UNION

The ‘real’ Pat Kahle.

Tattoos not just for sailors.

Choose to be happy.

Theater interest surges. October / November 2013www.UnionLifestyle.com

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UNION

EditorNancy E. Stephen

Contributing WritersDeb Coates Bledsoe

Loyd PenningtonLuanne Williams

PhotographersHeather Bostic

Deb Coates BledsoeRick Crider

Nancy E. Stephen

Union LifestyleA publication of

Cameo Communications, LLCPO Box 1064

Monroe, NC 28111-1064(704) 753- 9288

www.UnionLifestyle.com

Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 3

ContentsUnion Lifestyle

October / November 2013

4Away from Public View:Pat Kahle.

9If I won $3 million

in the lottery, I’d . . .

10Arts council leadsdrive to bring backcommunity theater.

12Local men plan to renovate anduse old theater.

14Tats – they’re not

just for sailorsanymore.

18Ballroom a

second life for local teacher.

20Life Lessons:

Choose to be happy,savor life’s gifts.

22Monroestock

back for 12th year.

24Villa Mia:

Traditional Italianfood, and plenty of it

LifestyleUNION

October / November 2013Vol. 2, No. 6

On the coverJacob Womack, 3, skips with delightafter choosing a pumpkin at AwShucks!

Nancy Stephen photo

6Bondsmen bail out – and chase after –

defendants.

Like us on Facebook!www.facebook.com/UnionLifestyle

Away from public view

The ‘real’ Pat KahlePat Kahle recently was named president of the Union CountyChamber of Commerce. The 53-year-old woman has been inthe public view throughout her career and in communityservice. The 2011 Woman of the Year gave us insight to the“real” Pat.

Childhood ambition: I wanted to be a teacher of youngchildren until I was in high school.

Guilty pleasure: Ice cream. I could absolutely eat ice cream24-7, preferably chocolate-related, but really any flavor.

Guilty splurge: If anything, shoes. I do like my shoes, but I’mnot all that good to myself.

Inspiration: Alex (her daughter who died during her senior yearin high school.) Everyday I think “don’t screw this up. Don’t doanything that she would say ‘Really, Mother? That’s what yourdoing’?” Do it right. The things that I do reflect on Alex.

Challenge: My new position as executive of the Chamber. Thisis big for me, changing careers at this time of my life.

Lemons to lemonade story: The Alex Kahle MemorialScholarship Fund. When we lost Alex, the world changed. Ourfriends came to us during that horrible time and said, “Thisscholarship fund might be something you want to do.” At thetime, with everything being such a blur, we said, “Yes, yes, that’sfine.” When life settled down, that’s when it really became sucha blessing. We were blessed to have friends think for us whenwe couldn’t think for ourselves. Then friends wanted to start agolf tournament to raise money, and the fund took a life of itsown. (The fund has given $22,000 in scholarships to UnionCounty female seniors.)

Greatest joy in life: Reading on the boat while my husbandfishes. Dick and I are together, and we’re best buddies as wellas married. I don’t take my cell phone, just my Kindle. Justbeing on the water where it’s quiet and you can hear the birds –that’s wonderful. I spend my time with my book, with myhusband in the outdoors with no distractions. It’s the mostpeaceful time in my world.

What I know for sure: Change is inevitable, grab on to thehandlebars and go with it.

Most overused expression: It is what it is.

Real life hero: My husband, Dick. We’ve been married 32 yearsthis year, and in those years, he has never failed me. He is aman of his word. If he says he will do something, you can counton it. He and I have been through one of life's greatesttragedies. Even when his own heart was broken, he was myrock. His strength carried us both through the toughest time ofour lives. He is the first person I go to when I want to celebrateand when I have a problem. He has maintained his sense ofhumor, his love of life and his commitment to his friends andfamily no matter what obstacle he has faced.

www.togetherwesave.com

6 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013

Text by Luanne Williams

M ention bail bonding to mostpeople and mental images of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” flash tomind, or perhaps thoughts of shady characters only slightly morerespectable than their suspect clients. In truth, while their work involves dealing with defendants andtracking “skips,” most local bonding agents look more likeinsurance salesmen than renegade wranglers. “There can be a lot of excitement to the work, butnot like shows like The Bounty Hunter. You don’tsee people picking up bond skips dressed like Dog,”says Richard Eury, retired bondsman. ”You can'teven be a felon (Duane “Dog” Chapman has amurder conviction) and be a licensed bail bondsmanin North Carolina,” says Robert Mathis, whooperates a bonding agency near the Union CountyJail in conjunction with his brother, Tim, andnephew, Quaid. “We don't go and bust down doorsand harass people. Do we have to break down a dooronce in a while to get someone? Absolutely, but wedon't sensationalize it.“These folks with mohawks, tattoos all over . . .thugs, that's what they look like,” Robert adds.“How could I expect to get respect if I walked up toa house to question somebody about a skip lookinglike that?” Richard says to run a successful bonding agency,you have to be “part bondsman, part lawenforcement officer and part psychologist.” Both men emphasize the role bond agents play in keepingdefendants on track through the court system, in essence a privateindustry, pre-trial release and monitoring program that operateswithout cost to the taxpayers. The industry estimates that North Carolina’s more than 1,200 bailagents save the state some $2 billion a year while putting millions ofdollars into the public school system over time when bonds areforfeited. But bail agents are quick to mention that forfeitures don'thappen very often. According to a 2007 study, bail agents net a one-year fugitive rate of only 3 percent.“I think average retrieval rate for police is 68 to 72 percent, and U.S.

marshals not much more, butfor bail agents, it’s 97percent. We try to bringeveryone back,” Richardsays. The financial incentivemakes the system work. Over the years, he learnedthat of 10 people bondedout, five or six will go tocourt without a problem. Ofthe remaining, two can bebrought into compliancewith just a phone call, andtwo more will require a visitto their home or their localhangout where the agent can

pick them up and take them back to jail. At most, one out of 10 willnot only miss court, but go on the run, sometimes heading out ofstate.“When you bond them out of jail, you get all the information youcan on their family and friends, and you get a co-signer if you knowthey won’t be able to pay you,” he says. Robert says co-signers arethe ticket to tracking skips. “They know where the defendant has been going, where he’s beenhanging out,” he says. “You put the heat on them, and they find (thedefendant) for you.”

Bail bondsmenNot exactly like TV, but sometimes they do chase defendants

Robert Mathis takes notes while listeningto a call from a woman who wanted tobail out her boyfriend who had beenbehind bars for more than a month.At left, his signage is strategically placedto be seen from the jail parking lot.

Nancy Stephen photos

Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 7

Robert says he’s pulled people out of attics, crawl spaces, cabinets,cars, washers and dryers, and even a hot water heater once. “It was aprop, but it looked like a regular hot water heater, with hoses andeverything, just like it was hooked up. But inside, it had beenhollowed out,” he says. Bond agents must go through a 10-step process, including a NorthCarolina exam and a yearlong apprenticeship under another agent,to be licensed by the Department of Insurance.

