Lake Wylie Today, Fall 2015

LakeWylie TODAY Fall 2015 | Issue 3

Fall

It’s in the air and we know you can’t wait!

Pumpkin Patches

We’ll show you where to find them

Chamber Spotlight

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce news and information

Our View

Autumn A time to enjoy treasures of the season

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By Susan Bromfield, President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

hhhh, fall is in the air and the many treasures of the season are just around the corner. As the leaves change colors, the temperatures cool off after summer’s extreme heat and drought, there is a sense of peace at the lake as the sounds and sights of nature become more noticeable. I can’t wait to see the pumpkins on porches and pots with pansies and mums as the days get cooler.

Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons on Lake Wylie. When Labor Day passes, the lake itself becomes calm, the boats move slower and it becomes quieter and more serene with the passing of each day. A walk becomes an experience to soak up the beauty that surrounds us each day. Suddenly the sounds of the squirrels and birds moving about are more noticeable. The hummingbirds and butterflies hover by the many blossoms and flowers.

Occasionally, the deer appear out of nowhere and then streak by. I feel fortunate to live in a neighborhood that is a bird sanctuary and filled with trees and nature. It is a quiet sanctuary and a great place to live and walk.

As kayaking and paddle boarding have become more popular at the lake, it is a frequent sight to see groups of kayakers and paddleboarders in the coves and quieter areas of the lake. Seeing the fisherman quietly in the coves and at the marina makes me realize how very fortunate we are to live at Lake Wylie where there is a richness of nature, beauty and recreational opportunities for all.

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Visitors frequently ask “do you need to have a boat to enjoy living at the lake?” The answer is no. Nature is all around us and recreational opportunities change with each season.

We are fortunate to have McDowell Park with its beautiful nature trails and fishing piers along with picnic shelters and areas to enjoy nature. Pier 88 at River Hills Marina has kayaks and boats for rent for those who do not have their own. The Carefree Boat Club also offers a plan where you can enjoy a boat when you want without the expense of docking and maintaining your own boat. Area fishing stores have a full assortment of fishing gear if fishing is your cup of tea.

Walking is one of the most popular recreational activities and there is no end to the opportunities to walk around and near Lake Wylie. Walking and the slower pace allow everyone to savor the beauty we live with each day at the lake. There is a satisfaction and peace that calms the soul when you walk in the midst of all the natural beauty and sights and sounds of nature. Many times we take this for granted as part of our everyday life. We are reminded by some of our visitors who move here from large cities that walking surrounded by nature is not the norm, and is part of the appeal for moving to Lake Wylie. The simple pleasures in life can be gratifying—and free—when we take the time to soak in the beauty that surrounds us. LW

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Contents Fall 2015

2 Our View A time to enjoy treasures of the season 16 Shoreline

Riley’s Catch bass fishing tournament for high school students comes to the Lake

20 Shoreline

RiverSweep and Adopt-A-Stream

22 Food for Thought

Apple cider from a local orchard puts the fall season in your cup

30 Garden Party

A rose is a rose

38 Feature

Where and how to pick the perfect pumpkin

44 Feature

Lake Wylie dancers: Shagging on the Boulevard

54 Spotlight

Senior Graphic Designer - Jane Mattingly production2@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118 Graphic Designer - Andrew Sprague asprague@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3128 Advertising Sales - Jane DuBois jane@lakewylietoday.com • 704.287.8668 Contributing Editors Susan Bromfield President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce susan@lakewyliesc.com • 803.831.2827 Jane DuBois jane@lakewylietoday.com • 704.287.8668 Contributing Writers Susan Bromfield Jane DuBois Jan Todd Contributing Photographers Susan Bromfield Jane DuBois Diana Grubenhoff Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce YMCA Camp Thunderbird Ed Stewart Jan Todd

The entire contents of this publication are copyright by SC Biz News with all rights reserved.

Any reproduction or use of the content within this publication without permission is prohibited.

The magazine of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce’s marketing and promotional efforts are supported by York County’s Hospitality Tax.

Cover and Table of Contents photos by Jan Todd 4

Special Projects Editor - Licia Jackson ljackson@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7546

Area Halloween celebrations and more in your fall calendar

50 Development Update

Lake Wylie Today Editor - Jenny Peterson jpeterson@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3145

Summer 2015 issue Cliff Nichols Photography

48 Feature

TODAY

www.LakeWylieToday.com Published by SC Biz News

Creative Director - Ryan Wilcox production1@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3117

8 Mailbag

LakeWylie

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1439 Stuart Engals Blvd., Suite 200 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 843.849.3100 • Fax: 843.849.3122 www.scbiznews.com

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Mailbag Did you just catch a fish? Celebrate your 50th wedding anniversary? Are you participating in a charity event or community fundraiser? Where did you go on your last family outing? Whether you just celebrated a major milestone or are gearing up to give back, part of our goal with Lake Wylie Today is to provide a platform for our community to share what’s happening in the community through stories and photos. We want to celebrate with you, laugh with you and build memories with you. Please email photos and stories to info@LakeWylieToday.com

Browning Recreation Center breaks ground

Piedmont Pottery Festival to be held Sept. 26 at Historic Brattonsville

T Above: A rendering of the new Browning Recreation Center. Inset: Jordan Gross, Trustee & Capital Campaign Co-Chair; Charlie Davidson, Vice Chairman of PES Board of Trustees; Kerin Hughes, Head of School; and Matt Williams, President of Metrolina Builders, Inc.

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alisades Episcopal School (PES) announces the construction of their new 10,300 square foot Browning Recreation Center. Named for founding board chair, Peter Crane Browning, this new facility will include athletic space, a café with warming kitchen, a stage for the School’s theatre arts program and special presentations and multipurpose space for school and greater community use. Construction is expected to be completed in January 2016, in time for the PES Gryphons to complete their basketball season on their home court. For more information about the Browning Recreation Center please contact Kerin Hughes, Head of School, at 704-583-1825 or khughes@pescharlotte.org.

Lake Wylie restaurant gets glowing online reviews

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hia Asian Bistro at 4547 Charlotte Hwy #1, Lake Wylie, was awarded the 2015 TripAdvisor certificate of excellence based on its positive ratings on the online review site. After 32 reviews, the restaurant has 4.5 stars out of five stars by online reviewers.

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he 11th annual Piedmont Pottery Festival is a one-day event at Historic Brattonsville that tells the story of the South’s rich pottery heritage in multifaceted ways. Shop for unique selections of traditional wheel-thrown and hand-built, functional and decorative works in clay created by some of the best potters in the Carolinas. Piedmont Pottery Festival takes place on Sept. 26 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

In addition to over 20 potters from both North and South Carolina, including contemporary Catawba Indian potters, the festival will explore how pottery moved civilization from creekside to the table. The Historical Cooking Guild of the Catawba Valley will be in the plantation’s McConnell House demonstrating 18th century cooking with pottery on an open hearth and presenting historic methods of food preservation using clay crocks.

Historic Brattonsville’s Orientation Room will feature two artful presentations. At 11 a.m. Dr. Stephen Criswell, noted scholar on the regional history of pottery and director of Native American studies at USC Lancaster, will speak on contemporary Catawba Indian pottery. At 1 p.m. Buddy Wingard will present his awarding-winning documentary film about the outstanding work and life of a slave potter from Edgefield, SC - “Discovering Dave: Spirit Captured in Clay.”

Eight-hundred acres of lush Carolina backcountry is the setting for the Piedmont Pottery Festival. Beyond the tables of potters and their wares, the plantation’s antebellum houses will be open to guided tours; in the shed behind the McConnell House, blacksmiths will be pounding red-hot metal, and in the Oak Grove from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. the Contreras will be serenading guests with live bluegrass music. Guests can enter a free drawing to win pottery. Historic Brattonsville, 1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells. Admission: Adults $6, Seniors $5, Youth $3, CHM members & ages 3 and under free.

For more information call 803-684-2327.

Mailbag

4th of July fireworks at the lake!

Photos by Sayma Waleh/Camp Thunderbird

Camp Thunderbird gearing up for leadership weekend

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he Life of Impact Leadership Experience is a weekend event at YMCA Camp Thunderbird for high school students, that features high-energy outdoor adventures for the purpose of developing strong hearts and minds that build the foundation for leading a life of impact.

Students will experience team-building adventures, new friendships, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication skills and mentoring by skilled outdoor professionals. It will also feature the Riley’s Cup fishing tournament for high school students. For more information, visit www.lifeofimpact.me.

Lake Wylie wildlife

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potted in Crowder’s Creek this past summer: Four herons, two ducks, one blue crane and millions of blue and green ripples. Photo by Angie Clinton Fall 2015 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Mailbag

Appreciation Award

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he River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club surprised Lake Wylie Pilot editor Catherine “Kitty” Muccigrosso at an editorial board meeting with a plaque honoring her and the newspaper’s commitment to publishing Lions’ fundraising events that aid 35 charitable organizations.

