Lake Wylie Today, Fall 2012

LakeWylie today Fall 2012 | Issue 3

Hidden Jewels Fall is a perfect time to uncover the hidden jewels of Lake Wylie

In Season Area restaurants get creative with fresh, local ingredients

Chamber Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce news and information

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Our View

The hidden jewels of

Lake Wylie

By Susan Bromfield, President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

T

his year we are rolling out the fall issue of Lake Wylie Today a little early in order to present the many hidden jewels to enjoy in late summer and early fall.

At one time or another, you may have stopped at the South Forty Farm Stand to buy peaches or tomatoes. This is a hidden jewel representative of days gone by when a ride on the back roads to visit a farm stand or a trip to get an ice cream treat was a wholesome family outing everyone looked forward to all week long. Tim and Phyllis Reid are featured in this issue. Learn about their heritage, their journey to Lake Wylie and about how they expanded their farm stand to be part of the agritourism business in our area.

Talking about fresh food, many of our area restaurants purchase ingredients locally, which allows them to expand their menus to reflect the fruits (and vegetables) of the season. Read all about in Roving Palate this issue.

Camp Thunderbird is a huge hidden jewel at Lake Wylie. Behind the canopy of trees lies a camp worthy of world-class recognition with its assortment of water and land activities.

More than 30,000 kids and campers experience this camp each year with its summer residential camp, day camp and environmental camp during the school year. This camp also is a huge economic engine as an employer, with its large payroll and the thousands of parents that come to the lake every other Sunday to bring their children and then spend the day dining in the restaurants and buying incidentals once they get to Lake Wylie.

Have you heard of Victory Farms? Located just a few miles from Lake Wylie, Victory Farms is a nonprofit that is changing lives through an equestrian therapeutic program that helps children and adults in a special way. The heartwarming story in this issue may make you want to visit or contribute to this worthy cause.

Also featured in this issue is the home of Mark and Joyce Sleeper located on the lake near Allison Creek. The Sleepers bought and renovated Dr. Wylie’s home, which is one of

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

The farm stand at South Forty Farms.

(Photo/Susan Bromfield) the oldest homes — if not the oldest — on Lake Wylie. This beautiful home is rich in history yet it has been updated to accommodate today’s lake lifestyle with a beach, dock and beautiful outdoor living space. This truly represents the shoreline of lake living on Lake Wylie.

As summer comes to an end and fall is upon us, it is time to celebrate and enjoy the many hidden jewels in the area. In Lake Wylie, you can enjoy the simple pleasures in life, like a ride through the country or a stop at a farm stand.

Spend the day at an old-timey small-town festival, or take a trip down memory lane during an evening at Christopher’s with classic cars.

The simple pleasures will warm your heart and offer you a rich experience just minutes from home. We hope you enjoy reading about some of the hidden jewels in our area in this “green themed” issue of Lake Wylie Today. LW

FRANK F RANK P PRUETTE, RUETTE, fformer ormer Chicago Chicago Cubs Cubs pitcher pitcher The only thing to ever slow down former Chicago Cubs pitcher Frank Pruette was a heart attack. After passing out at church, the 73-year old Rock Hill native was taken to Piedmont Medical Center’s ER – he was experiencing a STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction), the most dangerous type of heart attack.

Frank was rushed to the catheterization lab where a cardiologist on Piedmont’s specialized STEMI Cardiac Team placed a stent and opened the blockage from one of his main arteries.

Two weeks later, Frank was back with his team pitching curve balls in Cherry Park.

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Contents

LakeWylie today

www.LakeWylieToday.com Published by SC Biz News

Fall 2012

Director of Business Development - Mark Wright mwright@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3143

2 Our View The hidden jewels of Lake Wylie

Andy Owens - Managing Editor aowens@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3141 Senior Copy Editor - Beverly Morgan bmorgan@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3115

6 Mailbag

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

14 Shoreline

Art Director - Kevin Greene kgreene@scbiznews.com • 864.235.5677

Mark and Joyce Sleeper enjoy lake living in a grand old home

Senior Graphic Designer - Jane Mattingly production2@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118 Advertising Sales - Jane DuBois Coulter jane@lakewylietoday.com • 704.287.8668

19 Roving Palate

Circulation and Event Manager - Kathy Allen kallen@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3113

Area restaurants get creative with fresh, local ingredients

Circulation, Event and Business Coordinator Kim McManus kmcmanus@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3116

26 Garden Party

CEO and Group Publisher - Grady Johnson gjohnson@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3103

River Hills Community Garden is where seeds and friendships grow

Vice President of Sales - Steve Fields sfields@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3110

34 Feature

Contributing Editors Susan Bromfield President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce susan@lakewyliesc.com • 803.831.2827

Camp Thunderbird attracts thousands of kids each year for a great experience

Jane DuBois Coulter jane@lakewylietoday.com • 704.287.8668

40 Community Connection

Project Manager - Allison Cooke Oliverius

Victory Farm aims to improve quality of life through therapeutic horseback riding

Contributing Writers Susan Bromfield, David Coone, Jane DuBois Coulter, Jeffrey Cushing, Allison Cooke Oliverius, Jan Todd

44 Faces

Side by side: Tim and Phyllis Reid of South Forty Farm

49 Development Update 53 Spotlight

Spotligh t The mag

azine of

the Lake

Wylie Cha

mber of

Commer ce

Contributing Photographers Susan Bromfield, Jane DuBois Coulter, Diana Grubenhoff, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, Point of View Photography, Jim Stadnyck, Ed Stewart, Jan Todd, John Warner 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 x Fall at Lake

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

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

Wylie at South

Forty Farm.

Corporate & Consumer Publishing Division Uncompro

CMC-S teele Cre

mising Exce

ek

llence. Com mitment to Care.

2 | www .LakeWy lieToday. com

Fall 201

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389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 843.849.3100 • Fax: 843.849.3122 www.scbiznews.com

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. See page 12 for information on how to submit photos and stories.

Lake Wylie Wellness Initiative people to get started on achieving better health – not to think about the long journey rather concentrate on taking that first step,” said Susan Bromfield, president of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce. “We have so many members who are wellness focused.

Lake Wylie could really be a center of living well!”

The website, www.lakewyliewellness.com is up and modestly populated with a small variety of wellness-focused members. You can sign up for a newsletter that will launch this fall. If you are a chamber member and want to be included on the website, please email jane@lakewyliewellness.com with your contact information and a short description of what you offer.

Doc. Marcia, Jane Coulter of Lake Wylie Today, Jeani Rogers of ACE Massage Therapist and Rachel Gilmore of Wellness Ridge helped launch the Lake Wake Wellness Initiative at this year’s Splash Dash. The LWWI is sponsored by the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Wylie Pilot. The “Start Here! Start Now!” theme is meant to encourage people of all ages and stages of life to take a few steps towards improving their health and wellness.

The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce events, as well as a portal-style website that has teamed up with The Lake Wylie Pilot to will provide links and information for everypromote “living well” in Lake Wylie. The Pi- one in our community.

The kickoff for the LWWI was held lot is producing a “Wellness” series at Splash Dash 2012 with the with articles from a variety slogan “Start Here! Start of health and wellness Now!” The primary focus professionals from our of the effort is on weight area. The Chamber control and stress reis promoting the acduction – two of the tivities and the availmain culprits causing ability of our “wellillness in America today. ness” focused mem“We want to encourage bers through upcoming 6

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

“Wellness” is more than just the opposite of “sickness,” and is on the radar of both individuals and businesses. Generally speaking, wellness is about making informed responsible choices for your better health. Making active decisions (ie: to exercise on a regular basis, to reduce the stress in your life, to encourage the healthy relationships around you) that promote your own well-being is what wellness is all about. Businesses are looking hard at wellness as the cost of sickness in regards to employees is a calculable number and has recently become a hot button in the corporate world.

