South Charlotte Living Magazine Jul-Aug 2012

LIVINGLiving the Good Life JULY | AUGUST 2012

Priceless

Also Inside: Destination... Staycations

Making the old new again with antique toys

LIVINGSouth CharlotteSouth Charlotte

Advanced Dentistry of BlakeneyThe Highest Standards for

Exceptional Results

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At Advanced Dentistry, we are passionateabout using new technology to improve the

comfort and quality of dentistry for youand your entire family.

From the moment you enter our of�ce, we want you to feel atease. We go the extra mile to transform routine dental careinto a truly pleasant experience. During your appointment,relax in our plush leather dental chairs and watch TV on our�at screen HD monitors. If you or a loved one are uneasyabout undergoing dental procedures, we would be happyto discuss how nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscioussedation, IV sedation or deep sedation can maximizeyour comfort. You’ll notice our unique atmosphere on

your very �rst visit!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!The doctors and sta� at Advanced Dentistry would like to take this special opportunity to thankour wonderful patients for your continued loyalty. We are truly humbled by the most generousreviews and testimonials we receive on a daily basis. In every facet of our profession, we striveto provide you and your families with the best dental care. Our commitment to you will beto continue exceeding your expectations. For our future patients, we encourage you to visitour website. From there, you can read our reviews, learn about the many services we o�er,and even schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit! Fromeveryone at Advanced Dentistry, we thank you.

www. BlakeneySmiles .com

CALL (704) 543.1102

COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY DENTAL CARE!Cosmetic Dentistry • CEREC Crowns in a Single Visit! • Placement and Restoration of Dental ImplantsDigital X-rays • Invisalign Preferred Provider • ZOOM! 1-Hour Power Whitening • Metal-Free Fillings

Wisdom Teeth Extractions • Migraine Relief and Elimination Therapy • Sleep Apnea Devices

8918 Blakeney Professional Drive, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28277

Dr. George A. BetancourtDr. John M. Pinnix IV

� sclivingmag.com • JULY | AUGUST 2012

FEATURE 8 • Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney The Highest Standards for Exceptional Results

DESTINATION14 • Staycations! LIVINGLIFE:PARTTWO18 • What’s Old Is New Again! Giving Antique Toys a New Life

WELLBEING&BEINGWELL20 • Keeping Kids Drug Free

21 • Pass the Glass & Pair the Wine

BUSINESS22 • Business Spotlight on Guided Hands Wellness Spa

SOUTHCHARLOTTELIVING MAGAZINEHITSTHEROAD26 • Festa Italiana Charlotte

JULY | AUGUST 2012

Tell us what you think! Let us know what you want to see in future issues!

| CONTENTS |

ABOUTTHECOVERInthisissuewetalkwithDr.GeorgeBetancourtandDr.

JohnPinnix.Thesedentists,alongwiththeirstaff,goabove

andbeyondtoprovidetheirpatientswithhighquality,

comprehensivetreatment.Findoutmoreinourfeature

articleonpage8.

Photoby:LoraynDeLuca.CoverStoryby:NancyMoore.

INEVERYISSUE5 • Nancy’s Notes

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JULY | AUGUST 2012 • sclivingmag.com �

PUBLISHERDavid Simms, Jr.

CHIEFEXECUTIVEEDITORLEADWRITERNancy [email protected]

DIRECTOROFPHOTOGRAPHYLorayn DeLucawww.MamaLucaMedia.com

ARTDIRECTORKatie Kidd

[email protected] - 704-443-8216Judy Berg704-458-7964Bev Martin704-847-6476

SUBMISSIONS&[email protected]

3122-100 Fincher Farm Rd. Suite 216Matthews, NC 28105704-443-8216

www.SCLIVINGMAG.com

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JULY / AUGUST 2012Living the Good life

“Riding round town with all the windows down. Eight track playing all your favorite sounds . . . ‘cause it’s summer, summer time is here. Yes, it’s summer, my time of year”fromWar’sSummer

Waxingnostalgicabout‘thegoodolesummertime’isaverycommon,andenjoyable,pastime.There’salotofactivityinthesummer–school’sout,kidsarehome,andfamiliesarevacationing.Fromcookoutstocampingout,hotdaysandhotdogs(yes,thatparallelisastretch),summerisagreattimetomakememories.Yearsfromnowwe’lllookatthephotostakenbythepool,atthebeach,orinourownbackyardandrememberthegoodtimeswehad.

ThisissueofSouthCharlotteLivingMagazinetouchesonmemories. Advanced Dentistry was one of our first covers whenwestartedasMatthewsLivingandwe’veenjoyedourcontinuedrelationshipovertheyears.ItwasfuntocatchupwithDr.BetancourtandDr.Pinnixtoseewhat’snewatAdvancedDentistryofBlakeney.