River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club past president Lee Rowley (center) and current president Len Fleet present an appreciation award to Lake Wylie Pilot editor Kitty Muccigrosso.

Community effort to build walking trails in Allison Creek

Pete Lynn, member of Allison Creek Presbyterian and owner of a lawn and landscaping business, volunteered his time and talents to help grade the walking trail.

Foster Jackson, lifelong member of Allison Creek Presbyterian, takes a turn at the tractor.

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he Allison Creek community of Lake Wylie is partnering in a project with Allison Creek Presbyterian, building trails and a walking track for use by area residents. The church is providing the land and people of the community are providing funds and manpower. Approximately 23 acres of land will be developed with wooded trails, picnic sites, and prayer stations. “The Kathy Kitts Memorial Track,” a quarter mile graveled walking trail, has already been installed to allow people a safe and level place to exercise and walk.

David and Lorre Coone, residents on the Allison Creek peninsula of Lake Wylie, are spearhead-

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New Lions of the Year

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t its monthly breakfast meeting in June, the River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club’s “New Lion of the Year” award was presented to two club members, David Allen and Bill Holleman, who have been involved with charitable projects and took on leadership roles a short time after joining the club. The club congratulates David Allen and Bill Holleman and thanks them for their dedicated service.

David Allen (L) and Bill Holleman (R) with their “New Lion of the Year” awards. Photo by Ken Sanford

Bird watching

A cardinal blends in with Lake Wylie foliage.

Photo by Angie Clinton.

Cam McClendon (right), resident on the Allison Creek Peninsula, lends a hand.

Tommy Cook and David Coone may not see eye to eye on their sports teams, but they can work together to build a park to be shared by everyone. ing the effort, along with the cooperation of Pastor Sam McGregor. The Coones have coordinated volunteers, fundraising and the workplan for the initial phase of the project. Volunteers have come out in full force to grade the land, spread gravel and landscape the area. The group decided to honor the late Kathy Kitts with the walking trail. Kitts was a resident on Allison Creek, and volunteered often with River Sweep, Adopt-a-Road trash pickup, multiple church mission projects and helping neighbors in need.

For more information or to get involved or donate to the effort, please visit www.AllisonCreekChurch.com.

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Mailbag

Lake Wylie Family Dentistry celebrates 25 years

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ake Wylie Family Dentistry hosted a patient appreciation celebration on Thursday July 30, 2015 to commemorate 25 years in business. In 1990, Dr. Thomas Stall opened Lake Wylie Family Dentistry with four employees. Today the practice has three doctors and 27 support staff employees. Dr. Stacy Blackmon joined the practice in 1999 and in 2008 Dr. Andrew Snell came on board. The 25-year celebration included ice cream, prizes and fun.

Staff enjoyed seeing everyone at the event who came by to visit and reminisce about the last 25 years.

Lake Wylie Family Dentistry is located at 1100 Village Harbor Drive.

Reach them at 803-831-8856 or visit www.lakewyliefamilydentist.com.

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(Clockwise from top left) Doctors in front of the practice; Sebastian Mitchell won a pair of movie tickets; Bunny Vullo won some flowers; Elizabeth Mitchell making jewelry; Tonya Bowe, Judy Griffin, Lori LaRusssa and Lynn Brown enjoying ice cream by PW’s Ice Cream; Dave and Sally Welday; Lynda McGinty and Bev Walsh congratulate Dr. Blackmon

Mailbag

Lion Charlie Hawkins receives Service Hawkins. Photo award Charlie provided by Nick Rounds

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n his 26 years as a member of the River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club, Charlie Hawkins has participated in and chaired a number of fundraising events. For his commitment to the club and the community, he was recently awarded the prestigious Lions Distinguished Service Award. Involvement is what Charlie is all about. He served as Chairman of the Lake Wylie Marine Commission and the River Hills Community Church Foundation. He was an officer in The Coast Guard Auxiliary, a mentor in the Clover school district and an arbitrator in the SC Criminal Justice System. He also won a number of medals, including a Purple Heart, for his action in World War II.

Lake Wylie Children’s Charity to hold Fall Benefit Concert

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he annual fall benefit concert to be held Oct. 4 is the last big event of the year for Lake Wylie Children’s Charity and will raise money to support two very deserving Lake Wylie children— Jaxon Clark, age 4, and Kelsey Funderburk, age 14.

Kelsey was diagnosed with rosette forming glioneurol (a brain tumor) after she had vision problems. Her tumor is located between the carotid artery and the optic nerve so removing all of it is not an option. This is a tumor that she will have her entire life due to the location and since less than 100 people have been diagnosed with this type of tumor, there is no cure. Jaxon has Hunter Syndrome/MPS II, a rare genetic disorder and requires weekly four-hour infusions at the hospital along with expensive medication.

The LWCC will hold a day with live music, food, a silent auction, kids zone and Panthers Fan Zone to raise money to help these families of children with life-threatening illnesses. The event will be held from noon until dark, on the grass area between T-bones boat docks and the boat launch parking lot. Visit www.lkwchildrenscharity.org for more information.

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Mailbag

Attendees donned their best bug costumes at last year’s event. Photos provided

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to host ‘Bootanical’ Halloween event

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all is a “bootiful” time to visit the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and you’re invited to enjoy it by celebrating Halloween early at ‘Bootanical’ event Oct. 24 and 25. Live folk music by Jamie Kay will drift through the crisp fall air while attendees enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, gather around campfires to make s’mores, play fun games such as cornhole, watch some Punkin Chunkin’ and participate in some not-so-fright-

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ening fantastic fall activities. Lunch items in addition to a wide variety of fall snacks, desserts and beverages will be available throughout the event.

Bootanical is free with general Garden admission and all children wearing costumes will receive free admission. Garden Members are admitted free.

The garden is located at 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC. For more information, visit www.dsbg.org.

Mailbag

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Shoreline

Fishing for Leadership

by Jenny Peterson • Photos provided by Riley’s Catch

Young anglers to take over Lake Wylie for Riley’s Catch

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Shoreline

Colton Harrell and Ryan Geraghty of Riley’s Catch, then seniors at Weddington High School, winners of the first annual Riley’s Cup in 2014

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he fall season means good fishing on the shores of Lake Wylie, as well as renewing friendships and residents preparing for winter.

It also means bringing together young men and women to YMCA Camp Thunderbird for a special weekend of learning, leadership and life lessons. More than 300 high school students from North and South Carolina are expected to participate in this year’s Life of Impact leadership weekend from Oct. 2-4 in Lake Wylie.

Now in its second year, the Life of Impact weekend is a 50-50 partnership with YMCA Camp Thunderbird in Lake Wylie and Riley’s Catch, a non-profit group that empowers students to use the outdoors in building stronger hearts, minds, and bodies.

The Life of Impact weekend will culminate with the Riley’s Cup Fishing Tournament – a bass-fishing tournament open to high school students, honoring Riley Laymon, a Weddington, N.C. high school student who died in a truck accident in 2012.

As a student, Riley Laymon had an idea to start a bass fishing club at Weddington High School and wrote a letter to one of his teachers asking about that possibility. Inspired by his idea, friends and family followed up on the 18

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concept, formed a blueprint for Riley’s Catch and applied for a 501c3 non-profit status.

Three years later, the club thrives as a popular student organization, with 180 student members. The core values of the club are: fishing, friends, fun and faith.

“The fishing club has a social aspect in that it’s a fun, safe place for kids to belong,” said Rodney Goodall, Riley’s Catch executive director. “High school fishing clubs and collegiate clubs are getting more popular,” he said.

Students at Weddington High School gather weekly at the high school to learn new tips and techniques from fishing experts as they prepare for upcoming tournaments.

And there’s no better place to get their feet wet in a tournament than on beautiful Lake Wylie.

Organized by a student leadership group, Riley’s Cup Fishing Tournament brings student anglers from nearby colleges and universities to the lake to serve as the official tournament boat captains. They guide high schoolers on their quest to catch the biggest bass.

Rules of the Riley Cup Fishing Tournament require artificial bait and a catch-andrelease format.

Goodall said the high school students

look up to the collegiate angler-leaders, and get to experience sportsmanship, competitive fishing, applied problem solving, and, for one lucky team, a giant trophy.

“Some kids who attend the weekend have never been out of their neighborhood, and to spend the night at Camp Thunderbird is such a rich experience for them,” Goodall said.

“Over 22 high schools were represented last year, and the YMCA tries to integrate and group students together to allow them to make new friends and experience new adventures as well as being part of something bigger than themselves.”

Leadership for young people is a hallmark of the YMCA Camp Thunderbird’s mission, said Jill Moore, executive director. That’s why the partnership with Riley’s Catch for the Life of Impact weekend is such a good fit, she explained.

“For 80 years, we have been providing leadership opportunities for 17-25 year olds,” she said.