Helping to keep your employees “well” is extremely cost effective when it comes to the bottom line and businesses are actively pursuing that goal.

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Mailbag

Support the Clover Choraliers

Cruisin’ for the Cure Sept. 17 Mark Sept. 17th on your calendars for “Cruisin’ for the Cure,” Christopher’s annual Car Show and Pig Pickin’. The event benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Car show entries will be judged at 4 p.m. and food will be served around 6 p.m. A portion of the food sales, car entry fees and a 50/50 raffle will raise money for this benefit.

Choraliers receive recognition The Clover Choraliers were recognized at the S.C. State House by state Rep. Tommy Pope and Rep. Ralph Norman. This group from Clover High School was recognized for its successful bid for the state championship.

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Enjoy a traditional spaghetti dinner with the Clover Choraliers Oct. 20 from 5-8 p.m. at Clover High School.

The Choraliers are multi-year state champions and will be performing throughout the evening. Enjoy the “secret recipe” spaghetti that has been a favorite among Clover and Lake Wylie residents for many years. Purchase tickets ahead of time from a Choralier member or buy tickets at the door. For more information, contact choraliers@gmail.com.

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Mailbag Lake Wylie area to be represented at the Democratic National Convention

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As 2,000 delegates are expected in Charlotte during Labor Day weekend to kickoff the Democratic National Convention, Lake Wylie will share a little of the spotlight.

Q2U Catering and BBQ Pit of Lake Wylie was chosen to supply its award-winning vinegarbased barbecue sauce in a three-pack that will be sold during the convention, as well as online.

Mark Cieslikowski, co-owner of Q2U told the Charlotte Observer, “Even though our particular sauce has our own recipe, its development was due to years of tasting some of the best vinegar sauces in the country right here in the Carolinas.”

Q2U’s sauce will be featured in a package that also includes a tomato and a mustardstyle sauce that were chosen to be supplied by other York County barbecue restaurants. The three were chosen out of a field of 30 entries.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, which sits on 380 acres along the banks of Lake Wylie, will also get a lot of attention, as it was chosen as a site to host a pre-convention party. Charlotte-based party planner Dina Berg Blazek is creating a theme for the party that centers around Southern hospitality. Food and music will be provided during the party, with the beautiful gardens as the backdrop.

Advanced heart care has never felt so personal.

Justin Haynie, MD Cardiologist

John Cedarholm, MD Cardiologist

Carolinas HealthCare System’s commitment to caring for the community is evident in the major transformation of Carolinas Medical Center-Pineville. In addition to doubling the number of patients we can care for, we’ve added even more sophisticated specialties and technology to our cardiovascular program. We now perform open heart surgery, in addition to offering a full range of cardiac services, including advanced diagnostics, heart catheterizations and echocardiograms. It is all part of Carolinas HealthCare System’s commitment to pair personalized care with advanced technology.

Visit www.cmc-pineville.org or scan the qr code with your smartphone for a virtual tour of our transformation.

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Mailbag July 4 festivities at Lake Wylie July 4 is always a fun time of year at Lake Wylie. Lots of people spend the day on the water having fun with friends and family. Others enjoy the parade. And everyone enjoys the evening’s fireworks.

(Photo by Linda Williams)

New hire Derek Martin Lewis joined R.P. Boggs & Co. Wealth Management. Originally from Lake Wylie, Derek earned an accounting degree from Clemson University and has a Masters of Taxation degree from the University of South Carolina.

Derek previously worked for Deloitte & Touche and spent several years in corporate and public accounting where he specialized in taxes and financial planning for executives and business owners. Derek also spent six years at a respected wealth management firm in Charleston offering investment advice and comprehensive financial plans for retirees and business owners.

Derek is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Public Accountant, a member of the Financial Planning Association and the S.C. Association of Certified Public Accountants.

“My goal was to align myself with an independent wealth management firm in my hometown community and utilize my abilities to help differentiate them as the leading independent investment provider in the area,” Derek said.

“We are happy to add someone of Derek’s caliber to the firm,” Paul Boggs, CFP said. “... I believe Derek will be an integral part of a cohesive team that is able to offer unparalleled investment expertise to the area.”

Submissions for the Mailbag section are on a first come, first served basis. Lake Wylie Today welcomes all events, stories and photos about your family, neighborhood and businesses. Please e-mail high-resolution photos along with a 75-word description to info@lakewylietoday.com.

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Grand old home Mark and Joyce Sleeper returned a neglected fixer-upper to its status as a grand old home perfect for lake living Story and photos by Jan Todd

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iving along the shoreline of Lake Wylie is almost like living in a town of its own. Friends travel across the water to visit other friends and neighbors float around together in coves, much like suburbanites gather in cul-de-sacs. There are areas of the lake with a high concentration of luxury homes, a few areas where homes share a common age or style, and other sections where million dollar homes sit next to 50-year-old “river cabins.”

Still, in many places on Lake Wylie, the old has been completely replaced with the new.

However, on Concord Road there lies a grand old home that is one of the oldest, if not the oldest home, on Lake Wylie. Built in 1820, this home was originally a farmhouse that was built near the banks of the Catawba River. There is an original well on the property, which was still in use when Mark and Joyce

Shoreline Sleeper bought the house in 1990. They moved here from Ohio with their two young children, Ian and Kelsey.

“Mark wanted to live on the lake,” Joyce said.

“I wanted land, a big yard where the kids could play. We looked all over the lake, and most of the places we saw had steep yards, were too crowded, or out of our budget.” The Sleepers were on their way to the airport when their realtor mentioned a place that might fit, but was in really rough shape.

The realtor wasn’t exaggerating. “The upstairs was just plywood and two-by-fours,” Joyce laughed. “No heating or air upstairs, no railing on the stairs. And we had a three-yearold!” But the land and the view were just what they wanted. Joyce recalls standing in the yard and saying, “We can do this.”

“Give me three years,” Mark told her.

Twenty-two years later, they are still working on the “three-year renovation” of their house. “We didn’t want to get burned out,” said Joyce. “So we’ve done a little at a time.”

Both Mark and Joyce are very handy, and this wasn’t their first home improvement project. They refurbished a home in Ohio before Mark was transferred to Charlotte with his job as a pilot for U.S. Airways.

In addition to his piloting career, Mark became a licensed contractor and started All Home Services, a renovation and repair company. Along with their business partners, Alice and Boyce Barton, they have taken on quite a few successful projects in addition to their own home.

Joyce said, “When we started renovating our house, we did the bedrooms first, so we’d have a nice place to rest and get away from the mess.

And we didn’t work on it all the time. We enjoyed the lake and just lived our lives.”

The Sleeper’s home evolved as the children grew up, and became a place where their kids’ friends wanted to hang out. Mark remembers when their formal dining room served as a basketball court. “I painted the lines on the floor and we had a lot of fun playing in there when the kids were young. Then, as they got older, we bought a pool table and the teenagers would play for hours at a time.”

