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Caleb Fain

SheddingLightAgency@digitalproductsuite.com — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:12:55 GMT

“WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DINOSAUR?”

“WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DINOSAUR?”

This is the first question you’ll get when you meet our bright and creative son, Caleb Fain. Caleb is autistic and just turned 10 in August. In addition to dinosaurs, Caleb is passionate about space, toy rockets, tigers, aliens, painting and drawing, jumping on the trampoline, swimming, riding bikes and scooters, grocery shopping and playing with friends. Caleb is a wiz at navigating kids programing on YouTube to watch Peppa Pig, Hey Duggee Squirrel Club and loads of dinosaur videos.

Our family – Christopher (dad), Amber (mom) and Caleb – moved to Ballantyne four years ago from Dublin, CA. We also have two wonderful pets, our cat Jersey and dog Zuma. We didn’t know Caleb was autistic until our pediatrician recommended testing when he was about 2 years old. To us, in our home, he was just our sweet, handsome, perfect boy. We could not understand why he was having a more challenging time at daycare than his toddling peers.

Coming home from testing with a diagnosis, we were a little stunned and confused, but reassured that we were going home with same wonderful kid. Now we had a window of insight into challenges he would likely face, and a confusing and ever-changing array of ways we could understand and support Caleb. Learning all we need to know feels like earning an advanced degree and requires continuous education. The therapy and support we’ve employed have changed as Caleb grows and matures.

Large crowds, certain noises and some social interactions can be very stressful for Caleb. It’s not always obvious what makes him uncomfortable, so we’ve learned to be flexible and adapt. He often wears headphones and carries a backpack with his preferred toys to help. Finding schooling and activities where Caleb can be supported and succeed has been extremely challenging and at times heartbreaking. He currently goes to Metro School in Uptown, where we’ve found a wonderful teaching staff who makes him feel safe and helps him learn. He started 5th grade this fall with a familiar teacher and classmates. Social interaction is challenging for Caleb, but also something he very much wants. While it’s often lonely for kids on the autism spectrum, the community we’ve found in Ballantyne is what has really helped Caleb grow and thrive. Through our neighbors, we’ve found great support navigating schools and services, inclusiveness in social gatherings and wonderful mothers’ helpers and sitters who have become some of Caleb’s closest friends.

We are proud of how much Caleb has accomplished and are delighted by his creativity and playfulness. Our autism journey has given us an appreciation for how wonderfully complex humans are in seeing and experiencing the world, and how profoundly impactful even small gestures of accommodation can be.

Lee’s Hoagie House

SheddingLightAgency@digitalproductsuite.com — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 15:53:26 GMT

A family-friendly, delicious taste of Philly

A CERTAIN SMELL OR SOUND can transport you directly back to a time in your childhood, flooding you with nostalgia and happy memories. Feeling like a kid again is a welcome experience, especially as we get older. That’s why Robert Russo opened Lee’s Hoagie House, a franchise of the popular cheesesteak restaurant from his native Philadelphia. In his words, “It was an opportunity to have my past meet my present.”

After growing up in Philly, Robert graduated from the University of Tennessee and moved to California to “find himself.” Instead, as he likes to joke, he found his wife. They met at a bar in Huntington Beach; she had just graduated from UCLA. After they married, they traveled around the country to decide where they wanted to settle. Charlotte was ultimately the winner; they moved in 2006. Robert didn’t intend to be in the restaurant business; he’s a finance guy – the Founder and CEO of Independent Advisor Alliance. Opening Lee’s Hoagie House was a passion project. “I grew up playing little league and afterwards, we always went to Lee’s. It was a reasonably priced place where everyone could go,” he explains. Lee’s Hoagie House has multiple locations in and around the Philadelphia area. They have only one in NC – Robert’s location in Ballantyne – and it’s one of only a few franchises not operated by the original owner. (There’s also a Lee’s in Lake Wylie.)