Students at the Life of Impact weekend choose a focus on fishing or other outdoor adventures and land-based activities, such as archery. Much like the summer camp, participants stay in cabins and experience camp life with YMCA instructors. Moore

Shoreline

(Clockwise from above) Colton Harrell as his catch; students at The 2014 Life of Impact Leadership Experience gathered for the National Anthem and launch of the first annual Riley’s Cup; Rashad Goodson and Chris Carnes on the shore of Lake Wylie.

said the unique aspect of the weekend is that it is organized by high school student-leaders themselves.

“We put them out front, and they are not being held back by their age,” she said. “Being able to expose young people to recreational outdoor activities and things they might not be able to try otherwise leads to personal self-confidence.”

An additional aspect to the weekend and fishing tournament is having participants learn about sustainability, about caring for each other and caring for the environment.

“We definitely plan to host it every year and hope it will continue to grow,” Moore said.

Goodall said there are larger plans for the future building on the Life of Impact weekend.

They include building a bass fishing academy, offering more experiences and environmental education with partners like Duke Energy.

“This has become more than we could ever ask for,” Goodall said. “Having these two organizations come together and seeing these kids learn these skills is what drives us to move forward.”

For more information about the Riley’s Cup Fishing Tournament or to sign up for the Life of Impact weekend, visit www.rileyscatch.com. LW

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Shoreline

RiverSweep Success Depends on Volunteers

By Susan Bromfield • Photos by the artist Randy Miller

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t’s time to clean up Lake Wylie and its shoreline at this year’s Riversweep on October 3. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. The Buster Boyd Boat Landing will serve as the base location for the event and gloves and bags will be available at key locations.

Lake Wylie is the “Main Street” of the community and referred to as the “lifeblood” of the region. The Catawba River has been called the “workhorse” in the region, providing drinking water for approximately 2 mil-

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lion people and used to produce the region’s power. It is also utilized for the region’s sewage treatment plants as well as for recreation.

The Catawba River water is used over and over again for a variety of uses.

We are asking neighborhood and community leaders in three counties and two states to come together and clean their areas and arrange for volunteers to collectively make a difference by cleaning up the lake shoreline at this year’s Riversweep.

There will be dumpsters at the Buster Boyd Boat Landing, McDowell Park, Ebenezer Park, Allison Creek and other locations. It is an opportunity for lakeside neighbors to join forces and clean up coves and areas where debris has collected and dispose of large objects and junk in the provided dumpsters.

Please register at the wwwlakewylieriversweep.com or view if you would like more information or if you would like to help. LW

Shoreline

LW Chamber partners with York County to Clean our Waterways

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t is time to get involved and make a difference in our area. The Lake Wylie Chamber proudly continues its partnership with York County in support of its Adopt-a-Stream and Storm Drain Marking programs as part of its Green Initiative. The Chamber asks businesses, neighborhoods and individuals to support these programs and make the lake and community a beautiful place. Kodiak Mini Storage was among the very first to clean and mark more than 20 drains at their facility in Lake Wylie.

Get Involved. Adopt a Stream or Cove and/ or Mark Storm Drains in your area.

Lake, creek and stream levels are low this fall, making it a perfect time to clean up areas with litter and debris. Organize your group or neighbors to join and help keep our waterways clean.

Adopt-a-Stream Benefits • Keep Waterways Litter-free • Awareness of your watershed • Training on how to monitor the health of your stream • Recognition of your group on an Adopt-A-Stream sign • Certificate of appreciation • Community pride in our streams and coves

Storm Drain Marking Information Storm drains are the drains that you see at street corners or low points in the street or parking lot, used for transporting stormwater.

Stormwater is water from rain, snow, sleet or hail that flows across the ground or pavement when it rains. Stormwater either seeps into the ground or it flows into storm drains.

These drains discharge directly into streams and creeks. The concern is that as stormwater travels across the ground, it can pick up pollutants. Stormwater is not treated. Whatever goes into a storm drain is discharged directly into our creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes.

Marking drains with a simple message about not dumping waste can help increase awareness and public involvement of this very important issue.

For more information about the York County Storm Drain Marking Program, contact Caci Nance, York County Environmental Outreach at 803-909- 7146 or email caci.nance@yorkcountygov.com or call The Lake Wylie Chamber office at 803-831-2827.

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Food for Thought

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Food for Thought

This house cider RULES! Story and photos by Jan Todd

Windy Hill Orchard is ready for fall

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he long wait for fall is over, and your taste buds are in for a treat. Windy Hill Orchard is open for fall, and serving up fun for the whole family. The Gusmer family has been hard at work all year, tending to their apple trees, expanding production and distribution for their delicious hard ciders, and getting ready for the upcoming season.

Windy Hill Orchard, located about five miles west of York, on Highway 5, has been in operation since the late 1980’s. This family-owned and run farm was one of York County’s first agri-tourism destinations, and is a popular destination for school field trips and a pick-your-own apple outing for families. In the mid 1990’s, Windy Hill obtained state and federal permits to produce and market hard apple cider.

What is hard cider? Actually, it is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks worldwide, a fermented beverage made from apples or (less often) pears. Tastes vary from sweet to dry, and it often contains some carbonation, especially in the American versions of the drink. At the grocery store, bottled hard ciders are found alongside the beer.

Many bars have hard ciders on tap, and this naturally gluten-free beverage is particularly popular among those with dietary needs.

Matthew Gusmer, son of Windy Hill Orchard farm founders Fritz and Catherine Gusmer, said that the hard cider segment of Windy Hill’s business is the fastest-growing and brings many new visitors to the Orchard. In fact, they’ve built events and activities around hard cider tastings, attracting young adults and other new customers, in addition to their traditional clientele.

Weekends are hopping with tastings at the Hard Cider Bar, live music on Saturday Fall 2015 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Food for Thought Visitors at Windy Hill Orchard can sit around a fire pit while tasting the many cider varieties.

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Food for Thought afternoon and gatherings at the fire pit on selected Friday nights. In addition, several special events are planned throughout the fall.

Saturday, October 17, the Orchard celebrates the 22nd Annual Apple Harvest Festival, with activities for the whole family throughout the day. The first Saturday in November, Windy Hill will host a Pet Photo Shoot and Humane Society fundraiser. Saturday, November 14 is “Home Brew Hard Cider Day,” with special offerings for those who want to make their own hard ciders.

“We press and crush our fresh apples to make the cider,” explained Matthew, “and the home brewers fill their own containers to take home, add their own spices and flavorings, and ferment.”

At Windy Hill Orchard, the process for making cider is fairly simple. Fresh-picked apples are pressed using a wooden cider press, and the unfiltered juice is fermented in steel barrels for about 30 days. The cider is then allowed to age for several months to refine the flavor and clarity of the drink.

Matthew mentioned that home and local brewing is rapidly gaining in popularity, for both beer and cider. “There has been tremen-

Six varieties of cider come in a flight, all made using local pressed apples.

dous growth in the craft beer industry in the past decade or so, and hard cider has tracked right along with that.”

“People are more conscious of what they’re eating and drinking,” Matthew continued. “They want to know where the food comes from, how it is grown, how it is processed. There is an emphasis on the buying local, and I think that’s a big part of the craft

brew movement.”

Hard ciders are hardly new. Roman history dating back to 55 BC records a drink made from fermented apples, being enjoyed by villagers in England. In our own country, hard cider was the drink of choice by early Colonists. Apples were easy to grow in the New England climate, and fermentation of the apples produced a drink that would keep much

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Food for Thought longer than the raw fruit.

Our nation’s first president, George Washington, reportedly served hard cider on his campaign trail, and founding father John Adams was said to start each day with a tankard of hard cider. Thomas Jefferson grew apples at Monticello for his own hard cider production, and Benjamin Franklin supported the social aspect of drinking the beverage. As he wrote in “Poor Richard’s Almanac:” “He that drinks his cider alone, let him also catch his horse alone.”

The Gusmers have embraced the social as-

Windy Hill Orchard varieties Ginger Gold

a cider infused with fresh ginger juice, is very aromatic.

Rusty Gold

a favorite in colder weather, with the same mulling spices used in wassail.

Gala Peach

a warm weather favorite, with fresh peach juice mixed in.

Strawberry Pippin and Pomegranate ciders fruity delights, offering sweet alternatives.

Hoppin’ Johnny bubbly beer-like concoction made with cider and hops grown on location.

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Food for Thought pect of hard cider at their farm. They encourage visitors to “stay awhile,” providing a big fire pit with benches set up right next to the tasting bar. People bring their own hot dogs or marshmallows to roast, order up a flight of ciders, and sit around the fire and relax.

A tasting flight of the Windy Hill Orchard ciders contains six varieties. Ginger Gold is a cider infused with fresh ginger and is very aromatic. Rusty Gold is a favorite in colder weather, with the same mulling spices used in wassail. Gala Peach is a warm weather favorite, with fresh peach juice mixed in prior

to fermentation. The Strawberry Pippin and Pomegranate ciders are similar fruity delights, offering sweet alternatives. Hoppin’ Johnny is a bubbly beer-like concoction made with cider and hops grown on location.