Unlike some states, North Carolina doesn’t allow freelance bountyhunters who go from place to place, tracking down missing clientsfor big rewards. The closest thing to bounty hunters are “runners,” who can belicensed to help track and bring in defendants for agents, but canonly work for one agent at a time. Most bondsmen go after their own skips. That’s where the lawenforcement or detective role comes in, says Richard, who was alsoa private investigator for six years. He remembers tracking amember of the Outlaws to Vermont based on a hunch and an addresson a matchbook.“He had a big bond and had skipped so I went to Salisbury where heused to live. A truck he used to have, they had it for sale,” he says. He rummaged through the truck’s cab while taking it for a “testdrive,” and found receipts and a matchbook for Daryl’s Garage inFair Haven, Vt. He called the number, talked to a boy whoconfirmed that someone who fit the defendant’s description hadbeen there, and booked a plane for Vermont. “I found him a fewmiles from the Canadian border, where his cousin was writing him acheck so he’d have money,” the retired bondsman says. He quicklyredirected him to North Carolina. Robert has tracked defendants to Florida, Ohio, Delaware, NewYork and other states and has one believed to be in the United ArabEmirates city of Dubai right now. “His dad is going to pay for thatone,” he says. One reason successful bond agents have so few skips overall is theirability to assess and minimize flight risks up front. “It’s just beingable to ask the right questions and knowing which bonds to signfor,” he says. Richard says that’s when bondsmen need to be psychology expertsto determine if a defendant is being truthful. Both men say they haveseen innocent people falsely accused, especially in domestic caseswhere child custody was a issue. “Just because somebody is charged doesn’t mean he is guilty of thatcrime,” Robert says. Luanne Williams, a former newspaper editor, is a freelance writer.

8 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013

Retired local bondsmannamed to Hall of Fame

Now retired and living at Holden Beach, RichardEury Sr. owned and operated U.S. Surety Agency for twodecades in Monroe and Charlotte. This summer, he was namedto the N.C. Bail Agents Association Hall of Fame for hisservice and efforts to improve industry standards.“When bail agents were not regulated by the Department ofInsurance, before I got into the business, there were some prettyrough characters doing this,” he says. “Later, as our stateassociation began to help the Department of Insurance regulatethe industry, things improved. The public is seeing a better,more professional breed of bondsman now.“Used to, you could get into this business without anyexperience at all, but now you have to work for another bailbondsman,” he says. “A lot of laws have changed to make theindustry better.” One thing that hasn't changed is that some defendants willalways decide to skip.

“Once I had five bond skips all at onetime,” he remembers. That road trip,one of hundreds of recapturemissions, took him to Illinois, Ohio,Virginia, Massachusetts andMaryland, and was surprising to thenorthernmost defendant whose bondwas just $300. “That guy had called me from theMecklenburg County Jail for just a$300 bond for taking a leak on asidewalk. The fee was $45 and whenhe got out, he headed home to Quincy.“When he missed court, I called himand told him to send me $300, and he

began cussing me and told me I didn't have the cahoonas to comeget him. So when I was going to get these others, I just went andgot him, too.” Richard says the man tried to pay the $300 then to appease him,but instead, Richard brought him back to Charlotte where hespent eight days in jail before being released. The longtime bail agent says only a few times was he in fearfulsituations. “Some of them want to holler and cuss at you whileyou handcuff them, then you get them back to jail and they're allnice because they need you to bond them out,” he says. “Every once in a while, we'd run up on a hardliner, but not often.”

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Test your bail bond knowledge1) A bail bondsman can help a defendant get his bond reduced. 2) A bondsman can arrest a defendant whose bond he has signed. 3) A bondsman can use collateral given to him to secure a bond. 4) If a bail agent is forced to forfeit on a bond, the bond amount benefitsthe N.C. Public Schools. 5) Bail agents have special gun carrying privileges. 6) A bondsman who retrieves defendant who has “skipped” mayimprison him until he can be returned to the original jurisdiction. 7) Bondsmen must obtain search warrants before going into adefendant's house to search for him if he fails to show for court. 8) A bondsman can refuse to sign a bond for any reason. 9) If a defendant fails to appear in court, the agent must return him tocourt within 60 days or pay the full amount of the bond. 10) Bail agents can carry shield badges similar to police badges.

ANSWERS: 1) False. 2) True. 3) False. Collateral must be returned72 hours after the case is closed. 4) True. 5) False. They may carry guns, butonly under the same rules as othercitizens.

6) True.

7) False.

8) True.

9) False. Agents have 150 daysto surrender a defendant.

10) True. The General Assemblyapproved an official shield.

Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 9

An Indian Trail man, Abdelrahman Kirdasi,recently won $100,000 playing the North Carolina lottery,beating the odds of one in a million in the $4 million game.“I’m feeling very happy,” he told lottery officials. “Very happy” could sum up most winners’ first reactions. But wewondered what other Union Countians would do once the shockwore off.

t t t

With an extra $100,000, I would have enough, with monies I amsaving now, to purchase a nice safe condo on a bus route fora struggling family member.With $3 million, no doubt it would be cosmetic surgery,two months in New Zealandand a beautiful new safe SUVwith great gas mileage for mydaughter. Plus, I’d set up acollege fund for my newgranddaughter. The rest, I’d putin a retirement fund.

Vickie Basri, Weddingtont t t

First thing, I’d get with myfinancial advisor – who isme – to set up a portfolio toturn the $100,000 into$200,000. With $3 million, I’ddo the same thing to turn it into$6 million.The next thing I would do is keep quiet about the money andrefuse to be ostentatious.

Bill Wiley, Waxhaw areat t t

Of course, I'd pay off all my bills first, then I'd give a generoussum to my sons and take my wife on nice vacation to the NorthCarolina and Virginia mountains. Next I'd remember my churchand Wingate University. With $3 million, I’d also downsize to a smaller home for Jennyand me, buy homes for my sons, establish an educationalplan and set up a trust fund for my granddaughter. Then I wouldalso honor First Presbyterian and John Crosland School. Finally,Jenny and I would travel some.

Frank McGuirt, Wingate

I probably wouldn’t do too much with $100,000. Invest half.Lay low and do a little traveling and shopping.With $3 million, I’d invest $1 million in a men's shop, plus arestaurant and lounge in Downtown Monroe. I’d share part of amillion with family and enjoy some things that I dream of.

Franco McGee, Monroet t t

If I won $100,000, I'd invest half for future needs and use therest as a down payment on a house for my daughtersand me.If I won $3 million, I'd invest it all but $500,000. I'd use half asmad money for new vehicle, take a vacation and make adown payment on a house. The other $250,000 I'd use tosupport my favorite causes, like animal rescue, my daughter’s

school and any other worthyendeavors I came across.

Jody Sitton, Waxhawt t t

With $100,000, I would onlyreceive about $50,000. I’dprobably pay off some bills,maybe take a vacation,save some and give a bit to afavorite charity or two. Plus lotsof fun shopping for Christmasgifts! With the $1.5 million aftertaxes, I would start with thesame plan. In addition, I would

set up small trusts for some young family members and mysweet granddaughter, Caroline!

Suzanne Walters, Lake Parkt t t

$100,000? I'd probably just blow it, after taxes. I’d take myfriends to the beach, maybe. I'd give some to the Red Crossand some to the Union Symphony, and then mygranddaughter would ask for horseback riding lessons, and thenit would all be gone!With $3 million, it might take a little longer, but I'd probablyjust squander it, too. Maybe take those friends to the Riviera,let my granddaughter have a year of lessons and join theplatinum branch of the Tiffany Circle of the American RedCross.

Ellen Vilas, Monroe

If I won the lottery . . .

By Nancy E. Stephen

The Union County CommunityArts Council is leading the drive to formUnion County Playmakers, a non-profitcommunity theater organization.Meanwhile, David Nelms and NathanHopper are working with the City ofMonroe to turn the long-vacant CenterTheatre into a viable performance setting.Is theater coming back to Union?Community theater played a big role in thearts scene in Union County for many years,drawing actors young and old to performsmall plays and major musical productions. But Union County Players simply driftedaway more than 10 years ago. It wasn’t thatthe interest was gone, but that themanagement support fell by the wayside. Now theater has come full circle. The ArtsCouncil, which was formed in 1980 fromACT Community Theater (later UnionCounty Players), is returning the favor,trying to restart local group. Barbara Faulk, executivedirector of the ArtsCouncil, has a goal tobring back communitytheater. “Part of ourmission is to support allof the arts in the county,but one area that’s been missing for the lastfew years has been community theater. It’svery important for us to have a whole artscommunity for the residents.”She and a group of theater aficionados have

10 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013

Spell it theatre or theater, there’s a resurginginterest in local theater in Union County.

spent the last year investigating ways torestart a group and are proud to have apremiere performance of Union CountyPlaymakers in October.“It’s a project of ours to see if we canresurrect a community theater in some way;there’s been a lot of interest among thepeople who have come together. “We’ve looked at other community theatersto see how they’ve survived in theeconomic downturn. Many are verysuccessful,” Barbara explains. “We knowthat we need to start somewhere.”“Somewhere” is the murder mystery “LifeIs A Cabernet, Ol’ Chum,” set for Oct. 4and 11 at Treehouse Vineyards in Monroe.

