Rock Hill Reader: February 2018

February 2018

Rock Hill Reader

Issue 02

The Magazine

the creativity issue featuring

A r t ,

L o v e ,

&

H o n o r

Public Art • Painted Rocks from our Readers • Little Free Libraries • Roots & Recall Southern Made Biscuits • The Southern Food Junkie • News of the Past • Romantic Rock Hill A Tribute to First Responders

EDITOR'S LETTER Welcome to the second issue of the Rock Hill Reader! I hope you enjoyed our first issue which focused on resolutions. Are you still sticking to the promises you made to yourself, friends, and family? I hope so! If you recall, I created an indoor compost bin so I would waste less and create nutrientrich compost for my spring garden. After a few modifications and lots of shredded newsprint, things are on their way and I'm sure my little seedlings will be very pleased with my efforts!

The RHR would like to welcome our first official advertiser to the magazine, P&R Photos: Image Solutions, who has a full page ad packed with lots of beautiful images. Be sure to check them out for your portrait needs!

Additionally, you will find some helpful information on other pages about upcoming events and specials in and around Rock Hill.

We are now home to a weekly open mic night -courtesy of RoCo, the Woman's Club of Rock Hill is hosting a wedding fair, and Spay & Neuter Charlotte has a deal you do not want to miss!

For February, art and love take center stage.

I wrote about a piece of public art called Ann Evolving, which is a beautiful steel structure at the Historic White Home by an artist named Kathy Bruce. The article took an immensely personal turn when I really started considering Ann as a person and a figure in our local history. My interpretation of the art coupled with her legacy really made me realize how much one person can impact an entire city. How her contributions so many generations ago have helped shape Rock Hill as we know and appreciate it today.

I hope you see in her what I discovered and stop by the White Home for a tour to learn more about the Mother of Rock Hill.

Editor in Chief

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CONTENTS Romantic Rock Hill, p2 Valentine s Day means love and we love Rock Hill s hidden gems '

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In the News of the Past, p11 Heather Sheen owner of Creative Cockades talks about a York County legend that was unsurfaced at Fishing Creek ,

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Southern Food Junkie, p13 Ain t no biscuit like a homemade biscuit '

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Living History, Living Art, p16 More than just eye candy each piece of art has deeper meaning for our city and its residents Â

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Rock Hill's Hidden Rocks, p19 Have you found any yet Learn about some of the people behind the handpainted rocks hidden around York County ?

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First Responders Honored, p23 Read how one local church s First Responders Appreciation Day unexpectedly hit close to home '

Special Thanks, p26 Creating a magazine from scratch is not easy But these people helped make this month s issue possible .

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c i t n a m o R k c o R l l i H In honor of the February holiday, Valentine’s Day, we wanted to share with you a list of 8 romantic things to do in and around Rock Hill that are so diverse, there’s bound to be something for every couple looking for a little romance.

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1. A WALK IN THE WOODS Romance doesn’t always have to be dinner and a movie. And it doesn’t have to be in the middle of town, either. Sometimes taking a drive away from civilization and finding some peace can bring two people closer together than any dinner date. Part of the Carolina Thread Trail system, Landsford Canal State Park is a short drive over the York County line into Chester and full of beautiful scenery as well as history. Spending a day next to the Catawba River hiking, birding, fishing, or geocaching is the perfect way to get to know or reconnect with your partner. The park is home to a pair of nesting bald eagles, easily seen from the trail, and is also a neotropical migration corridor for migratory birds. A walk down the trails reveals historical architecture both on land and in water that will make you marvel at the way pioneers did things in the old days. And thankfully you have today’s technology of a smartphone to capture the beauty of it all.

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2. Get Artsy There’s something so romantic about sharing a quiet space full of nostalgia and art. Rock Hill's circa 1930s building, formerly the Post Office and Courthouse, is now home the Gettys Art Center and is managed by the Arts Council of York County. Today, the building is filled with the studios of artists and other creative professionals.

Support local artists and artisans and buy a one of a kind piece of pottery, watch resident artists at work, and explore the historic building as the late afternoon sun streams through the windows, giving off a very film noir feel, reminiscent of the days of old.