Outside, the yard is large and level, and in the summertime, volleyball and corn hole are set up to play. The Sleepers have a huge sandy beach, where a dozen lounge chairs and picnic

Mark and Joyce Sleeper have made their home on Lake Wylie for 22 years.

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Shoreline

tables are often filled with friends. A swim island floats in the cove to provide a resting spot in the water. A covered dock houses a ski boat, a pontoon and a jet ski.

The outdoors is set up for entertaining and enjoying the lake. The Sleepers added a twolevel covered porch on the lakeside, which provides a shady respite from the summer sun. The Sleepers have hosted a few weddings for friends and family on their lawn, including the most recent for their own son, Ian. They found a good deal on a dance floor, and Mark leveled out a patch of their yard and installed it for the event.

Many parties and gatherings have been held at the Sleeper’s home. For the past few years they have hosted an annual lake party for an organization of foreign exchange students.

Mark has enjoyed getting to know the kids and taking the group tubing and waterskiing.

An avid water skier, Mark has taught dozens of people how to ski on Lake Wylie through the years. He is very passionate about the lake and preserving it for others to enjoy. Shortly after moving to the lake, he was appointed to the Lake Wylie Marine Commission, which establishes policies for lake use, regulates protection of the shoreline and educates boaters on safety. Mark was involved in the establishment of the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation in the mid 1990s, and served on the board for several years. He

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Top: Friends and neighbors often float in the Sleeper’s cove, taking advantage of the anchored island to rest and sun. Bottom: The Sleepers’ billiard room serves as a family scrapbook of sorts, with trophies, keepsakes and souvenirs decorating the walls. continues to support the organization and volunteers at the annual River Sweep.

When it comes to living on Lake Wylie, the Sleepers certainly “jumped in with both feet.” They mix hard work with lakeside fun

and relaxation. “No matter where I’ve been, or what kind of stressful day I’ve had, when I come down Concord Road, I just start to unwind,” Mark said. “I know this is a place where I can rest and just be at home.” LW

Shoreline

The battle continues for

‘King of the Lake’

With one trail event left before the Oct. 20 championship, local anglers have their eye on the prize

Typically, fish caught in That’s not ideal for fishermen who are looking for hungry fish to catch. It’s also not ideal for a summer tournament will a fishing tournament that awards points based weigh about 20 pounds. But because the fish haven’t been on the weight of fish that are caught.

By Allison Cooke Oliverius

A

“King of the Lake” will soon be crowned, walking away with $5,000, a plaque and of course bragging rights to being the best angler on Lake Wylie.

But first there is one more event in the series Oct. 6, which will determine the five anglers who will compete for the big prize Oct. 20.

The bass tournament series was created by Mike Stone with assistance from title sponsor Lake Wylie Bait and Tackle. It pits pros and weekend anglers against one another in a one-man-per-boat tournament series. The anglers will ultimately fish in all seasons and all times of the day.

“I’ve fished the lake for 20-something years and I’ve always had people ask, ‘Who’s the best fisherman all year?’” Stone said at the beginning of the tournament. “There was really no way to tell because it depends on the season. Some do well in winter, some do well in summer. So I thought it would be good to create a tournament trail to actually see with point standings who does the best all year long, and at the end of the year crown the King of the Lake.”

Night fishing

The fifth trail in the series was held July 14 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. About 15 anglers turned up for that event. One might ask how the fishermen stay awake during that time, but Stone said that’s not really an issue. Adrenaline and staying on the move looking for fish keeps you wide awake, he said.

Conditions have not been ideal for summer fishing, Stone added. Don’t get him wrong, the fishing is still fun. However, high temperatures early in the season combined with a lot of rain have caused the bass to suspend. This means the fish have decided they’re not hungry and rather than swim around looking for bait in creeks and coves, they’re holding steady at a middle depth to conserve energy.

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Shoreline

King of the Lake Top 10 Standings The King of the Lake tournament requires only one man per boat. (Photo/Kelly Basinger) to pit professionals and local anglers against each other. But the professionals have a job to do and they haven’t been able to attend the minimum number of required events.

That’s OK, Stone said. “The way it looks now, the five guys that will head into the championship are the local guys that fish Lake Wylie on a regular basis and I’m really happy about that.”

Stone is hoping for a lot of spectators for weigh-in on the 20th at Lake Wylie Bait What to expect Oct. 20 The Oct. 6 tournament will decide the five and Tackle. They’ve planned for the anglers who will compete for the Oct. 20 championship. to pull their boats from the water and drive The original idea of the tournament was them up to the front porch at the store where the fish will be weighed in and returned to the well, and later the lake.

After the final weigh-in is conducted, the King of the Lake will be crowned.

Oct. 6 “It’s pretty exciting,” said Stone, who also Blast off is at safe light. Weigh-in is at 3 p.m. is in the running for the prize. He’s in third at the Buster Boyd Landing. place, heading into the sixth event. And he thinks he has a good chance to land in the top Oct. 20 Championship five that will fish for the championship.

Blast off is at safe light. Weigh-in is at 3 p.m.

The Oct. 6 event is still open to anyone on the front porch at Lake Wylie Bait who wants to fish, too. At this point, they and Tackle, located just 200 cannot qualify for the grand prize, but they yards from Buster Boyd can fish for fun.

Bridge beside the “I’m No. 3. I feel pretty good,” Stone said.

Marathon Gas “I feel like a pretty strong fall fisherman and Station.

I’m close personal friends with the other four (4070 Charlotte guys that look like they’ll be there. And I like Highway). my chances to be honest, but we’ll just have to see.” LW very hungry, the winning fish in the July 14 night tournament, caught by Mike Stephens, was just 12.37 pounds.

Still, a fish caught is a fish caught, and everyone who enters the tournament is up against the same challenge. And that 12-pounder put Stephens at the top of the leader board heading into the sixth event in the series.

WANT TO GO?

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1. Mike Stephens

989

2.

Mike Brehm

981

3.

Mike Stone

979

4.

Hunter Hicks

978

5.

Ron Farrow

970

6.

Dwight Dellinger

777

7.

James Tuttle

775

8.

Gray Bennett

575

9.

Lee Endicott

570

10.

Gene Webster

400

*Points total as of press time. Remaining tournament date: Oct. 6; followed by the championship.

Tournament dates Oct. 6 Oct. 20 (Championship)

Roving Palate

season in

Local restaurants create imaginative recipes using fresh, local ingredients

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Visit our website for artists & times.

Find us on Facebook for daily specials & more!

Dining Hours

Sunday – Tuesday 11am – 10pm Wednesday – Saturday 11am – 11pm Bars stay open later!

3990 Hwy 49 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803.831.0170 www.tbonesonthelake.com

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growing number of restaurant owners and chefs are adding flexibility to their menu. They are still featuring the dishes they’ve become known for, but the flexibility allows them to offer new recipes they’ve created that reflect the change in seasons.

Summer is a prime example of seasonal ingredients. Who can resist a freshly picked tomato?

This trend is the perfect companion for the growing number of patrons who are focusing on eating healthy and who like to consume locally grown and locally made products; as well as those who simply appreciate a thoughtful, well-made meal.

This issue, Lake Wylie Today is highlighting several restaurants that are doing just that. So, as summer winds down and cooler weather takes over, be sure to check out what these and other local restaurants have created for their seasonal menu items.

The Garden Café

When searching for a place to enjoy the best of the season’s harvest, a good bet is to head to place called the Garden Café. Located in York, the Garden Café is a popular spot that boasts a relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and a gift shop to boot.