“We believe there will be lot of interestgenerated from our first effort andsubsequently more direction. Weintentionally are not starting with a fullstage production, which is more than wethought we could handle now,” Barbarasays. Larry Robinson, theater teacher at CentralAcademy for Technology and Arts anddirector of the murder mystery, says acommunity theater “is absolutely importantin any community. It’s absolutely doablehere. A lot of people don’t recognizetheater’s importance but it’s very vital toany thriving community.”Union County Public Schools has strong

Two-prong return of theater to Union

Drama instructor Larry Robinson works with Lindsey Sherrin, center, and MichelleDearmore on set details for a production of Phantom of the Opera.

Rick Crider photo / Enquirer Journal

Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 11

Saturday, Oct. 5 Jazz in Stride

featuring pianist Ethan UslanUnion 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

7:30 p.m. at The Batte Center; $15Dr. Jessie Wright martin, music director

Friday, Dec. 6Believe

Union Symphony Youth Orchestra andUnion County Youth Ballet

7:30 p.m. at monroe Crossing; freeBonita Simpson, ballet director

Sunday, Dec. 8A Christmas Concert

Union Symphony with Central Unitedmethodist Festival Choir

James O’Dell, music director5 p.m. at the monroe church; free

SSpRingpRing ppROgRamSROgRamSSunday, march 30 t Youth Symphony Sunday, april 27 t Union SymphonySunday, may 18 t Pops on the Plaza

Sponsored by City of monroe

Season subscriptions available at (704) 283-2525 or 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.

Union Symphony is proud to have Richard Rosenberg as artistic director of Union Symphony Orchestra

and Tom LaJoie as music director of the Youth Orchestra.

Two-prong return of theater to Union arts instruction, “one of the strongest in thestate as far as theater and supporting thearts,” he says. Every middle and highschool has a theater program, and studentsfrom all schools perform in the UnionCounty Performance Ensemble, whichproduces a major show each February.But once students graduate from highschool, “there’s nothing left for them interms of participation unless they go toCharlotte. We work to create awarenessand appreciation of theater with thestudents,” but then it’s over. At this time, Union County Playmakers issimply an advisory board working with theArts Council. “We’re starting slowly;we’re starting intentionally. We’re startingwith good advisors, and we’ll see how weprogress with it,” Barbara adds. “You have

to crawl before you walk, walk before yourun.”The murder mystery dinner theater is thefirst step in “showing the public what wewant to do.” After the murder mystery, “we’ll see thedirection we're going in,” Barbara adds. “Ifeel we're going to go in a positivedirection. The timing is good.“It’s an open door organization that we’retrying to get going again. Doors are open toanybody, everybody. Anyone who isinterested, please let us hear about it. It’sanother grassroots effort, and I think thoseare the strongest efforts.”Funds raised from the mystery theater willbe used to support future projects for UnionCounty Playmakers to support projects.

Life is a Cabernet, Ol’ Chum

Friday, Oct 4, and Friday, Oct. 11Treehouse Vineyards301 Bay Street, Monroe, NC7 p.m. Cash wine bar7:30 p.m. Dinner by Matthew Sgangaof Stone Table8:15 Dhow time$60 PersonThe cast includes Union Countyresidents Jon Brooks, Carri Hilson,Tommy Wooten, Donna Simpson,Gene Melchior, Felicia Howie, WinstonSims and Karen Johnston

For ticket information, call (704) 283-2784 or email barbara@unionarts.org

By Nancy E. Stephen

David Nelms and Nathan Hopper have adream – and a bona fide plan to implement that dream.They dream of renovating the Center Theatre on Main Street inMonroe, a 1940 art moderne facility that fell into disrepair afterclosing in 1991. Their dream is not just renovation, though.These men have grand ideas about programming and, moreimportantly, they have research to prove the project’s viability.Seven years ago, the owner asked Union Symphony Orchestraabout using the space when he was finished. David and Nathan,both involved in the Symphony, asked about purchasing thebuilding, but talks went nowhere.“Everyone thought renovation was a good idea, but no one couldmove. I had visions of the building being bulldozed and layawake thinking of things we could do down there,” David says.Their excitement was high, but getting power behind theenthusiasm was difficult. Still, David compiled a fat binder ofinformation on restoring old theaters, using the League ofHistoric American Theatres as a resource, and learned that thisdream has been fulfilled many times across the nation. He analyzed 12 regional theaters set in similar demographics to“see what they were doing, what kinds of dollars they wereraising to keep these theaters alive in community.” Add thatinformation to the notebook.He learned that “it wasn’t wrong to dream these dreams . . . thatthis theater can be built to draw entertainment and people frommore than just Monroe and Union County. It can be a

destination,” David explains, hisenthusiasm almost visibly bubbling out.Artistic “companies that play will wantto return and also the patrons. We wantthem to leave their cares at the door andbe transported to another world – maybethe Old World. Maybe create anexperience.”“This is not a unique project,” saysNathan. “It’s a craze.”David adds, “Our ideas aren’t new. I’vebeen involved over the years with sixprojects and have gleaned a little bitfrom all of them.” Currently, hiscompany, Pipe Organ Service of the

Carolinas, is rebuilding a Wurlitzer organ in the HollywoodTheatre in Gowanda, NY, a townwith a population of just 4,000. “Isee similar potential for here.”Fast forward to August

The City of Monroe purchasedthe theater site uponrecommendation from theMonroe Tourism Authority, usingmotel tax monies specificallycollected for tourism-relatedinfrastructure. The city plans tostabilize the building, then partnerwith David and Nathan, who willrenovate and operate it.Although the talks and purchasehappened quickly – out of theblue, they say, David and Nathanhave moved quickly. too. Theychose the Charlotte architecturalfirm of Gantt Huberman, whichhas given a proposal forsystematic renovation in stages allthe way through grand opening. “We’ve talked about our dreamand what we want to do. We havea plan for a multi-purpose facilitythat can be used for live acts,small plays and even showmovies,” explains Nathan. He hasfond memories of watchingcowboy movies on Saturdaymorning in the theater. “The ballet could perform here.”

12 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013

Bringing the Center Theatre back to lifeBringing the Center Theatre back to life

David Nelms, left, and Nathan Hopper areso anxious to get the theater project going,they’re willing to even sweep up!

Nancy Stephen photos

“Gallery space.”“A Three Stooges festival.”“Something for all art disciplines – pottery, dance, music,Broadway-type musicals, Union County Playmakers . . .”“Our theater will be famous,” interjects Nathan. “It will be sowell done and so acoustically agreeable with the spoken wordand music, we will get acts that might not go to other places.This won’t be a run-of-the-mill redone movie theatre. That’s ourplan.“We want to make it accessible for local performers, but theywon’t be the main funding. We want internationally famoustraveling shows to perform here.”Their ideas tumble out quickly, almost on top of each other. Butfor all their dreams, they know the project will be difficult,expensive and that there will be naysayers.