For those who enjoy being a hometown tourist or want to do an impromptu photoshoot of their beloved, bring along your camera, you will not be disappointed. Built during the Art Deco Period, the architecture in and outside of this building is some of the most fascinating and photogenic you will see in the area. Wandering around the inside of the Gettys Art Center, take note of geometric patterns, surface ornamentation, and rich materials of the period. Also housed in this historic building is the renovated historic Courtroom, a fantastic backdrop for photos.

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3. Take a Stroll Open dawn till dusk and costing nothing, Glencairn Gardens is the quintessential all-in-one spot for anything from picnics to proposals. The charm of the Englishstyle gardens, its winding, shaded paths, expansive lawns, and swings enhance romantic walks any time of the year. Photo opportunities abound in the 11-acre oasis with several water features and overlooks. Each season here makes for a complexly beautiful

4. Le Cafe

setting. History and landscaping talents of local families run deep in what is considered by many to be the jewel of Rock Hill. Ann Hutchinson White’s brother Hiram and cousins Joseph and David Bigger introduced the azalea to the Upstate, created the park whose main draw is most often the beautiful spring blooms. This time of year, pansies, daffodils, Lenten rose, and camellias can be seen peeking out from the landscape.

Paris may have put an end to the famous love locks, but they are alive and well in Old Town Rock Hill. Parisian cafe Amelie’s is the perfect spot to proclaim the love you have for your significant other. Write your initials on a padlock and lock it next to others just outside the side entrance. Then stroll in for a treat among the Paris decor: fresh dipped strawberries, macaroons, caramel salted brownies, and a variety of coffee drinks, both hot and cold.

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Everyone knows that Fountain Park is the place to enjoy the Old Town Market, concerts, yoga, picnics, and more. But this scenic space in the heart of downtown is even more picturesque at dusk. The transformation from “the ugliest parking lot in Rock Hill� to popular tourist attraction has made the spot an iconic backdrop for so many people. Fountain Park still maintains the hometown charm that is Rock Hill, but the park and its surroundings transform into an ephemeral canvas filled with streaks of pink, orange, and red painted all across a fading blue Carolina sky. After spending the day together, take your Valentine to Fountain Park to people watch, enjoy the water feature, and reflect on the events of a special day.

5. SEE FOUNTAIN PARK IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT

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Tucked away in an almost undetectable corner

e ov yL ar ter Li 6.

between the York County Library and Rock Hill City Hall is a lovely, private nook, straight out of a fairy tale. A visit to the library will yield the perfect book to share with your sweet and the “hidden” swing, covered in wisteria come warmer weather, will provide the perfect place to sit with that special someone. Each month, the library displays feature titles centered around a theme.

February, of course, will include Valentine’s Day titles. Visit the library, head to the “secret” swing on a sunny afternoon, and woo the bookworm in your life. This might go without saying, but no, you don’t have to read aloud to each other. This isn’t Victorian England or the 1990 hit rom-com Pretty Woman. You can each read your own book in silence and just enjoy the fact that you’re comfortable enough with another human being to just be with them, quietly.

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7. Saddle Up

Taking your romantic partner on a guided trail ride at Anne Springs Close Greenway is the next best thing to riding off into the sunset. This ride is for people with all levels of experience, so you don’t have to be a professional cowboy, but boots and 10-gallon hats will add to the ambiance. Horseback riding is a unique bonding experience.

Whether you are beginners learning for the first time together, or experienced riders looking for a relaxing tour, riding horses will create a unique and unforgettable bond. Trail rides, led by a member of the Greenway’s equestrian staff, are available on Saturdays 10am11:30am. See www.ascgreenway.org for more details and pricing.

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8. Tropical Escape Dinner Date No romantic outing is complete without heading to a local eatery with your date.

Michael's Rock Hill Grille made the list of romantic places in Rock Hill thanks to its professional and accommodating staff, large portions, flavorful foods, and unique cocktails.