To further enhance the tasting experience, Windy Hill offers some snacks and treats that perfectly pair with the flavors of the ciders. Pork rinds and pretzel knots are offered, providing salty tidbits that complement the sweetness and tartness of the ciders. And of course, the farm’s trademark apple doughnuts are a crowd pleaser that match up with the ap-

ple flavors in the ciders.

The farm has plenty of activities to keep the children entertained as well. Fritz Gusmer dresses as Johnny Appleseed, takes families on hayrides, and shares stories and fun facts about apples and farm life. Kids have the opportunity to see chickens and pigs, pick their own apples, and enjoy cups of the non-alcoholic version of apple cider.

Want to go? Visit windyhillorchard.com or call the farm at 803-684-0690 to check farm hours and event dates. Make it a part of your family’s fun fall tradition! LW

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Food for Thought

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Food for Thought

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Garden Party

How

does your

garden bloom Story and photos by Jan Todd

Perfectly grown, perfectly pruned roses pack a punch in Nancy and Jay Moore’s Lake Wylie backyard.

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Garden Party

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rose is a rose is a rose . . . unless it is in Nancy Moore’s garden. Then it might just be an award-winning rose, one that is perfect in color, size, and scent. Nancy tends to her gardens with a fervor and level of expertise to which most of us can only aspire, spending hours in her yard planting, pruning, pinching and picking. “It isn’t work to me,” she said, “it’s just what I do.”

Nancy and her husband, Jay, live in River Hills, in a waterfront home built in the late 1950’s. They’ve lived there just over 20 years, and regularly host garden clubs, tours, and workshops to help others learn some of the 32

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techniques that make their garden so special.

With a backdrop of beautiful Lake Wylie, watching nature right in their backyard is a gift that the Moores don’t take for granted.

Whether it be a glorious sunset, a bluebird feeding its babies or the blooming floral display, every day provides the opportunity to marvel at the outdoors.

“I’ve grown roses and flowers for 50 years,” reflects Nancy. “I got the gardening bug from my mother, and she learned from her mother.

It’s a tradition that was just passed down from generation to generation.”

Nancy has put her experience and knowl-

edge to good use. She is a longtime member of the Daylily Society, and past president of the Iris Society. She’s a member and frequent speaker at the River Hills Garden Club. She competes regularly in a variety of flower competitions and shows. Her Gemini Rose won “Best of Show” in the state of North Carolina a couple of years ago, in a competition sponsored by the National Garden Club.

Nancy has also developed a talent for arranging flowers, and her artistic designs have been featured in garden club calendars.

“The flower clubs have various competitions throughout the year and have different

Garden Party

themes for arrangements,” she says. One, for example, is a Panther Tailgate Daylily competition. “We’ll design centerpieces for tailgate displays, using team colors and incorporating dishes for food around the flowers.”

Nancy’s garden is sectioned into areas with patios and seating to enjoy quiet conversations or simply admire the view. The main patio has large slate tiles, a durable surface with a natural look that blends well with the surroundings. Inviting Adirondack chairs provide a relaxing setting to curl up with a good book or glass of wine, breathing in the soft floral aromas and listening to the chirp of birds.

Fall 2015 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Garden Party Several pathways, some marked with stones and others grassy, lead into the various garden areas. Roses and day lilies dominate the sunny center of the yard, and shade-loving fauna flourishes beneath the hardwood trees along the perimeter of the yard.

Nancy studied characteristics of various flowers, and planned beds according to plant height, color, sunshine requirements, and seasonality of blossoms. “Theres’s something blooming almost all year round,” said Nancy.

The Moores’ garden is a natural attraction for birds and butterflies. Nancy has several feeding stations and birdhouses for the birds.

There is even one bird house in the lake, about ten feet from the shore. The water provides a protective barrier from some predators, plus it provides the Moores an interesting perspective to birdwatch.

Nancy keeps the feeders filled with seed to attract a steady stream of songbirds. For a special treat, Nancy has a container of earthworms to add to the feeders. “I’ll put a few in the feeder, and within seconds I’ll have a small flock of bluebirds coming in to enjoy the feast.”

When the Moores moved into their home, “there was just basic landscaping,” remembered Nancy. “There were some Japanese Ma-

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Garden Party

ple trees and Dogwoods, but really no flower beds.” Nancy had some help digging the initial beds, but has since done most of the work by herself. “Every year I add something new, sometimes digging up what is already there. I don’t know when to stop,” she laughed. “When the plant bug bites, it’s hard to quit!” LW

Roses stand out on the shore of Lake Wylie in the Moore’s backyard garden.

(Right) A view of the Buster Boyd Bridge.

Fall 2015 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Garden Party

We treat every pet and person like one of the family!

Making your pet care convenient & affordable Saturday hours • Flexible appointments • Early morning drop-offs Senior citizen discounts Compassionate, comprehensive veterinary care: Preventative medicine • Complete vaccinations • Emergency care • General medicine & surgery • Medications for fleas, ticks & heartworms • Wellness care • Grooming • Gentle dentistry • Boarding & lodging • Diet & nutrition counseling • Obedience counseling • Senior pet care

803.831.1318

125 Forest Oaks Dr. • Lake Wylie Dr. Jodi Werfal Dr. Cory Ellis Bring this ad in for $10.00 off an annual wellness exam 36

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Rose tips F

ew flowering plants can match the beauty, versatility and popularity of the rose. Here are some tips for planting roses from the Clemson University Cooperative Extention: You can plant roses in late fall, late winter or early spring in South Carolina. Roses prefer a full day of sun. Give roses at least six to eight hours of direct sun a day. Morning sun is especially important because it dries the leaves, which helps prevent disease. Dig a hole large enough for the roots to spread out in their natural position. Prune any damaged roots and spread the roots down around a mound of soil in the hole. Set the plant so that the graft union is just above the soil level.

Once you set the plant at the correct depth, fill in the soil. The soil mixture should be about one fourth peat moss or well-rotted manure and three-quarters native soil. Water thoroughly. Roses need lots of water. As cold weather sets in, reduce the amount of water, but do not allow roses to completely dry out.

Plants need water during dry spells, even during the winter months.

Garden Party

Fall 2015 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Feature

Some

Smashing good Pumpkins

By Jenny Peterson

Whether used for carving, cooking or decorating, big, bright orange pumpkins are a symbol of the fall season. Here’s where to find them.

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T

here is nothing as quintessentially fall as a nice, big pumpkin. Large or small, the gourds are a symbol of the season and can be used in a number of ways— whether decorating the front porch, as a canvas for carving, toasting the seeds or making a delicious pie.

Searching for the perfect pumpkin can be a fun adventure of its own. Many patches in the Lake Wylie area have additional activities, such as corn mazes, pony rides and other fun fall activities that can turn into an entire day of fun. Here is a list of where to find your perfect pumpkin:

Bush- N- Vine

Pumpkin season starts: September 27 Whether you choose to pick one big pumpkin for your front porch or a dozen small pumpkins, Bush-N-Vine family farm has you covered. 1650 Filbert Hwy, York. Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, call 803-684-2732.

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South Forty Farms

Pumpkin season starts: Sept. 10 Fall decorations, cider, “cow” train tractor rides and big, orange pumpkins will be added to the long-time produce stand at 640 Highway 274, Clover. 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Seven days a week. 704-575-3550.

Black’s Peaches

Pumpkin season starts: Mid-September Fall pumpkin tours also available for school groups. Take-home containers, restrooms, drinking water available. 8 am-6 pm, Mondays-Saturdays, 1-6 p.m., Sundays.

1800 Black Highway, York. 803-684-2333.

The Peach Tree

Pumpkin season starts: Mid-September Pumpkins and hay rides are available mid-September through October. Vegetables also sold. Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 1-6 p.m. 2024 Filbert Hwy, York, SC. 803-684-9996.

Windy Hill Orchard

Pumpkin season starts: Late September The growers of apples and producer of cider will have pre-picked pumpkins available for sale at the farm stand open Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sundays noon6 p.m. 1860 Black Highway, York.

Anne Springs Close Greenway

Pumpkin season starts: Oct. 3 Every Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 1, enjoy Fall Frolic weekends with a wagon ride to a pumpkin patch, four-acre corn maze, hay bale mazes and other games. Lead rope horse rides will be offered from 11a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturdays; 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sundays. Lake Haigler Entrance, 1604 Hwy 21 Bypass. Admission fees vary. www.ascgreenway.org. LW Fall 2015 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Tips for Finding the Perfect Pumpkin 1.) Pick one for the occasion. If pumpkin carving is what you’re after, pick a pumpkin that’s smooth and round. Just for decoration? Check out some autumnal gourds.