The full restoration projectcould cost up to $12 million, afigure that might alarm mostbut not these men. “We’regoing to do the restorationright,” Nathan emphasizes.“We’re not going to just throwdrywall up.”Three foundations haveindicated interest in the project,says David, and the menhaven’t even started lookingfor funding. Currently, they areoperating with the UnionCounty Community ArtsCouncil as fiscal sponsor untilCenter Theater DevelopmentInc., gains non-profit status.The facility doesn’t complywith ADA standards forhandicapped access, but that,and a myriad of other issues,won’t stop the men.They agree the stage needs tobe bigger and plan to reducethe original 854 seats toprovide the space. “Right now,with the balcony it’scavernous,” says Nathan. Theyenvision room for a backstageand dressing rooms, possibly inexisting rooms under the stage.“We could do 80 percent ofsymphonic productions on that

Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 13

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stage now,” David adds.David, the organ enthusiast, plans 15 minutes of live organ musicfrom an original Wurlitzer theater organ prior to every show.“That’s part of the nostalgia, a part of the experience. You sit inthe seats and you hear music, but you don’t know where it’scoming from. Then the organ rises from the pit,” he saysgleefully, slowly raising his hands as if lifting the organ himself.He says the Charlotte Film Society has expressed interest inrebuilding existing carbon arc projectors for a film festival. Members of the loosely knit theater advisory board are JoyceRentschler, nurse at CMC-Union, Women’s Center; ArnoldBivens, retired from RJ Reynolds; David English, Carolinas’purchasing manager for Hughes Supply, and Barbara Faulk,executive director of the arts council

Why is now the right time?“We’ve got one guy with experience; one with Monroe in hisheart and will do anything for Downtown Monroe,” says David.“The economy is perfect for it. The city is involved. Thedemographics are perfect. We’ve got more housing, restaurantsand retail downtown now.”For Joyce, a Monroe native and member of the tourism board,this time is different from other times. “I’ve watched differentgroups look at the theater throughout the years. But this time, it’slike magnets attracting each other.”“Non-profit arts are a huge economic engine in this country,”says David. “Tens of billions of dollars generated each year interms of full time salaries and taxes. Our theater can have notonly a cultural impact but an economic impact.

TheCenterTheatre.org n ( 877) 376-1599

Bringing the Center Theatre back to lifeBringing the Center Theatre back to life

14 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013

Text and photos by Deb Coates Bledsoe

Tattoos once were thought to be only for bikers andsailors. Now, they have crossed socioeconomic and cultural linesand are seen in all walks of life.“We've tattooed doctors, lawyers and pastors,” says Sting, a 26-year tattoo artist who works with his wife, Holly, and two otherartists at Skinsations. “It’s more mainstream than it used to be.Now it’s more unusual if you don’t have a tattoo.” Sting and other tattoo artists often use only their first names,something like a stage name. Reasons for tattoos are as varied as the designs. Sometimeswomen who had reconstructive breast surgery after amastectomy get tattoos to match the other breast.“Women feel violated enough to have to go through somethinglike that. You want them to be comfortable about themselves, ”

says Holly of Skinsations. Tony, from House of Ink, says one of his mostmemorable tattoos was for a 63-year-old womanafter a mastectomy. “She had some scarring, and shejust didn’t feel pretty,” he says.“She had been living 15 years with this. I drewmorning glories and entwined them with a cancerribbon. It was a good feeling. When she left, she feltbeautiful again.”House of Ink artist J.T. says his most unique tattoo was a pieceof raw steak, while another person requested a potato chip on hisshoulder, making the proverbial chip on the shoulder. Oneunique request was putting the ashes of a deceased person intothe ink, so the loved one would be part of the tattoo. “It’s just

TATTOOS

By Nancy E Stephen

After Mary Brown underwent treatment forovarian cancer in 2011, she and sons Griffin Elliott, JustinElliott and Andy Brown thought the treatment was over. WhenMary shared the awful news of a recurrence one year later, herfamily was stunned.Justin “wanted to do something to show our support.” Helooked for a tattoo design that “would mean something. Itexted my brothers and said, ‘We're getting tattoos’.”The brothers were tattooed two days later.Andy says, “I needed an excuse to get a tattoo. I’d wanted onefor a while. This was a good opportunity and worthy cause.”Justin, who already sported four tattoos, looked at tattoodesigns for cancer and others, but found the Japanese symbolfor fight to be perfect. He sports the tattoo facing him on his

Hallmark of sailorsgoes mainstream

Family cancer scares prompt siblings to get tattoos of encouragement

Susan Redden, left, and Nan VuncannonHeather Bostic photos

Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 15

carbon, and it dilutes into the ink,” J.T. says. When choosing a tattoo, Holly suggests making certain it’s

something you want to live with for many years. People oftenwant the name of a former love covered, which can be

complicated. “It has to be as dark or darker to cover it,”Holly says. “So you have to be extremely creative tokeep it from being a big black blob,” she said. Most people get tattoos between the ages of 25 and40, J.T says, but adds, “There doesn’t seem toever be an age that is too old.” He recallstattooing a 77-year-old man who wantedsomething Harley Davidson and his 73-year-oldwife who wanted a horse on her back. North Carolina law has an age requirement ontattoos – 18. “There are no exceptions,” Hollysays. “The Board of Health takes that asseriously as not serving minors at the ABCstore. We check their ID.”

An artist’s style often determines his customers.Manley Bryant, artist at Skin City Tattoos, says he

gets more men. “I have a very masculine art that Ido,” he says, adding that the three artists there “have

totally different styles. It creates a very good union.”Customers often have their own idea or pattern from the

Internet, which the artist traces into a stencil. Sometimes theartist will add to the original design, just drawing on the skinuntil the person is happy with the rendering.

Continued on Inside Back Cover

wrist where he can see it all the time; his brothers’ tatsare typically hidden by clothes.The tattoo “lets her knows that I support her,” saysAndy. “The first time that she saw it, the day that wegot it, she started crying. I knew then that this was areally good idea. It shows our support and love.”The symbol is special to Mary. “It says ‘fight’ andthat’s exactly what I needed,” she says. “I was glad thatthey did it together as a show of unity and love for theirmother. It’s a real infusion of stamina and fight.”

Sisters share everything, even tattoosSusan Redden and sister Nan Vuncannon are close,very close. “We've shared many things throughout theyears . . . clothes, parents, cars, apartments, summerjobs, even boyfriends!” says Nan.So last summer, when Susan celebrated two years freeof breast cancer, tattoos seemed like another mode ofconnection.

Continued on Page 17

Family cancer scares prompt siblings to get tattoos of encouragement

From left, brothers Griffin Elliott, Justin Elliott andAndy Brown with mother, Mary Brown.

Nancy Stephen photo

Manley Bryant inks a repeat customer.

16 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013

Educator keeps tattoos hidden out of respect

Dana Crosson never thought she would actually have to get a tattoo,despite telling her 16-year-old daughter, Whitney, she would.“She said, ‘Hey Mom, when I turn 18, can we get tattoos?’ So in my infinite wisdom, Isaid, ‘Sure honey.’ I thought, in two years, she wouldn’t remember. But she did, and Icouldn’t go back on my word.”She decided on a dragonfly, hidden on her hipbone, because they are said to representnew beginnings. “The problem with getting a tattoo is when you see the artwork andthe beauty of it, you want to get another one.”Next she had her birth sign. “But I didn’t want a mean scorpion, I wanted somethingmore funky that would represent girly things. It’s got flowers in it . . . it’s beautiful.”It wasn’t long that it was time for another. “Once you get one, you want two. Once you get two, you want three.“Her third tattoo was done on a whim with her sister, who was a full colonel in the U.S. Army and had to keep it covered. “People still judge you based on tattoos,” Dana says. “That’s why I don’t show them at the office. I’m not ashamed of mytattoos, but I don’t want people to look at me and make assumptions about who they think I am . . . I want them to judgeme based on what I do.” Her last tattoo is in memory of her sister. “Every time I look at this,” she says pointing to her tattoo, “I see my sister.”