OurLivingLife:Part2articleisallaboutmemories–childhoodmemoriestobeexact.NotonlydidIenjoymeetingBobSmithandlearningabouthishobbyofrestoringantiquetoys,butIenjoyeddoingadditionalresearchandlearningaboutthecompaniesthatmadesuchgreattoyswaybackwhen.

Lookingahead,we’retryingoutanewfeature:SouthCharlotteLivingMagazineHitstheRoad.Therearesomanygreatannualeventsinourarea.Ourhopeistovisittodayandpromotetomorrow.Inotherwords,wewanttoattendtheevent,tellyouaboutit,andthenremindyouoftheirupcomingdate(s)thefollowingyear.

AsfortheFatMan,he’sdecidedtotakethesummeroff.Sincehefeelsthattherearesomanyrestaurantsandsolittletime,hethoughthewouldsqueezeinasmuchdiningaspossible.HemaycomebackastheFatterMan.

One final thought: As I was writing the Destination article, I realizedthatwhenwe’reyoungwesay,“There’snothingtodo!”Aswegetolderwesay,“Ijustwanttosithereanddonothing!”

Sothat’swhatI’mgoingtodo.Isuggestyoudothesame.

ChiefExecutiveEditor,South Charlotte Living

Tell us what you think! Let us know what you want to see in future issues! Q

South Charlotte Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet South Charlotte Living standards. Submissions are wel-come, but unsolicited materials are not guar-anteed to be returned. South Charlotte Living assumes no responsibil-ity for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part with-out written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

{ }Nancy’sNotes:




By: Nancy Moore | Photos: Lorayn DeLuca, Mama Luca Media

The Highest Standards for Exceptional ResultsAdvanced Dentistry of BlakeneyAdvanced Dentistry of Blakeney


Advanced is generally defined as being ahead or further

along in progress as it applies to knowledge or skill. Civilizations are advanced; high school and college classes are advanced. There are advanced degrees, advanced methods, and advanced illness. Dentistry has been around for almost 10,000 years! It’s been advancing for a long time. Doesn’t it go without saying then that most dental offices provide the same services?

Dr. George Betancourt and Dr. John Pinnix, along with their staff, go above and beyond to provide their patients with high quality, comprehensive treatment. It’s more than providing excellent service; it’s developing relationships that last.

Dr. George Betancourt

Dr. Betancourt is a native of Orlando, Florida. He earned his undergraduate degree in molecular and microbiology from the University of Central Florida, and his doctor of dental medicine from the University of Connecticut. While in dental school, Dr. Betancourt was the recipient of a high achievement scholarship from the American Dental Association. In addition, he conducted and participated in a variety of research projects. One project, studying the periodontal pathogen porphyromonas gingivalis (we’ll just call it pathogen P.) and its effect on human gingival tissue, was presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Dental Research in 2001. Pathogen P. is a bacterium that causes inflammation of the tissue and can lead not only to tooth loss, but loss of the supporting ligament and bone as well.

His education continued with post-doctorate training as he completed a residency in general dentistry at Carolinas Medical Center and served as chief resident in his final year. This two-year residency program is rather unusual for general dentistry practitioners. Dr. Betancourt believes that the additional training gave him the knowledge and skills to be the best he could be and, certainly, one of the best in the industry.

Dr. John Pinnix

Dr. Pinnix, a Greensboro native, earned his undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and his doctor of dental medicine from the University of Louisville (KY). Dr. Pinnix has studied extensively at the Spear Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. In particular, Dr. Pinnix has expanded knowledge regarding cosmetic rehabilitation of major problems that result from heavy wear and broken teeth, and the management and treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ)-related disorders. The Spear Center is widely respected in the dental community for providing doctors with additional skills and knowledge. Dr. Pinnix is currently working towards his accreditation status with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, widely recognized as the highest level of competence in cosmetic dentistry.

It doesn’t end there

Dr. Betancourt is certified in North Carolina for intravenous conscious sedation and by the American Heart Association for advanced cardiac life support and basic life support. He is a member

Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney It’s more than providing excellent service; it’s developing relationships that last.

10 sclivingmag.com • JULY | AUGUST 2012

of the American Dental Association, the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, the North Carolina Dental Society, and the Charlotte Dental Society.

Dr. Pinnix is certified through the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation and is an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He, too, is a member of the American Dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Society, as well as the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and an associate fellow of the World Clinical Laser Institute.

Both doctors are certified Invisalign providers, with Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney being recognized as a “Premier Provider,” a designation based on the total number and frequency of Invisalign cases performed.