This 1920s bungalow-turned-restaurant is very cozy for lunch or a dinner date, and a far cry from all the chain restaurants that pepper the city. Beautiful pictures and intimate lighting give diners a cozy atmosphere with a casual tropical feeling, which is nice

on a February day. Enjoy anything from seafood to BBQ ribs with your love.

Ingredients are always fresh and dishes are often garnished with with a tropical flair. In warmer weather, the patio is in high demand and perfect for enjoying an outdoor meal. Otherwise, cozy up to the fireplace and make a toast to delicious food, wonderful company, and local charm.

It is recommended that you make reservations, especially on popular dining holidays, but no need to overspend on a getaway when you can escape right here in town! Located at 1039 Charlotte Avenue.

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The Woman's Club of Rock Hill Proudly Presents: A Wedding Fair to Remember February 25, 2018 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

(INCLEMENT WEATHER date is Sunday, March 4, 2018) Admission: $8.00

WCRH Clubhouse 607 Aiken Ave Rock Hill, SC 29732 See the area's finest wedding suppliers with an array of products & services including stunning bridal wear, stationary, stylish menswear, flowers, hair, transportation, jewelry, favors, gifts, and scrumptious wedding cakes!

Everything you need to plan your perfect day all under one roof!

Fabulous Door Prizes and Treats!

Tickets: Shannon Smith 803-371-0835 sewsmith2003@yahoo.com

A RELIC OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR Mr. N. C. Steele, of Kossuth, Mississippi, contributes to the Corinth News a very interesting article concerning the early history of York County. During the revolutionary struggle, one Jonah Bird was an active Tory in this section and robbed and plundered the defenseless, proving himself a terror to all whose protectors were in the patriot army.

Mr. N. C. Steele, of Kossuth, Mississippi, contributes to the Corinth News a very interesting article concerning the early history of York County. During the revolutionary struggle, one Jonah Bird was an active tory in this section and robbed and plundered the defenseless, proving himself a terror to all whose protectors were in the patriot army.

Among those whom he robbed was Archibald Steele, an old and inoffensive man, who had five sons fighting for American independence. After the close of the war, Joseph, one of the five brothers, determined to take revenge upon the Tory , Jonah Bird; and accordingly one morning, with his old army sword in hand, he repaired to the poor fellow's home with no other intention than to take his life.Â

promising if that was spared to do anything required of him. But his pleading was no more than might have been expected, and this story would probably never have been told, had it not been for the pleadings of his wife and children.

Several times the deadly weapon was raised to strike the fatal blow, but the strong arm was unnerved by the screams and pathetic pleadings of his wife and helpless children, and as the fell instrument came down, it was turned, the side instead of the edge striking the unfortunate man whose life it was raised to take.

At last the avenger's sympathies were so aroused by the prayers and tears of the disconsolate ones that Bird, on making certain promises, was informed that his life should not be taken. He told Mr. Steele that he knew where many of the stolen things were; that they had been sunk into a deep hole in a creek nearby. This is Fishing Creek, York County, South Carolina.Â

This was a fearful thing, yet it was decided that the wretched man must die. He was called out into his yard and told his doom.

The poor fellow, upon bended knees, pleaded most earnestly for his life,Â

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He promised to go and get them if possible and to leave the country in a given time.

These were the conditions of pardon, and accordingly, they immediately set out to recover the submerged property.

When they arrived at the spot they found the creek frozen over, but the tory hesitated not to obey the command to dive for them. So, crash goes the ice and down goes the diver into the deep blue water. For a moment all is silent, save the rippling of the water as it whirls around the spot where the diver went down. In a moment more the water parts and up comes the diver. What is that he holds in his hand?

Ah! it is one of the old pewter basins stolen from the milk-house. Shaking himself, he dives again for the stolen booty and soon rises to the surface with something else in his hand - an old oven lid, or a "spider," perhaps. Again he dives and rises again until at length he holds in his shivering hand an old pot-rack which has since served to cook many a dinner, and though long since superseded by the cooking stove can still be seen at the residence of the writer's father, in Alcorn County, Mississippi.