Artist keeps tats covered for day job

Physical therapist byday and tattoo artist by night,Holly balances two verydifferent worlds.“I have to keep my tattooscovered” during her day job, shesays of her four tats. “I don’thave any that are visible.”At night, as a tattoo artist atSkinsations, it’s a different story.“It doesn’t bother me,” she saysof covering them. “The hospital is trying toestablish an image that is professional and non-offensive tothe general public,” she says. “In any hospital or medicalfield, image is important. They want you to know they run aclean, sterile environment.”She says this attitude is prevalent in many professions,

especially in medicalfields, whether at ahospital, dentist officeor doctor’s office. “I think they fear thatthe person may havegotten their tattoo ina dirty environment.”Holly thinks therestill is a doublestandard with men’stattoos being moreacceptable inmainstream society.“I will see men, withtattoos visible,

walking around the hospital, and no one says anything tothem. But women are more apt to be spoken to about it,”Holly says. “I’ve had nurses tell me they want a tattoo on their wrist sothey can put a watch band or a bracelet over it.”

Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 17

Police officer is testament to body art

Richard Hutchinson, a 20-year police officer, got his firsttattoo in the United States Air Force, when he was about 21 years old. “Itraded in a gold watch for it,” he says. “It was a Tasmanian Devil.”He now is a testament of turning one’s body into a walking piece of art.Both of his arms are “sleeved out” and he has additional tattoos on bothlegs and a full back piece. In all, there are seven images. “I have 48 hours worth of work on my back, 28 hours on my right armand 24 hours on my left,” he says. “I didn’t plan to get that many tattoos,but J.T. is such a good artist, we just kept going.”His art includes Jesus, John Wayne, Houdini and Winston Churchill, plusMasonic, oriental and fantasy themes.Richard keeps his tattoos covered while in police uniform. “It’sdepartment policy,” he says. “I wear long sleeves . . . There are probablymore law enforcement officers that have tattoos than you realize.”In hindsight, would he do anything differently? “If I had known I wasgoing to get a back piece, I would have gone big and bold and simple,rather than the detailed stuff,” he says. “When you see someone with a lotof little tattoos, you can’t tell what they are sometimes. It can be a jumbleof mush.”

Family cancer From Page 15

“I love tattoos,” says Nan, “especially whenthey have special meaning. I thought it wouldbe great for us both to add some ink and havelightness associated with her diagnosis afterall the heaviness of doctors’ visits, research,testing, etc.”Susan came to the decision differently. “Ihave no regrets, none whatsoever. But at first,I thought ‘this is something that I don’t need.’Now I love it; I like that it means somethingpersonal.”As a newbie, Susan was concerned about thepain of getting the tattoo of the pink breastcancer ribbon and the word ‘faith.’ “I was like ‘oh my gosh, you had majorsurgery; this is nothing!’ ” Nan says.Like Mary Brown’s sons, Nan wanted aninspirational word and suggested “faith” –keeping faith that future yearly tests willcontinue to show Susan free from cancer.Their tattoos face them because “it’s for me,”Susan says, “no one else.”Seeing the tattoo every day, Nan says, “I amreminded of what's really important and tonever take for granted my health, family orfaith.”

Richard Hutchinson, left,shows off the work of histattoo artist, J.T.

Rick Crider photo /Enquirer Journal

18 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013

By Nancy E Stephen

When Linda Geer changes clothes from herweekday role as family and consumer science teacher at MonroeHigh School, she dons elaborate ball gowns and Latin dresses tocompete nationally in ballroom dance.“Like a lot of little girls, I took ballet as a young girl,” sheexplains. “I enjoyed that and alwayswanted to ballroom dance.” But theopportunity wasn’t there until muchlater. “Life just got in the way,” shesays.Five years ago, the desire returned.“I thought I was too old, too heavy.I didn’t have a partner. I tried to talkmyself out of it. But there was somuch I didn’t do as a single mother,I decided it was time to dosomething for myself.“I went for an appointment. . . anddrove around and around. I wasterrified.” But eventually shewalked in and met instructorAnthony Cantinelli at PlanetBallroom.After a couple of months, Anthonymentioned dancing in a localshowcase. “I said ‘no way,’ but hewas persistent. “After that, I washooked.“There I was, in a rented outfit,spray tanned, fake bun in the backof my head and false nails. It wasjust like ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ Ireally was just hooked. “At the time, I thought I did reallywell. Now I think that I wasprobably pitiful.”Tony mentioned competitions, but Linda initially was not game. Inher first competition, she came in last place, which is where shepredicted. “Part of me said, ‘This is why I shouldn’t do this.’“But I’m a perfectionist, and to me, that was not acceptable. Thatgave me the fire and passion. I said I wouldn’t be in last placeagain.” And she certainly has not.Linda focused on her dance, taking more lessons, practicing athome and watching videos. At another competition, she met an 88-year-old woman competing at the highest level. “I said, ‘I want to be able to do that’.”

At local and regional competitions, Linda continued to win honors,first at the bronze (lowest) level, then at silver, where she earnedtop honors in smooth and rhythm styles.Dance couples learn choreography for specific types of music, suchas waltz, rhumba, tango and cha cha. But in competitions, theydon’t know the exact music until it starts, just which dance they’reperforming. In addition, competing couples aren’t by themselves on the floor,like in “Dancing With The Stars,” but in groups of couples crowdedon the floor at the same time. Last year was her first foray into national competition. Herinstructor said it was an honor just to be there; Linda thought it

would be good experience. She certainly didn’t think she’d betaking home any honors. But sheearned top silver in her firstnationals and found it “thrilling tobe on the dance floor with all thesewomen who are amazing. I’m notworthy.”At another national competition, shewon three first places and twoseconds.“I would never have thought fiveyears ago that I’d be where I amtoday,” Linda says with a degree ofamazement.Ballroom competition can be anexpensive hobby. Not only dodancers have the cost of regularlessons, they incur additionalexpenses with registration,costumes, travel for both student andinstructor and more.“It’s a very expensive hobby. I’mvery frugal in all other areas of mylife so that I can have the funds forthis,” she says. In addition to herfull-time teaching job, Linda is aserver at Rolling Hills Country Clubin Monroe. “That pays for mydancing.”“Even though this is expensive, I

feel that it’s an investment in my health, my mental health. I wantto keep doing it as long as I can do it. Memorizing the dances androutines keeps my mind active.“My goal is to be the best I can be. The more I learn, the more Irealize how much more there is to learn. When I go to competitionsand see women in their late ’80s, I realize I’m not too old. “To be able to have a passion in something – you can get so caughtup in life – is something wonderful. Dancing is a release that I lookforward to; it takes me away from grading papers and lesson plans. “It’s a different world, a different mindset. I’d do it every day if Icould.”

‘I want to do that!’

Amateur Linda Geer dances with instructorAnthony Cantinelli during a competition.

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By Nancy E StephenLinda Geer and I share a love of ballroom dance.She, however, is a much better dancer than I, having the skill toenter national competitions. I give her a special mirror ball trophyfor that. Even if I had the skill, I’d neverhave the moxie.My foray into ballroom came as ananswer, “Sure, I can do that,” whenTerri Beeson was seeking amateurs tofor the 4-H’s Dancin’ in the Clover. I knew I could move somewhat andhear the beat of the music, but I’d neverdone anything resembling formalballroom. Actually, what now I dofrequently doesn’t resemble ballroom.But how difficult could it be? Surely my13-plus years of ballet, although four decades ago, would be abenefit. Not so much.Ballet has straight legs; much of ballroom keeps soft knees. Youswing your hips in Latin, enough to horrify a ballet teacher. And thehip turnout we worked so hard for in ballet? Anything but an asset.Let me be blunt: Ballroom is a lot more difficult than it looks. A lot!Ballroom dancers glide around the floor, appearing to exert noenergy and exuding amazing grace. I started out sweating like a

halfback and moving with the grace of an elephant. The first time Icompleted a full routine, I had to bend over at the waist, trying toget my breath. The longest two minutes, 20 seconds of my life!It was not pretty. Later videos of practice still aren’t pretty, but theydo prove I can count to four if I move my lips.I swatted my instructor, Sebastian Wrenn of A&E Ballroom DanceWorld, in the head repeatedly as I flailed my arms. I stumbled; I fell

over. I turned the wrong way; he had tocome find me on the floor. He would show me a move that lookedeasy; I tried to replicate it. Again. Andagain. And again.It was frustrating, to say the least. LikeLinda’s dancer, Sebastian has only beenkind with his comments and generouswith praise. That’s outwardly; I can onlyimagine what he is thinking.If I had me as a student, I might suggesta change to tennis, bowling or knitting.