2.) Delay pumpkin decay. To keep Jack-o-Lanterns intact as long as possible, pick a pumpkin that’s firm and has its stem intact. A strong, sturdy stem indicates a healthy pumpkin.

3.) Go for the heaviest. You should always pick one that feels heavy for its size because that’s going to mean that it has more flesh. Not only do you get more food, but because squashes and pumpkins dehydrate through the skin, a fatter pumpkin will only get sweeter.

4.) Consistent coloring. Choose a pumpkin that has consistent coloring throughout.

5.) Balance it. Place your pumpkin on a flat surface to check to see if it will sit flat after being carved.

Sources: Modern Farmer.com, All About Pumpkins.com

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Feature

Shagging on the Boulevard

Story and photos by Jan Todd

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Members of the Lake Wylie Shag Club do a line dance. Bottom left: David and Cynthia Hair. Bottom right: Liz Yarborough demonstrates steps to a dance partner.

Fall 2015 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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he lazy days of summer at the beach may be over for most people, but for the Lake Wylie Shag Club, the chill in the air means one thing: Time to dance! Every fall, club members head down to the Grand Strand in North Myrtle Beach, ready to strut their stuff on the dance floors.

Whether they compete or just move to the beach tunes for fun, “Stranders” gather together for a week of music, parties, food, and lots and lots of dancing.

“We’re one of about thirty-five clubs that

attend the Society of Stranders (SOS) events at the beach,” said Dave Spainhour, member and past president of the Lake Wylie Shag Club. “They have a big event every spring and fall, and clubs come from all over the country. There are several shag lounges that participate—Fat Harold’s, the Ocean Drive Arcade, Pirate’s Cove. We’ll go from place to place and dance. It’s like spring break for seniors!”

Though the beach trips are definitely highlights of the year, the Lake Wylie Shaggers

Liz Yarborough demonstrates the steps. don’t hang up their dancing shoes when they come home. In fact, the group meets weekly for dance lessons, food and beverages, and fellowship all year round. Ron Yarborough, current club president, says guests are always welcome. “We meet every Tuesday night at the Moose Lodge in Fort Mill,” he said. “Line dance lessons start at 6 p.m., followed by shag lessons at 7:30, then we have open dance starting at 8 p.m.”

The club also has a monthly dance on the fourth Saturday of the month. “On Saturdays, we’ll have some sort of theme party, have a bigger meal, celebrate birthdays, and have a DJ. We play a mix of shag tunes and line dance music, so everyone has a chance to dance. You don’t need a partner for the line dances, so everyone can join in. Not that there’s a shortage of dance partners in this group!” added Ron. Newcomers don’t have to worry about not knowing the steps; lessons are taught every week. Many people come to the Tuesday night gatherings to learn how to shag. David and Cynthia Hair, residents of Lake Wylie, attend regularly. “We’re practicing for weddings!” laughed Cynthia. “We’re at the age where our friends have kids that are getting married, and it is a lot more fun to dance when we know what we’re doing.”

The “Shag” is a dance that originated in the Carolinas and became popular in the 1940’s and ’50’s. Declared the official dance of South Carolina, the Shag is a six-count step, similar to a swing dance, with a basic pattern. As shaggers practice and become comfortable with the basics, they begin to add their own individual variations.

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Feature Weekly dance lessons are followed by open dance.

While those who were teens during the early years of Shag history now make up a significant part of the Shag Club population, current teens and every age in between are getting involved as well. “Every club has a “Keeper of the Dance,” explained Spainhour. “I hold that position in the Lake Wylie Club. It is our mission to keep the Shag alive, teach it to young people, so they can carry on the tradition.”

Spainhour taught his granddaughters to dance, and marveled at how quickly they picked it up. “Kids learn so fast. I just wanted to teach them the basic steps, so we could dance together at street festivals and such.

After just a few lessons, they dance better than I ever could. They’re now members of the SOS for Junior Shaggers, and dance in competitions.”

“The Junior Shaggers are ages 8-20,” Spainhour continued, “and they have their own

event at the beach. We also have a lot of high school and college aged kids wanting to learn to dance.” There has been a resurgence of swing and shag dancing among young people across the world. Dance clubs are opening up in cities all over, and it is once again “cool” to dance to big band and jazz music. Universities such as Clemson and USC offer courses in these dances.

“The Shag is easy to learn, and it isn’t important for you to do it exactly one way,” said Judy Prather, a member of the Lake Wylie Shag Club. “This club is great, because the focus is on learning and just having fun. No one cares how well you dance or if you get the steps right. Just move and have fun!”

Liz Yarborough, Ron’s wife, teaches lessons every week. “She is like the Energizer Bunny,” said Judy. “She keeps up with all the new line dances and moves, and breaks

it down so it is easy for us.”

“Dancing keeps us young,” Liz attests. “It is good for your mind, body and soul. It is a great way to exercise and have fun, plus socialize with other people. We try to keep the dances simple, with low kicks and not a lot of jumping around.”

Currently there are more than 100 members of the Lake Wylie Shag Club. “We’ve been getting together for 30 years,” said Ron Yarborough. “We’re like family. Some folks who come don’t even dance. They just come to visit with one another, listen to the music and watch the dancing. But most people, well, once the music starts, they feel like dancing!”

Want to go? Gatherings are held Tuesdays at The Moose Lodge, 1676 Harris Road in Fort Mill. Check the Lake Wylie Shag Club Facebook page for more details. LW Fall 2015 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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l l a F r a d n e l a

C of

s t n e v E South Forty Farms will have its kids’ “Cow Train” at the produce stand again this fall. Photo/Jan Todd

I

f it’s Fall, there’s a good chance there is a festival! Check out these fun, fall-inspired, family-friendly events in the Lake Wylie area that will help ease you into cooler weather.

Please call ahead to check times as they are subject to change.

September Hard Cider tastings - Saturdays and Sundays in September Windy Hill Orchard will hold hard cider tastings Saturdays and Sundays in September with live music from 1-5 p.m. An open air farm stand, pick-your-own apples and a hayride With Johnny Appleseed (hayride times vary). Visit windyhillorchard.com for times.

1860 Black Hwy, York.

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Fiddle ‘n Pig Shindig Annual BBQ & Bluegrass Festival - Sept. 11 - 12 The Anne Springs Close Greenway hosts the annual barbeque and bluegrass festival, with cook teams from across the region. Raleigh-based stringband ensemble Chatham County Line will headline Friday night.

Cookoff will take place Saturday with music beginning at 11 a.m. Admission: Friday night: $20 for non-members; $15 for members in advance. Saturday admission: $10 adults; $5 for kids age 5-12. Cookoff tasting tickets are an additional $5. Limited number available. Dairy Barn, 288 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill.

Great Pumpkin Fest at Carowinds - Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 19 - Nov. 1 Family-friendly Halloween attractions for the little ghosts and goblins from 11 a.m. – 5

p.m. including a costume parade, foam zone, mazes and more. It’s kid-sized frights that every age will love in addition to all the rides.

14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC Visit www.carowinds.com for ticket information.

SCarowinds - Fridays and Saturdays starting Sept. 18; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October.

Carowinds will transform from a “theme park” to a “scream park” at SCarowinds – the Carolinas’ largest Halloween event. This year will be bigger with new exciting experiences.

Brave your way through seven terrifying mazes, five sinister scare zones and five live shows, in addition to over 450 monsters prowling the midways. This is a PG-13 event and is not recommended for younger guests. 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC. www.carowinds. com for ticket information.

Feature Jazz & Craft Beer Night - Sept. 17 Sit back and listen to some smooth jazz at Anne Close Springs Greenway. Relax to the music and talk with local beer crafter, Benford Brewing Company, out of Lancaster. Beer, wine and sodas will be available for purchase. 6 p.m. Free for Greenway members; non-members $5. Comporium Amphitheater, 250 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill.

Clover Jaycees Fall Festival and Car Show - Sept. 19 Family fun, inflatables, arts and crafts, food, games, face painting, live music, car show, ‘parking lot’ party, children’s games and prizes. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free. Downtown Clover, Highway 321.

Bug Ball - Sept. 25 Don your most dazzling set of wings or most dashing antennae for the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s Bug Ball. This annual family fundraiser supports the Garden’s educational school programs. All ages are invited to attend dressed as their favorite insects and enjoy an evening filled with dancing, crafts, games, food and beverages and more. Butterfly dancers from the Charlotte Youth Ballet, silent auction, photo booth and more. Ticket prices vary. 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC. www.dsbg.org.

Piedmont Pottery Festival - Sept. 26 Over 20 potters from both North and South Carolina, including contemporary Catawba Indian potters, will be on hand at the Piedmont Pottery Festival which will explore how pottery moved civilization from creekside to the table. Demonstrations in 18th century cooking with pottery on an open hearth, artful presentations, live music, tours of a plantation house and booths. 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Adults $6, seniors $5, kids $3, CHM members and ages 3 and under free. Historic Brattonsville, 1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells, SC. 803-684-2327.