Thus for nearly one hundred years we have the history of the old chain pot-rack, to which, had it the power of speech, it could doubtless add many years and thrilling events; as, for aught we know, it was forged in some foreign land, for its owners are of Scotch-Irish descent. Aside from the very romantic history of the potrack it shows that the "way of the transgressor is hard."

Old "ring pot-rack," may you ever remain as "one of the family," and in the hands of those who will delight to respect and cherish the associations and thrilling events which around thy olden rings do cluster. And may it be thy province to speak lessons of "truth and soberness," in silent yet impressive tones, to those who may chance to learn thy long and eventful history.

Courtesy: Heather Sheen, owner, Creative Cockades, whose work led her to discover more about cockades, lapel pins of the past often worn by people supporting causes and parties, through newspaper accounts of what they looked like and who wore them.

"An old newspaper is a window into the lives of previous generations. Though life was certainly different 100-200 years ago, you may just find that people back then weren’t so different than they are now!"

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BIS C UITS: A SOUTHERN STAPLE GIVEN A CHOICE, THE SOUTHERN FOOD JUNKIE CHOOSES BISCUITS OVER CORNBREAD EVERY TIME

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his month, Southern Food Junkie Ronnie Williams shares with us his recipe for homemade biscuits. It’s a southern staple that no dinner (or breakfast) table should be without.

Biscuits are versatile and, as far as we’re concerned, can be at the heart of a main dish any day of the week. They are simple, require few ingredients, and are very easy to make.

One of his favorites, Ronnie enjoys sharing his memories of how his momma would pull piping hot biscuits out of the oven and how copious amounts of butter completes the heavenly baked good.

To make things easier, head over to www.southernfoodjunkie.com to read more about this southern tradition and to watch a video of how the SFJ makes biscuits from scratch. He includes helpful tips, on-the-fly substitutions, and you can hear how a real southern boy says shortnin’!

Southern Food Junkie Ronnie Williams can be found at www.southernfoodjunkie.com

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THE SOUTHERN FOOD JUNKIE

FROM S C RAT C H BIS C UITS 2 cups self-rising flour 3/4 cup milk (you can use whole, 2%, or buttermilk. buttermilk for best results) 1/4 - 1/2 cup butter or shortening (I prefer butter for taste) 1 TBSP melted butter

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Preheat oven to 425-450

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Add flour and butter (or shortening) to a mixing bowl. Cut butter in with a pastry cutter or fork

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Add milk to the mixture and combine.

If the dough is too dry add in a little milk, a tablespoon at a time. Same goes if the dough is too wet. Add in a little flour a tablespoon at a time till you get a nice, well-formed dough ball Form a round dough ball and turn out onto floured surface

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Knead gently and just enough to form a smooth ball, 10 to 12 times.

Do not knead too much as it will make your biscuits hard.

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TIP: to build layers in biscuits, roll out dough and fold over a few times before rolling out again

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Roll dough out till it is about 1/2 inch thick

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Use a biscuit cutter to cut the biscuits

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Place biscuits on a greased metal sheet pan then brush the tops of the biscuits with the melted butter

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Place in a preheated oven at 425-450 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Once the tops get to the desired brownness, they should be done

FOR MORE RECIPES VISIT WWW.SOUTHERNFOODJUNKIE.COM

The vines of Confederate jasmine that climb up the hoops of the statue’s skirt represent the family’s war effort of boarding Confederate soldiers and the enlistment of her sons, James and Andrew during the Civil War. Intertwining cross vines, known for the cross-shaped pattern revealed when the stem is cut, speak for Ann’s religious dedication. She was known for housing any traveling ministers that passed through the area. Ann also fought to keep Rock Hill a dry town and helped to establish the current First Presbyterian Church. As the sculpture’s roots continue to grow far and wide, deep within the grounds of the White Home, Ann’s dedication to Rock Hill’s growth and prosperity of the 1800s are still seen today.

Ann herself sought ways to help Rock Hill grow with the use of her land; from which came many firsts. The first schoolhouse in Rock Hill was developed on her property in 1854. The Sunday school was started thanks to her donations. Ann’s son, James, supervised the first sidewalk installations and helped create Laurelwood Cemetery in 1872. He was come to be known as Reverend James Spratt White and founder of the Rock Hill Public Library and of the Rock Hill public schools.