Located on Lancaster Highway, Lee’s Hoagie House in Ballantyne recreates everything the franchises up north do. “All of our meats and cheeses come from Philly. The bread dough comes from a bakery in Philly, and we bake it in a specific oven that replicates the Philly humidity,” Robert describes. The menu closely follows the one from Robert’s childhood – awardwinning, mouth-watering cheesesteaks; hoagies with cold cuts, cheese, lettuce, tomato, oil and vinegar, spices and other fixings; wings; salads; wraps and a variety of other hot sandwiches.

Lee’s Hoagie House in Ballantyne offers a few things their northern counterparts do not. “Lee’s locations in Pennsylvania are small, usually narrow storefronts where you order, pick up and leave. Maybe there’s an outdoor area for kids to run around in. We took that concept and turned it into a family-style restaurant,” Robert says. Because Lee’s in Ballantyne is a sit-down restaurant, they can serve beer and wine as well as desserts. “We’re the only Lee’s Hoagie House with alcohol,” Robert shares. “We also have unique specials.

Thursday night is dollar wings and dollar beers (both select cans and those on draft). On Tuesdays, dine-in customers receive one kids’ combo meal free with every purchase of an entrée combo meal.” General manager Megan Hogya oversees the restaurant’s 17 employees as well as the day-to-day running of the store.

“She manages everything inside the walls, and I manage everything outside the walls,” Robert clarifies. Robert’s sister Dana assists him in a PR and marketing capacity. One of Robert’s two sons even helps out occasionally – he can walk from their house to Lee’s in mere minutes by sidewalk without having to cross a single street.

Open since 2022, the passion project of Lee’s Hoagie House has been a rewarding success. Robert has learned, however, that the concept of “hoagie” differs from state to state. “It’s not used around here,” he says. “Up north, Lee’s Hoagie House is known for cheesesteaks. We’re a cheesesteak place that also has great sandwiches.” More aptly put, Lee’s Hoagie House in Ballantyne is a relaxed and fun place that has something for everyone and won’t break the bank. “Ultimately, it’s about providing our customers a great experience and giving them a place to come where they won’t get charged an arm and a leg. We want you to be able to bring your whole family.”

Lee’s Hoagie House is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm. For more information or to order online, visit leesclt.com .

ES Design Studio and Elite Staging and Design

SheddingLightAgency@digitalproductsuite.com — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 15:44:05 GMT

Transforming homes into masterpieces

LOCATED IN INDIAN LAND, SC, ES Design Studio and Elite Staging and Design have been transforming homes in the Charlotte area since 2018. Led by Kelly Hickman and David Melvin, this full-service interior design and staging company has earned a stellar reputation for delivering stunning results. With a focus on attention to detail and a deep understanding of design principles, Kelly and her team offer services that extend from new construction and renovation to home furnishing, styling and expert staging.

A FULL-SERVICE DESIGN STUDIO

ES Design Studio offers a unique, comprehensive service that sets them apart. Their expertise covers every aspect of interior design, from managing construction and renovation projects to selecting and curating furnishings and accessories. “We are your liaison between contractors and vendors,” explains Kelly. “Our team manages budget expectations while ensuring that every space we design is cohesive and balanced.” Their interior design services extend beyond selecting furniture. “We curate every detail – from lighting to rugs, art and accessories.”

One standout feature of their service is the ability to loan furniture to design clients while they wait for their custom-made pieces to arrive. This ensures that clients can enjoy beautiful and functional living spaces throughout the entire design process, a rare offering in the industry.

STAGING AND STYLING

For staging clients, Elite Staging and Design creates beautifully styled rooms that are meticulously curated by award-winning interior designers, a service uncommon in the staging business. David and Kelly pay careful attention to the details and make sure selected furniture, rugs, art and accessories are the proper scale needed to best compliment the rooms being staged. They partner with top real estate professionals in BCC and nearby communities, assisting homeowners in gaining top dollar for their homes. Since 2018, they have staged over 300 homes in the Charlotte Metro area; nearly 20% are in BCC.