October Hometown Hoedown - Oct. 3 Yee-haw! It’s that time of the year again to put on your boots and grab your hat. Let’s boot, scoot and boogie. The City of Belmont will host the event from 6-10 p.m. Entertainment by 16th Avenue Band. BBQ plate served from 6-7 p.m. advance tickets $12. Park Street UMC, 120 Park Street, Belmont, NC.704-825-8191.

Lake Wylie Children’s Charity, Inc. Fall Benefit Concert - Oct. 4 The annual fall benefit concert is the last big event of the year for LWCC. We have a fun day of live music, food, silent auction, kids zone and Panthers Fan Zone to raise money to help families of children with life threatening illnesses. The event will be held from noondark, on the grass area between T-bones boat docks and the boat launch parking lot.

Beer Walk: Tour of the South - Oct. 10 The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden will take your taste buds from the highlands of North Carolina to the blue mountains of Virginia and the bayous of Louisiana with a selection of brews from breweries in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee and Louisiana. The event begins at 1 p.m. and will include beer sampling stations, live music, games and more.

Each participant will also receive a commemorative sampling glass. 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC. Admission: $20 until Oct. 9; $25 at the door. 15% off for members. 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC. www.dsbg.org.

Lost Hollow Music Festival - Oct. 17-18 Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s first music festival will include six performances, jam sessions by the Catawba River Bluegrass Association on the acoustic stage, food trucks, a cornhole tournament, a selection of craft beer for purchase and Kid’s area. Raffle prizes and more. 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC. www.dsbg.org.

Belmont Fall Festival - Oct. 17 The City of Belmont will host its annual Fall festival featuring, arts & crafts, merchandise displays, food, children’s inflatables, music and more! 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.at Stowe Park and Main Street, 24 S. Main St., Belmont, NC. Apple Harvest Festival - Oct. 17 22nd Annual Apple Harvest Festival.

Windy Hill Orchard. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 1860 Black Hwy, York. 803-684-0690. www.windyhillorchard.com.

US Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus Oct. 21 Part of the Clover School District Auditorium Performing Arts Series. The 65-member concert band and 29-member soldiers’ chorus perform a versatile program from orches-

tral masterworks and operatic arias to sousa marches, jazz classics and Broadway musicals.

8 p.m. Free, but tickets are required. Call 803222-8018 to reserve tickets. 1625 Highway 55 East, Clover.

Zombie Fest at the Lake Wylie Library - Oct. 21 Run! The teens of York County have turned into zombies. Join us for zombie fun, with food and other “undead” activities. Ages 11-17. From 5-6:30 p.m. Registration required. Limit 25 per program. Call 831-7774 to register, starting Oct. 7. 185 Blucher Circle, Lake Wylie.

‘Boo’ Festival - Oct. 24 The City of Belmont’s Boo Festival will be held from 1-8 p.m at Stowe Park with craft vendors, food, inflatables, a costume contest, cake walk, games, prizes, candy and costume contest. 6-8 p.m. 24 S. Main St., Belmont, NC. www.cityofbelmont.org.

Tega Cay Fall Festival - Oct. 24 Tega Cay’s Fall Festival features arts and crafts, businesses and food/beverage vendors. Local entertainment and kid zones.

Children’s Halloween costume contest and the hula hoop contest for all ages. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Glennon Center, 15083 Molokai Dr, Tega Cay. Halloween Bash at Stowe Park - Oct. 24 Carnival games, candy and prizes. Dress your best! 24 S. Main St., Belmont, NC. Bootanical at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden - Oct. 24 Live folk music, horse-drawn carriage rides, campfires with s’mores, games and not-so-frightening fantastic fall activities.

Food and drinks will be available throughout the event. Free with general Garden admission and all children wearing costumes will receive free admission. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden 6500 South New Hope Road Belmont, NC.

November Pet photo fundraiser - Nov. 7 Windy Hills Orchard will host a pet photo shoot and fundraiser with the Human Society of York County. Live Music. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

1860 Black Hwy, York. 803-684-0690. www. windyhillorchard.com. LW Fall 2015 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Development Update

Real Estate is Strong in 2015

By Drew Choate, The Lake Wylie Man

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he real estate market has been strong in 2015. With low interest rates, and lots of new development enticing buyers, York County home closings are up 18% over last year (as of the end of July 2015.) The average home price is up about 8%, thanks to sales of higher-priced homes in developments such as Handsmill on Lake Wylie, The Coves on River Oaks, and Palm Tree Coves on the Allison Creek peninsula.

New construction sales have played a significant role in the growing market around Lake Wylie. Harpers Green, Somerset at Autumn Cove, Lake Forest (off of Evergreen Road), Mill Creek Falls, Palm Tree Coves, The Coves on River Oaks and Tullamore are the fastest-growing neighborhoods with new single-family homes.

Real estate sales in River Hills have post-

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ed impressive increases, with home sales up almost 40% over last year. Buyers are particularly drawn to the renovated homes, with updates in the kitchen and baths. Some of the older homes in the neighborhood have the advantage of the premium views and locations, but still need to compete with newer homes offering open floor plans, granite and tile in the kitchens, and updated baths.

While total sales and average prices have climbed in recent months, home prices have not recovered to the high points of the market prior to the recession. Homes in the moderate price ranges ($200,000’s - $400,000’s) are on average selling for 8-10% less than 2007 prices. Prices for homes in the “luxury” category are down 15-20% on average. For a number of reasons, prices were inflated prior to the recession, and buyers who purchased

during that period have a hard time recovering their investments.

On the lake, waterfront sales are just above year-ago levels, which reached record breaking numbers by year end in 2014. We have experienced some very positive trends in the 2015 waterfront market. Premium priced ($1 million plus) home sales are up in comparison to last year, as are sales of second/vacation homes on the lake. Listing inventory is down in the moderate priced ($500k-$700k) waterfront home segment, and buyer demand is generally highest in that category.

Waterfront lot sales are up as well, which bodes well for related industries including dock builders, home building contractors, landscaping and irrigation and boat dealers. When waterfront home inventory is tight, as it is in the mid-priced segment, buyers are attracted

Development Update

Left: This waterfront home on 1818 Bonita Road, on the Allison Creek peninsula of Lake Wylie, went under contract in less than a week.

Priced at $649,000, it was in a high demand/ low inventory segment. Above: Custom built homes such as this one in The Coves on River Oaks have spurred the real estate market in Lake Wylie and have brought up the average sale price.

to raw land options so they can build a home that best fits their needs. Sometimes waterfront properties with cabins or mobile homes are the best choices, where buyers have a temporary residence to enjoy until they’re ready to build.

While the market is on track to match or exceed last year’s sales, the recent drought may slow lakefront closings a bit in late 2015 into 2016. We notice the impact of the weather on waterfront sales whenever the amount of rain is out of the norm. Whether excessive rain or drought levels limit boat traffic on the lake, overall lakefront sales are usually affected.

Overall, the outlook for real estate is very positive in the Lake Wylie market, both on and off the lake. That’s very good news for homeowners as well as local businesses, as the real estate market has direct impact on so many industries in our community. LW Fall 2015 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Development Update

Camp Thunderbird opens to corporate teambuilding Y

MCA Camp Thunderbird is launching a set of programs designed specifically for day-use by adult/corporate groups.

These programs span the spectrum from simply using meeting space in our “Green Room� for focused team time to a full-day of team bonding and teambuilding.

A portion of revenue from these Corporate Day-Use Programs will directly fund the GameChangers program that supports youth from Title I schools experiencing YMCA Camp Thunderbird programs year-round.

YMCA Camp Thunderbird extends a cordial invitation to its Lake Wylie neighbors to consider bringing staff teams to help launch these new programs this fall.

The Green Room is available for corporate meetings. A half-day meeting rental rate is $300 while a full-day rate is $500, both of which include Glass Boards and LCD TV display with HDMI connection. Chef staff can complement your meeting time with a gourmet box lunch for $13/person or a robust buffet for $19/person.

Of course, if staff team would benefit from some intentional Team Development, we can do that too! Pair your half-day meeting with a half-day of team-centered, goal-oriented challenges at ground level, at height, or both.

A ground-level team program of 2.5 hours is priced at $39/person while adding one of our high-ropes finishing elements to your ground-level program for an additional $10/ person.

There is also a number of Facilitation Services available. Ask about adding Employee Assessments (ie, Myers-Briggs, StrengthsFinder, etc.) with interactive application and debrief and Full-Service Meeting Support. For more information email rhonda.auten@ymcacharlotte.org or call 704-716-4134. LW

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$449 $449,000 $ $4 449,00 44 000 0 00 00

$1 $1,094,000 $ 1,09 094 094 94,00 000 000 00 00

$399 $399,000 $ 399,0 000 000 00 00

$350 $350,050 $ 350 35 50,05 050 0 05 50

Spotlight Spotlight

News of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Fall 2015

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC Thursday, October 8, 2015

River Hills Country Club 1:00 PM Shotgun Start/ Captain’s Choice $145/Golfer - $560/Foursome Box Lunch, Hospitality and Prizes at many holes including our special “Hula Hole”

Brian Rich and Q2U Catering, sponsors of the Business After Golf.

