Meet Charlotte Media Icon Barbara McKay
Charlotteans are well acquainted with Barbara McKay thanks to her 40-plus-year broadcasting career with local television station WBTV. Viewers have watched Barbara host a variety of segments including interviews with celebrities and cooking demonstrations as recently as this July when she was featured on the channel’s 70th-anniversary celebration programming. Barbara has further emerged as a lifestyle influencer with her blog, SimplyBarbaraMcKay.com.
In our interview, we focused on Barbara’s lifelong appreciation for the art of fashion design and how she makes a deep connection with certain fashion designers.
An Innate Sense of Style
Barbara affirms she was born with a passion for fashion. Her mother recognized it and nurtured it by creating handmade fashions for Barbara inspired by the looks she saw in magazines.
Barbara’s mother reinforced her appreciation for clean lines, dressing her daughter in hats, gloves and tailored coats from the time she was a toddler through high school. Her mother had so instilled a love of fashion that after graduating college, Barbara asked her to invest in a clothing store she wished to open.
Barbara details her astonishment at her mother’s career advice: “She laughed and said, ‘You don’t want to run a store. You want to be able to meet designers and have a store as your closet. I think you should do TV.’ Then I laughed because I had no TV training or experience. She stood over me and made me call personnel at WBTV, and the rest is my 41-year TV show history. Moms know best.”
Laura Vinroot and Capitol Boutique
In 1998, Laura Vinroot Poole created Capitol, her vision for a women’s clothing boutique that has made Charlotte one of the premier places in the world to shop for designer clothes. Acquiescing to repeated requests from her extensive clientele, Laura opened the only other Capitol location in Los Angeles’ prestigious Brentwood Country Mart.
Barbara credits Laura with “helping West Coast people love color, instead of wearing all black all the time. … She helps us evolve, stay young and wear what makes us all our best. Nikki Takemura Baber and all of the talented stylists at Capitol choose perfect new pieces to complement our existing wardrobes to keep us fashionable yet true to our own personal style.”
Laura shares Barbara’s ongoing commitment to head-to-toe fashion without crossing the line into costume. Barbara is also passionate about seeing fashion as an art form, choosing designs based on the connection she feels with the individual designer, their personal background stories, what inspires them to choose the fine fabrics they work with, bright color palettes and clothing lines that offer classic clothing choices with an artistic twist.
To achieve her flawless look, Barbara has relied on her inherited good genes and proper medical care. The latter became especially important following an accidental fall in early 2018. A timely intervention by famed cosmetic dentist and great friend Dr. Ross Nash in consultation with Dr. Raymond Haigney resulted in the appropriate recalibration and realignment of Barbara’s teeth. This was required to address the changes to her mouth the accident and the subsequent jaw surgery caused.
In her explanation of why she cares so much more about the thought process behind the creation of each garment than the label sewn inside, Barbara provides examples of aspirational fashion designers such as designer Dovima, creator of a treasured hand-painted coat Barbara owns. Other pieces in her collection are by Barbara Tfank, a designer who often designs bespoke pieces for royalty but derives the most pleasure and highest degree of artistic fulfillment from working with everyday people who appreciate her art form.
Barbara agreed to do a photo layout to accompany this article and handpicked the Duke Mansion as the setting.
“I chose The Duke Mansion as the setting for this photo shoot because this beautiful, historic landmark has been the location of some of my most favorite times in Charlotte from visiting when it was a private residence to attending many special occasions, including my daughter’s wedding rehearsal dinner. The gardens, the rooms and the staff are all magnificent. It symbolizes the grace, elegance and Southern hospitality of our city that I love. I am so proud to make South Charlotte my home.”
Among the designers featured in the photo layout is jewelry designer Irene Neuwirth, who has a store-in-store at Capitol’s Brentwood location in Los Angeles. Also featured are Of Rare Origin, founded by a mother and daughter team who have achieved renown for their Aviary Collection, a series featuring stylized bird motifs inspired by memories of the family matriarch feeding birds crumbs left from breakfast each morning. It is this type of inspiration drawn from personal experience that Barbara naturally gravitates to in choosing her fashions.