The menu includes items available at both lunch and dinner, such as salads, burgers, sandwiches and pizza. A section of the menu is devoted to items available only for dinner, including “Out of the Barn” (beef), “Out of the Pond” (seafood), “Out of the Pen” (pork), “Out of the Hen House” (chicken) and “Out of the Garden” (vegetarian selections.) And while there is nothing pretentious about The Garden Café, don’t be fooled into thinking the food is anything short of special.

Justin Aaron, former executive chef at an upscale restaurant in Rock Hill, joined owner Teresa James at The Garden Café in early 2012. “I was in the kitch-

Roving Palate growing segment of her business. She still does all of the baking at the Garden Café. “I make wedding cakes, plus all of the daily desserts, made from scratch.”

James and Aaron are working on a new menu that will feature more of Aaron’s special dishes. “The tenderloin with pimento cheese will probably be a regular item, plus some the favorites from our current menu,” she said.

When you visit the Garden Café, be sure to browse the gift shop. James, who grew up on Lake

Wylie, has dedicated much of her inventory to lake-inspired items. James also has a gift for artistic recycling, taking old household objects such as window panes and typewriters, and using them in creative ways to make picture frames and jewelry.

Works of local artists are featured in the gift shop as well as in the restaurant decor.

The Garden Café, located at 307 West Liberty St. in York, is open for lunch Tuesday-Saturday, and dinner Thursday-Saturday. Dinner reservations are recommended. 803-684-7019

Chef Justin Aaron and Owner/Chef Teresa James at The Garden Café in York. en for 17 years and I was ready to see what someone else could do,” James said.

Aaron has proven to be a great match. “We have meshed really well,” James said. “He has brought some creative dishes to the menu.

One of my favorites is beef tenderloin topped with Justin’s homemade pimento cheese. He made that for my birthday.”

Daily specials put a spotlight on some of Aaron’s other creations and depend on what ingredients are available that day. Aaron uses justpicked vegetables from his uncle’s farm, as well as fresh herbs grown behind the café. “The fresh ingredients really make a difference,” said Aaron.

“Our beef is all hand-cut, not pre-packaged like in most restaurants. Our chicken is all-natural, no hormones added.”

Having Aaron on board has allowed James to focus more on catering and wedding events, a

Christopher’s club wrap is stuffed with ham, turkey, bacon, and lettuce and fresh tomato from Chris’ personal garden.

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Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

21

Roving Palate Christopher’s Bar & Grill

Some locals have said they think of Christopher’s as the “Cheers” of Lake Wylie, because it is almost impossible to go there without running into someone who knows their name, or at the very least is a familiar face.

Christopher’s celebrated its 10th anniversary in December 2011, and it is a comfortable place to stop for a casual lunch or dinner.

When the weather is nice, the tables on the patio are in demand.

One of Christopher’s signature menu items is the burger. Christopher’s offers a creative variety of this classic, including a Sport Burger (chili, cole slaw, mustard and onions), a Black and Bleu Burger (blackened and topped with bleu cheese) and the “Big and Messy” (chili, bacon, mushrooms, onions, cole slaw, tomatoes, pickles, ketchup and mustard). Christopher’s also has low-fat options such as the turkey burger, the garden veggie burger and a bison burger.

Another local favorite is the grilled shrimp

More than a superior education

and vegetable wrap, loaded with squash, zucchini, peppers, other veggies and tasty shrimp.

Chris Earle, owner of Christopher’s, grows many of the vegetables that he serves in his restaurant. “I have a nice sized garden and use whatever’s in season. Corn, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, all the basics,” Earle said.

“We use them in salads, wraps, on sandwiches, side dishes and sometimes in our daily specials.”

During football season, Christopher’s always heats up the tailgating scene with carryout and catering services. And with a competition-level barbecue team, Christopher’s catering often showcases barbecue beef, pork and ribs. Steaks, burgers, regular menu items and custom dishes are also available.

Christopher’s grilled chicken salad features fresh vegetables from the garden and plenty of lean chicken.

Christopher’s is located at 1500 Village Harbor Drive in Lake Wylie. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. www.christopherslakewylie.com. 803-831-2461

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

Sweetwater Sports Bar & Grill

New on the sports bar scene, but already scoring big is Sweetwater Sports Bar & Grill in Lake Wylie. Its new owner Steve Lorusso convinced his son, Chris, to join him in converting the former Wylie Gator Bar and Grill into a family friendly restaurant.

Steve isn’t new to Lake Wylie. “We came here about seven years ago. We wanted to live near a lake, and after doing a lot of research, we

Roving Palate

Friends enjoy good food and companionship at the Garden Café in York. chose Lake Wylie.” When Steve opened Sweetwater, his first priority was hiring an excellent staff. Chris Lorusso joined his father from Virginia, bringing several years of experience in restaurant management. Mario Nichols joined the team as the head chef and kitchen manager.

“Mario is amazing,” said Steve. “He does our core menu really well — the burgers, wings, and sandwiches. Then he adds daily specials, things he learned in his mother’s kitchen. It could be anything, Sloppy Joes, chicken and dumplings, whatever he wants to do.” Daily specials are posted on Facebook, and Mario’s Famous Shrimp and Grits always make big headlines.

“It’s a customer favorite.”

Sweetwater has some terrific salad choices, too, including the wedge salad, which is topped with bacon, tomato and bleu cheese.

You can add grilled chicken, fresh Alaskan salmon or shrimp to any salad.

For sports fans, Sweetwater offers 24 televisions (indoors and out) tuned to all major sport feeds, so customers can watch their favorite teams. Game on!

Located at 4582 Charlotte Highway in Lake Wylie, open daily 11 a.m. until late. sweetwatersportsbar.com. 803-831-1788 LW

Sweetwater Sports Bar & Grill serves a wedge salad topped with bacon, fresh tomatoes and blue cheese crumbles. Shrimp, chicken or salmon can be added on for a heartier meal.

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

23

It’s a matter of

taste The elements of tasting wine and hosting a tasting party

By Jeffrey Cushing, The Village Cellar

S

wirl, sniff, sip and swallow are the basics of tasting wine. People love to taste new wines and what better way to have fun than by attending a tasting event. There are a lot of events at different places in Lake Wylie and surrounding areas, but if you want to get adventurous, try a party at home with some friends and neighbors.

Let’s cover the fundamentals of tasting wine to help you on your way.

Open your bottle and pour a few ounces into your glass.

Not too much, you need room to swirl and sniff. If your wine has real cork, pick up the cork and sniff it. It should smell like wine. If it smells like a rotten egg or moldy and damp, that is not a good sign and the wine could be oxidized or “corked.” A corked bottle means that a bacteria called 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) has infected it and the flavor is off. Even an avid wine drinker may not notice the effect of TCA on the wine and just believe it to be a poorly made wine, when really it just may be that particular bottle due to the faulty cork. Whether your bottle had a real cork, a synthetic cork or a screw cap, don’t pre-judge the wine based on the closure. There is a lot of research that shows a screw cap will keep a wine fresher longer than a cork. This is especially good for a bottle of white wine.

Similarly, there are many wine glass shapes. If you want to partake in the full pleasures of drinking wine the shape of your glass may affect your experience. A champagne flute is tall and narrow, ideal to watch the bubbles float up from the bottom of the glass. A round, bowl-shaped glass is nice for delicate wines that need a lot more space to aerate it and have their aromas open up. Most wines can be served in a standard tulip shaped glass. The opening at the top has a smaller circumference than the bowl. This allows the aromas to concentrate to provide a better, stronger concentration of its bouquet.

