The Life in Country Club

April 2019 the life in BallantyneA Publication Exclusively for the Residents of Ballantyne Country Club Country Club

McIntyreMeet Familythe Photo by Leah Custer Photography & Design We look forward to brightening your smile!

Open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 4:30 pm NOW OFFERING SAME DAY CROWNS! WARRIER Proudly serving the Ballantyne and South Charlotte areas FAMILY DENTISTRY

16143 Lancaster Hwy, Suite 101 | Charlotte, NC 28277 Quality cosmetic and general 704-544-5500 www.warrierdentistry.com dentistry for the whole family.

EMERGENCY AREA DIRECTOR/ Brian Shabosky Fire, Ambulance, Police 911 ADVERTISING SALES [email protected] Charlotte Police Dept 704-336-8535 336 430 5852 Guard-One Central Communication Center 252-648-8814 Animal Control 704-336-3786 AD COORDINATOR Julia Riddle Poison Control 800-222-1222 [email protected]

EDITOR Karen Randolph COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT & COUNTRY CLUB [email protected] First Service Residential Carolinas www.fsresidential.com Ballantyne Country Club www.ballantyneclub.com CONTENT COORDINATOR Allison Parker 704-544-1404 [email protected] Membership Director 704-714-3625 Director of Special Events 704-544-1404 Ext: 401 RESIDENT REPORTERS Jayne Myatt Ashley Derrington Allie Osman Allison Howell Suzanne Meeker Connor Parker HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CARE Charles Ryan Carolinas Medical Center-Pineville 704-667-1000

Presbyterian Hospital 704-541-3874 PHOTOGRAPHERS Lorayn DeLuca Levine’s Children’s Hospital 704-381-2000 Leah Custer Nicole Daw UTILITIES Duke Energy 704-594-9400 Piedmont Natural Gas 704-525-3882 Water & Sewer 704-336-2211 Garbage Pick up 1-800-927-8362 Telephone/Bellsouth 1-888-757-6500

RECREATION Charlotte Knights Baseball 704-357-8071 ave's Charlotte Checkers Hockey 704-342-4423 DMen's Grooming Discovery Place 704-372-6261 Duke Mansion 704-714-4400 at Cedar Walk The Mint Museum 704-337-6261 The Manor Theater 704-334-2727 $3.00 off new guest or DISCLAIMER: N2 Publishing is not affiliated with or contracted by the Ballantyne Residential Property Owners’ Association (the “Association”) or Ballantyne Country Club. This publication, including the content of articles and advertisements referrals to contained herein, is not authorized or endorsed by the Association. Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid Sarah Cote and advertisements contained within the The Life In Ballantyne Country Club magazine are not endorsed or recommended by Sarah Alberta N2 Publishing or the publisher. Therefore, neither N2 Publishing nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication. Best female barbers in Charlotte! 11058 Cedar Walk Lane | Charlotte, NC 28277 980-875-9785 Book appointments at: www.davesatcedarwalk.com

4 The Life In Ballantyne Country Club • April 2019 April 2019 • The Life In Ballantyne Country Club 5 We are an independent custom closet company specializing in elegant, creative solutions to meet your storage needs. All projects are manufactured in our Matthews shop for your unique space and installed with impeccable attention to detail. Design consultation is always complimentary and at your convenience. Call today.

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood vendor to use. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring the Ballantyne Country Club Lifestyle magazine.