With his service as Intendant, son Andrew was present when the title was changed to mayor, and Rock Hill became one of the first cities to adopt the newly developed council form of government.

ANN EVOLVING

Ann Evolving, installed in 2016, was the first project for the Women’s Art Initiative (WAI) in Rock Hill. Photo: Libby Neely

Ann’s legacy guides the evolution of Rock Hill even today. Those first sidewalks are being developed into pedestrian and cyclist connectivity plans for Winthrop University, Fountain Park, and Knowledge Park. Ann’s business abilities live on through the spirit of entrepreneurship as exemplified by Collision Cowork and Knowledge Perk Coffee. The railroad George and Ann helped bring through has changed places like the Cotton Factory from the first steampowered mill in South Carolina to a revitalized space providing major economic impacts by housing current businesses.

Ann Hutchinson White’s role as one of Rock Hill’s pioneering women was, and is, instrumental in this community’s establishment and continued growth. Her image stands strong and feminine on the grounds of the White Home, continually paying tribute to the past, present, and future of Rock Hill.

Dedicated to the celebration and preservation of South Carolina’s rich history and heritage, Roots and Recall is a vast database of South Carolina family homeplaces and historic buildings.

To read supplimental material and an in-depth account of the White Home's history and to view memorabilia, visit Roots and Recall's extensive pages on this topic at...

www.rootsandrecall.com

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ROCK HILL'S PUBLIC ART Mighty Casey

WHERE ART AND HISTORY MEET

At the entrance of Cherry Park there is a bronze statue of beloved Mighty Casey, the subject of Ernest Lawrence Thayer’s poem Casey at the Bat . This 14foot bronze statue, crafted by Colorado sculptor Mark Lundeen, is one of three of its kind and has officially graced the park entrance since 1992. The 14-foot, 1,400-pound statue arrived in Rock Hill a few years after the park opened in 1985.

Bringing the much-loved statue to the city was part of a city-wide fundraising effort. Mighty Casey stands, smile on his face, bat in hand, charming children and visitors alike, rain or shine.

Emerging Spirit In the heart of downtown Rock Hill stands a statue in front of the Comporium Telephone Museum, where one can take an interactive tour of the 100-year history of the company.

Installed in 2012, the 12-foot sculpture expressing success through iron roots to copper wings stands outside the Telephone Museum.

By Berry Bates (Ashville, NC)

Civitas According to Cicero in the time of the late Roman Republic, was the social body of the cives, or citizens, united by law. To us: the Civitas are represented in four statues at the Gateway to the City of Rock Hill. The twenty-foot high bronze figures on granite pedestals by Audrey Flack, erected in 1991, symbolize unity, teamwork, and togetherness. Each holds a disc that symbolizes the four drivers of the economy in the city (Gears of Industry, Flames of Knowledge, Stars of Inspiration, and Bolts of Energy). These four strong women represent Rock Hill’s commitment to preserve and enhance the history of the city.

By Rebecca Sutton

Photo: Libby Neely

It’s no secret that Rock Hill is home to history. But the ability to incorporate this former textile community’s past in symbolic representation in unique ways is particularly beautiful.

One profound example is located in the heart of Rock Hill and shines a spotlight on the city’s continuing economic development.

Nestled in a quiet corner of the White Home is a tall figure overlooking her arriving guests. Ann Hutchinson White, “The Mother of Rock Hill” is embodied in the form of a steel sculpture, a representation of her character and work. She is poised with cross vines and Confederate jasmine growing up the base of her hoop skirt - common dress in the 1800s.

In the spirit of artist Kathy Bruce, Ann Evolving represents/explores the archetypal female form that interacts with the environment from which her roots grow. This environment is the vast acreage she owned, worked, sold, and donated to create the Rock hill we know today.

The sculpture’s material stands for the steel of the railroad that brought both tragedy and fortune to Ann’s life. With the death of her husband George, Ann persevered, finding within her a keen sense for business that allowed her to accumulate the land and wealth that would become known as Rock Hill.