BUSINESS AFTER GOLF

Hospitality and Libations 5:30-8:00 p.m. sponsored by Haselden, Owen & Boloyan, Q2U BBQ and Catering, Wells Fargo, Watson Insurance, Lake Wylie Pilot, River Hills Country Club Held at River Hills Country Club Terrace

For reservations, contact:

The Golf Classic is set for Oct. 8 at River Hills Country Club.

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Lake Wylie Chamber (803) 831-2827 lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com www.lakewyliesc.com

Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC - REGISTRATION FORM

Thur., Oct. 8, 2015 at 1 p.m. Shotgun Start– Captain’s Choice

River Hills Country Club

Contact Name:____________________________________________________________ Company:________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________ City:____________________________________ State:___________ Zip:_____________ Daytime Telephone: (

)______________________ Fax: (

)_________________

E-mail:__________________________________________________________________

Golf - Includes box lunch, driving range privileges, golf, cart, hospitality and great networking! All player spots are reserved upon receipt of payment and registration form. ________ Individual Golfer(s) @ $145 per person

Total $_______

________ Golf Team(s) – Four players @ $560 per team

Total $_______

Golfer’s Name:______________________________ Handicap:_____ E-mail:_______________________ Golfer’s Name:______________________________ Handicap:_____ E-mail:_______________________ Golfer’s Name:______________________________ Handicap:_____ E-mail:_______________________ Golfer’s Name:______________________________ Handicap:_____ E-mail:_______________________

Optional… _____Mulligan (s) – Limit 2 per player $5 each Total $_______ _____Mulligan (s) – For the team $40 Total $_______

Golfer Gift Bag Donation (for 120 golfers, i.e. pens, tees, hats, balls, etc.) Don’t miss this great opportunity to showcase your business to participants.

Please return this registration form with your check to: Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 5233, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 Email: lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com

Phone: 803-831-2827 Fax: 803-831-2460 Web: www.lakewyliesc.com

u to attend erce cordially invites yo m m Co of r be am Ch e The Lake Wyli

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a l a G y a d i l o H l a Annu 15 6:30 to Midnight r 3, 20 Thursday, Decembe ry Club at River Hills Count

ot Talent” AND “Lake Wylie’s G Libations & Dinner ncing pleasure your listening and da r fo s sic as Cl e Th by Music ve attire Seating limited · Festi rvations.

803.831.2827 for rese at r be am Ch e th t ac Please cont

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Charles Wood - Chairman KODIAK MINI STORAGE Ed Stewart – Past Chairman M.L. FORD & SONS Paige McCarter - 2016 Chairwoman Elect CLOVER COMMUNITY BANK Susan Bromfield, President LAKE WYLIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Donna Bordeaux BORDEAUX & BORDEAUX, CPAs, PA Myron Boloyan, Esq. HASELDEN, OWEN, BOLOYAN & CORSON, LLC Fred Caldwell FRED CALDWELL CHEVROLET Jane DuBois LAKE WYLIE TODAY / LAKE WYLIE MARKETING Allan Gregory K. A. WEALTH MANAGEMENT Don Long Doug McSpadden MCSPADDEN CUSTOM HOMES Jill Moore YMCA CAMP THUNDERBIRD Haven Presley T-BONES ON THE LAKE Brian Rich Q2U BBQ and CATERING Michaelyn Sherrill HOME COMPANIONS Marc Sosne CLOVER SCHOOL DISTRICT P.O. Box 5233 264 Latitude Lane, Suite 101, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803.831.2827 Fax: 803.831.2460 lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com www.lakewyliesc.com

Fall 2015 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

55

Spotlight

Business After Hours May 14, 2015 Sponsored by Kodiak Mini Storage Photos by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Dolly and Paul Scheasley of Comp Pro Business Services.

Team Clover Community Bank at the Business After Hours at Kodiak Mini Storage.

Christine Dent, Kate Meeks of BB&T and Tommy of Tommy D’s Hot Dogs.

John and Sandee Wilkerson at Business After Hours.

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Jason Baker of Baker FinancialGroup and Diane Kuiper of Allen Tate Realtors.

Janet Champagne and Anita Johnson of Kodiak Mini Storage.

Jessica Coffin, Andrew Miller of The Lake Wylie Mortgage Man and Tommy of Tommy D’s Hotdogs.

Charles Wood of Kodiak Mini Storage and Larry Marraccini and Debra Andres of Wells Fargo Mortgage at the May BAH. Fred Caldwell of Fred Caldwell Chevrolet.

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2015

Spotlight

Business After Hours May 28, 2015 Sponsored by Allen Tate Realtors Photos by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Debbie and Laura of Carolina Family Dentistry of Lake Wylie at Business After Hours.

Bobbie Otto and Larry Marraccini at Business After Hours at Allen Tate Realtors in May.

Paige McCarter of Clover Community Bank and Pat Johnson of Lake Wylie Family Dentistry.

Catherine Montsinger of Allen Tate Realtors and Catherine Bernardo of Baker Financial Group at the Allen Tate Business After Hours.

Rick Gross, Ray and Cheryl Petty with Jane DuBois of Lake Wylie Today.

Fall 2015 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight

Business After Hours June 18, 2015 Sponsored by Long Cove Marina Photos by Ed Stewart

Jane DuBois of Lake Wylie Today and Jason and Dawn Baker of Financial Group.

Gwen Thompson and Paige McCarter of Clover Community Bank.

Doug McSpadden of McSpadden Custom Homes and Don Westmoreland of Allen tate Realtors

Brandon Johnson and Fred Farkas of I-Pest.

Andrea Mounts of The Herald-Lake Wylie Pi- Lake view from Long Cove Marina on a sumlot and Mark Polenski of River Hills Marina. mer night.

Ron Kraft of Lake Wylie Web Design.

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2015

Chamber members enjoy the lakeside venue at Long Cove Marina.

Guitarist Ansel Couch and Paul Montelango, of Long Cove Marina welcomes his wife Rhonda. the chamber to the June Business After Hours.

Spotlight

Business After Hours June 25, 2015 Sponsored by Anytime Fitness, Mahalo Salon and Vitamins 4 Less Photos by Lake Wylie Marketing

Brian Rich of Q2U BBQ and Catering at the June BAH at Mahalo Salon.

Dawn and Jason Baker of Baker Financial Group with Jane DuBois of Lake Wyie Today at the June Business After Hours.

Tom Dagilus and Jane DuBois photo bombed by Deb Dagilus at Anytime Fitness during Business After Hours.

Laura and Lynn Sherrill of Lake Wylie Tax at the BAH.

Fall 2015 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

59

Spotlight

Business After Hours July 30, 2015 Sponsored by River Hills Marina Club, T-Bones on the Lake, SeaTow, Carefree Boating Club, I-Pest, Remedics Restoration, and Q-2-U BBQ and Catering Photos by Lake Wylie Marketing

Joyce Presley of Joyce Presley Realty and Melissa Evans of Giftify Life at River Hills Marina.

Linda Eggers and Patti Hyre of Wilkinson ERA Realtors.

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2015

Ray and Michaelyn Sherrill of Home Companions.

Pat Roberts of T-Bones on the Lake serves up refreshments.

Laurie McSpadden, Dianne Kehler of Remedics Restoration and Doug McSpadden of McSpadden Custom Homes.

Spotlight Thank You From the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

2015 Splash Dash Sponsors Chobani Yogurt Carolinas HealthCare System Lowe’s River Hills Community Association YMCA Camp Thunderbird Baker Financial Group Bank of York Bethel Commons Burger King Fred Caldwell Chevrolet Clover Community Bank Comporium Contagious Graphics Duke Energy Frito Lay Glaza Chiropractic Center Hannon Orthodontics Harris Teeter Kodiak Mini Storage Lake Wylie Business Centre Lake Wylie Pilot Lake Wylie Realty Lightning PC Solutions Long Cove Marina M.L. Ford & Sons Piedmont Medical Center Portable Restrooms Queen City Timing Rey Azteca River Hills Community Church Sportscenter Stonegate Mortgage Walmart Watson Insurance York County York County Natural Gas

Splash Dash runners going out on the course through River Hills Plantation.

5 1 0 2 h s a l p S

Please Patronize our Sponsors!

The Splash Dash is a family friendly event as shown with this photo with kids in stroller coming to the finish line.

h s Da

Long time Splash Dash volunteer Kevin Bromfield welcomes runners to the Splash Dash at the entrance of YMCA Camp Thunderbird.

Runners approaching the finish line at the Splash Dash held in June.