The staff

Several members of the staff – Maria, Amber, Elizabeth, and Erin – have been with the practice since it opened seven years ago. Nikki has been with the practice for five years, Amanda and Jennifer three

years, and Lauren joined the practice as a dental assistant this year.

The doctors cannot say enough about their staff. Maria, who is from Peru and fluent in Spanish and English, and Amanda are the patient’s first point of contact whether it is answering the phone or greeting patients at the door. The doctors refer to them as patient advocates and problem solvers. Both ladies are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. In the case of an emergency, they will do their best to get patients seen the same day.

Amber, Elizabeth, and Nikki are all registered dental hygienists (RDH) (Nikki is also a certified dental assistant), and Erin, Jennifer, and Lauren are certified dental assistants (CDA). It is the goal of the entire team to make their patients as comfortable as possible during every visit to the office.

Out of the office

I am continuously amazed at how much time doctors and dentists devote to their patients and continuing their education. I always wonder if and how they have time for outside activities or hobbies! Ph

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Dr. Betancourt and his wife, Melissa, are busy parents to Amelia, 5, and Grey, 11 months. Family time is a priority, but he does enjoy a round of golf when the opportunity presents itself.

Dr. Pinnix met his wife, Cori, while they were both students at UNC. He remembers it vividly, because Hurricane Fran was headed their way. After dental school, Cori and Dr. Pinnix moved to Atlanta, where he practiced for four years. They settled in the Matthews area and have two children, Calli, 7, and Brock, 3. Spending time with his family is at the top of his list, but he, too, enjoys golf, as well as traveling, trying new restaurants, and anything Tarheel.

In the office

Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney is located in the Blakeney Professional Park on the corner of Rea and Ardrey Kell Roads (704-543-1102), across from the shopping center with Target and Marshall’s. The space has lots of sunlight, the

colors are muted, and it’s very relaxing; you almost forget you’re in a dental office. Your first visit will be longer than usual and probably

more comprehensive than what you’d expect. A staff member will take you on a tour of the office and answer any questions you have about what you see. The doctors take their time to perform a detailed exam, oral cancer screening, and many other analyses. They are extremely thorough and will point out and explain any existing problems and instruct you on preventative care.

Dr. Betancourt enjoys restoring teeth with esthetic porcelain materials, placing dental implants, wisdom tooth surgeries, and cosmetic dentistry. His experience with conscious sedation allows him to comfortably treat patients who have anxiety related to dental procedures.

Dr. Pinnix enjoys cosmetic dentistry, such as veneers, crowns, implants, etc., and likes the challenges presented with complex cases. Ph

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He is passionate about creating beautiful, natural, healthy looking smiles. He also works with patients who suffer from (TMJ).

Advanced Dentistry also works closely with Dr. Charles Cangemi, a dental anesthesiologist, who is sometimes brought in for complicated procedures where general anesthesia is the best form of sedation. What a great luxury to have general anesthesia services for your dental needs in such a private outpatient setting!

The equipment used by the doctors and staff is state of the art. I’ve written many times about the use of a CEREC in dental offices. CEREC is the way to go for a single visit crown. Advanced Dentistry recently acquired the latest and most advanced CEREC to date. Prior to the chairside CEREC, dentists would make impressions and send them to the lab, where, possibly ten days later, the crown would be made and shipped to the dentist. The patient would be sent home with a temporary crown fearful of eating the wrong food or biting too hard. When the crown was sent to the dentist, the patient’s temporary crown was removed and everyone had his or her fingers crossed that the permanent crown would fit correctly. Today’s CEREC is fast and designs proper fitting crowns quickly. The material used is the same that is used in traditional labs, so the crown will last. The dentist is able to match the color of the crown to the natural color of the patient’s teeth so the crown is undetectable.

The bottom line

Not only are Drs. Betancourt and Pinnix dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental care through their experience, staff, equipment, and taking a vested interest in their patients, but also they’re genuinely nice guys. Whether you need a routine check-up and cleaning, or something more serious, give them a call to experience what being Advanced is all about.

Photos by: Lorayn DeLuca, Mama Luca Media

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Not only are Drs. Betancourt and Pinnix dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental care through their

experience, staff, equipment, and taking a vested interest in their patients, but

also they’re genuinely nice guys.



By: Nancy Moore | Photos by: Lorayn DeLuca

DestinationStaycations!!


The dog days of summer are upon us and you’re looking for something to combat the frequently heard cry, “There’s noth-ing to do!” Ah, but there is. With a map and a little research

you can find plenty to do to fill the days. Here are a few suggestions taken from each quadrant – north, east, south, and west. Each desti-nation is no more than an hour’s drive from the Charlotte area.