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PAINTED ROCKS LOCAL TALENT LOCAL KINDNESS ,

York County artists hide painted rocks spreading kindness and encouraging creativity

,

All this talk about public art got us thinking about other

And to know you’re going to put a smile on somebody’s

ways in which residents enjoy such creativity. Although

face... Somebody who’s having a terrible day who may find

pleasant to view and interact with, there’s no greater

one.”

feeling than creating something unique and sharing it with strangers who will appreciate the work you’ve done.

Getting involved with a local rock painting group is simple, only requiring rocks, painting supplies and an internet

Donna Jones Baker is new at painting rocks, but she is

search for a group nearby. There are several groups in and

quickly reaping the benefits from the hobby.

around Rock Hill including Clover and Fort Mill. The Fort Mill

“It’s a really

great stress reliever,” she says. Though she’s disappointed

Rocks of Kindness group even has the hashtag

that she hasn't found any yet, it doesn’t stop Donna from

#fortmillrocks, which makes tracking creations much

looking.

easier.

“Everyplace I go, I look for rocks,” she explains.

She hasn't gotten to the stage of expert painter yet. But

Donna, who got started a few months ago when she was

Donna is confident that her talent will blossom the more

introduced by a fellow group administrator on Facebook

she paints. Spreading messages of hope that will help

said,

others is just as important as honing her painting skills:

Shortly after joining the group, she asked for paints for

“Just to look at a plain rock and see what you’ve done when

Christmas and got them. She particularly appreciates her

you've finished with it is amazing. It just makes you feel so

new paint pens that are helpful, especially on rocks with

good.

quotes like

“they’re wonderful painters who know how to draw”.

Love”.

“Life is tough, but so are you” and “Live. Laugh.

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No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted -Aesop

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The diversity of talents and tastes among local rock painters 1 Pamela Zukoski Seibert 2 Rene Burkley Walker 3 Alexandria Owsiany 4 Karen Shadday Berkebile .

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5 Nicole Casaceli 6 Pamela Zukoski Seibert 7 Kathy Freeman Cuff 8 Marlin LaSalle .

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So what exactly is the purpose behind these groups and

? It's simple, really.

what is it that they hope to accomplish

, it's your mission to make

By joining a rock painting group

'

-

. The rock

someone s day in the form of a hand painted rock

. Of

can be given a friendly face or an inspirational message

, you'll then have to anonymously leave the painted

course

stone in a public place

(think parks, stores, parking lots, etc) .

for someone else to find

, Painted Rocks of Rock Hill, SC is led by

The Facebook group

Janice Nichols and has just over

400 members. Janice, a

, says that when she is out and about in Rock Hill

realtor

, she will hide them. An avid

showing houses or shopping

, she also puts some in her pockets and places them

runner

. “I plant a little hope a little smile,” she says.

on her route

'

, it’s

If you re inspired to make your own rocks to hide

, tempera, and acrylic paints are used

suggested that chalks

. Don’t forget to use a clear

for rock decorating mediums

. If you hope to see if someone

coat to seal on each rock

, include 're-hide me' on the back of the

found your rock

.

rock along with posting instructions

: “I just want people to

Janice takes the mission to heart

. Sometimes the news can be so

know they are not alone

. I just really hope to

angry and people can feel all alone

.”

spread some smiles

Al l o v e r t h e co u n t y , r e s i d e n t s ar e m aki n g

co n n e ct i o n s w i t h p ai n t e d r o cks .

Th e s e r o cks ar e m e an t t o b r i n g ki n d n e s s

t o t h o s e w h o f i n d t h e m , b u t al s o b r i n g

r e l i e f f r o m s t r e s s f o r t h o s e w h o p ai n t t h e m . Th e t r e as u r e - h u n t t r e n d

e n co u r age s b o n d i n g am o n g f am i l i e s as

w e l l as co n n e ct i n g p ai n t e r s an d f e l l o w

r o ck h u n t e r s o n s o ci al m e d i a gr o u p s .