These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the Ballantyne Country Club magazine! 704 .618.0421 • [email protected] Closet • Garage • O ce • Pantry • Laundry Room • Entryway • Kid Space • Media Center • Niche family owned and operated • angiescustomclosets.com AUTO DEALERSHIP FUNERAL HOME / LAWN TREATMENT Helen Adams Realty - Land Rover Charlotte FUNERAL SERVICES King Green Michelle Weeks (704) 536-4270 Hankins and Whittington (704) 532-6262 (704) 341-0279 Funeral Services BAKERY / SWEETS (704) 333-6116 LEGAL HM Properties - Katy Celebrate a Lifetime. Melt In Your Mouth Sodoma Law Bradfield Providing personalized celebrations and exceptional (704) 996-3187 HVAC SERVICES (704) 442-0000 (704) 965-5968 service, regardless of budget, is what we do at JF Air and Heat Hankins & Whittington. CPA & BUSINESS (704) 999-7568 MEN'S GROOMING Re / Max - Eric Evans ADVISORS Dave's at Cedar Walk (704) 904-3232 You deserve tailored advice and options – not a Brader Greene PLLC HEALTH AND standard one-size-fits-all approach. From cremation to burial, we have the experience to put together (704) 919-3220 WELLNESS PLASTIC SURGERY / RETAIL something perfect for you. www.bradergreene.com Better Brain & Body DERMATOLOGY The UPS Store (704) 752-8100 Piedmont Plastic Surgery (704) 759-9601 CLOSET SOLUTIONS & Dermatology Angie's Custom Closet & INSURANCE (704) 488-5075 ROOFING Any time you need us, we’re here More State Farm - Tom Harman Taylor Roofing & 24/7/365 – just call: 1111 East Boulevard, Charlotte 28203 (704) 618-0421 (704) 543-4001 REALTOR Restoration 704-412-2815 HankinsandWhittington.com Helen Adams Realty (704) 840-4386 DENTISTRY LANDSCAPE (704) 944-9237 Warrier Family Dentistry Richard Laney Landscaping (704) 544-5500 (704) 201-7349 Helen Adams Realty - Christine Hotham and Peggy Leo-Gallo (704) 341-0279

When Only The Best Will Do .. Complete Landscape & Hardscape Design/ Build Service * Flower Beds & Gardens * Irrigation * Patios * Outdoor Living & Dining Rooms * Lawn Installation * Retaining Walls * Walkways * Water Features laneylandscaping.biz | [email protected] Licensed & Certified * Bonded & Insured 6 The Life In Ballantyne Country Club • April 2019 704-201-7349 April 2019 • The Life In Ballantyne Country Club 7 a note from your content coordinator Staff & Contributors

If you or your child would like to become part Brian Shabosky Allison Parker of the writing team, reach out to Allison Parker at [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]. Publisher Content Coordinator

Karen Randolph Julia Riddle Nicole Daw Lorayn DeLuca Leah Custer Allie Osman [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] leah.custer.photography@ [email protected] Editor Ad Coordinator Photographer Photographer gmail.com Athlete of the Month Photographer

Jayne Myatt Connor Parker Ashley Derrington Allison Howell Suzanne Meeker Charles Ryan “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] allisonhowell2000@ smeekerny2014@ [email protected] – Dr. Seuss Resident Recipe Precious Pets Bedtime Stories gmail.com gmail.com Meet Your Neighbors Travel Tales Neighbors Giving Back Springtime always gives me a zest for adventure! by sharing stories and photos about our best trea- How about you? With hopefully the last bit of sure – YOU – our awesome neighbors and friends! cold weather behind us, we can welcome in the fresh breezes and warm sunshine of spring. It’s On that note, we love hearing about adventures, a beautiful time to celebrate spring holidays and big or small from neighbors old and new – it makes enjoy school breaks with family and friends. You our day to receive a text or email about a neighbor’s never know what new adventures await around the news! A son or daughter making a sports team, corner when you go off exploring. Sometimes it can celebrating school activities and accomplishments, be as simple as a walk through Ballantyne Country spreading the word about charities that are close Club’s walking trails seeing a new bird or critter, or to one’s heart, a trip of lifetime comes to reality sometimes it’s a travel adventure miles away … it’s – whatever brings you joy is the vibe we want to all in the eye of the beholder. share through The Life in Ballantyne Country Club. Keep the positive vibes flowing! Being a neighbor in Ballantyne Country Club since 2011 and a part of this amazing magazine since Happy spring! 2014, it’s a pleasure to see new faces and places popping up within its pages. A special thanks to our fellow neighbors who as writers, contributors, and photographers make every issue extra special ContentAllison Coordinator Parker [email protected]

8 The Life In Ballantyne Country Club • April 2019 April 2019 • The Life In Ballantyne Country Club 9 Attention BCC Residents: Do you own or run a business? To have your business featured free in the the life in resident business guide in an upcoming issue of The Ballantyne Life in Ballantyne Country Club, please send an email to [email protected] or call 336-430- ResidentCountry Business ClubGuide 5852. This is open to residents of Ballantyne only.