Not only can our teachers dance extraordinarily well, they cantell and show us the steps – repeatedly, without becoming angry.We’ve had no unprofessional outbursts like you see on TV. I’m not certain why I’m drawn to ballroom. Maybe, despite themirrored studio, I can imagine myself floating around the floorin elegant moves. Or like a little girl, I like swishy skirts thatmove around my legs when I twist back and forth. Or maybe I just like it.

Nancy Stephen andSebastian Wrenn atDancin’ in the Clover.

It’s not as easy as it looks!

By Loyd Pennington

With every passing day, it becomes clearerthat all of the “stuff” that I once thought was so important and woulddefine me simply isn't. How will the value of your days be measured? What will matter is not what you have, but what you gain by who youbecome. What will matter is not your success, but your significance. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom andfor what. A life of meaning, purpose and happiness – that's thegreatest possession of all and truly all that really counts.

l l lIt is so apparent that the people who accomplish the most have astrong sense of urgency. They know that if something is worth doing, they have to get started,and talking about it doesn't count as getting started. There is a little known law called “the law of diminishing intent.” Ifyou don't take action when the idea is fresh and the resolve high, thelikelihood of accomplishing anything fades very quickly. Simple fact. And most importantly, don't take the advice from the guy sitting onhis couch as to why it won't work and how you are wasting your time.Get on it.

l l lIt is so wrong to believe that the people you know who are happyhave somehow found a way to get everything lined up just the waythey choose. The fact of the matter is that they have chosen to be happy with theway that things have lined up in their life. When we choose to behappy, magically we are. Choose.

l l l

One of the very cool things about being a parent is theability to have your child’s whole life burned into yourmemory.It allows you to see the “then” even as you marvel atthe “now.” It is one of the greatest gifts of this life.

l l l

Gifts come in many forms but the most valuable giftone person can give another is his time. Time is limited and precious. Money and materialthings are nice to receive but when someone gives youhis time, it is a nothing short of a portion of his life andshould be recognized and appreciated as such.Very often it is the difference between a friend and anacquaintance.

l l lIf I am digging a ditch and someone digging alongside me wants tocomplain about how difficult the job is or how we might improve ourefforts, I don’t mind. But when someone sitting on his couch decidesto call and criticize the effort or even worse call others to explain howwe should be doing it differently, that is annoying. Until I see your shovel in your hand instead of your remote, youropinion lacks validity and is of little worth. Pity the person whoseonly contribution to the world around him is to criticize the workbeing done by those willing to let their actions speak.

l l lSo many woke up today to disappointment that they do not hold thewinning lottery ticket. And yet, if you woke up, you won. While it is certainly fun to consider all that you would do with all thatmoney, it also true that more than half the world's population wouldfeel as if they won the lottery to simply have what you woke up totoday. Perspective.

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{ }lifelessons

Choose to be happy and savor l ife’s gif ts

l l lTo my young friends, don't pass up the chance to gather the memoriesthat are the very fabric of your life. There will be so many one-timeevents that you cannot get back. Spend time with your real friends. Go to the dance. Attend thewedding. Be at the side of a friend when they lose someone specialto them. Hug your parents and your grandparents while you can andspend a lot of time and energy on the real experiences of life and alot less on the stuff that you will not remember. Do not pass up the invitation that only occurs once. That onechoice will make all the difference in your one unique life.Every day should have some element of “one of these days.” Thegift that is never opened or opened and put on the shelf has no realvalue. Use it.

l l lToday you are younger than you will ever be again. Regardless of

your age, you have the opportunity to gather all that life has taughtyou at this point and go in a new direction. Start a new journey and realize a new dream. What if today wedecided not just to get through the day but also to get “from” the day?

l l lThere are many who are struggling with the fact that they have to goto work today while someone close by faces another day ofunemployment. Some who have to go shopping for groceries whileanother struggles with how to feed his children. Yet another feelingstressed about having to take a child to school while someone elsemisses those days that go by all too fast. An individual struggles to find time to call an aging parent whileanother struggles with the fact that he never can again. Many canchoose this day to change their lives by changing their perspectivebecause the difference between a blessing and a curse is very oftensimply how you choose to recognize it. Loyd Pennington is owner of Top Ten Promotions, an apparel andpromotional item company in Waxhaw, and is married to Dana. Healso is president of The Waxhaw Business Association and postsinspirational thoughts each week on his Facebook page.

Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 21

l l l

A long solitary hike on a spectacular day. Searching for a symbol thatproves elusive. That whisper in the air that yet another summer of mylife will soon be only a collection of memories. It might come with some level of sadness but the promise of fallcolors, cool nights and the opportunity once again to burn wood areenough to bring a smile to my face. Sometimes it is the ability to be lost in nature that allows me toappreciate how amazing life really is.

‘ I l o o k y o u n g e r a n dl e s s s t r e s s e d . . . b u tI s t i l l l o o k l i k e m e . ’

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Acoustic guitars intriguedRick Crider, a photographer byprofession, as a teen. As an adult, heturned that appreciation into a yearlycelebration of music, now calledMonroestock.In 2001, he joined an Internet forum ofTaylor brand guitar enthusiasts and soonsuggested they get together, talk guitarsand show off their skills. And they did.Since Rick suggested the event, “it was onmy shoulders.” He connected with MarionHolloway of Holloway’s Music in

Monroe, who sold the brand and “just is agood guy,” Rick says.The event was on for April 2002. Rickcoordinated musicians and motels; Marionprovided space, sound system and lunch.That first year, approximately a dozen Taylorenthusiasts attended, and the event grew eachyear. “Over the years, we had them fly infrom California for the weekend,” Rick says.Almost everyone performed during the day,which ended in a jam session of anyone andeveryone, except Rick. “I’m more of anacoustic guitar enthusiast from thecraftsmanship standpoint than a player. Iappreciate the acoustic guitar as a work ofart; I don’t play enough for a one-manperformance.” His contribution was a technical workshop in

22 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013

Restoring Historic Downtown Monroe . . .one building at a time.

Office and retail space available John Wiggins, 704.242.4393www.UrbanMonroe.com

Joe Williams and Rachel Garcia perform duringthe open-mic session of the first Monroestock.Now married, they still perform as the RachelGarcia Band.

Floridian TomBond, shownin 2006, hasmade the trekmany times.

Rick Crider, left, and Marion Holloway in2002 with Crider's custom Taylor guitar.

Seventh Vessel commanded attentionon the stage at Monroestock in 2012.

Monroestock celebrates 12 years with October fest

Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 23

Multicultural

Fri., Oct. 18 and Sat., Oct. 19The Jesse Helms Center, Wingate

Friday: Asian, Caribbean and Cuban cooking demonstrations and international �lms

Saturday: Dance, music, henna hand painting, sign language, storytelling, art and poetry

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Festival!