North

One of my favorite destinations, and what I believe to be little known local treasure, is the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville. The Lazy 5 Ranch is privately owned and operated by Henry Hampton, a well-respected exotic animals handler who has been raising exotic animals for over 35 years. Years before opening his ranch to the public, Mr. Hampton would allow school groups to visit his home and peer through a fence to see the animals. Curious onlookers would drive through Mr. Hamp-ton’s driveway to catch a glimpse of the animals. Knowing he had an educational and entertaining enterprise at his fingertips, he began developing a plan for a park that would provide children and adults with the opportunity to fully, and clearly, see his ex-tensive collection.

On May 22, 1993, with a staff of five, two buildings, and two wagons, the Lazy 5 Ranch officially opened. People often ask how the ranch got its name. When discuss-ing a name, Mr. Hampton’s son pointed out that there were five “lazy” people in the family and suggested the Lazy 5 Ranch.

The ranch, which receives no state or federal funding, is home to over 750 animals from six continents. There are two ways to take the 3-1/2 mile safari ride: you can drive your own car or ride in a horse drawn open-air wagon.

What will you see? Cattle, horses, sheep and goats, deer and elk, giraffes and rhino, pigs, camels and llamas, kangaroos, birds, quail and pheasants, ducks and swans, porcupines and tortoises. You may even see a peacock waiting for a soda can to drop from the machine. Be sure to bring your camera!

Lazy 5 Ranch is located at 15100 Mooresville Road in Mooresville, NC. You can reach them at 704-663-5100. The ranch is open seven days a week and does not accept debit/credit cards. Reservations are required for the wagon ride. The price of admission varies.

South

Pageland, South Carolina’s claim to fame is its annual Watermelon Festival, held this year on July 20 and 21. Being known as the “Water-melon Capital of the World” is a title that this town of 3,000 residents takes very seriously.

The first festival was held on July 12, 1951, with about 5,000 peo-ple in attendance. The following year saw three times that number – 15,000. This year’s festival is expected to draw over 30,000 people from across the Southeast.

The festival opens at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 20. Friday is arm-band night (6:00 – 10:00) where one price gets the wearer unlimited carnival rides. Vendors will be open until 9:00 p.m. and a concert in Moore’s Park begins at 10:00 p.m. The festival closes for the day at

midnight.

The second day of fun begins at 9:00 a.m. One of South Carolina’s largest pa-rades begins at 11:00 a.m. You’ll have plenty of things to do on day two. There’s a car show on Pearl Street from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and contests for all things wa-termelon at 3:00 p.m. A concert begins at 8:00 p.m. and the annual festival comes to a close at midnight.

The annual Watermelon Festival takes place on Pearl Street, Pageland, SC.

East

Reed Gold Mine is a wonderful piece of history in our backyard. Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first documented gold find in the United States. During its peak years, gold mining was second only to farming in the number of North Carolinians it employed. North Carolina led the nation in gold production, mining over $1 million a year, until the California Gold Rush began in 1848.

John Reed was a German soldier with the British Army. At the end of the Revolutionary War, Reed left the army and settled with fellow Germans in North Carolina. In 1799 Reed’s son, Conrad, found a large yellow rock in Little Meadow Creek on the Reeds’ prop-erty. Not knowing what it was, the Reed family allegedly used the 17-pound rock as a doorstop. In 1802 a Fayetteville jeweler, knowing the ‘rock’ was gold, purchased it for $3.50 – one tenth of one percent of its value!

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Reed began mining his property in 1803. During that year, a slave named Peter uncovered a 28-pound nugget – the largest piece of gold found on the property.

Underground mining began in 1831, six years after it was discov-ered that gold was in the veins of the white quartz rock. Reed died in 1845 a rich man. The last underground mining was in 1912. Por-tions of the underground tunnels of the mine have been restored for guided tours.

Reed Gold Mine is located at 9621 Reed Mine Road in Midland, NC, and can be reached at 704-721-GOLD (4653). The mine is closed Sundays, Mondays, and most major holidays. Touring the mine is free, but it’ll cost you $2 to pan for gold.

West

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is North Carolina’s own Gar-den of Eden. In 1989 retired Belmont, NC, textile executive Daniel Jonathan Stowe set aside 380 acres of prime property. In 1991 he announced his plans for the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, and the Daniel J. Stowe Conservancy was formed.

An interim visitor center and gardens were constructed and opened to the public in 1992. The board of directors approved a master plan in 1994, unveiled it to the public in 1995, and the clearing of the land for Phase One began. The official groundbreaking of Phase One was in 1997 and, with Phase One complete, the garden opened on October 9, 1999.

The Garden continues to grow and expand. The ‘White Garden’ opened on June 15, 2003, and an azalea garden was planted with hun-dreds of Encore azaleas in July 2004. In September 2007 the ‘Willow Maze’ was created as an interactive, education feature for children. The orchid conservatory opened on January 19, 2008, and is the Car-olinas’ only glass house open to the public.