ACCOUNTING ROOFING

FINANCIAL PLANNING FLOORING

INSURANCE HOUSE CLEANING

REAL ESTATE

10 The Life In Ballantyne Country Club • April 2019 April 2019 • The Life In Ballantyne Country Club 11

MCINTYREThe FAMILY

By Charles It is a long way from the Washington, D.C. suburbs hold.” Her “associates” in the household business are 7-year-old The McIntyres are a family that enjoys Ryan and the Washington National baseball franchise to Logan, 5-year-old Everett, and 2-year-old Adelaide (Addie). being together. They love movies (Jen

Photos by Ballantyne and the football Panthers — but the athlet- says The Notebook gets her every time), Leah Custer ic McIntyre family has taken the transition in stride. They love Mom, who laughingly describes herself as a “famil- music (let’s hear it for the Zak Brown Photography ial law enforcer, playground medic, short-order cook, tantrum Band) and family dinners of clam Penn State graduates Casey and Jen McIntyre and and meltdown negotiator, and search-and-rescue chief of small chowder and French chicken — while their three children are one busy family on Harri- plastic pieces.” With all that on her plate, she still finds time for celebrating Taco Tuesday each week. sons Crossing Avenue in Ballantyne. The McIntyres crafts, running an Etsy shop called SayitwithSLATE. moved to Charlotte last September when Casey For the past few years the family accepted the role of Chief Administrative Officer of Then there is their fur baby, Olive. The family regularly visits has dressed in theme costumes for Sterling Capital Management, where he oversees area parks, where 12-year-old Olive remains vibrant, letting free- Halloween — as the band Kiss, and the operations and information technology teams. dom ring, tail wagging, legs flying, as he defies his age. Scooby Doo, complete with the Mystery Mobile. After Thanksgiving Casey is originally from Toledo, OH, and Jen from The brindle boxer’s fitness regimen is inherited from an athletic dinner each year they call on Chevy Mountain Top, PA. “We got married at Penn State family that loves all things fitness. You will find them often in Chase to repeat one of their favorite University right after graduation and took jobs in their “rogue-equipped” garage, taking advantage of gym equip- movies, Christmas Vacation. northern Virginia. We lived there for 13 years be- ment, or biking and running through neighborhood trails, hiking, your neighbors meet your fore moving down to Charlotte,” Jen said. or “just playing around the yard.” Speaking of vacations — the family McIntyre loves the Mayan Riviera in The couple actually met the very first day of their Son Logan has performed in the Ballantyne Elementary School Mexico, and the occasional quaint freshman year at Penn State as two young athletes. drama club production of Mulan, the Chinese legend depicted bed and breakfast getaway — and They were destined to become die-hard PSU fans. in the Disney movie, and will play soccer in the Champs sports they love good food. “We’re new to “We are!” they will tell anyone. league this spring. Everett will take after dad and begin gymnas- Charlotte, so we’d love recommen- tics at the Morrison YMCA. Both boys love to swim and plan to dations on good restaurants,” the Jen, a vivacious young mother, is a former elemen- be on the Barracudas Swim Team this summer. Addie? She’s just McIntyre family CEO says, juggling tary school teacher and “Mommy Bootcamp” fitness 2 years old, but loves to sing and dance around the house — and yet another busy day with her “asso- instructor — but currently she is “CEO of the house- “dress to the nines” just to walk to the bus stop. ciates” on Harrisons Crossing. 12 The Life In Ballantyne Country Club • April 2019 April 2019 • The Life In Ballantyne Country Club 13 around town BALLANTYNE COUNTRY CLUB SPRING EVENTS Submitted by Dorianne Bellamy, Member Engagement Manager

Kids Easter Egg Hunt Send Us Your This is an annual family tradition at the Club open to all ages. The Easter Bunny makes a special appearance, and the petting zoo is always a highlight. We’ve got the fastest egg-collecting kids in town! PICTURES! We want your pictures!

Around Town is a photo-collage section in our neighborhood news designed to show BCC residents out and about, enjoying their hobbies, taking vacations, competing in sports or attending games, giving back to the community, enjoying Charlotte scenery in beautiful weather, entertaining guests and partying, playing outside, showing cute pet antics, announcing births, weddings, and anniver- saries — anything to celebrate a month in the life of Ballantyne Country Club! Easter Brunch Another family staple We would love to see your pictures and celebrate with here at the Club where you as a neighborhood! Share them with us! Please families and friends enjoy time together over include your name, any details and a short description Proud grandparents Joanne and Steve Smith, Ballantyne residents, celebrate AG Middle School’s first place in with the photo, and send to [email protected]. the Conference/basketball team. Pictured here with them is their grandson, Smith Tebbit. a delectable brunch spread that features breakfast pastries, an omelet station, Lobster Florentine, your breakfast favorites and much brader more. The Easter Bunny greene makes another special Top 5 appearance! Small Business Consulting Firm in PROBLEMS WITH Charlotte area. Teen Glow Hunt It’s the one event our teens look forward to each THE IRS? year. They join together with their friends for some glow in the dark fun! Glow-in-the-dark eggs are dis- WE CAN HELP persed all over the Club’s driving range. Whichever team collects the most eggs wins! WE HELP CLIENTS (business and individual) address notices, balances due, and audits with the IRS, NCDOR, and SCDOR