Once you pour a few ounces of wine into your glass, give it a swirl; what do you see? A fuller bodied wine will cling to the side of the glass, and then run back down leaving “legs” on the sides. The fuller the wine, the better the legs. This will give you the first indication of quality.

Next, look at the color of the wine. The type of wine and its color will show

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Roving Palate you things like its age, or whether it was aged in wood barrels. A young red wine should have sharp bright colors. If the color is closer to brick or looks dirty, these may be bad signs. White wines should be clear to golden. A lighter wine will have a pale yellow color. A heavier wine like chardonnay will be more golden. You do not want it to have any brown-like qualities, as this is definitely a sign of old wine.

Once everyone has arrived, line up and open the bottles so the tasting can begin.

Maybe you can do two wines. Try a white first with some light cheese and then a red with meat-oriented hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres.

Print a few sheets with the bottle numbers and some space to write notes. Create a scoring scale to help everyone score the wines.

Let everybody taste and score the wines. Then choose a winner based on the combined scores.

If you want to make a regular event of the

blind tastings, try assigning a different person each time to be the researcher. Googling the grape varietal can provide some good general notes to guide your tasting.

How about a themed party based on a country? Assign each person a part of the meal and a wine from that area to match.

Whether you are attending a wine tasting event at The Village Cellar, a local restaurant or at home with friends, have some fun, enjoy the wines and learn a little along the way. LW

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Now, to taste the wine. Everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tastes are different, so my favorite may be your least favorite. I like to tell the story that my wife likes tawny port and I like ruby port, thus we sometimes have two bottles open so we can both enjoy some port wine.

It is said that taste is about 75% smell. So smell the wine to get a good indicator of how it will taste. Most grape varietals have common aromas, but they may vary depending on where, when and how the grapes were grown.

For example: A nice fresh red wine may have berry aromas, a little older one notes of leather and tobacco. There are a large number of aromas associated with both whites and reds.

If you are interested, you can look online for an aroma wheel to help you identify the aromas most commonly associated with wine.

One fun way to have a wine tasting is to make it a party at your house. Here are a few tips for a blind tasting: Ask everyone to bring the same wine type within a price range, say $12 to $18. This will help keep all the wine that you are tasting in the same category and thus easier to compare flavor and style.

Ask them to bring their bottle in a brown paper sack and assign them a number or letter to put on the bag.

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

25

Sowing

seeds & friendships

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

Garden Party River Hills Community Garden Story and photos by Jan Todd

T

One of Vernon Peers’ honey bees visits a crop of sunflowers.

omatoes, squash, beans and peppers — these are the things most backyard gardeners sow in their soil. But at the River Hills Community Garden, resident gardeners also reap rich friendships, embrace community spirit and improve their growing skills through advice from fellow gardeners.

Thanks to some insight by the River Hills Association, several acres of River Hills common ground was converted to a community garden area more than 25 years ago. Located along a power line easement, the area is ideal for planting, as it is clear of trees and gets plenty of sunshine. Water for the plants is pumped in from the lake, and supplemented by a well that was added a few years ago during a drought when lake water use was restricted.

The community garden currently consists of 80 plots. Each gardener pays a onetime rental fee of $100. Occasionally there’s a small assessment of $10-$30 a year for maintenance, if needed.

George Gessner has been planting in the community garden for many years. “My backyard is way too shady for growing vegetables,” he said. “This is perfect. Things are growing really well this year.” Gessner’s plots are near John Olson’s, who has several large plots and raises roses, blackberries, and a large variety of flowers and vegetables.

“John Olson is my mentor,” Gessner said, performing a mock bow towards Olson’s plots. As a graduate from the Clemson Extension Master Gardener program, Olson dispenses sage advice on many horticultural topics. “We learn a lot from each other out here,” continued Gessner.

It is a great environment to study gardening techniques. The plants have almost identical conditions in terms of sunlight and weather, and can be compared based on the gardeners’ choices in soil treatments and care. Take two plots of roses, for example. One displayed lush, healthy plants, while the other sported smaller plants with yellowing on the leaves. “Too much fertilizer,” commented a fellow gardener.

Walking through the gardens inspires innovative ideas, evident in the variety of trellises, watering systems, netting and barriers for pest control, and original planting techniques.

“People try all kinds of things,” Gessner said.

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

27

Garden Party

Top: Water is provided near each garden plot, supplied from lake irrigation or a well that was installed when lake water use was restricted. Bottom: Kevin Wright keeps a compost bin next to his plot.

“One year it was the topsy-turvy tomatoes, the ones that are supposed to grow upside down as a hanging plant. Those didn’t turn out so well.

“Raised beds are the way to go in this part of the country,”Olson continued. “The

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red clay that we have here is a tough soil for most plants.” Olson builds beds about a foot high and fills them with compost, supplied by the River Hills Association. “They pick up leaves and grass clippings from the residents, and compost it. I use that instead of soil for

my gardening. It provides extra nutrients to the plants and cuts down on weeds.”

Community gardeners share more than advice. “The barter system is alive and well,” said Vernon Peers, who raises honey bees. His hives are located towards the back of the community garden, several yards away from nearby plots. “Most of the gardeners love the bees,” said Peers.

“They pollinate the plants and flowers, then make honey. It’s good for everyone. I give away a lot of honey, and others share their vegetables and crops with me.”

“I always have way too much of something,” Gessner said. “This year, it’s cucumbers. I probably planted too many. Most years I take extra vegetables to the Clover Area Assistance Center. They always need food.” As a long-time member of the River Hills Lions Club, Gessner is aware of the needs in the

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Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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1. Some gardeners install benches, picnic tables and other resting spots to enjoy the gardens and visit with neighbors.

2. George Gessner checks the progress of his tomatoes.

3. Kevin Wright, a first year gardener in the community, keeps an eye on the sprinkler as he waters his plants.

1

2 3

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Garden Party community and is quick to share and encourage others to do the same.

Gardeners share in the work as well. When someone is on vacation or unable to tend to their plot, others are always willing to pitch in with watering and harvesting.

Kevin Wright is a rookie. Although he has lived in River Hills about five years, and has walked and driven by the community gardens many times, this is the first year heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had a plot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great. Everyone grows different things, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really relaxing coming out here in the evenings to garden and visit with neighbors.â&#x20AC;?

Most gardeners avoid the heat of midday and come out in the early morning or in the evening to water and harvest. Wide tracts between garden plot rows allow people to drive right up to their garden, either by automobile or golf cart. Some keep tools and supplies handy in outdoor bins that they place next to their plots.

Olson keeps a bin of gardening tools, supplies, and harvesting buckets and bags hidden behind a tall grove of butterfly bushes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like zucchini?â&#x20AC;? he asked, filling up a bag. As a bonus, Olson threw in a recipe for Zucchini Canoe Pizza (see sidebar), perfect for those that have remained on the vine a bit too long. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Out here itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about sharing,â&#x20AC;? he said. LW

Zucchini Canoe Pizza 1 large zucchini 3 tablespoons chopped onion 1 medium tomato, diced 3 tablespoons Italian sausage, cooked (Or use more veggies if you prefer!)

Fresh mozzarella or shredded cheese Italian seasoning Slice zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the center, leaving a â&#x20AC;&#x153;canoe.â&#x20AC;? Turn skin side up in a shallow dish with about 1/4 cup water. Microwave for 3 minutes or until soft. Flip over and place on a baking pan. Sprinkle generously with Italian seasoning, to taste. Fill with onion, tomato, Italian sausage and top with cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Tastes like a pizza without the crust!