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is located at 6500 South New Hope Road in Belmont. The phone number is 704-825-4490. Ad-mission prices vary. Be sure to bring your camera, bug spray, and sunscreen. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase, and you can bring in coolers to set up a picnic. No grills and no pets allowed.

Enjoy your summer and let us know if you choose any one of these recommended outings. As a friend once told me, “North, south, east, west – sometimes staying home is best.” (

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What’s Old Is New Again!Giving Antique Toys a New Life

“Memories light the corners of my mind . . .” There are many things that trigger memories. The smell of a certain food, the scent of a perfume, a favorite song from years gone by can bring

back a single memory and a flood of emotion. How often do we hear people say that they remember where they were when President Ken-nedy was shot? I remember where I was when I heard the news about John Lennon. Years from now, today’s youth will recall where they were and what they were doing on 9-11.

Toys, too, are triggers. Girls and their Barbies, boys with GI Joes. When we pick up a favorite childhood toy, we’re of-ten sent back in time. The memories can be so vivid that, if we close our eyes, it’s like we’re watching a movie with us as the star! The feeling is pure happiness. Imag-ine being able to not only experience that joy on a daily basis, but to provide the same opportunity to others. Bob Smith of Matthews does just that.

Age is just a number

Meeting Bob for the first time you’d never guess he’s 78 years old. When he talks about doing what he loves, he sounds like a little boy – but that’s a good thing. Bob restores antique toys.

Bob is a bundle of energy as we sit in his living room getting ac-quainted. Surrounded by toys in various stages of restoration, and a large fire truck needing only minor repairs, Bob recalls how his mother was very talented with arts and crafts, and how, each Christmas, she would set up an antique German cardboard decoration under the tree. Bob has that decoration and it is well over seventy years old. He also

shares stories of setting up full train sets complete with buildings and landscaping.

I ask Bob to tell me about each vehicle and am very impressed by his knowledge! He says he’s been doing it for so long that there isn’t a lot he hasn’t seen or restored.

The trucks are called Buddy “L” trucks. Buddy “L” toys were orig-inally manufactured by the Moline (Illinois) Pressed Steel Company,

started by Fred A. Lundahl in 1910 as the Moliner Press Steel Co. and a supplier of automobile fenders and body parts, as well as parts for John Deere tractors and plows. In 1913, Fred changed the name and, rather than supplying, began manu-facturing the pressed steel parts. It was around this time that Fred took pieces of scrap metal and made a black and red truck for his four-year old son, Arthur, af-fectionately called ‘Buddy.’ One year lat-er, with the truck still looking as good as new, Fred made a dump truck for Buddy’s fifth birthday. The toy business had be-gun. The original truck became the pro-totype for the No. 200 Buddy “L” Express Truck. It was 24-inches long and weighed nine pounds. In 1921 Fred visited F.A.O.

Schwarz in New York with samples of his pressed steel trucks. After signing a contract with the Fifth Avenue toy store, Fred stopped by Marshall Field & Co. in Chicago and, as luck would have it, signed another contract. The first Buddy “L” truck retailed for $6.50 and the dump truck sold for $7.50. Today, fully restored, these trucks could sell for several hundred dollars.

The fire truck, which weighs about thirty pounds, was made by Doepke Toys, a company started in 1946 by Charles Doepke (pro-


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nounced ‘dep key’) and his brother Fredrick. Doepke Toys produced trucks, trains, construction vehicles, and cars. They were, and still are, known for their realism. So realistic, in fact, that auto salesmen would carry the toy with them on sales calls. The realistic toys were very popu-lar with little boys. Sadly, because of the cost of materials and competi-tors manufacturing wooden toys, Doepke Toys closed its doors in 1959. Like Buddy “L,” Doepke toys can sell for several hundred dollars.

Bob’s Doepke fire truck is in excellent condition, despite being 62 years old. Unlike fire trucks of similar age, the ladder is in tact, goes up and down, and turns. Once fully restored, Bob expects the fire truck to be worth about $250.

Bob’s favorite toys are TootsieToys. TootsieToys have a long and diverse history. As early as 1899, the company, founded some twenty years earlier by brothers Charles and Samuel Dowst, was making metal novelty items, used primarily for promotions. The company manufac-tured collar buttons, small irons, animals, whistles, etc., and cars. In 1906, Samuel’s son Theodore joined the firm. He had the foresight to patent the designs of the cars and trucks in the 1920s. TootsieToys also made the metal miniatures used in Monopoly and the toy prizes in Cracker Jack.

Bob has well over four hundred TootsieToys cars and he knows the exact location of each model. Ask him for a 1957 Chevy Bel Air and he’ll quickly pull it out of the right tray.