Business & Individual Tax | Business Consulting | Quickbooks Training/Consulting | Planning Certiﬁed Public Accounting Firm: Call to see what Brader Greene can do for you 704-919-3220 • www.bradergreene.com/ballantynecc • [email protected] 16928 Lancaster Highway, Suite 107, Charlotte, NC 28277

14 The Life In Ballantyne Country Club • April 2019 April 2019 • The Life In Ballantyne Country Club 15 2019 DISCOVERY AND DISCOVERY SPORT NEVER STOP DISCOVERING

MSRP FROM $52,300*

One full-size SUV, one compact SUV — different sizes, same design philosophy. Both share rugged contours and interior versatility, easily adapting to whatever you throw at them or in them. They’ve also inherited Land Rover capability to get you to winter’s hottest cold spots. In the Land Rover Discovery or Discovery Sport, you’ll never have to go a day without adventure. Visit your local Land JOIN PROFILE Rover Retailer today to test drive the Discovery and Discovery Sport. $149** regular price $300 Land Rover Charlotte 6940 E. Independence Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28227 704.536.4270 www.LandRoverCharlotte.com

Vehicles shown: 2019 Discovery HSE Luxury with optional equipment and 2019 Discovery Sport HSE with optional equipment. *All prices shown are Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $1,025 destination/handling, tax, title, license, retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your participating Land Rover Retailer, visit

16 The Life In Ballantyne Country Club • April 2019 April 2019 • The Life In Ballantyne Country Club 17 precious pets [email protected] you If have a pet to share, I’d love to write about it. You can email me at with subject line with subject “ Pets- For Connor.”