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

31

Children’s Garden Children gather on the lawn at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for a picnic lunch as the plans for a new Children’s Garden were announced in May.

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Lake Wylie, South Carolina, is a vibrant and thriving community where geography, people and economic vitality have fashioned a distinctive Southern lifestyle. Lake Wylie Today, a quarterly magazine, highlights the leisure and excitement of lakeside living, our comfortable, small-town atmosphere and convenient proximity to regional commercial and cultural centers.

Distribution includes: Top residential neighborhoods t Over 75 retail locations t Relocation efforts through local real estate agents t The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

Garden Party

at

DSBG

T

he folks at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden are gearing up to begin work on a new Children’s Garden in spring 2013.

The $6 million garden is being designed

by W. Gary Smith, who helped design Delaware’s Winterthur Garden’s Enchanted Woods, a children’s garden based on woodland fairies.

“We want to create a children’s garden that you can’t find anywhere else in the world

except at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden,” Smith said in a news release.

The Children’s Garden will be anchored by a green-roof amphitheater with a naturalized pond. It will be surrounded by “destinations,” or activity areas that encourage active play and experiential learning. The destinations also will include special features such as a stream, a large aviary, a maze, a cave, a large owl’s nest. Also planned are a play space and a large lawn. LW

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33

Feature

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

Campers form lifelong friendships at Camp Thunderbird.

(Photo/Amy LaFontaine.)

Feature

Camp

Thunderbird More than just a summer camp Story and photos by Jan Todd

R

such as canoeing, kayaking, wakeboarding and skiing, Harris continued, “We let them have fun, then encourage them to try and accomplish new skills.”

“We try to keep up with the times,” Harris said of the camp’s activity choices. “Right now, paddleboards are very popular.

And for the more adventurous, wake surfing is a ton of fun for the kids.”

ight in the heart of Lake Wylie is a rich tradition that began before the lake was ever called Wylie. Camp Thunderbird, founded

by Curtis Johnson, then publisher and owner of the Charlotte Observer, began in 1936 as the Observe r Fresh Air Camp.

It was Johnson’s vision to provide a character building camp experience for inner city yout h, and he provided that opportunity on the shores of the Catawba Lake, now known as Lake Wylie.

As the camp grew, it was turned over in 1946 to the YMCA and renamed Camp Thunder bird. Johnson’s legacy continues as the camp now serv es more than 10,000 youth a year. “Camperships” are prov ided to assist many students unable to afford to go to cam p, fulfilling Johnson’s original plan.

Wakesurfing is a relatively new sport taug ht at Camp Camp Thunderbird claims 100 acre Thu nderbird, where the rider surfs the boat s of land and 1.7 ’s wake miles of shoreline on Lake Wylie. “We without being towed. (Photo/Amy LaFo have a great relantaine.) tionship with Duke Power’s Lake Man agement and the Catawba Power Squadron,” said Bob

by Harris, executive Wakesurfing is a relatively new spor director of Camp Thunderbird. “The t popular among y are huge support- wakeboard enth usiasts. The rider is initially towed by ers of Camp Thunderbird and help the us provide the water ski boat, and then releases the rope when optimal bala activities to the campers in a safe envi nce ronment.” and position are achieved. The rider can then surf on the Harris came to Camp Thunderbird in early 2011 and boat’s wake, independ ent of the boat. It is much like surfbrought with him years of camp expe rience and leader- ing on an ocean wave, but the ride is much longer! ship in water and boating program s. That Ever y summer, hundreds of kids learn to ski, wakewas important, as water activities are board, sail and enjoy water sports at Camp Thunderbird. a big part of the camp’s programs. The camp hires and trains qualified coun selors who teach Harris said, “Some of the wa- the cam pers specialized skills on both land and water. ter activities are just about “Parents are amazed by what their kids can do at the end fun and friendship, like of the cam p session,” remarked Harris. the water slide, tubing Each day, campers spend half of thei r activity time and The Blob (a giant on the wate r, and the other half on land activities . Prior inflatable that launches to camp, the kids choose their preferred activities that kids into the water as range from drama, dance and arts, to outdoor adve nother kids jump onto tures such as riflery, horseback riding, clim bing and it).” fishing. They can choose between a variety of sports in“Other water activi- cluding basketba ll, golf, lacrosse and roller hockey, and ties really work on the “extreme spor ts” such as mountain boarding, skat e park kids’ fitness, core muscle stunts and ultimate frisbee. strength, coordination and There aren’t any video games on the menu at Camp balance,” Harris said. Refer- Thunde rbird. Camp counselors encourag e kids to get ring to some of the activities invo lved and be active. One way that resid ent campers

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

35

Feature are motivated is through the Bandana Challenge. At the beginning of camp, kids set goals and are rewarded points as they achieve skill levels and try new activities. On the last night of camp, there is an award ceremony where campers are given red, blue, silver and gold bandanas to recognize their accomplishments.

Points carry over from year to year, and campers can build on their previous experiences to earn the next level.

“Our programs are designed to build con-

fidence,” Harris said. “Confidence then builds self-esteem and that builds strong character.”

Camp Thunderbird offers both a day camp and a resident camp option. Resident camp sessions last one or two weeks, and serve kids age 6-16. While the majority of campers stay in air-conditioned cabins, there are a few “open air” cabins where some of the older boys stay.

It’s considered a “rite of passage” to sleep in these original camp cabins, and campers actually look forward to “roughing it.”

Day camp sessions are one week long, Monday through Friday, and serve kids 5-12 years old. Day campers enjoy games, sports, arts and crafts, and the challenge course in the morning, followed by the pool and water activities on the lake in the afternoon. During some sessions, day campers are given the opportunity for an overnight stay on their final day of camp.

YMCA operates year-round, with the summer focus on resident and day camp.

During the school year, the facility is used as a conference/retreat center and as an environmental education center for elementary and middle school aged kids.

The Environmental Education Center has a staff of 16 with education and experience in such fields as biology, environmental studies and recreation management. The center offers more than 20 class topics including ecology, meteorology, astronomy and nature art. The programs are interactive and experiential, and give the students real life applications outside of a typical classroom environment.

Single day, two day and three day programs are offered, with overnight accommodations and activities for the multiple day

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Top: Giant inflatables turn the lake into a wet playground for campers. Bottom: Many campers learn to sail while at Camp Thunderbird. options. Throughout the school year, 10,000 students experience the Environmental Education program.

The Conference and Retreat center operates mainly when summer camp is not in session. Meeting facilities include two large recreation halls, a 500-seat outdoor amphitheater, a chapel, workshop rooms, and open

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

37

Feature

1 3

3

2 2

1. Horseback riding is an â&#x20AC;&#x153;add onâ&#x20AC;? activity, taught by certified instructors.

(Photo/Amy LaFontaine) 2. Campers earn different colored bandanas for achieving goals and learning new skills at camp. (Photo/Amy LaFontaine) 3. The climbing wall is part of the challenge course.

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Feature air pavilions to accommodate various group activities. Groups plan their own programs, plus take advantage of camp activities including sports and recreation, some water activities, and team building challenge courses. Church groups, corporate retreats, leadership development, company events, sorority reunions, and other gatherings can be scheduled.