Bob’s tried-and-true method involves removing the original paint with a wire brush or chemical. He then primes each toy to give it a good long-lasting undercoat. If the original color of the toy is difficult or impossible to determine, Bob will paint it the color of his choice.

Before the Internet

Natives of Derry, Pennsylvania, Bob and his wife Ruth moved to Mint Hill in 1985, then to Matthews in 1988. Ruth and Bob would travel to toy shows and set up items Bob had restored. Eventually, fewer and fewer toy shows were held and, as Bob and Ruth aged, it became more difficult to pack up, set up, and tear down. Bob realized the way to go was eBay. He is a frequent buyer and seller of antique toys and has gotten some really good deals, oftentimes from sellers who don’t know the value of what they have.

Bob retired in 1996 after 23 years with World Book Encyclopedia. Instead of spending forty hours a week selling encyclopedias, he spends the same amount of time restoring one Buddy “L” truck.

Got toys?

Bob loves restoring antique toys, cars, and trucks, and will repair them as well. You can reach him at 704-845-1079 or [email protected]. He doesn’t restore or repair girls’ toys; so don’t ask about dolls, dollhouses, carriages, etc. Guess that means he can’t rewire my Baby Go Bye Bye’s Bumpity Buggy (circa 1969). (


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Monica Chaney interviews Patty Jo Sawvel, an award-win-ning investigative journalist who recently released 15 years

of research in her new book, Under the Influence: The Town That Listened to its Kids.

Q. Patty Jo, many parents feel overwhelmed when it comes to keeping their kids drug-free. What can they do?

A. There are some very simple, yet effective strategies that parents can use. For instance, they can become “hands on” parents by adopt-ing 10 simple rules. These include assigning teens regular chores, imposing a curfew, and eating dinner with their teens almost every night. Research shows that there is a strong correlation between parenting style and teenage risk for drug abuse.

Q. How important is it for parents to believe that their child can remain drug-free?

A. Parental expectations are powerful. According to one study, par-ents who believe that drug use by their teen is “very likely” increase their teen’s likelihood of becoming a substance abuser by 300%. So it’s no surprise that another one of those 10 rules is to let your teen know that you would be “extremely upset” if they used pot or any other drug. Some parents are taking this a step farther by giving

their teens random drug tests at home. Simple test kits are available at most drug stores ($12-$40) and this lets the teens know that they will be held accountable for their choices.

Q. I know that in your research, you surveyed over 1500 teens and interviewed hundreds of young people. What are some key factors in teens choosing to stay drug-free?

A. The number one reason teens give for abstaining from drugs and underage drinking is that they do not want to “harm the relationship between themselves and the caring adults (usually parents) in their lives.” So when teens feel a strong sense of connectedness to each of their parents, this greatly reduces their risk of substance abuse. A teen’s relationship to control is also a powerful indicator. Does your child view authority figures as helpful or harmful? Finally, how many healthy coping skills does your child have for combating stress? These three C’s are powerful indicators of a child’s risk for drug abuse. The good news is: Parents can identify and help a child modify his or her relationship to the three C’s at virtually any age.

“Under the Influence: The Town That Listened to its Kids” is avail-able in paperback and ebook at Amazon.com. The book contains “hands on” household rules, a Parent’s Handbook and guide to Understanding Today’s Youth. Patty Jo Sawvel is available to speak to groups and clubs. Contact her at 336-869-9102, email at pjsawvel@gmail. (


You’ve been picking up a bottle of wine along with all the rest of your groceries for years. But have you been doing it right? Ever wondered why certain wines taste so good with certain foods? You’re not alone. The

answers are as simple and complex as the varietals you choose with your meal.

Let’s get right down to the meat. No, really, should we be drinking reds with our thick steak and why? It’s all about the tannins - a wine’s pucker power so to speak, which is derived from the grapes’ skins, stems and seeds. Tannins in red wine are powerful, and frankly overpowering for something as light and flaky as a white fish, says Chef Lucia Miltenberger, culinary instructor at The Art Institute of Colorado. “Tannins love a nice marbled ribeye,”she says.

Just when things are getting juicy, it’s time for a chemistry lesson. “Food changes wines in very predictable, scientifically proven ways, and that can be for better or for worse,” says Chef Jane Nickles, culinary academic director at The Art Institute of Austin, a branch of The Art Institute of Houston.

Take acidic foods like salad dressing, ceviche or anything vinegary. If you pair them with an acidic wine like a sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio or a riesling, it will make the wine less acidic - and that’s a good thing. If you’re serving sweeter foods, don’t serve a dry wine like a cabernet sauvignon, merlot or chardonnay, since the sweeter food will make your wine taste less sweet.