HAPPY EASTER YOUR SUCCESS from BCC’s Favorite Bunny IS OUR AMANDA “MANDY” CROFT PASSION. Interview and Amanda, lovingly known as “Mandy,” is a dwarf “We love that Mandy is so loving, fluffy, and sweet. He also has a introduction bunny belonging to the Croft family. Dwarf bunnies big personality – he will let you know when he is happy or sad.” SODOMALAW.COM by Connor are either a rabbit with a gene containing dwarfism Parker or any type of small bunny breed. The parents of When asked if they spoil the cute bunny or not, Becky stated, “He is | BUSINESS LAW Photos by the Croft family are Tommy and Becky Croft. They very spoiled – he even has his own room in our house.” Mandy is a | FAMILY LAW Leah Custer have three cool kids, Taylar, Chaz, and Mason. very lucky bunny! Photography | ADOPTION & Design | ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE The Crofts became pet owners of Mandy when Mrs. Becky also shared a few funny stories about the bunny Man- TECHNOLOGY Taylar’s eighth-grade teacher at Community House dy. She told me, “Once, Mason was eating an apple, and Mandy | ESTATE PLANNING was giving away the bunny at the end of the year. hopped over and took a bite out of it. Another time, Mason was | EMPLOYMENT LAW Luckily, the Crofts were up for adopting! Mrs. working on homework on the floor, and Mandy came over and Becky shared, “We named the bunny before finding grabbed his pencil with his mouth and threw it.” out that Mandy was a boy.” Mandy is very loved by the Croft family. Like their family dog, Serving the Carolinas. The family loves Mandy as he enjoys being snuggled they let Mandy out and he enjoys hopping around. How lucky are Call to nd an oce near you. and acts almost like a small dog. When asked what they to have their very own spring bunny to celebrate Easter and 704.442.0000 they love best about their pet, Becky (mom) told me, the up-and-coming season with?! 18 The Life In Ballantyne Country Club • April 2019 April 2019 • The Life In Ballantyne Country Club 19 athlete of the month By Allie Osman Photos by Leah Custer Photography and Design Meet BCC’s New Head Swim Coach Cynthia Roeth, the new head swim team coach at Ballantyne Coun- is based on the Positive Discipline book series by Jane Nelson, try Club, joins the Barracudas with enthusiasm, a clear vision, and a Ed.D., Lynn Lott, M.A., and Stephen Glenn, Ph.D. lifetime of experience. Her main goal is to make competitive swimming accessible and fun for every swimmer ages 5 to 18. “This approach empowers children to take responsibility for their actions. It teaches discipline without shame, blame or humilia- “I love to set a high bar and then help the swimmers achieve it, all tion,” said Coach Roeth. “It provides a toolbox to interface with while making it as fun as possible,” said Coach Roeth. “Our team children to bring about their greatest success.” will be a place to improve swim technique and endurance, while growing in ability and confidence.” In addition to being a swim coach and competitive swimmer, Coach Roeth, along with her husband Neil, is a longtime swim Coach Roeth wants swim to be inclusive and accommodating for parent. Both their son Liam, 19, and their daughter AJ, 21, were swimmers of all levels, abilities and needs. Team Charlotte swimmers year-round and earned varsity letters for swimming in high school. Liam is a freshman at Hofstra Uni- “I am devoted to nurturing a diverse swim team that honors and in- versity in Long Island, New York, and will be an assistant swim cludes everyone from the toughest competitive high school swimmer coach with the BCC Barracudas this summer. to the scared little 5-year-old newcomer, and everyone in between,” said Coach Roeth. “When we are inclusive, we are doing it right.” “I believe that swimming is one of the best sports for young people that has ever existed. It is inclusive, fun, and provides an op- Cynthia began her swimming career on a humorous note. At 7 portunity for fitness and improved water safety. Yet, I understand years old, she signed herself up for the swim team in her hometown that some swimmers need extra nurturing before they discover of Madison, WI. Her knowledge of swimming was limited, so she their aquatic potential,” said Coach Roeth. “I have spent a good thought her first swim meet would be a gathering to “meet” other part of my life helping folks of all ages discover their aquatic po- swimmers. Fortunately, when she told her father she was off to tential, and I’m looking forward to working with the Barracudas.” catch a ride to the event, he questioned her and then explained that she would actually be competing. Cynthia was successful at freestyle and breaststroke, and fell in love with the sport.

Cynthia continued swimming competitively throughout her youth and adulthood. She competed as a master swimmer in the individual medley, which includes butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. She coached and taught lessons at SwimMAC Carolina from 2007-2012 and helped to lead the North Carolina Masters to place first at nationals as a regional team in 2012. She also instructed triathletes in swim at SwimMac.

Coach Roeth has been teaching swimming since she was 17 years old. She comes to BCC from Mecklenburg Swim Associa- tion (MSA), where she instructs children age 3 through middle school at MSA’s Tom Short Road location. Before MSA, Coach Roeth was the head swim coach at the Jewish Community Cen- ter during 2016 and 2017.

She was also the head coach for the Palisades Piranhas swim team in Charlotte for four seasons, during the summers of 2013 to 2016.

“My last year there, I set a goal of exposing as many young swimmers to the individual medley as possible, so I had 18 7- to 10-year- old swimmers swim their first legal I.M. in a meet. There were some tears of joy in that accomplishment,” said Coach Roeth.

For the past 18 years, Coach Roeth has been mentoring families and schools in “Positive Discipline.” The program she facilitates 20 The Life In Ballantyne Country Club • April 2019 April 2019 • The Life In Ballantyne Country Club 21 Don and Kate Roberts Kids Give BALLANTYNE Back It’s time for Ardrey Kell High School’s As a school and as a community, we appreciate every donation ELEMENTARY’S Annual Carolina Student Hunger Drive! and everything you can do for our school. Students and par- Father/Daughter Dance A HIT! This drive is held by the Second Harvest ents can support our cause by bringing in cans to their school Food Bank and involves various schools and dropping them off in the bins by the entrance or by making Submitted by Ballantyne Elemen- throughout the Carolinas. North Carolina monetary donations to the quick and easily accessible link down Maria Rachal tary hosted its third is the tenth hungriest state in the U.S., below! $1 is 7 whole pounds of food. Thank you. annual Father/Daugh- which is what makes this drive so incredibly important to our ter Dance on March 7. community. All of our proceeds are donated to the less-fortunate There were nearly 400 throughout North and South Carolina. Even the smallest donations people in attendance. make the biggest difference. $1 amounts to 7 pounds of food! Our For $5 a couple, BES hope is to bring our community together to help those need. Last young ladies danced to year, Ardrey Kell was able to raise 80,000 pounds. As North Car- DJ Jeremy, enjoyed a olina’s largest school we plan to go big in our efforts to reach our