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Locations 224 W. 32nd Street Charlotte 10833 Pineville Road Pineville

325 Rolling Hill Road Mooresville

For the Love of Literature Little Free Libraries turn strangers into friend and neighborhoods into communities.

Launched by Todd Bol in 2009, who built a one-room schoolhouse model and erected it in the front yard of his Hudson, Wisconsin home. Since then, 60,000 libraries in 80 countries have popped up with millions of books exchanged annually, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Just as it sounds, Little Free Libraries (LFL for short) are miniature libraries full of free books. You can take a book from the library, and then either return it when you finish or add a new book to the collection. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share. According to the LFL world map, there are 33 registered Little Free Libraries in Rock Hill. However Neal Barber, president of Rock Hill Council of Neighborhoods, says he knows of at least 42 within city limits alone.Â

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In an effort to encourage and promote reading and literacy in local communities, Laura Ashley, Marketing Manager at Resolute Forest Products explains their part in the movement. “We love supporting this reading initiative on a very local and very direct level”. Since 2014 the paper producer, responsible for producing much of North America's book paper, has worked with the Rock Hill Council of Neighborhoods to pick installation spots, recruit Resolute employees as stewards, donate books, and commission carpenters to build the structures. You can see some of their

Laura hopes more awareness will not only give reading

handiwork at local parks like Manchester Meadows,

material to those who may not have it at home but also

Riverwalk Park, and Cherry Park. Elementary Schools;

“Inspire regular citizens to drop off their own books

Lesslie, Old Pointe, and Northside are homes to Little

directly into the Little Free Libraries when their

Free Libraries. And even a miniature White Home full of

children have outgrown them. You would not believe the

literature can be found at the historic site’s parking lot.

amount of children who frequent the Cherry Park Little Free

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In an effort to encourage and

spots, recruit Resolute employees

Laura hopes more awareness will

promote reading and literacy in

as stewards, donate books, and

not only give reading material to

local communities, Laura Ashley,

commission carpenters to build the

those who may not have it at home,

Marketing Manager at Resolute

structures. You can see some of

but also “Inspire regular citizens to

Forest Products explains their part

their handiwork at local parks like

drop off their own books directly

in the movement. “We love

Manchester Meadows, Riverwalk

into the Little Free Libraries when

supporting this reading initiative

Park, and Cherry Park. Elementary

their children have outgrown

on a very local and very direct

Schools; Lesslie, Old Pointe, and

them. You would not believe the

level”. Since 2014 the paper

Northside are homes to Little Free

amount of children who frequent

producer, responsible for

Libraries. And even a miniature

the Cherry Park Little Free Library,

producing much of Northern

White Home full of literature can

especially in the summer [with]

America's book paper, has worked

be found at the historic site’s

camps and daycares”. She goes on

with the Rock Hill Council of

parking lot.

to say that Riverwalk, which is

Neighborhoods to pick installation

visited by 10,000 walkers and

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L

I

T

T

L

E

F

R

E

E

L

I

B

R

A

R

I

E

S

Interested in adding an LFL to your neighborhood?

Follow the steps below to get started.

First, find a spot easily accessible that already has abundant foot traffic.

The Little Free Library next needs a steward, someone to monitor and maintain the structure as well as make sure there are books inside.

runners each month, as well as

But Janice, who does not live in a

Manchester Meadows are hot

main road, says hers does really

spots for children readers are

well regardless of its location.

difficult to keep filled.

These charming yard decorations

Janice Nichols started her Little

are heart-warming, civic-minded

Free Library after traveling to

gestures that come from a desire

Charleston, South Carolina. She

to help the community in a

took a walk, found a Little Free

meaningful way. Little Free

Library, and discovered a book she

Libraries around Rock Hill

loved. Hoping to share her love of

wouldn't be possible without the

reading, Janice installed her own

joint effort of those around the

LFL in her neighborhood, starting it

community. They are part of

with books her children had

service projects that help promote

outgrown. Considering the older

the importance of reading and

residents in her neighborhood,

having easily accessible books for

Janice thought this project would

everyone. Neighborhoods,

also serve them. “Some of the older

businesses and schools all take

people can't get to the library and

part in the effort. Stewards from

they love to read as well, so I

Resolute, St. John's United

wanted to give back to

Methodist Church, the Beta Club

those neighbors”. It is suggested

at Rock Hill High School, and

that Little Free Libraries be

regular folks just like Janis give

installed in areas with high foot

time, energy, and resources to fill

traffic.

and maintain area libraries.