For more information on Capitol clothing and events where you can meet designers, visit Shop-Capitol.com.
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Let’s Jet Over to the Big Apple
New York City is the place to go for all things fashion. It’s been long deemed one of the big four fashion pillars in the world, along with Paris, Milan and London. Being that it’s the only fashion mecca in the United States and direct flights are easy to come by (and typically decently priced), visiting the Concrete Jungle is a no-brainer—especially during New York Fashion Week!
That’s right. New York Fashion Week is upon us. From Sept. 6–14, high-end fashion designers from all over the world will gather in the city that never sleeps to showcase their spring and summer 2020 collections to buyers, press and the general public.
Contrary to popular belief, NYFW is not necessarily an exclusive affair. Although most shows are reserved for buyers and press only, there are some events the general public can attend.
To celebrate our Style issue, we’ve created a 48-hour NYC fashion itinerary. It features some NYFW events open to the public and other must-do and must-see fashion icons in NYC.
Sept. 12
8:30 a.m. – Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel because it wouldn’t be a trip to New York without a bagel.
10 a.m. – Visit the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, dubbed New York’s most fashionable museum.
12 p.m. – Lunch at En Japanese Brasserie.
2 p.m. – Visit Mood Designer Fabrics, the three-story fabric store made popular by Project Runway.
3 p.m. – Visit Dover Street Market.
5:30 p.m. – Dinner at Carbone. One word: Pasta.
7 p.m. – Go to NYFW Show: Ontavia Roulette’s “Before the Death of a Child’s Imagination” Collection.
Sept. 13
10 a.m. – Brunch at Augustine, French cuisine in the Financial District.
11:30 a.m. – Tiffany & Co., a must-visit, of course.
12:30 p.m. – Walk down Seventh Avenue, also known as NYC’s Fashion Avenue.
2:30 p.m. – Visit the Metropolitan Museum. Book a tour with the Costume Institute for a little extra dose of fashion.
5:30 p.m. – Dinner at the Loyal. Be sure to book a reservation in advance.
7 p.m. – NYFW’s Fashion Industry Finest Independent Designers (FIFI FW) – features the best of the best in the independent fashion industry.
8:30 p.m. – Drinks at the Rose Bar in Gramercy Park Hotel.
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Located in south Tryon’s prominent corridor, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is home to more than 1,600 pieces by some of the most renowned mid-20th-century artists. Ranging from pop art to expressionism, Bechtler features pieces by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Alberto Giacornetti, Le Corbusier and many more.
The Bechtler family, set in Switzerland, privately held the collection until 2010. The family cultivated their collection over a 70-year period in Europe. Andreas Bechtler inherited a section of the collection amassed by his family and kindly donated it to Queen City. Many of the most popular pieces featured in the museum were gifts from the artists to the Bechtler family.
At the entrance of the museum, guests are greeted by a glimmering 18-foot Firebird sculpture. This piece is covered in bits of colors and reflective mirrors that echo the Tryon Street surroundings. Artist Niki de Saint Phalle created the sculpture, offering hints to the corresponding collection awaiting visitors inside.
Thanks to Swiss architect Mario Botta, the building projects an intimate texture with open spaces and panoramas. His use of unassuming but sophisticated materials creates a truly one-of-a-kind feel. Botta is internationally recognized as one of the planet’s leading architects. Thus far, he has only accepted two projects in the United States: the Bechtler and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
The Bechtler’s mission is to share the joy and excellence of art so everyone can be inspired and informed while having their cultural and intellectual life enhanced. From special members-only events, Jazz at the Bechtler, school tours, family days, Modernism + Film, guest lectures and a commitment to making the museum accessible and inclusive to those with disabilities, the Bechtler is more than a museum; it is the cultural heart of Charlotte.