Chef Larry Canepa, culinary instructor at The Art Institute of Phoenix, says it’s really all about the sauce. “If you’re serving a heavy white sauce like an alfredo, choose a crisp white wine with some acidity to balance out the richness and fat of the dairy-based sauce,” he says. Conversely, if you’re serving an acidic tomato sauce, balance it out with a tannic red wine.

Another rule of thumb Canepa uses is to pair the dish with a wine from the same region. “If you’re cooking up northern Italian fare, pick out a wine from that region in Italy,” he says.

And if you’re just starting to delve into wines, Miltenberger recommends some balanced whites and reds that both newcomers and wine connoisseurs can enjoy. “If you haven’t had a lot of wine, you could be turned off by the dryness, so a nice balanced riesling or a Vouvray from the Loire Valley in France are a good start. For reds, try an Oregon Pinot Noir or a Beaujolais or Rose d’Anjou from France.” Not only will your palate be happy, but so will your pocketbook. Miltenberger says most of these wines retail for $10 to $15.

With that kind of price point, Canepa’s philosophy is on target, “Wine is not a luxury or an indulgence, it’s an ingredient.” And Nickles sums it up, “The bottom line is simple, food and wine go well together. You can serve any food with any wine and have a better meal.” (

Pass the Glass & Pair the Wine!


According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of massage therapists is expected to grow by 20 percent from 2010 to 2020 – faster than the

average for all occupations. That’s an amazing statistic for an occupa-tion and form of physical treatment that has been around since at least 3000 B.C. Other interesting statistics are that approximately 87 per-cent of massage therapists are women and that it is primarily a second career.

Making the change

Barbara J. “BJ” Verrastro, owner of Guided Hands Wellness Spa, falls squarely into that statistic. BJ worked as a claims manager in the insurance industry for 14 years. To reduce stress and muscle soreness from sitting at a desk all day, the company brought in massage ther-apists. BJ began getting regular massages and over a five-year span noticed a remarkable difference in how she felt both physically and mentally. Her interest in the field of massage therapy grew as she re-peatedly recognized the positive impact it had on her own wellbeing. After years in corporate America, BJ knew she had to make a change. Not only did she want it for herself, but also to improve the quality of life for others.

A native of Chardon, Ohio, BJ began her massage therapy educa-tion in Ohio. After relocating to Charlotte in 2008, she completed her education at the Southeastern Institute and was licensed in 2009.

Guided Hands opened its doors on October 26, 2010, with two thera-pists (including BJ), two rooms, and two tables.

As many sole proprietors know, working in the business and work-ing on the business are two different things, especially when you are trying to grow the business. As a therapist, working in the business, BJ realized she needed someone to work on the business. Enter BJ’s sister, Brandy.

The spa

Margaret Mead once said, “Sisters is probably the most competi-tive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.”

Brandy Mickovic joined Guided Hands in February 2011. Also born and raised in Chardon, Brandy lived in Maryland before moving to Charlotte in 2010. A former court reporter and sole proprietor of a court reporting company, Brandy is a co-owner in the business and serves as its operations manager. The spa was growing and outgrow-ing! On May 10th of this year, BJ and Brandy held a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil their new location at 10931 East Independence Boulevard (next door to Golden Corral).

Their new space is twice the size of their former East John Street location – there are four rooms with six tables and four enthusiastic

By Nancy Moore

Business Spotlight on...

Affordable Massage, Uncompromising Service

GUIDED HANDS WELLNESS SPA

[Editor’s note: In March of this year South Charlotte Living Magazine participated in the Matthews Chamber of Commerce Business Expo. One of the door prizes for attendees was a business spotlight in an upcoming issue. Barb (BJ) Verrastro, one of the owners of Guided Hands Wellness Spa, was the lucky winner.]


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and dedicated therapists: BJ, Nicole Marcotte (lead thera-pist), Ami Langdon, and Jan-na Spurr. The spa also works with independent contractors on an as needed basis. Each therapist is licensed in North Carolina and several therapists are certified in additional specialized areas.

BJ and Brandy do not believe in cutting corners – if a massage is booked for sixty minutes, it’s the full sixty minutes. The same goes for a ninety-minute massage. Contrary to the policies of many of their competitors, no time is deducted for a consultation or dress-ing/undressing. Personal consultation is built into booking settings to ensure enough time is spent understanding the needs of each client without taking away from the massage experience. Member-ship is not required and each massage is customized to the needs of the client.

Why massage?

While massage isn’t a cure-all, it can help in many ways. In an age of technical and, at times, impersonal medicine, massage offers a drug-free, noninvasive, and holistic approach to treatment based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Massage therapy can ease the pain and discomfort caused by muscle tension and muscle spasms in the neck, shoulders, and back, as well as tension headaches and migraines. It can also reduce the pain of more serious illnesses such as fibromyalgia.