The actual library itself can either be bought online or built. If you choose to build your own Little Free Library, you must register it with littlefreelibrary.org so that they can give you a charter and make your library official for use.

After that, promote and advertise.

Tell neighbors, friends, the kids you babysit, your son’s baseball coach, maybe even your barista—let everyone know that a new Little Free Library is on the market.

26

FAITH ASSEMBLY OF GOD HONORS

FIRST RESPONDERS Local church honors first responders from around York County each year with a special service and sit down l unch -

In a service devoted to recognizing and honoring first responders, Faith Assembly of God, Rock Hill, hosted their second First Responders Appreciation Day on Sunday, January 28th. A year in the making, members had sent out fliers and emails and made calls to many local police departments, fire departments, and emergency management centers all over York County.

Then tragedy struck. With the death of sheriff’s detective Mike Doty, who died Jan.17 after being shot on duty, moods about the event changed. Area businesses and churches pulled together to take time to recognize, not just Doty, but all those who serve our community, who put their lives at risk every day.

Faith Assembly was no different. The message became more real this year, hitting too close to home when the church’s pastor spoke at the service.

Pastor Brian Keith took this opportunity to address the reality of sacrifice police face each day. His message to the congregation focused on the thin blue line . The symbol that represents police officers who stand as a thin line, protecting society from good and evil, chaos and order. And is used to show solidarity with police, and to commemorate police officers who have died in the line of duty. He talked about how first responders stand for us as a community.

This just doesn’t happen in York County he said, angry and saddened that such a senseless death had occurred.

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Honor: Police, Fire, EMS But now that it had happened, everyone in attendance that day stood for those special guests in the first few rows. Reaching out to pray for officers from around the county, the entire congregation at Faith Assembly stood for those who stand for us.

After a moving sermon from the pastor on the importance of sacrifice in the law enforcement community and the recent death of Detective Mike Doty, prayer and generous donations to those affected by these events closed the service. First responders and their families were then served a sit-down lunch where they enjoyed fellowship and a delicious in-house menu of roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, and green beans followed by dessert and coffee in the fellowship hall.

This is the second year the church hosted the special day and are already busy planning for next year's event.

This is the second year the church hosted the special day and members are already busy planning for next year's event. In addition to the service and lunch, the church had previously opened its parking lot for Firehouse Auto Detailing LLC to clean and detail local police and law enforcement officer’s vehicles, at no charge, to help get their patrol vehicles ready for Officer Doty’s funeral.

Faith Assembly is one of many examples of how our community has pulled together during such a difficult time.

We at the Rock Hill Reader thank all those who serve us and are honored to live in a community where places like Faith Assembly value law enforcement, fire, and safety officers. Let us not forget that a tragedy need not happen for us to show respect and honor for all first responders.

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L A N O I S S E F O R P .

E L B A I L E R

Call us today! .

Y H T 803 366 8024 R O We offer air conditioning sales, W T service, installation, and repair S U www.premieracandheating.com R T -

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February 2018

Rock Hill Reader Thank you to the following for helping make the second issue possible!

Editor-in-chief Rebecca Sutton

Editor Contributing Writer Contributor Advertiser

Catherine Sutton Heather Sheen Ronnie Williams P & R Photos: Image Solutions

Sponsor

Premier AC & Heating

Sponsor

Spay Neuter Charlotte

Sponsor

Roasting Company Rock Hill

Special thanks to all those who provided images of their artwork for the painted rocks article.

You are talented artists who add beauty to the world, one rock at a time!

EDITORIAL

OFFICE

Rock Hill Reader the Magazine is published independently by Rock Hill Reader Rock Hill, South Carolina | +1-803-554-9141

www.rockhillreader.com

issue 02