SUCCESS STORIES FROM SATISFIED CLIENTS

The transformative power of Elite Staging and Design’s work is evident in the feedback from their satisfied clients. One customer shares, “The Elite Design team made my room look better than I ever thought possible. The furniture has the quality and comfort I wanted. David’s layout and design, with the new furniture, made the room feel much larger and stylish.”

Kelly’s expertise in staging has also helped numerous clients sell their homes quickly and at top value. A satisfied customer praises her work, states, “Kelly was absolutely wonderful to work with. She and her team function like a well-oiled machine, from delivery of furnishings to design to final pick up. Kelly helped my mom sell her condo in Ballantyne with her staging expertise. With her help, my mom was able to sell her condo in under three weeks, and visitors had nothing but positive things to say about the decorations.”

ADVICE FOR HOMEOWNERS

Kelly and David’s years of experience have taught them the importance of consulting a professional early in the design or staging process. “It’s best for your budget and timeline to consult a professional from the beginning rather than making mistakes and having to do it twice,” Kelly advises. One of the most common issues they encounter is homeowners purchasing expensive furniture that is not properly scaled for the room. “It’s heartbreaking when we meet with buyers who have just purchased expensive furniture, only to realize that it doesn’t fit the space,” says Kelly.

YOUR PARTNER IN DESIGN AND STAGING

With hundreds of successful projects under their belt, ES Design Studio and Elite Staging and Design are your trusted partners in transforming any space into a masterpiece. Whether you’re staging your home for sale or seeking expert interior design services, Kelly, David and their team deliver results that are both stylish and functional.

For more information or to get started on your own design journey, visit their websites at ESDesignStudio.com and EliteStagingDesign.com .

You can also reach them by phone at 704-222-3634 or email at Kelly@EliteStagingDesign.com. Be sure to follow them on social media for design inspiration and updates on their latest projects:

Instagram: @esdesignstudio_elitestaging

Facebook: ELITESTAGINGDESIGNCLT

End of Summer Event

SheddingLightAgency@digitalproductsuite.com — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 07:14:58 GMT

End Of Summer Event

Location: AC Ballantyne Hotel

STROLL hosted an End Of Summer event for residents and partners at the top of AC Ballantyne Hotel! It was a night filled with lively music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks. Guests enjoyed capturing memories at the photobooth, creating lasting mementos of the evening. The event also provided a fantastic opportunity for networking with amazing people from the community. Overall, it was a night to remember, celebrating the end of summer in style

The Neighborhood Network Communities helping communities in need

SheddingLightAgency@digitalproductsuite.com — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 07:12:12 GMT

The Neighborhood Network

Communities helping communities in need

Every Wednesday since 2020, a trunkful of healthy food from the Neighborhood Network of Ballantyne has been delivered to Refugee Support Services’ “Park and Pick Market” in East Charlotte. The market was established to help fight food insecurity for local immigrant and refugee households in the area.

Spearheaded by BCC resident Michelle Ormerod, the Neighborhood Network has recently expanded into four Ballantye-area neighborhoods and has over 70 registered donors, most of whom drop off produce to Michelle’s porch every week. Michelle sends out a weekly Friday request email to her donor network, and usually selects one fresh vegetable or fruit and a starch (rice or potatoes) to collect that week. She often collects over 200-250 pounds of each item, and recently broke her record with a collection of 350 pounds of carrots!

Due to the continued generosity and kindness of the Network’s donors, Michelle was able to deliver over 18,000 pounds of food in 2023. People also donate household goods, clothes, shoes and toiletries, which are all delivered weekly along with the food, tightly packed into her trunk!

The market operates rain or shine, and in 2023 the food and supplies were distributed to a weekly average of 120 participating local families, who often begin to stand in line up to two hours before the market opens. This market is often a lifeline for these families who originate from countries all over the world, including Afghanistan, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and, more recently, Ukraine.

Sadly, the need is great as ongoing conflicts continue around the world and families seek refuge in our country. Many families work two or three jobs to support their livelihoods, and often volunteer at the market themselves. Every week Michelle witnesses these refugees being so appreciative of every bag of food they receive, and always willing to share and help each other.