Located beside several of uptown Charlotte’s finest cultural facilities such as the Knight Theater, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture and the Mint Museum Uptown, the Bechtler Museum officially opened its doors in January 2010. Nearing its 10-year anniversary on Jan. 2, 2020, the museum is now displaying its international exhibition featuring Nomadic Murals: Tapestries of the Modern Era. The exhibition is an exploration and presentation of tapestries and rugs designed by artists usually associated with painting, sculpture and architecture. This exhibit features important tapestries by modern masters such as Rene Magritte, Marc Chagall, Diego Giacometti and many more. It will remain on display through Dec. 1.
The second floor of the museum features Sculpture from the Bechtler Collection. This collection showcases 20 pieces of work over four decades by 17 artists from six countries. The museum describes this collection as “… works by artists at their zenith and at the beginning of their career.” Showcased within it are all manners of material including ancient traditions like bronze, marble and iron, simple forms such as painted wood and more idiosyncratic approaches such as enamel on steel.
The Bechtler is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.; and is closed Tuesdays and major holidays including New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission is $9 for adults; $7 for seniors, college students (with school ID) and educators; $5 for youth (11 to 18); and free for children (up to 10) and active-duty, retired military personnel, National Guard, Reserve and their families.
Tours: The Bechtler is a welcoming institution where teachers and students learn about modern art and the personal stories behind the artwork. The museum offers engaging and interactive school tours that are designed to foster students’ inquires, develop critical and creative thinking skills, make connections to other areas of curriculum and help create a visual language that promotes better reading and writing skills.
The Bechtler’s guided tours are led by specially trained docents and last 45 to 60 minutes. A minimum of 10 students is required for a guided tour. All group tours, guided or self-guided, must be scheduled with the museum’s education department at least 30 days in advance. The museum requires an adult chaperone to accompany each group of 10 students. Programs for students with disabilities are available by request.
Admission is $2 per student, chaperone or parent. After-school tours also are available at the rate of $2 per student. To book a tour, contact the Education Department at 704.353.9218 or email [email protected] at least 30 days in advance for all guided tours.
420 S. Tryon St., Charlotte
704.353.9200, Bechtler.org
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Five Things to Consider Before Putting Your Home on the Market
Selling your home doesn’t have to be a headache. But more often than not, it is. Why? One reason may be the plethora of misinformation that’s floating around on the web. Lucky for us, we recently had the opportunity to put all of that misinformation to rest when we sat down with Charlotte native and local real estate professional Hanes Walker. Hanes shared with us five pieces of advice that everyone can use as they consider putting their house on the market.
1. Consult an interior designer. It’s so important to hire a professional who knows how to build in or enhance value-adding amenities to your house. Should you change your furniture layout, raise the ceiling, tear down a wall or merely update the color palette? Interior designers can give you advice on whether or not those things are really needed.
2. Invest in quality product. Take the advice of the professionals you hire, and do not go cheap. Potential buyers will not be interested in a cheaply modeled or decorated space, so it’s better to invest in quality fixtures, appliances and finishings.
3. Appeal to the market. Remember that you are selling your house for someone else, not yourself. Since you are not staying here, it doesn’t need to be—nor should it be—your style.
4. Curb appeal is important. Make room in your budget to manicure your yard and exterior so it fits your price point. The truth is, no one is going to pay a luxury price for a less than stellar curb appeal.
5. Get your home inspected. Have a home inspection done upfront, and address anything that raises a red flag.
Learn more about Hanes and his more than 20 years of real estate experience as a real estate agent at SothebysRealty.com.
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Local High School Graduates Make Good
This month we are taking the opportunity to highlight two recent graduates from Charlotte-area high schools who have already achieved significant goals while making important contributions to the community.
Ashleigh Carrington Fields
Age: 18
School: East Mecklenburg
What made you decide to write your first book? Had you always wanted to be an author?
I wrote my first book, Caged, in two parts, writing the first section in January 2017 during my sophomore year. It was a journal of poetry I had written as a form of self-expression to cope with the depression I was dealing with due to the weight of schoolwork and the social pressures of fitting into high school. By the time I arrived at East Mecklenburg, I had transferred high schools three times, so it was difficult.