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acoustic guitar setup, personalizing the string and fretconfiguration for a person’s individual style of playing. “It was not very organized,” Rick says of the first event. “Ithought we’d get together and see what happens.”What happened was an event that grew and changed in manyways. The number of participants grew, the public startedattending, and the event was opened to owners and players ofany acoustic guitars. Through the years, guest performers were added, including AllenShadd, a national flatpicking champion, and Jack Lawrence, DocWatson’s stage partner. “They just jammed together,” says Rick.“To listen to it, you’d think they had played together forever.”Along the way, the name also changed: Taylor Guitar Forum toAcoustic Guitar Forum to the current Monroestock. “The namecame from Woodstock,” Marion says. “They had music, drugsand sex; we just have music,” he adds with a laugh. “We’re afamily event.”For several years, Marion was in charge of hosting the event thatRick organized. But as Rick’s work outgrew his spare time,Marion took on the whole event.Last year, 27 groups or individuals performed; Marion expectsmore performers and up to 400 attendees this year. (Look for anact lineup closer to the event on Facebook; search forHolloway’s Music.) This year, 12 years after its start, the local festival has extendedhours and more diverse talent, including piano.“We’ll start the morning with gospel, blue grass and traditional,then go into more of contemporary and pop,” Marion says. “Originally for the performers, it’s now for the public to enjoydifferent styles of music.“We’re here just to celebrate music. Nothing more that – noagenda. Everyone gets together and has a good time. It’s just afun day, something we do to showcase area talent.”

Charlotte guitaristSara Corbin madeher Monroestockdebut last year.

Jack Lawrence, left, and Allen Shadd,nationally acclaimed flatpickers, joinedfor a spontaneous picking session atMonroestock in 2005.

Monroestock 2013Oct. 26 t 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Free Holloway’s Music lot, 1608 Skyway Drive in Monroe.

Under tents; chairs are provided.

Photos by Rick Crider / Enquirer-Journal

Monroestock celebrates 12 years with October fest

24 l Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013

Tucked in the corner of a shopping center in WesleyChapel is Villa Mia, an Italian restaurant with an extensivemenu. The small restaurant was busy, with both dine in and takeout orders, on the Thursday night that seven of us dined.We shared four appetizers: steamed mussels ($10.50),

mozzarella caprese ($8.75), fried calamari($10.75) and garlic knots ($1.75 for

six), which were more thanenough to share. For some

diners, the appetizers werethe best part of the meal.The mussels weretender, steamed andserved in a flavorfulsauce of white wine,olive oil, garlic and

marinara sauce. Wedipped up remaining sauce

with garlic knots, which weretastily garlicky on their own.

The mozzarella caprese had ripetomatoes, something you don’t always

encounter, and savory basil balsamic vinaigrette. Our friedcalamari, however, was overcooked, rendering it too chewy, andthe batter was bland.

Of our six entrées, five rangedfrom good to very good. The veal marsala ($17.75) wastender and flavorful; the veal wasperfectly cooked to “medium” andthe sauce hada tasty

wine flavor without beingoverpowering. Our male dinercould eat only half of theportion. The sausage with pepper andonions ($11.75) was morerobust – Italian sausage withlots of peppers and onionscooked al dente and served with amoderately spicy tomato sauce. Two women shared the veggie delight pizza($18.75) which one loved and the other didnot. Mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, onions, peppers,olives and eggplant topped a very thin crust, making thevegetables the key element, appropriately so.

Eating Outin

Union

Villa mia: Traditional Italian food and lots of it!

outstanding. Desserts were OK, but notspecial.Service: 3.75 stars. Villa Mia seemed tobe short on wait staff the night wevisited, as even beverages were delayed.Our waitress was not knowledgeableabout the wines. A “blush” turned out tobe more like a heavier lambrusco, sweet,very cold, fizzy and unappealing to ourdiner. With the degree of conversationheld before choosing, she might haveoffered a taste of the blush. Value: 4 stars. We liked the varyingprice points on the menu; there’ssomething to suit most any budget.Appetizers range from inexpensive garlicknots ($1.75) to fried calamari ($10.75).Pastas start at $7.75 for spaghettipomodoro, topping out with $18.75 for

Ambiance: 3.75 stars. The restaurant ishampered by its location at the end of astrip shopping center. The small interior ispleasant, but tables are too small toaccommodate many dishes, glasses andplates. A walk to restrooms takes dinerspast supplies stacked in the hall.Menu: 4.5 stars. Large menu with a nicevariety, mostly traditional favorites. Thechildren’s menu features five pasta dishes,plus de rigueur chicken tenders and fries.We would like to see a small house saladadded to go with the entrées.Quality: 3.75 stars. While most of thedishes were excellent, three weredisappointing. The calamari appetizer waschewy, and the shrimp tough. Musselswere surprisingly good, as were the meatdishes. And the fra diavolo sauce was

lobster ravioli. Other entrees range from $11.75 forsausage with peppers and onions to $23.75for frutii de mari, fruit of the sea, withshrimp, clams, mussels and calamari. Theportions are certainly ample, with enoughleft to box up and take home. Will we return?With seven diners, you can expect avariety of opinions, and we had that. Threesay “absolutely,” two say “yes,” two say“probably not.”

Villa Mia Restaurante & Pizzeria5922 Weddington-Monroe Rd.Wesley Chapel, NC 28104(704) 843-2420www.VillaMiaNC.comOpen Every Day

Mozzarella caprese

Steamed mussels

One diner thoughtthe veggiesshould have beenprecooked orroasted to preventthe slightly soggycrust. Eachwoman took twoslices home,which means thepie was verylarge. Plan toshare with severalpeople or takehome.Angel hair pasta with fra diavolosauce was outstanding. Probably half of diners would notappreciate the very spicy sauce, but that was a specific request.This entrée is not listed on the menu, but the waitress offered itwhen asked about plain pasta with spicy sauce. Shrimp scampi ($16.75) was a disappointment. Like thecalamari appetizer, the shrimp was overcooked, resulting in atough texture, but the pasta was al dente and the sauce pleasing. Penne with sausage and broccoli ($13.75) in a roasted garlic andolive oil sauce was another hit, resulting in a clean plate!Our group sampled three desserts, although all were fully

satisfied by their entrées. Cheesecake ($5.25) and tiramisu($4.50) were good; the cannoli ($3.50) got mixed reviews.Strawberry sauce served on the side had both an unappealingcolor and flavor.The menu is a la carte, with entrées served with a choice ofpasta and pasta dishes served alone. Four salads – garden,Caesar, Gorgonzola and cold antipasto – are available, rangingfrom $6.25 to $9.75. Chicken orshrimp can be added to all.Ten heroes are featuredas well as calzonesand rolls rangingfrom basiccheese calzoneto an eggplant,mozzarellaand sauce roll,which soundsappealing. Others havechicken, sausage,peppers and onion orspinach and garlic. Heroes range from chicken,shrimp, eggplant, veal or meatballparmigianas to rabe and a traditional Italian sub.

Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 25

Shrimp scampi, top, and sausage,peppers and onions, bottom.