Massage increases circulation allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. It also stimulates the flow of lymph, the body’s natural defense system, and causes the body to release endorphins, the natural painkiller. Studies have shown that the release of these natural chemicals has a direct impact on the healing and recovery of patients with cancer and chronic ill-ness. Lymph attacks the toxic invader and endorphins provide us with an overall sense of wellbeing.

Massage improves flexibility and range of motion, and provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles. It can reduce post-surgery adhesions and edema, and reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred. For pregnant women, prenatal massage

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A Guided Hands testimony

Linda Hartsell says, “What a difference! I was having a lot of discomfort in my shoul-der and a chiropractor and physical therapy were not making that much of a difference. A neighbor recommended I try Guided Hands. After a few visits I was out of pain. I now come in for ‘maintenance’ visits. I was so impressed with my experience, that I recommended to my husband, Richard, that he give them a try. He has experienced hip pain for years. He had never had a massage and only went because he had tried every-thing else – chiropractor, physical therapy, steroid shots, prescriptions, and nothing seemed to make much of a difference. He went for his first appointment and came back as impressed as I was. Now, after several visits he sings their praises to anyone who will listen; even his doctors. We highly recommend Guided Hands.”


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can promote shorter labor and reduce the need for medication. It can also help with the post-baby blues.

If you’ve never had a massage, or have pre-conceived notions about massage, here are some things you need to know. First, you don’t have to take your clothes off – massage can be done while you are fully clothed. Second, you don’t have to lie down on a table – specially designed massage chairs are an alternative option. Third, and most important, your massage therapist is a certified and well-educated professional.

Relationships

Building long-lasting personal and business relationships is important to BJ and Brandy. As members of the Matthews Chamber of Com-merce and Carolina Trade Exchange, the women are extremely grateful to these organizations and their members for their continued support. In an effort to give back to their community, Guided Hands is participating in “EveryBody Deserves a Massage” week, beginning July 15 and sponsored

by Associated Bodywork & Massage Profession-als. Guided Hands will kickoff the week with a blood drive for the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas beginning at 2:00 p.m. on July 16. Throughout the week they are offering a free chair massage to anyone who donates to Cindy’s Hope Chest, a local nonprofit organization dedi-cated to providing emotional and financial sup-port to women battling breast cancer.

Make your appointment

You can learn much more about Guided Hands by visiting their website at guidedhand-swellness.com. Read about the different services (hot stone, cupping, cocooning, etc.) as well as available discounts. Click on “Meet Our Team” to see what each therapist offers. You can book your appointment online by clicking on “Book/Buy Here” or by phone at 980-245-7125. The spa is open Tuesday through Saturday and is ac-credited through the Better Business Bureau.

Treat yourself (or a loved one) to an hour or more of pampering and leave refreshed and re-laxed. I’m sure you’ll love every minute.


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First up: Festa Italiana Charlotte

The 7th annual St. Anthony Festa Italiana was held on Sunday, May 20, 2012, on the grounds of Queens University. Attendees paid one price ($59 per person or $110 for two people) and were treated to what is said to be the best Italian food in Charlotte, Cavit wines, Peroni beer, and entertainment. Chefs from some of Charlotte’s best Italian restaurants were in attendance to prepare and demonstrate for the crowd. Live entertainment included soloists strolling through the crowd singing Italian arias, as well as dancing and musical entertain-ment from the stage.

The best part about Festa Italiana (aside from the food, wine, beer, entertainment) is that it’s all done for charity! In 2006, Dr. Vincent Voci, a well-respected plastic surgeon in Charlotte, held a small (125 people) St. Anthony Italian festival to raise money for the Nevins Center, an organization serving developmentally disabled individu-als, ages 16 and up, by providing the structure and social tools they need to work and interact in the community. With the success of the event, Dr. Voci established the St. Anthony Foundation of Charlotte, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Today’s Festa Italiana raises money for the Nevins Center and Holy Angels. Located in Belmont, Holy Angels provides a home for children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities.

This year’s festival hosted more than 400 people and raised $21,000 for these two organizations. To date, the Nevins Center has received over $40,000 from the festival. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon in May enjoying Italian food, spirits, and entertain-ment. A slice of Italy doing great things in Charlotte.

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Editor’s note: Lorayn and I love to travel. Granted, we don’t do it together, but we both love to travel. And eat. And drink good wine and craft beer. So we figured, why not do all the things we love at one time and document it? Here’s our first installment of

a new feature – SCLM Hits the Road. We’ll visit local events, hopefully have a good time, and tell you about it.{

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South Charlotte Living Magazine Jul-Aug 2012