Was it difficult publishing something so personal?
Initially, I was a little reluctant to publish it because the poems were so personal, but then it occurred to me that many of my fellow classmates were probably dealing with the same issues and could benefit from knowing they weren’t alone. When I had my book launch party, several of my classmates came to me and said they did feel the same way and were grateful I had come forward. That was very gratifying.
Did you have other reasons for publishing the book?
As part of cotillion with the Deltas of Charlotte Foundation, all debutantes are expected to raise money for the foundation’s Scholarships for Charlotte Youth. I decided to publish Caged and donate the proceeds as a service project.
What are the names of your other books?
Mind Over Matter, which was published earlier this year; and The Lives They Lived, which is a collection of poems about people who have impacted my life the most. I plan to publish the third book during my freshman year at Howard University.
What do you plan to study at Howard?
Journalism.
Do you think you might follow in the steps of your mom, Erica Bryant, and work in broadcast journalism someday?
Right now, I’m focused on print journalism.
Gavin Gwaltney
Age: 18
School: Charlotte Latin
What first attracted you to the law?
My father is a lawyer, so I’ve always had exposure to the law, but in middle school, I really became interested in the way criminal law impacts people’s lives. I wanted to get involved in a program that had a real impact on people’s lives via the legal system.
When did you decide you definitely wanted to become a lawyer?
I’ve always said I wanted to be a lawyer, but my participation in Mecklenburg County Teen Court crystallized the fact that I want to be a prosecutor and represent the state or federal government.
What is Teen Court?
It is an alternative justice system for first-time misdemeanor offender teens sponsored by the Assistance League of Charlotte. Offenders must admit what they did to qualify for the program and are required to stand before a jury of their peers and tell their stories. Everyone involved in the process is a teen, and the goal of the program is to help the offender accept responsibility for what they did.
You were a member of Charlotte Latin’s debate club. How do you see that benefiting you in your career?
Much like my experience in Teen Court, being in debate club has helped me learn to tell a narrative succinctly, in a straightforward way, so that people can understand what is most important.
You’ve also had quite a distinguished career as a varsity golfer at Charlotte Latin. What has been your proudest accomplishment in the sport?
My proudest golf accomplishment is qualifying for and competing in the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee at Pebble Beach. This was a Pro-Am event and afforded me the opportunity to play alongside professional golfer Rocco Mediate.
Alex Donatelli
Age: 18
School: East Mecklenburg
You’ve been involved in various community activism projects while in high school. How did you decide where to focus your energy?
I focused on the LGBTQ community and food security. Being gay and a transgender person myself, I wanted to be involved in that community and act as a mentor to younger kids. As a Charlotte native, I’ve grown up witnessing the lack of upward mobility and the large wealth disparities that exist in the city; therefore, poverty and food security are issues I hold close to my heart.
What specific organizations have you volunteered with?
I ran my school’s Gender Sexuality Alliance club for three years, was heavily involved with Time Out Youth [Charlotte’s LGBTQ center] and interned with Point of Pride, an international organization that focuses on empowering transgender individuals. I also served on my school’s student congress, which partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank for the Student Hunger Drive, a student-led project to raise funds and canned goods for members of the community identified as food-insecure. The 2019 Student Hunger Drive raised a record-breaking 348,226 pounds in donations.
Where are you going to college, and what do you plan to study?
I’ll be attending Davidson College, where I will major in sociology. My goal is to become a health adviser while in college, centering my efforts on HIV/AIDS work. I’ve been awarded a Bonner Scholarship, a community service-oriented program I intend to utilize as an advocate for those living with HIV/AIDS, focusing on educational, preventative and support-based projects.