pta news bes pta news wonderful dessert sta- goal of 100,000 pounds, with the help of our community. tion, had their pictures taken, and socialized Initiatives with friends. Ardrey Kell’s student council has taken The PTA sponsors the event as a “giveback” to full initiative in their the school community. The theme this year was plan to raise the most “Enchanted Garden,” which aligns with the school pounds of food through CHARLOTTE’S theme of growth mindset. Principal Rogers can several events. Such often be heard saying, “Grow your brains!” Flowers as, the Mr. Ardrey PREMIER WIND and gardens have naturally been incorporated into Kell Pageant and Trick or Canning. The Mr. Ardrey Kell Pageant AND HAIL DAMAGE EXPERTS many activities this year. selects 15 boys from various AK clubs and sports team to partic- ipate in a beauty pageant/talent show in efforts to collect cans The fifth-grade and funds to donate. In addition, AK has partnered with numer- Residential Roof Insurance Architectural Roof Inspections Claim Specialist Assistance Style Shingles committee, chaired Corinne, Rex, and Ciara White ous middle and elementary schools to raise funds for the cause. by Andi Parrish and These “Feeder Schools” are located throughout the neighboring Cedar Roof Repairs Slate Woodson Gardner, sold out quickly. Several parents said that the dance is the only areas, which include Elon Park Elementary School, Ballantyne sold fun trinkets after-school event they attend all year. Elementary School, Endhaven Elementary School, and Commu- during the dance. nity House Middle School. AK’s student council not only wanted ( 704) 840-4386 The illuminated Thank you to all of the volunteers for making this possible. If to include the student body of Ardrey Kell but also students and TAYLORROOFINGNC.COM floral head wreath you are interested in helping with future events, please contact parents throughout our neighborhoods. Reaching our goal could J. William Bradley and Carter Gardner was a big hit and [email protected]. only be possible through the help of our community. 22 The Life In Ballantyne Country Club • April 2019 April 2019 • The Life In Ballantyne Country Club 23 WHOServing SERVE OUR those COUNTRY Preserving family moments

By Suzanne Most people in the United States know one or two Meeker military families, or people who grew up in a mil-

Photos itary family. There are over 1.3 million Americans by Nicole in active service with the U.S. Armed Forces, with Daw, KLYX another 800,000 in the Reserves. These families of- Photography ten relocate to bases around the country or around the world. In North Carolina we have four military bases, Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and the Coast Guard’s Base Support Unit Elizabeth City. Whether a person is in the military for a short time or for a career, there are many sacrifices made by the family who loves him or her.

giving back giving In our community, we have a neighbor who chose to share her gifts in a unique and meaningful way.

Nicole Daw is a BCC neighbor and a professional photographer who has contributed to this magazine. Nicole started her career in marketing in the sports

