide guidance on pet care, prevention, behavior and training, among many things. By fostering open lines of communication, we aim to empower pet owners to make informed decisions about their pets’ well-being and create a collaborative approach to pet healthcare. By being available via phone, text, email and through an online patient portal, we do our best to always be there for our families when needed.

By implementing these changes, a pet parent, fur-baby and veterinary staff are on the same team. Each pet and its physical exam is approached individually. A one-size-fits-all approach simply is not thorough medicine and has become increasingly frustrating for the new-age, post-COVID pet owner. Unfortunately, with increased vet visits, staff shortages and decreased mental health of our veterinary professionals, many hospitals have developed bad habits of providing generic medical care instead of an individualized approach to our pets, humans and families. This decreased quality of care allows for missed or delayed diagnoses, distrust of veterinary professionals and an increase in pet owner expenses.

At Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital, it is our passion to approach every pet and its family individually. Teamwork and open, honest communication are vital for this to happen. Our mission is to welcome you and your pets into our family where we strive to make you feel at home. We believe this is the way to not only break the bad habits developed during COVID but also to make the way we care for our pet patients and human clients better than ever.

Visit Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital today at CharlotteCompanion.com !

Celebrating Charlotte’s Leaders of Tomorrow

Early Entrepreneurship and Leadership

We at South Charlotte City Lifestyle are all about encouraging others in our community and that certainly extends to the youngest amongst us who are already exhibiting ambition and an entrepreneurial spirit! In this article, we celebrate three young women who are doing just that.

ZOÉ VALDEZ

Zoé Valdez is a lesson to all that you can’t let the naysayers keep you from reaching your full potential, regardless of your age. At the age of only 14, Zoé set her mind to raising more than $20,000 needed to build an education pavilion for her school. She felt this project was worth the extraordinary effort to facilitate continuous learning for students affected by the COVID pandemic. The pavilion can accommodate 250 students from grades K-12.

Zoé witnessed first-hand how so many of her fellow students were struggling to cope with anxiety and stress and decided to take it upon herself to do something to make a positive difference. She arranged to meet with contractors and business owners throughout Charlotte to explain the situation, raising funds and soliciting resources and donations of time and labor to make the pavilion a reality. The pavilion will enhance outdoor learning, making the students physically and mentally strong.

It wasn’t always easy as Zoé shares, “I was told I was too young, it’s too hard, too expensive and too ambitious of me to accomplish this, but I didn’t listen, and I did it.”

Zoé became one of the youngest females in the Boy Scouts of America to receive the Highest Honor of Eagle Scout rank. Today, Zoé mentors other young girls and is a member of Girl Scout Troop 167G in Steele Creek and as an instructor helps the new young scouts grow in life and survival skills, shares her knowledge and helps them reach the Eagle Scout rank as she did.

Zoé is an upcoming Junior at Northwest School of Arts where she is involved in Visual Arts and Dancing while taking focus studies in chemistry and biology for her goals in the medical field.

Zoé’s goal is to be a pediatrician and was nominated by 2007 Nobel Prize Winner Mario Capecchi, Ph.D. to represent North Carolina as a delegate at The National Academy of Future Physicians in Boston, meeting Nobel Prize winners, scientists and inventors in the field of medicine this past June thanks to her work to aid the youth in our community.

Nana Morrison’s Soul Food has long been a Queen City foodie destination thanks to its well-deserved reputation as the place for fine soul food. The restaurant has been such a success the Morrison family is in the process of opening new locations and calling on the new generation to get even more involved. It was recently announced that Gabriella Morrison, at just 16 years old, has been named General Manager of Nana Morrison’s Soul Food’s new Charlotte area location.

And it isn’t just a title. Gabriella credits her family and her dad in particular with being super supportive, teaching her what it takes every step of the way, from purchasing the necessary materials and equipment to build, to hiring quality contractors to get the job done right. Gabriella now feels confident that as new locations come, she can handle the process on her own.

This didn’t happen overnight. Gabriella explains that she and her siblings grew up in the business. She remembers wiping down tables at the age of five and getting paid for it. As she grew, so did her responsibilities and her paycheck. Thus, she learned the business inside out.

As general manager of the new location, Gabriella will be earning $100,000 per year. It is her goal to help her parents retire early and let the new generation take over.

Nana Morrison’s Soul Food will open a new location in Port St. Lucie, FL by the end of this year and the family plans to expand to Dallas, TX in 2024. Visit Gabriella at Nana Morrison’s Soul Food at 324 Corning Place, Charlotte, NC 28216. The other Charlotte location can be found at 2908 Oak Lake Blvd, Ste. 106, Charlotte, NC 28208. Visit the website at NanaMorrisonsSoulFood.com .