Camp Thunderbird contributes to the local economy of Lake Wylie, employing approximately 150 youth each summer as well as a full time staff of 24. Restaurants, gas stations and retail stores also benefit from the influx of campers and their parents each week. Harris says that Camp Thunderbird’s contribution goes way beyond dollars, however.

“The most significant influence we have on the area is development of leadership,” said Harris. “Whether a camper or a counselor, the skills and self-confidence learned at camp become part of the fabric of these kids’ lives. It has a life-changing impact.” LW

Family Camp Once a year, Camp Thunderbird holds a Family Camp, a time for the whole family to have fun together. You’ll stay in air-conditioned cabins, each with their own showers and bathrooms. Adults can participate with their children in water activities, sports, and the challenge course, or just hang out by the lake and relax while the staff handles the entertainment for the kids!

Enjoy delicious meals and evening events, building relationships and memories with your own family at camp. Rates are $185/adult (age 13+), $165/child (age 6-12), $55/child (5 and under). Aug. 31 – Sept. 3, 2012.

See www.campthunderbird.org for details.

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

39

Community Connection

Victory

Farm

Dory Pell’s love for children and horses are a recipe for success in the program.

Trainers strive to improve each rider’s quality of life through therapeutic horseback riding Story and photos by Jan Todd

A

bout five miles from Lake Wylie, just over the state line in Gaston County is Victory Farm, a therapeutic horseback riding center. Working with children and adults with muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, injuries or other special needs, the riding team and medical professionals at the farm design a plan for each rider, according to their abilities, goals and needs.

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Dory Pell is the founder and program director at Victory Farm. She combines education and experience in physical therapy with a lifelong love of horses to provide this service to the community. “Horseback riding moves your body in a manner that mimics walking,” she explained. “You exercise and develop muscles all over your body as you ride a horse.”

The farm provides much more than just

“pony rides.” Physical and occupational therapists lead students through exercises and challenging tasks designed to improve muscle tone, coordination, balance, motor skills and other rehabilitation benefits.

Dory will never forget the first time she helped a 5-year-old boy named Braden ride Buddy, one of the four horses on the farm.

Braden was confined to a wheelchair, but upon

Community Connection arriving at Victory Farm, therapists worked with him, gently stretching and pulling to get him into the correct position to ride. Braden then experienced the sensation of “walking” for the first time as he rode Buddy around the ring.

“I’m walking! I’m walking,” he yelled. Soon, Braden was yelling, “Run! Run! Run!” Braden’s mother, Wendy White, speaks in amazement about the progress Braden has made. “Braden was unable to sit up, crawl, or move his legs into a forward motion. He was nonverbal, in pain and discomfort. Today his speech is clear and full of humor; he is sitting, pulling up and taking steps. He can navigate a walker and will be starting school in an ablebodied kindergarten — not special ed! He is not the same child.”

Nine-year-old Carter, who has a nonprogressive type of muscular dystrophy, also rides Buddy. Carter has improved his balance and core strength by riding, and likes to help out at the farm by cleaning out stalls and grooming the horses. “It’s so rewarding to be a part of something that has such a positive impact,” said Carter’s grandmother, Ann Smith. “This program was an answer to my prayers for Carter.”

Victory Farm uses rescue horses, like

Carter prepares to trot on Flint. (Photo supplied by Victory Farm) Buddy, whenever possible. Buddy came from Saddlebred Rescue. Another horse, Flint, was saved from the slaughter truck by Forever Morgans. Forever Morgans is an all-volunteer organization that rescues Morgan horses and places them in either an adoptive home or foster home while waiting to be adopted. Each

horse goes with an adoption contract to ensure they do not end up at auction again.

Dory is very particular in the selection of the horses. “You can see in their eyes and their faces if they’ll be a good candidate for the farm.

The horse has to have a nurturing temperament, particularly around children.”

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41

Community Connection

Some volunteers are experienced with horses. Others, like Tyler Pell, are new to tasks like grooming and handling horses.

Thirteen-year-old Julia, a student at Oak Ridge Middle School in Lake Wylie, has cerebral palsy and has been riding at Victory Farm since February. She rides Flint, who has proven himself well suited for his equestrian job specializing in therapy. Dory recalls early lessons with Julia, “Her legs hurt and had spasms so much that Julia couldn’t sit on the horse astride. I was on one side and Loren (a physical therapist aide) was on the other, trying to coax her tight little leg down onto Flint. It was like playing ‘Twister’ on the back of a horse. We probably spent 20 minutes getting her centered and into position, and

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Flint stood quietly the whole time, watching intently as if asking, ‘How can I help?’”

Just a few months later, Julia is riding Flint in the ring on her own, standing in the stirrups and learning to post up and down in the saddle.

Her legs and back are straighter as her muscles and balance have gotten stronger. The staff at the farm calls her “Braveheart” for her courage, positive attitude and indomitable spirit.

Julia thinks of Flint as her “partner,” two bonded souls who are on a path of recovery together. Flint takes care of Julia, particularly when she’s riding unassisted. As they walk around cones, if Flint feels Julia shift off center, he’ll stop and not move until someone helps her get adjusted again. “Horses are incredibly sensitive,” Dory said. “They can hear the rider’s heartbeat and breathing patterns, and feel every movement. Flint won’t let Julia slip.”

When the students first begin to ride, it takes a team of four staff members to assist. One leads the horse, two walk on either side of the rider, providing a steadying hand, and Dory walks along coaching and instructing. As the rider gets stronger and improves, they advance to more independent riding activities.

Dory worked with the Special Olympics for 14 years, and served at other therapeutic riding centers. “I had dreamed about having my own operation for awhile,” Dory said.

“When I was laid off of my job a couple of years ago, my husband said, ‘God is trying to tell you that it’s time to do this full time.’ ” Dory contacted Larry and Brenda Thompson, who had their horse farm for sale. When they heard about what she wanted

to do, they agreed to lease the facility to her and have continued to live onsite. “It was a good fit,” Larry said. “The farm gets used, and what she’s doing with the kids is great. My wife and I are glad to be a part of it.”

Currently, the Victory Farm program is run completely by volunteers, relying on donations from individuals and organizations. None of the staff, including Dory, are paid. Volunteers come from nursing programs, churches and service organizations, high school and college students, and individuals in the community.

Some of the volunteers are experienced with horses, while others have never been around horses before. Dory teaches the volunteers how to handle the horses and the riders. Volunteers also help in fundraising efforts, website maintenance and administrative tasks.

“It is awesome working with these kids and seeing what they can accomplish,” said Molly Norton, a veterinarian technician who volunteers on her day off. “It’s so uplifting, an incredible experience.” LW Want to get involved? Volunteers are always needed, as are your tax-deductible donations.

You can sponsor a child for $350, sponsor a horse for $150, or donate any amount. For more information, visit www.VictoryRides.org.

Above: Julia performs stretching and balancing activites as part of her lesson. Left: Julia has progressed to a point where she can ride independently, with staff members close by to provide a steadying hand when necessary.

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221 Latitude Lane, Lake Wylie, SC 29170 Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

43

Faces

side by side

Married for 55 years, Tim and Phyllis Reid offer patrons of South Forty Farm fresh produce and a healthy dose of humor, too

Story and photos by Jan Todd

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

I

Faces

t isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just the fresh produce that keeps customers coming back to the South Forty Farm Shop in Lake Wylie. Owners Tim and Phyllis Reid provide warm Southern hospitality and a dose of good humor to all who walk through the doors.