neighbors and entertainment industries. She resigned to spend more time with her family and open her photography studio, KLYX Photography (pronounced like shutter “clicks” but named after her daughters Kylie and Lexington). When it came time to share her success, she realized that she wanted to give something back to the community. She reached into her own family history to develop her passion project. a rooftop in Kabul, for example. She started providing hardcover al- Nicole has grown close to many of the families she does these Nicole has been giving these deployment photo shoots, pillow- Nicole’s grandfather only met her mom once before bums, and after getting to know these families and seeing how hard sessions for and, by keeping in touch after the session, hears cases, and even homecoming shoots, as a tribute to her mom he was killed in World War II. She will never forget it was on them, she now provides both the service person and their about the trials and tribulations both for the service person and and her grandparents, and in honor of the sacrifices made by all her grandmother telling the heartbreaking story of the family with beautiful hardcover books of photos from the portrait the family left behind. military and their families. day he left to go back to war, and how he ran back to session. What a meaningful memory to treasure in the field! her and Nicole’s mom several times because they both Another feature was added to Nicole’s work when she heard “I’ll take a homecoming session over a deployment session any knew he likely would not be making it back home. “We looked through the book a few more times, and he calmed one family’s children were having nightmares because they were day, but they are both so incredibly special and important. I love Nicole can’t tell that story without welling up and down, but then when I went to put him back in bed he kept missing their deployed dad. She had pillowcases printed for each getting to know these families and am grateful to be able to help says it really hits home now that she has kids of her asking for the daddy book. He kept asking for the daddy book child with their photos with Dad from the photo shoot and sent in some small way. I feel a lot of pressure to get amazing photos, own. The impact this single photo had on her family for almost an hour. He wanted to sleep with it. Poor little guy. them to the kids as a surprise. The nightmares subsided. and I usually have a lump in my throat during deployment ses- was the impetus for her offering free deployment and That book means a LOT. I can’t wait to hear [deployed hus- sions and tears in my eyes during homecomings. It is a privilege homecoming photo sessions to military and their fam- band] say he got his!” She realized the joy photography could bring to both sides when to be able to capture these happy memories for our military and ilies/spouses. “The memories from the fun we have at she planned a top-secret mission with one family – a surprise ses- their loved ones,” Nicole says. these sessions are awesome, and the photo books/gifts And when he did… sion with a paratrooper’s wife, daughter and son during his deploy- for both sides help give them a way to ‘see’ their loved ment. “They were so happy to be able to surprise him and couldn’t It has been a joyful effort, and as the requests have ones when they can’t do so physically,” says Daw. “He [deployed husband] was smiling today ... like really wait for him to get the book! It was a happy and exciting time for increased, she recently started a “GoFundMe” page to cover smiling. Normally he looks tired and completely worn out, but the kids,” said Daw. The kids were able to keep the secret, so the the printing and shipping expenses. She will always give her Nicole started by offering free photo shoots to deploy- today he looked good. THANK YOU!” serviceman was very shocked to get anther book with new photos talent and time from the heart. ing military and their families. Originally she provided and happy to be able to see that his family was okay and how the

prints to the service member but got feedback that Families, who are separated even by choice, struggle on both kids were growing up. Daw even incorporated letters and drawings Questions or suggestions? Email prints simply did not fare well for a soldier sleeping on sides of the equation, missing and worrying about each other. from the children into the printed pages of the book. [email protected]. 24 The Life In Ballantyne Country Club • April 2019 April 2019 • The Life In Ballantyne Country Club 25 travel tales TROPICAL WONDERS of Costa Rica

Beachside in Costa Rica

Free Cupcake With This Ad

Waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park

By Simon Over the winter, I went to Costa Rica with my Gneuss family. We stayed in a resort in the Guanacaste province. The resort was beautiful with very good food, a poolside bar, and a large beach. The three most memorable things we did there were a boat tour down a river, a day trip into Nicaragua, and a hike through a rainforest.