GABRIELLA MORRISON LAUREN ASHLEY

Lauren Ashley and her family—mom Ronni and sister Shayna moved to Charlotte in the fall of 2022. Lauren had already attended the Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts and once in Charlotte she combined her strong faith and her natural artistic ability to start her own online business selling a line of t-shirts and hoodies with inspirational messages and bible verses combined with her graphic images.  With her career successes, Lauren’s mom Ronni has wonderfully inspired both her daughters to be the best versions of themselves.  Her other daughter Shayna is on her journey to showcase her talents as an entrepreneur too.

You can order Lauren’s products at Child-of-TMH-Apparel.Printify.me

END OF SUMMER BUCKET LIST ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY WITH YOUR KIDS

Make the most of the last days of Summer with your kids before you send them back to school.  Below is a list of activities that could be on everyone’s bucket list.  These suggestions are listed for you to enjoy with your kids.  Most activities need supervision so be safe and don’t leave them alone to have all the fun!

• Making popsicles is a way to keep your kids hydrated, help them consume more water and juices and stay away from sodas during the heated days of summer.

• Go to the beach or lake park for a swim and while there play volleyball and build a sandcastle.

• Enjoy a family night out for dinner then go to the movies, a concert or to a play.

• Go outside at night and stargaze, catch lightning bugs while enjoying the cooler temperatures and even consider camping outside in your own backyard or on your porch.  Don’t forget the bug spray!

• Take a splash at a waterpark while they have a water fight or you can have a water fight anytime outside at home. Water balloons can add an additional splash and playing with the water from a sprinkler is always a treat and

can provide relief from the summer heat for adults too.

• Stay inside during the heat of the day or during a stormy period and play board games, bake cookies, make a pizza, build a fort inside or make tie-dye shirts.  This is also a great time to teach new housekeeping chores.

• Take a trip to a nearby farm and pick your own fruit and vegetables or visit a nearby fishing hole to teach your kids about being self sufficient.

• Explore a new nearby park or go check out what’s new at the nearest amusement park and don’t forget to ride the rollercoaster together while you’re there.

• Sleep in late once in a while or have a sleepover with friends or family.

• Practice random acts of kindness to teach your kids how to think about others.  Call friends and family you have not talked to in a while or write them a kind note.

• Visit a library and get reacquainted with books to establish a new relationship with print and notice how different the experience is compared to holding a tablet.  CONTINUED >

CARMEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Continues Its Tradition of Innovative Learning with Purpose

Long held as a beacon of ingenuity, Carmel Christian School continues to think outside the box when it comes to actively engaging students in learning subjects that are not only timely but in this case, imperative, as the public becomes more aware of the individual and collective responsibility to grow sustainable foods and protect and nurture the natural resources we rely upon for survival.

CCS’s ongoing commitment to the importance of learning and applying fundamental principles in real time as evidenced by the school’s new learning garden, ‘The Sprout’, themed after Isaiah 61:11 which officially opened on the CCS campus on April 21. The garden is the first step in a long-range plan to expand upon the

school’s long-standing pledge to core content integration. Extending this philosophy outdoors gives students in grades K-12 a hands-on environmental education on campus grounds.

There is much more to come as ‘The Sprout’ garden is merely stage one of this multi-phase project that will develop over time and be implemented in stages. Students in Carmel Christian’s ConSERVation Club have taken a leadership role in this initiative providing the inspiration, design and muscle to see this dream come to fruition. The garden has been a group project in every sense of the word with the ConSERVation Club receiving the necessary support from the Trades classes, parent and student volunteers and collaboration from friends of the school, notably, expert Emily Shepherd from Grounded Garden Wellness, to instruct and guide students on how best to steward the land to

reap a sustainable, organic harvest of botanicals, herbs and produce while using eco-friendly tools, products and practices.

You will notice that the spelling of ConSERVation emphasizes the “serve” syllable, which is no accident. Students at CCS are constantly encouraged to use their knowledge, abilities and their hearts to serve God, their church, families and communities in all that they do.

RAISED-BED GARDENING

The ConSERVation Club chose a raised-bed garden design, then engaged the trades class at CCS to build and install the raised beds themselves. Not familiar with the concept? Here is a brief overview of raised-bed gardening and some advantages this style of gardening offers:

Raised-bed gardening has emerged as a popular choice among those who are interested in gardening

but do not have large sections of land available where the soil is adequate for planting. Other users may lack the ability to make the time commitment traditional gardening requires. Raised beds offer the option of gardening on a smaller scale with less maintenance. They also provide versatility as they can be made or purchased in a variety of shapes and sizes. This approach can also make gardening more accessible to those with physical challenges, which has earned beds the nickname “back savers” since users do not have to bend down as far to care for their plants.