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Stand for Animals
Cary Bernstein, executive director of Stand for Animals, formerly Spay Neuter Charlotte, believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to own a pet regardless of financial status. Cary founded Spay Neuter Charlotte in 2011 to make an impact on the issue of animal euthanasia in the community. At the time, thousands of healthy but homeless dogs and cats were being killed annually at the local shelter. Cary understood that high-quality, affordable spay neuter was an effective strategy to reduce these numbers. Her assumption proved correct. Since opening the three Charlotte-area clinic locations (Charlotte, Pineville and Lake Norman), the organization has spayed and neutered more than 84,000 dogs and cats. In that same period, the euthanasia rate at the shelter has dropped by 50%.
“While we will not take credit for this dramatic reduction, there is no question that fixing 84,000 animals in seven years has made a huge impact,” Cary says.
Quality Veterinary Care at an Affordable Price
In pursuit of this goal, Cary and her team realized that many of their clients were not able to afford routine veterinary care, another contributory factor in pet owners surrendering their pets.
“It was very clear this was an unmet need in the community. We realized we needed to do more to assist our clients,” Cary says. “We began offering basic medical care and evolved into a first-of-its-kind affordable veterinary clinic. At that point, we came to the realization that it was time to change our name. Stand for Animals seemed to perfectly represent what we offer to the community.”
During this journey of growth, the staff at Stand for Animals committed to the principle that everyone deserves the opportunity to own a pet and should have access to affordable services in order to properly care for their pet.
Want to Know More?
To learn more about Stand for Animals or to schedule a veterinary visit for your pet at one of the organization’s three Charlotte area locations, visit StandForAnimals.org or call 704.970.2711.
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A Dream Come True for a Teen With Down Syndrome
When Anita Stirewalt was asked what her ultimate sports dream would be, she did not hesitate. She enthusiastically shouted, “I want to meet Jimmie Johnson, the driver of the No. 48 car!”
This sweet 18-year-old student of New London’s North Stanly High School grew up watching NASCAR races with her father. Every Sunday, Anita and her father would sit and watch—for hours. Anita knows every driver’s name and their car number. She knows who won the NASCAR championship last year and who is winning this year. Nothing gets by this girl when it comes to racing!
Anita lives with Down syndrome. Her classmates describe her as happy, sweet and always willing to hug someone to brighten their day. She’s a true North Stanly High School Comets fan, attending many after-school sporting events, plus she is a four-time Special Olympics medal winner. After considering several students, it seemed only fitting that the school’s Jr. Dream Team chose Anita to be the recipient of a sports dream come true.
The Jr. Dream Team program, which was created by Charlotte-based nonprofit organization Dream On 3, partners a select group of high school students with staff leaders from Dream On 3 to plan, organize and raise funds for the recipient of a Dream Experience.
Initially, the North Stanly High School Jr. Dream Team worked to get to know each other better, and then they partnered with Anita’s teachers, Julie and J.P. Furr, to learn more about Anita—her likes, dislikes and wishes.
“We have had the privilege of teaching Anita for the past four years, and it has become more and more evident with each passing day just how exceptional this young lady truly is,” Julie says. “She loves unconditionally and celebrates the moments bestowed upon her, both simple and extraordinary.”
The Jr. Dream Team met and planned throughout the majority of the 2018-2019 school year. They created “Finishing with Anita” T-shirts and hosted a talent show to raise funds to assist with the cost of Anita’s dream.
The planning and preparing came to an overwhelming conclusion the day Anita was to be sent off on her Dream Experience. The entire school participated in an energetic pep rally on the football field. The band played, the cheerleaders cheered “A-N-I-T-A!”, and Lugnut (Charlotte Motor Speedway’s mascot) escorted Anita to the field. Once Anita’s dream was revealed, and it was announced that it was to start now, she could not contain her joy—or her tears.
“It was amazing to see how eight students came together to strategically plan a sports dream for Anita. … Anita’s reaction and excitement were reactions that I will never forget and will talk about for years to come,” says Ingrid Wyrick, North Stanly High School guidance secretary and Jr. Dream Team liaison.
