If you'll indulge me, I'm going to make LKN Insider a little more personal than usual this week.

Our daughter Lily got married Friday.

I've been thinking a lot about that sentence, because somehow 22 years went by a whole lot faster than I expected.

When I was younger, I never thought much about having children. Honestly, I wasn't particularly good around them. I remember looking at adults when I was a kid and wondering why anyone would willingly take on all the work, worry and expense that came with raising a child.

Then Lily was born.

I fell absolutely in love with her, and suddenly I understood. Being her dad gave me a sense of purpose that I hadn't even known I was looking for.

For years, whenever I'd come home I'd want to bring her something. We eventually accumulated what had to be 150 Webkinz. We did everything together. She was a perfect little girl in my eyes, and although she's probably going to roll her eyes when she reads this, she's still pretty perfect in my eyes today.

One of the greatest joys of my life has been watching that little girl become the woman she is now.

She finished college in three years, started her career and, as of Friday, is married, all by 22. She's smart, hardworking and remarkably sure of herself. I'm not sure where all that maturity came from because Stacey and I certainly took longer to figure things out.

And then there's Gunnar.

As Lily's father, I had already decided that no man was really going to be good enough for her. Gunnar didn't get much of a vote in that.

But then I got to know him.

He's kind, respectful, hardworking, smart and, very importantly, handy. So as I said at the rehearsal dinner, I'm not losing a daughter. I'm gaining a handyman.

There was one part of all of this that I struggled with more than I expected.

When Gunnar asked me for Lily's hand in marriage, I said yes, but reluctantly. Not because of Gunnar. It was because somewhere in the back of my mind, I think I felt like my job was over.

For 22 years, being Lily's dad had been such a big part of my purpose. She didn't need me in the same way anymore.

But somewhere along the way I realized I was looking at it wrong.

My role isn't over. It's just changing.

At the rehearsal dinner Thursday night, I told Lily and Gunnar that they weren't sailing away on a ship never to return. They're starting their own adventure together, but they'll always know they have a safe port to come home to when they need it.

And that's enough for me.

So this week I'm an incredibly proud dad, a very happy father-in-law, and apparently the owner of approximately 150 slightly used Webkinz.

To Lily and Gunnar, I hope you have a wonderful life together, good health, lots of happiness, and more fair weather days than foul.

We love you both.

— Scott

The Gist: The Lake Norman Chamber Business Expo returns to Huntersville on October 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Huntersville Recreation Center. More than 1,500 people are expected at the free public event, featuring approximately 120 local companies and nonprofits.

Why It Matters: The Lake Norman region’s largest business showcase offers an easy way to discover local shops, healthcare providers, professional services and community organizations, all under one roof. It’s also a valuable opportunity to meet the people behind them and make new connections.

The Gist: The Kindness Closet, a Mooresville nonprofit working to fight hygiene poverty, has received a $100,000 Lowe’s Community Impact Grant. The funding will help combine two warehouse spaces, add shelving and packing stations, and create more room for the organization to serve local families.

Why It Matters: The Kindness Closet distributed more than 500,000 hygiene products in 2025 through area schools, shelters and healthcare providers. With a more efficient warehouse, the nonprofit expects to expand its reach by about 30 percent, getting more soap, shampoo, diapers and other everyday essentials to neighbors who need them.

Housed in a historic home dating to 1906, Barrel & Fork pairs dark wood and warm lighting with an elevated Southern menu featuring coastal influences. Crispy calamari and seared scallops shine, but the crew swears by the chicken and waffles.

The real magic happens behind the bar, where bartenders craft adventurous cocktails and smoked Old Fashioneds. Add an inviting patio, an impressive bourbon selection and special events like its September 27 bourbon dinner, and it’s an especially appealing destination as summer gives way to fall.

Troutman Chair Company has been handcrafting rockers, ladder-back chairs and stools since 1924, using time-tested techniques like glue-free swelling joints and signature double-scoop seats. Today, owners Champ and Jean Land continue those traditions.

These iconic chairs have graced porches for generations and even appeared on the cover of Our State magazine alongside the company’s famous Kennedy Rocker. Stop by Rocker Lane, find your perfect seat and get ready for cooler evenings ahead. After all, fall is porch season!

J.Booth Salon has been styling Mooresville since 1981, three generations deep, and named one of Salon Today's Top 200 Salons in North America.

✂️ Team of 'hair doctors' who consult before they cut
💜 Skin tone + face shape analysis for every guest
🎯 Free 'Meet Your Stylist' survey to find your perfect match

👉 Tap HERE to book with Mary or any of the J.Booth team.

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

🎸 Acoustic 'Til Kickoff | BoatYard Lake Norman | Cornelius | starts 09/10 | More
Acoustic jams rolling right into Thursday prime-time gridiron excitement.

🌍 Cornelius Festival of Cultures | Cain Park | Cornelius | 09/12 | More
Global food, music, and dance from around the world. Free.

🎨 Davidson Fall Arts Festival | Downtown | Davidson | 09/12 | More
Fifty-plus local artists, live music, and free kids' crafts.

🎪 10 Year Anniv Carnival Party | Ghostface Brewing | Mooresville | 09/12 | More
Festive circus arts, fire performers, and live music.

🦖 Messy Member Morning: Dino Dig and Fossil Impressions | Discovery Place Kids | Huntersville | 09/12 | More
Uncover hidden dinosaur specimens and create custom fossil impressions.

🛠️ Make It Take It: Back to School Basics | 919 N Main St | Mooresville | 09/17 | More
Interactive hands-on crafting session creating custom, practical classroom tools.

🤘 Departure: A Journey Tribute | BoatYard Lake Norman | Cornelius | 09/11 | More
Two hours of arena-rock hits, all live, no backing tracks. 21+

💃 Huntersville Latino Night 2026 | Veterans Park at Main & Maxwell | Huntersville | 09/11 | More
Festive music, energetic dance, and delicious local food.

🌱 Fall Plant Sale | Ghostface Brewing | Mooresville | 09/12 | More
Local flora shopping, greening initiatives, and seasonal garden inspiration.

🎸 Good Times Bad Times | Cain Center for the Arts | Cornelius | 09/12 | More
Guitar-driven classic rock channeling raw energy and vintage nostalgia.

🎹 Sounds of the Neighborhood | Tyler-Tallman Recital Hall, Davidson College | Davidson | 09/13 | More
Duo piano honoring iconic musical compositions from Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.

🧠 Gen Knowledge + Music Trivia | Neoteric Brewing | Huntersville | 09/16 | More
Test your trivia smarts midweek over a pint. Free.

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