Because they sit above ground, raised beds have been found to allow a better level of drainage compared to traditional in-ground gardening. Available in an array of sizes and shapes, raised beds feature a support frame often constructed of wood or stone. This type of gardening bed can prove helpful when your property

includes uneven or sloped land. Used with a thoughtful design plan, these beds can be used to create a garden with a well-manicured appearance.

Containerized raised garden beds are freestanding, making them the most versatile option as you can place one in multiple areas throughout your yard and other outdoor spaces you wish to emphasize such as alongside walkways or your drive. This type of raised gardening bed offers an attractive alternative that can make gardening easier for those with mobility issues.

In the future, classes will incorporate lessons on composting and student artwork. The next goal is to have the school’s Entrepreneurship class market the harvest to area businesses. As the school puts it, the ultimate goal of this project is to “encourage a love for learning, the outdoors and to steward

God’s creation well” among all who attend Carmel Christian School.

In addition to this latest project, the school continues to advance in STEM learning in all grades including hands-on Robotics and Engineering classes at the high school level. The school continues to thrive in academic excellence with students not only excelling in the classroom, but they continue to reach new heights in the arts and athletics while having a willingness to serve others. The school celebrated five National Merit Scholarship Finalists in the Spring including one scholarship winner while 10 seniors committed to continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. The 2023-2024 school year will mark CCS’s 30th anniversary.

Want to Learn More? Visit CarmelChristian.org today!

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties in South Charlotte.

This data is a sampling of sold properties from June 2023. Source: IRES MLS system. *DOM=Days on Market

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

To Kill A Mockingbird

BELK THEATER, CHARLOTTE

This New York Times Critic's Pick,  To Kill A Mockingbird, is "the most successful American play in Broadway history."  Treat yourself and take in this marvelous, iconic play right here in Charlotte in our own Belk Theater.  blumenthalarts.org

Beyonce - Renaissance World Tour

BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM, CHARLOTTE | 7:00 PM

This singer needs no last name!  Beyonce is an American singer, songwriter and businesswoman who has been widely recognized for her boundary-pushing artistry and vocal performances.  This is her ninth concert tour and is in support of her seventh studio album, Renaissance.  Come out to see the concert that is getting rave reviews from fans all over the world!  beyonce.com

Mary Chapin Carpenter

KNIGHT THEATER, CHARLOTTE | 8:00 PM

Five-time Grammy-winner Mary Chapin Carpenter's 15th studio album, The Dirt and The Stars, finds the singer-songwriter pondering life's intimate, personal moments and exploring its most universally challenging questions at an unprecedented time.  Get to know this amazing award-winning artist when she arrives in Charlotte as part of her Summer 2023 US Tour.  marychapincarpenter.com

AUGUST 13TH

Boney James: Detour

KNIGHT THEATER, CHARLOTTE | 7:00 PM

This Boney James tour is based on his 18th chart-topping jazz / R&B studio album, Detour.  This album provides a welcome respite from an increasingly foreboding world filled with political strife.  Take a trip through James' distinctive contemporary jazz / R&B landscapes and trademark blend of genres which include blues, soul, roots, classical, art-pop and hip-hop.  boneyjames.com

AUGUST 19TH

Orchestra Noir Presents: Y2K Meets 90s Vibe

KNIGHT THEATER, CHARLOTTE | 8:00 PM

Two iconic eras meet side by side!  Come jam out to the biggest Hip-Hop and R&B hits from the 90s and 2000s.  Maestro Jason Ikeem Rogers will lead Orchestra Noir through a super fun-filled concert bringing  you hits from both eras!  Let everyone know which one was your era by rockin' 90s or 2000s gear!  blumentalarts.org

AUGUST 26TH

Yiasou Greek Festival 5K

HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL, CHARLOTTE | 7:30 AM

Join the runners for the 2023 Yiasou Greek Festival 5K and Kids' 1 Miler presented by Novant Health.  This is how the Charlotte running community sends off summer - by participating in the flattest, fastest 5K in town.  The course winds through some of the most beautiful and iconic avenues in Charlotte's historic Dilworth neighborhood.  Register now!  runsignup.com

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LUXURIOUS MODERN FURNITURE

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