Participating in the Network is an easy way to help this community in need. By simply adding a few extra items to your weekly shop and dropping them off on Michelle’s porch, a huge and very direct difference can be made to these families.

If you would like to join the Network, please email Michelle at ormerod4@yahoo.com .

Gal Power! True 180 Personal Training for Women Empowering Fitness, Inspiring Transformation

SheddingLightAgency@digitalproductsuite.com — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 07:09:45 GMT

Gal Power! True 180 Personal Training for Women

Empowering Fitness, Inspiring Transformation

By Senior Resident Reporter Allison Parker

With its home in the vibrant community of Ballantyne, True 180 Personal Training for Women is not just a fitness studio, it's a haven where empowerment, transformation and community converge. Founded by the dynamic duo Josef and Natillie Brandenburg, True 180 is a unique and independent concept dedicated exclusively to women's fitness, where the focus is embracing the individual and personal goals of each client.

Hailing from Washington, DC, Josef brings over two decades of personal training experience, ignited by his own remarkable transformation from an out-of-shape, chubby kid to a beacon of fitness. Gastonia native Natillie joined Josef in the fitness journey (after graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill and The Corcoran School of the Arts and Design) and together, they crafted True 180's vision.

The roots of True 180 trace back to a larger facility in Washington, DC Josef and Natillie started years ago. They distilled the essence of their combined fitness philosophy, creating a space focused on the best aspects for their clients. The result was a women-only personal training studio, meticulously designed to be more than just a gym. Here, members discovered a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, a far cry from the intimidating ambiance often associated with traditional fitness establishments. In 2016, when the opportunity arose to be closer to Natillie’s family, the Brandenburgs moved the studio to its current location in Ballantyne.

At the heart of True 180 is a commitment to individualized fitness and empowerment. True 180 is not a franchise; it’s an independent venture, allowing for a unique approach tailored to the specific needs of its diverse clientele. The team – consisting of Josef, Natillie and head coach Gregory Clifton – boasts a combined experience that is a rarity in an industry often characterized by brief careers. Gregory, a former Carolina Panther with a fitness journey dating back to 1997, complements the founders' expertise, contributing to the holistic and transformative experience that defines True 180.

In a time of quick fixes and fleeting trends, True 180 stands out with its longevity and authenticity to life-changing fitness goals. The founders understand that the best gift one can give is health and fitness. To that end, they offer small group training sessions focusing on strength and cardio, individual training, functional movement screenings, nutrition coaching and more. Recognizing that not everyone is enamored with the traditional gym environment, their studio is a place where clients feel encouraged, supported and motivated.

Trying to find success both at home and in the workplace, women sometimes find their health may take a back seat to their commitments. True 180 is working to change this mentality. Natillie shares, “Consistent motivation is difficult but the best gift you can give yourself is your own health and fitness. Nothing will give the people you love more peace of mind than knowing they will not have to worry about you falling apart as you age.”

True 180 champions consistency, not just in workouts but in motivation and lifestyle choices. Josef and Natillie believe in the power of strength training, advocating for at least two to three sessions a week, complemented by daily walks. Their unique approach dispels the notion that fitness is a pursuit reserved for a certain age; at True 180, it's a journey that can be embraced or restarted at any point in life.

True 180 encourages taking the first step, regardless of age or fitness level, to embark on a personalized and transformative fitness journey. At True 180, it's not just about exercise; it's about embracing a lifestyle that uplifts and empowers every woman who walks through their doors.

To stay connected with their growing community, True 180 maintains a vibrant online presence. Their Facebook and Instagram pages serve as digital hubs where clients share successes, find motivation and celebrate the journey together.

Josef and Natillie take pride in being a local small business with roots in the community. With two children, Nora (10) and Josie (8), the couple knows how important health is to maintaining a fruitful and busy lifestyle. For more information, call True 180 at 704-544-1996 , email info@true180personaltraining.com or visit true180personaltraining.com .

FB: True180personaltrainingforwomen
IG: @true180forwomen/

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