Anita was whisked away in a limo to Concord’s Great Wolf Lodge where she would spend the weekend. On Friday, May 17, Anita’s ultimate sports dream became reality! Treated like a VIP, this lovable teen was afforded the opportunity to not only meet Jimmie Johnson but to also take a tour of his team’s shop; sit in his racecar; and have a shopping spree at the Hendrick Team Store, courtesy of Johnson’s sponsor, Ally Racing.
Anita’s dream did not stop there! After her visit to Hendrick’s, Anita was given a VIP tour of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Uptown Charlotte and had additional time with Johnson and many other drivers when she attended the All-Star Race Driver’s meeting on Saturday, May 18. Watching the race from a speedway condominium, along with her Jr. Dream Team (who had been waiting at the condo to surprise her) capped off her amazing Dream Experience.
This all-inclusive, star-studded VIP Dream Experience was coordinated by Charlotte-area organization Dream On 3. This nonprofit works with professional athletes and sports teams to make dreams come true for children ages 5 to 21 with chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities or life-altering conditions. Dream Kids are referred to the organization via local health care and Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities resource providers.
The Jr. Dream Team program has affected approximately 34,400 students and empowered more than150 student leaders since its inception in 2015. During the 2018-2019 school year, Dream On 3 program directors worked with 15 schools in two states. Dream On 3 looks for that number to increase as faculty members and school administration seek out programs that instill kindness and empathy into their school culture.
For more information or ways to join the huddle, follow Dream On 3 on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn) or visit DreamOn3.org.
Save the Date: The Business Leaders of Charlotte will be hosting its 15th annual Charity Golf Classic on Oct. 1 at Raintree Country Club. All proceeds raised from the tournament will be donated to Dream On 3. Play as a foursome or as an individual, or even sign up to be a sponsor. For more information, visit BusinessLeadersOfCharlotte.com.
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Carmel Christian School
Carmel Christian School is a Christian, college-preparatory school serving more than 940 students in grades K through 12 in the greater Charlotte area. The school offers an excellent education built upon biblical truth, which equips students to impact the world for Jesus Christ. Students participate in a challenging and rigorous college-preparatory curriculum taught through the lens of a biblical worldview while fostering the growth of artistic expression and athletic distinction.
The school also has a student-teacher ratio that is lower than the national average, allowing students to form genuine relationships with the faculty in a small classroom setting. The faculty guides each student to develop academically, spiritually and socially.
Varsity athletic teams have won seven state titles since 2016. Students have the opportunity to participate in one or more of the 27 middle and high school boys’ and girls’ athletic teams and pursue a sport they love.
Students are encouraged to fuse their artistic abilities through performance and visual arts. Each year, Carmel Christian’s elementary, middle and high school students perform musical productions to sold-out audiences. High school students also participate in the Blumey Awards competition.
Missions are an integral part of every grade level at Carmel Christian. This means that even from a young age, their students are taught about serving others and using their God-given talents and gifts to help other communities, both locally and around the world.
High school students have the opportunity to share their faith through “J-term,” a week of learning and service outside the classroom, each January. Educational and mission trips include Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Texas, Georgia and more.
One hundred percent of the class of 2019 was accepted to the colleges and universities of their choice, including UNC – Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, Clemson University, Virginia Tech University, Auburn University, University of Alabama and Liberty University.
Carmel Christian’s accreditations and affiliations include AdvancEd (SACS), Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS), Greater Charlotte Association of Christian Schools and the Southern Baptist Association of Christian Schools.
Fall Admissions Open Houses for grades K-12 are scheduled for Oct, 23 at 9:30 a.m. and Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. For more information about Carmel Christian School or to schedule a tour, visit CarmelChristian.org.
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The U.S. National Whitewater Center Builds a Stronger Community with Active Lifestyle Activities
Open 365 days a year, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers an appealing assortment of activities for all ages and interests. This summer, the USNWC presents a blend of fun in the sun water sports, community-based yoga, exciting and educational summer camps and a one-of-a-kind concert experience.