The first trip we took was to Palo Verde Nation- al Park, where we went on a boat tour on the Tempisque river. On the way there we saw howler monkeys, exotic birds, and iguanas. We got to the boat and started down the river. On the river, we saw many crocodiles, colorful iguanas, bats, and parrots. On the way back, we saw a huge crocodile Baked Fresh • Local Ingredients • Unique Flavors • Catering • Wedding Cakes on the river bank slide into the water, and shortly after the wind picked up and our boat was at a 45-degree angle about to tip over, but none of us We Deliver 704-996-3187 Simon Gneuss and family in Tenorio Volcano National Park ended up falling in the water. 26 The Life In Ballantyne Country Club • April 2019 April 2019 • The Life In Ballantyne Country Club 27 resident recipe By Jayne Myatt The second trip was a day trip into Nicaragua. The bus ride was very long. We ate breakfast about an hour into the bus ride and then we spent about an hour at the border, waiting to be let into Nicaragua. It’s springtime, and that can only mean one thing: We continued our bus ride along Lake Nicaragua Honey, it’s “Honey, it’s thyme for gin!” to volcano Masaya. The scenery was really beautiful. We went all the way to the rim of the volcano The inspiration for this wonderful spring-time drink and were able to look into the crater. If you looked actually came from a beautiful bottle of honey! at the right time and angle, you could see the lava The said honey just so happens to be from the “Bee deep in the volcano. We then went into the city of Cause Project.” The Bee Cause Project is a not-for- Granada and had lunch. Next, we went on a car- Thyme profit idea that “installs observation honeybee riage ride around the city with a guide who told us hives in schools worldwide, with the mission to about the history and the sights. Granada is a beau- for Gin! provide the next generation with opportunities to tiful colonial city, but the people in Nicaragua are understand, engage and learn from honey bees very poor. We went on a short boat tour on Lake in order to connect with the natural environment Nicaragua before heading back to Costa Rica and while developing STEAM skills.” The vision of Bee our resort. Luckily, we didn’t have to spend quite as Cause Project is a world in which future genera- much time at the border upon our return. tions have the skills necessary to act as stewards of the natural environment through careers in STEAM. The third trip was to Tenorio Volcano National To date, the Bee Cause Project has provided hives Park. On the way there, we saw a sloth! When we for 300 schools in 50 states and four countries that got to the national park, they only let a limited are part of the Bee Cause community. So if you are number of people on the trail through the rainfor- in need of re-filling your honey jar, why not check est, but we got there early so we didn’t have to wait. out The Bee Cause Project and do something good The first mile or so was easy, but then the trail got for the planet while enjoying your honey? very muddy. This is a rainforest, and it had rained in the morning. Amazingly, none of us slipped, but Back to the cocktail... Lemon and thyme have always others walking on the path weren’t so lucky. The been such a natural and classic partnership, but with hike was very beautiful, first to a waterfall and then the addition of gin and honey, you have yourself a to Rio Celeste. Two rivers combine into one, and delicious springtime sipping cocktail. one of the rivers came from a nearby volcano. That area smelled strongly of sulfur. After about an hour The Cocktail of hiking, we got to the end and turned back. As we By IVgreenhouse were leaving the trail, it began pouring rain. People who had gotten there later had to wait in the rain Ingredients for their turn to go onto the trail. • 1.5 ounce gin • 1/8 ounce honey The whole stay in Costa Rica was very fun. We • Half a lemon, squeezed celebrated the New Year with fireworks and music, To Garnish: and returned to Charlotte with great memories! Volcano Masaya Sprig of thyme

Instructions 1. Put all ingredients in a shaker, and fill with ice. 2. Shake. 3. Strain out into a chilled coupe glass. 4. Garnish with a thyme sprig. 5. Enjoy!

Happy Spring!

If you would like to share your favorite food or drink recipe, please email them to [email protected].

Crocodile on the Tempisque River Enjoying a front-seat view of a carriage ride in Granada, Nicaragua

28 The Life In Ballantyne Country Club • April 2019 April 2019 • The Life In Ballantyne Country Club 29 The information contained herein has been obtained through sources deemed reliable by Neighborhood Networks Publishing, Inc., but cannot be guaranteed for its accuracy. Any information of special interest should be obtained through independent verification.

Address List Price Sale Price Sold Date DOM Beds Baths SqFt 11321 James Jack Lane $769,900 $755,000 03/25/19 17 5 3.2 4,027 14549 Floral Hall Drive $1,300,000 $1,240,000 03/01/19 64 5 4.1 6,412 11733 James Jack Lane $885,000 $855,000 02/28/19 2 5 4.1 5,007 14814 Ballantyne Glen Way $498,000 $495,000 02/15/19 4 4 3.1 2,200 10602 Flennigan Way $835,000 $822,500 01/09/19 40 4 3.2 4,068 14652 Villalonga Lane $850,000 $812,500 12/18/18 110 5 3.3 4,724 11027 Harrisons Crossing Avenue $615,000 $600,000 12/12/18 5 4 3.1 3,272 15214 Mccomb Manor Court $657,000 $660,000 12/04/18 4 4 3 3,639 15707 Strickland Court $680,000 $670,000 11/05/18 1 4 4.1 3,929 14607 Rudolph Dadey Drive $2,350,000 $2,300,000 11/05/18 279 6 7.3 12,369 14621 Brick Church Court $835,000 $828,000 10/29/18 1 5 3.1 4,196 12014 James Jack Lane $1,139,900 $1,095,686 10/29/18 118 5 4.2 6,833 10908 Ballantyne Crossing Avenue $1,049,500 $995,500 10/04/18 66 5 4 5,288 15110 Ballantyne Country Club Drive $715,000 $700,000 08/12/18 48 5 4 3,755

30 The Life In Ballantyne Country Club • April 2019 April 2019 • The Life In Ballantyne Country Club 31 NC_Charlotte Southeast

1st TREATMENT FREE* It’s all about the roots! We planted ours 30 years ago!