Fall 2015 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight Renewing members

May 1 -July 31, 2015 AAA Carolinas Anytime Fitness Bernard Ackerman, CPA Bordeaux & Bordeaux, CPA’s Bright Eyes and Bushy Tails Carolina Family Dentistry at Lake Wylie Carolina Healthcare System CaroMont Health Clover Community Bank Concord Cove CPM, LLC Duke Energy Gentleman’s Cut Good Samaritan Church Haselden ,Owen and Boloyan Home Companions Kodiak Mini Storage Lake Wylie Assisted Living Lake Wylie Italian and Pizza Lake Wylie Liquor Lake Wylie Pet Resort Lake Wylie Realty Lake Wylie Web Design May Green Properties Palisades Episcopal School Piedmont Medical Center QuikTrip R.P. Boggs Riordan Orthodontics River Hills Marina Sold Realty -Andy Reynolds South Forty Farms Standard Pacific Homes T-Bones on the Lake Watson Insurance Wells Fargo York County Natural Gas York Technical College

Individuals Kevin Brackett Jim Lane Tally Roberts Bob Stiger

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New Members

May 1 - Aug. 10, 2015

Allergy Asthma & Immunology Relief

Crescent Communities

Allstate - Lipscomb Agency

Dollar Daze

13557 SteeleCroft Pkwy Charlotte, NC 28228 704-912-1402 coleen@aairofcharlottte.com www.aairofcharlotte.com

Bobby Lipscomb 4052 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-746-4300 bobbylipscomb@allstate.com www.allstate.com/bobbylipscomb

Auto Money Title Loans

Houston Menser 4573 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-9543 803-831-9546 houston@myautomoney.com www.automoneytitleloans.com

BMC Building Services Brayden Chole 314-941-4573 braydenchole@gmail.com

Bright Side Youth Ranch

Tia Thrap 1069 N. Shiloh Rd., York, SC 29745 803-487-7786 tia@brightsideranch.com www.brightsideranch.com

James Martin, Vice President 6120-A Brookshire Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28216 o. 980-321-5180 / m. 704-634-1703 www.crescentcommunities.com

Yoseph Alejandro 131 Evergreen Dr., Lake Wylie,SC 29710 803-675-6656 dollardaze@comporium.net www.dollardaze.com

Giftify Life

168 Hwy 274 #137, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-716-7844 giftifylife@gmail.com www.giftifylife.com

The Mortgage Man Lake Wylie

Andrew Miller 264 Latitude Lane #101 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 704-231-3991 Andrew.Miller@LKWMortgageman.com www.lkwmortgageman.com

Mr. Tidy Bins

Steve Ferreira /Bryan Paige/ Jim Dillinger 803-675-5177 mrtidybins@yahoo.com www.mrtidybins.com

Cabela’s - Fort Mill

Waterline Marine Consultants, LLC

Carefree Boat Club

Wilkerson ERA

Liza Barrett 1000 Cabelas Dr Fort Mill, SC 29708 980-337-2600 www.cabelas.com/fortmill.com Marc Graveline 54 Marina Rd #101, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 704-557-0848 marc@carefreeboats.com www.carefreeboats.com

Mark Cloer 54 Marina Rd Suite 208 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 704-534- 0869 waterlinemarine7@gmail.com

Linda Eggers / Patti Hyre 5546 Charter Oaks Lane, York, SC 29745 803-627-1867 lindasellslakewylie@gmail.com pattisellslakewylie@gmail.com

Spotlight Grand Openings & New Businesses

McCoy family won a flat screen TV New business Mr. Tidy Bin provides an excellent serAt Dollar Daze grand opening. vice to keep your trash bins clean throughout the year.

Nominations are now being accepted for

2015 Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Business Person and Citizen of the Year Candidates should have the following:

• A history of long-time involvement in the community.

• A positive impact on the Lake Wylie Community.

• Business person must be a chamber member with a history of being supportive of community and chamber activities.

• Citizen should be a person who makes a positive difference to the community as a whole.

Nominee for Business Person:_________________________________ Nominee for Citizen:________________________________________ Please tell us about your nominee and his/or her contributions to the community

_________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

Deadline for nominees - October 14, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. email: lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com

Upcoming Activities Business After Hours

Thur., Sept. 10, 2015 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by and held at Long Cove Marina Come by boat or by car!

Business After Hours

The Mortgage Man of Lake Wylie Ribbon Cutting at its office in the Lake Wylie Chamber Business Center.

Past Recipients

Business of the Year

2014 Haven Presley 2013 Leonard Jackson 2012 Q2U BBQ 2011 Doug McSpadden 2010 Fred Caldwell 2009 Watson Insurance 2008 Al Powell 2007 Ed Stewart 2006 Diana Grubenhoff 2005 Mark DeChant 2004 Andy Kane 2003 Rod Hall 2002 Leslie Hall 2001 Paige McCarter 2000 David Mathein 1999 Myron Boloyan 1998 Tally Roberts 1997 Jong and Po Liu 1996 Jack Allen 1995 MaMa “C” 1994 Mark Erwin 1993 n/a 1992 n/a

Citizen

Norma Wood Lisa McCarthy Chad Bordeaux Rep. Ralph Norman Tom Smith Elizabeth Hartley Vince Mugavero Susan Bromfield (Milestone Award) Dr. Steve Miszkiewicz Stacy Waddell -Blackmon Fred Wetherell Roberta Spampinato Don Long Charles Wood S.C. Rep. Becky Meacham S.C. Rep. Herb Kirsh Ruth Sheets Diane Roberts Senator Harvey Peeler Nick and Joanne Jones Peggy Upchurch John Wilkerson“Duck” Alexander Firechief Bill Johnston

Sponsored by and Held at Lake Wylie Retirement and Assisted Living

Carolinas and City Tavern. Held at AAA of the Carolinas – Highway 49 - Steelecreek.

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament

Annual Holiday Gala

Thur., Oct. 8, 2015 at 1 p.m.

Held at River Hills Country Club

Thur., Dec. 3, 2015 from 6:30 p.m.-Midnight Held at River Hills Country Club

Holiday Business After Hours

Tue., Sept. 15, 2015 from 5:30- 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by and held at Fred Caldwell Chevrolet in Clover.

Business After Golf

Thur., Oct. 8, 2015 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Held at River Hills Country Club

Tue., Dec. 8, 2015 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by and Held at Lake Wylie Retirement and Assisted Living

Business After Hours

Business After Hours

Holiday Boat Parade

“Masquerade Party” Thur., Sept. 24, 2015 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 29, 2015 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Suntrust Bank, AAA of the

Sat., Dec. 12, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

Held by T-Bones on the Lake Fall 2015 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Southern Gal

Southern Twang

by Jan Todd, certified Southern Gal

I

’ve lived in eight different Southeastern states, and I figure that makes me qualified as an expert on Southernisms. So that, along with a deep respect for my dear friends from Elsewhere, inspires this helpful guide.

I don’t know if y’all have noticed, but our part of the Carolina’s has become home to folks from all over the U.S., and quite a few folks from across the Big Pond. Some of my favorite friends are from “up north,” and occasionally I am asked questions about the Southern culture. I figured I’d answer a few here:

Q) Jan, the other day, a neighbor took me to a barbecue eatery to “initiate me” into the South. When I ordered unsweetened tea, the waitress looked at me like I’d lost my mind.

What gives?

A) Lawsy, girl. Unsweetened tea at a barbecue joint? Ain’t gonna happen.

Q) Speaking of Southern cuisine, how do you fry okra?

A) Why, barefoot, of course!

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2015

Q)

Is it true that “bless your heart” is just a way to talk bad about people and feel okay about it?

A) Heavens, no. We’re equal opportunity heart blessers. We bless your heart whether we like you or not!

Q)

I don’t own a cow bell. Can I still attend football games?

A) Well, you can, but I have to tell you that a cow bell definitely makes it more fun. Of course, you have to be careful and ring it only when a play is bell worthy. You may need to discuss this with the folks sitting next to you.

Generally if most of the crowd is standing up hollerin’ and cheering, you can ring the bell. If your team makes a touchdown, you can ring it with gusto!

Q) What about people calling me ma’am? Are

they being sarcastic, or what?

A) No ma’am! Their mama just taught ‘em good manners.

Q) I saw a vine at the end of the road that seems to grow very well in this area. I’m thinking about planting some to grow up my porch rail.

A) Gracious daisies, child, that’s kudzu! I had a cousin that saw some at the edge of his driveway one morning, and when he came home that evening, he couldn’t find his house!

Q)

Do Southerners listen to anything other than country music?

A) Of course, darlin’! We listen to country AND western!

Q)

And what’s with everyone calling me “darlin”??

A) Why, sugah, we just can’t remember your name!

If you have a question about the South that you’d like answered, just send me an email to deepcreekphoto@icloud.com. I’d be tickled to death to help you out. Come back later now, y’hear? LW