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Grill’n and Chill’n BBQ Cookoff9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.Cooking by professional and backyard barbecue teams.Saturday afternoon, the public can taste and vote.Historic Downtown Waxhaw l www.waxhaw.com

Halloween Candy Crawl and CraftCraft 4-6 p.m., Candy crawl 6-9 p.m. l FreeWear your best costume and bring an empty bag for candy.A spooktacular movie will follow! Carolina Courts Parking Lot l www.indiantrail.org

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle StoriesBy the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia3 p.m. l $15 l Batte Center at Wingate Universitywww.battecenter.org

Autumn Treasures FestivalOct. 12 · 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Oct. 13 · 12 p.m.-5 p.m.Local crafters, musicians, car show on Sunday. Kids zone with inflatables, a trackless train, climbing wall, etc. Historic Downtown Waxhaw l www.waxhaw.com

Jazz in Stride by Union Symphony Orchestra7:30 p.m. l Tickets $25, $18; seniors, students $15Ethan Uslan, soloist l Batte Center at Wingate Universitywww.unionsymphony.org

Listen and Learn Lecture Series3-4 p.m l Adults $7, students $4This month’s topic is Catawba Indians.Museum of the Waxhaws, 8215 Waxhaw Highwaywww.museumofthewaxhaws.org

Veterans’ CelebrationNov. 9 · 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 10 · 2-5 p.m.Veterans Day displays by local historians. Veterans and their families are free. Re-enactors dressed in uniforms on Sat.Museum of the Waxhaws l www.museumofthewaxhaws.org

Funk-tion National Ceramics ExhibitFree l See functional clay artworks- with a twist! Indian Trail Cultural Arts Center, 100 Navajo Trailwww.indiantrail.org

Living History Day-Thanksgiving10 a.m.-4 p.m. l FreeFirst Thanksgiving cooking in the cabin and the life of the pilgrims. Museum of the Waxhaws, 8215 Waxhaw Highwaywww.museumofthewaxhaws.org

Piedmont Cultural Arts FestivalOct. 19 · 11 a.m.-5 p.m. l Crossing Paths Park, Indian TrailArtist and craft vendor booths, cultural music Children's amusements and lots of great food!www.indiantrail.org

26 l Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013

9-10Nov.

8-9Nov.

16Nov.

17Nov.

2525things to do in Sweet Union

11-12Oct.

5Oct.

Downtown Monroe Art WalkOct. 11 · 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 12 · 12 p.m. l FreeHighlights local artists throughout Downtown Monroewww.historicdowntownmonroe.org

11-12Oct.

Lake Park’s Fall Festival10 a.m.-6 p.m. l Lake Park Town Center and Russell ParkDJ entertainment and stage shows, amusement rides andcarnival games, pumpkin painting,face painting, craft vendors.www.lakeparknc.com

19Oct.

20Oct.

25Oct.

12-13Oct.

19Oct.

Antique and Muscle Car Cruise In Featuring Corvettes6 p.m. – 9 p.m. l Free l Main St., Downtown Monroewww.historicdowntownmonroe.org

11Oct.

David Sedaris7:30 p.m. l Tickets $28, $35 and $47Contains adult language & content.Batte Center at Wingate University l www.battecenter.org

24Oct.

Music on Main featuring Coastline6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. l FreeMain Street, Historic Downtown Monroewww.historicdowntownmonroe.org

24Oct.

Union Symphony Youth Orchestra4 p.m. l $12 l Fall Classical MasterworksTom LaJoie, music directorMarvin Ridge High School l www.unionsymphony.org

27Oct.

Wingate Opera With Union Symphony 7:30 p.m. l $15Dr. Jessie Wright Martin, Music DirectorBatte Center at Wingate University l www.unionsymphony.org

8-9Nov.

Sweet Honey in the Rock7:30 p.m. l $35Batte Center at Wingate Universitywww.battecenter.org

15Nov.

Listen and Learn Lecture Series3-4 p.m. l Adults $7, Student $4Theme is Bible translation. Arthur Lightbody will present“Daybreak!” Dr. James Pohlig will speak on King James Bible. Museum of the Waxhaws l www.museumofthewaxhaws.org

20Oct.

From the Top7:30 p.m. Tickets $15, $28Amazing performances of extraordinary young classical musicians.Batte Center at Wingate Universitywww.battecenter.org

Warbirds Over Monroe9 a.m. - 5 p.m.$15 Adults, $10 veterans and ages 12-17, under 12 freeCharlotte-Monroe Executive Airportwww.WarbirdsOverMonroe.com

23Nov.

9-10Nov.

Got an event the public would enjoy?

Submit your activity with all the details: who, what,when, where and cost – to Editor@UnionLifestyle.comfor inclusion in the magazine and/or online.

Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 27

TATTOOSFrom Page 15

“We’ll draw it with a pen until the customer is happy withwhat they see, then we’ll go ahead and tattoo it,” Sting says. “Every once in a while, “ Manly says, “you get lucky and getto be a part of something great, you get to do somethingcustom.” “It’s a real rush when somebody walks in the door and picksout something that you really want to do,” Manley says. “Itwill go in your portfolio. And to know that somebody trustsyou enough to let you put your work, your art on them. That’sthe closest that you get to be on stage – a rock star.”There are those who think of their bodies as one big canvas,with tattoos covering the majority of their skin. “I have onlyone tattoo,” Sting quips. “It starts here (pointing to his neck)and ends here (at his feet).” Tattoo locations seem to vary as a fad. “For a long time,everyone wanted their feet tattooed; then it was somewhere onthe arm,” Holly says. “The back became popular; then the‘tramp stamp’ (a wide tattoo at the back waist),” Holly adds.“Now the ribs are the most popular, and that’s the most painful.It’s a very tender of the body.”Tattoo prices depend on the detail and time involved, theamount of ink used and number of colors. A ballpark startingprice is between $30 and $40, and if the tattoo is very large,the artist may charge by the hour. “If the person wants a whole sleeve (the entire arm), we’lldraw the design they like, then we outline it,” Sting says.“Then we can start shading it or they can come back and wecomplete it in sessions. This is $100 an hour. That’s theindustry standard.”Sanitation is a big part of the tattoo industry, with needles usedonly once. “For many years, tattoos weren’t associated with a sterileenvironment, not until we got health regulations in and theboard of health involved,” Holly says. “Even if we open it up and do a dot on you, we have to throwit all away,” Sting says. “Once we break the skin, it’s a donedeal and we have to throw everything away.”Everything that touches a person is thrown out, Sting says, asthere are 22 diseases that can be spread through blood. “Youneed to be very cautious about it and not cross contaminate.With the exception of the tubes, everything is thrown away.And the tubes are scrubbed out and put in the autoclave.”Even the ink is thrown out. “You wind up throwing away moreink than you actually use,” Sting says.

Deb Coates Bledsoe, a former newspaper editor, is a freelancewriter and photographer

SPCC hosts Multicultural Festival

Oct. 18 5 p.m.-9 p.m. lOct. 19 11 a.m.-5 p.m.Free admission

The Jesse Helms Center l U.S. 74, Wingate

Friday, Oct. 18

l Asian, Caribbean and Mojito cooking demonstrations by CharlotteMagazine’s “Best of the Best” Personal Chef Bill Bigham

l Films for Adults: Life Is Beautiful, When Harry Tries to Marry, TheChosen, The Joy Luck Club, The Triplets of Belleville, Ponyo

l Kids’ activity: Storytelling

Saturday, Oct. 19

l Oneaka African, Indian, Latin, Hawaiian and Mexican dance

l CATA symphony and CATA dance performance

lWalsh Kelley School of Irish Dance performance

l Henna hand painting, ethnic clothing contest, Japanese teaceremony, Haiku poetry writing, lesson on basic sign language andart lessons

l Symposia on cultural issues

l Kids’ activities: Paper fortune cookies, Chinese checkers, Scottishgolf, Mexican paper flowers

l Food and craft marketplace

www.spccevents.com

Retrieving the LambBy Judy Simpson CookNov. 23 · 7:30 p.m., Nov. 24 · 2:30 p.m.$12.50 l Presented by The Storefront TheatreWaxhaw Presbyterian Church, 8100 Old Waxhaw Monroe Road(704) 243-7283

23-24Nov.

Union County Christmas Parade2 p.m. l FreeDowntown Monroewww.theallianceforchildren.org

24Nov.

Kid’s Crafts At the Museum10 a.m.-4 p.m.Christmas crafts for kids! Come and play at the museum. Museum of the Waxhaws, 8215 Waxhaw Highwaywww.museumofthewaxhaws.org

30Nov.

www.warbirdsovermonroe.com