Water Activities
The USNWC is home to the world’s largest man-made whitewater river and offers an opportunity to partake in world-class water activities including whitewater rafting, kayaking and flatwater kayaking.
Yoga
In keeping with the USNWC’s stated mission of building stronger communities through the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, yoga features heavily among the activities sponsored at the center with more than 300 practices held at USNWC’s South Ridge each year. This includes an offering of at least one Vinyasa Flow class per day May through September. A variety of one-hour sessions are held, offering practices for yogis of all levels.
The USNWC also hosts numerous specialty yoga practice sessions at select times throughout the year including Acro Yoga, Meditative Yoga, Power Yoga and Slackline Yoga. All yoga classes are free of charge.
Flow Fest Annual Yoga Festival
This popular festival takes place this year on Sept. 21–22. Flow Fest offers a wide range of yoga classes and workshops of interest to newcomers to the practice and seasoned yogis alike. No tickets are required for entry to Flow Fest.
Summer Camps
The USNWC hosts a variety of summer camps, all geared toward offering youths ages 8 to 18 the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation centered around water activities including whitewater rafting or stand-up paddle boarding mixed with land activities such as rock climbing, zip lining and more. Summer camp attendees learn new skills and are challenged on the USNWC’s mountain biking trails and the long point obstacle course. Camp sessions are one week long and are offered throughout July and August.
River Jam Concert Series
River Jam at the USNWC is a unique outdoor music venue that welcomes performers from across all genres. Concert-goers have their choice of food and craft beers. Concerts are held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays May through September from 7–10 p.m. and during select festivals. In keeping with the USNWC’s commitment to promoting family and community interaction, admission is free.
Planning a Trip?
The U.S. National Whitewater Center is located at 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway in Charlotte. The center’s main gate and trails are open, weather permitting, year-round. Due to the seasonality of the activities offered, availability and daily operating hours vary. Visit the center’s informative site at USNWC.org to consult the daily activity schedule and plan your trip accordingly.
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The Ideal Retirement Community Option that Promotes an Active Lifestyle for Seniors
When deciding to change living arrangements, seniors should consider an option that helps them thrive in retirement. For those who are age 62 or older, Windsor Run retirement community offers many elegant amenities and activities seniors can enjoy if they want to live a healthy lifestyle that supports physical, mental and emotional needs. Any senior considering world-class living services that will help to promote an active lifestyle should take a closer look at Windsor Run, a 60-acre retirement community in Matthews, Mecklenburg County.
Windsor Run offers the opportunity to be a member of a top retirement community. It encourages healthy living as a key part of each and every resident’s physical, spiritual and emotional life. There are many fun and exciting games and activities seniors can enjoy in a safe environment, while at the same time socializing and making friends.
Exercise is highly recommended when it comes to sustaining an active lifestyle, and it is prioritized by Windsor Run. If seniors are not sure of how to get started, they need not worry. Windsor Run offers experienced personal trainers who will help build a tailor-made workout routine that will meet one’s health needs in the fitness center.
Seniors can engage in many activities in the all-season pool. They can stay in shape with lap swimming and water aerobics, among other activities. The campus includes paved, well-lit paths ideal for jogging, biking and taking a stroll. Alternatively, individuals can stay indoors to take educational classes and listen to guest speakers, all the while utilizing the climate-controlled walkways. Windsor Run’s pathways offer many physical activity options that residents can take part in daily. Residents can also bring their pets into the community and take walks in the dog park.
Experienced chefs at Windsor Run take into account dietary restrictions and use fresh ingredients to prepare a variety of healthy foods. The friendly staff treats residents with respect and caters to their needs. Seniors can be assured of having the support and care they need at any time.
Many people are reluctant to move into retirement communities until the last minute. However, it is advisable to move into independent living communities early. Getting familiar with a new community can help make adjusting to new schedules, socializing and picking activities easier.
Windsor Run supports a vibrant and active lifestyle. There are a plethora of activities residents are able to enjoy while experiencing an important phase of life in the most convenient and best way.
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