On a recent visit to South Forty Farm Stand, a customer greeted Tim Reid: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hi. How are you?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was doing just fine,â&#x20AC;? Tim quipped, â&#x20AC;&#x153;until my wife made me get out of bed.â&#x20AC;?

Tim and Phyllis have been married for 55 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We started dating in the 10th grade, when we were 15. We got married when we were 17,â&#x20AC;? said Phyllis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tim was just real sweet, and he made me laugh. He still does. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good husband.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought I was perfect,â&#x20AC;? Tim remarked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then, after weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been married for a month, she let me know that I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how women are. You think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re perfect, then you find out you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.â&#x20AC;?

Both Tim and Phyllis grew up in Gaston County near Belmont. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve probably heard of my family,â&#x20AC;? Tim said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do you know about the Reed Gold Mine in Cabarrus County?â&#x20AC;?

Turns out, Timâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great-great-grandfather was one of the Reed boys who skipped out of church one day to go fishing and found a pretty yellow rock in the creek. The family used the shiny 17-pound rock as a doorstop for three years before a jeweler heard about it and bought it for $3.50 (about 0.1% of its value).

The Reeds soon discovered the true nature of the rock, recovered about $1,000 from the jeweler and went into the gold mining business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;None of their wealth made it down to me, though,â&#x20AC;? mused Tim. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My daddy had a grocery store on New Hope Road in Gaston County.

Worked it all his life until the road was widened and took it away. But he was 70 years old then, so he was ready to quit.â&#x20AC;?

Tim learned to work at an early age. When he was just nine, his father would purchase a truckload of watermelons to sell in the summer.

Instead of bringing the melons to his grocery store, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have Tim sit on a corner up the road and hawk the fruit. Timâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friendly personality was an asset as he began developing his sales skills.

Tim and Phyllis moved to the 70-acre farm in the Lake Wylie area from Gaston County in 1962. At the time, there was an old farmhouse on the property, across the street from where the produce market is today. The Reids ran a successful farming operation, raising wheat, corn and soybeans, and they sold their crops to industrial customers, including Purina. Then came the lean years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It got to where the costs

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Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

45

Faces of raising corn was higher than the selling price,” remembered Tim. “For 11 years the farm made no money. When you go 11 years with nothing, you figure out how little you really need to get by.”

The Reids have always grown lots of fresh vegetables, and Phyllis cans and freezes produce so they enjoy it year-round. “We’ll never starve!” said Tim. Phyllis does all of the cooking. “I can’t cook,” confessed Tim. “I can take the same bread, the same tomato, the same

Duke’s mayonnaise, make a tomato sandwich and it won’t be nearly as good as what Phyllis makes for me.” He grinned. “She says it’s because she puts love in it.”

After farming became unprofitable for the Reids, they began a venture in the fireworks business. They ran a large and successful fireworks store near Carowinds for 23 years.

“We’ve always worked side by side,” said Phyllis.

“I’d keep everything neat and arranged, and he’d work with the customers. He likes to talk.”

Above: Phyllis Reid loves to “piddle” with flowers, plants and produce to make the farm store an attractive place to visit and shop.

Right: Fresh produce growing at the South Forty Farm.

The Reids decided to retire a few years ago, but idleness was not in their nature. “We’ve always had a big garden, and for years we would set up a stand in our front yard to sell what we couldn’t use,” said Phyllis. “So we decided to build this market across the street and serve customers that way. We figured if no one showed up, we’d just read a book.”

“Well, that didn’t happen.” she continued.

“The book part, that is. I haven’t had time to even

Tim Reid waits on customers in their indoor/outdoor produce market.

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

Phyllis Reid loves to â&#x20AC;&#x153;piddleâ&#x20AC;? with flowers, plants and produce to make the farm store an attractive place to visit and shop.

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

47

Faces read a magazine!” At the produce stand, Phyllis seems to be in constant motion, arranging the tomatoes, restocking vegetables, checking for ripeness and quality. “I call it piddlin’,” she said.

“We like to work,” she told me. “Tim, don’t you like working?”

“Yes,” he replied, “I like horses.”

“No!” she exclaimed, “I said working! Don’t you like working?”

“Oh,” he answered. “I like horses better.”

Two of the Reid’s grandchildren, who

live next door to Tim and Phyllis, often help out in the garden and store. The Reids grow their own tomatoes, squash, peppers, eggplants and okra to sell, and purchase other local fruit and vegetables to market as well. They sell Amish butter and cheeses, plus local honey, jams and pickled produce.

Patrons can also enjoy hand-scooped ice cream, made by Tony’s in Gastonia. Rocking chairs and a picnic table outside encourage customers to sit a spell.

Top: Customers love to visit and pet the miniature horses, kept behind the store. Bottom: The Reids employ a few young people, including two of their own grandchildren, to help around the garden and inside the shop.

The Reids are planning for a cane maze in the fall. They have a few miniature horses for customers to pet and visit while at the farm. Of course, they’ll have plenty of pumpkins, apples and other autumn produce available, too. The farm store will close at the end of October and reopen the first of April. Regardless of the season, customers can be assured that they’ll walk out of the South Forty Farm Store with fresh produce ... and a fresh smile on their faces! LW

48

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

Lake Wylie

Development Update

continues to blossom in summer

By Susan Bromfield, President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

A

t last, new life has come to a premier Lake Wylie location. Several new businesses have opened at Lakeside West — formerly known as Waterside Marketplace — located just as you cross into Lake Wylie (and York County) on the South Carolina side of the lake. New landscape and fresh bright colors have given a new a look to this wellknown shopping center that stood vacant for several years.

QuikTrip opened in July with 20 gas pumps, making it the largest gas station and convenience store in the area. Located on Highway 49, just inside York County and next to the busy Buster Boyd Bridge and boat landing, QuikTrip is sure to make this one of the most popular businesses in the area. It is a state-of-the-art convenience store and gas station that also offers fresh food, soft-serve ice cream, fresh donuts and muf f ins made daily, as well as a Barista offering fresh coffee. In recent years, QuikTrip, based in Tulsa Oklahoma, has been consistently listed among Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work for. Fortune magazine selected QuikTrip as the 34th best company to work for in 2011. It has made the list nine years in a row.

“For the ninth consecutive year, QuikTrip is honored to receive such prestigious recognition as one of the best companies to work for,”

The July ribbon cutting at Lake Wylie Bowl n’ Bounce at Lakeside West. said Chet Cadieux, president and CEO of QuikTrip.

QuikTrip also ranked 32nd on Forbes magazine’s list of largest private companies in 2005.

Lake Wylie Bowl n’ Bounce, owned by Darrin Skinner also opened in July at Waterside West. This new bowling alley and bounce business has 16 bowling lanes, 10 big-screen TVs and a bounce room. There is something for every age group. This new facility is already busy offering indoor recreational opportunities that will be available 12 months

out of the year. As Darrin says “Bowling can bring families closer, youth groups together and will be sure to be a popular family friendly gathering spot at Lake Wylie.”

The new Lake Wylie YMCA that opened in April, also at Waterside West, has added classes and programs in response to the rapid growth and member requests. There is yoga, Zumba, spinning, silver stretch class, and a variety of classes held daily.

I Color Nail Salon opened in June at Waterside West next to the Lake Wylie YMCA and offers manicures, pedicures and a variety

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

49

Development Update of services.

A new Asian fusion restaurant is slated to open at Waterside Marketplace by fall.

Watch for more info in Lake Wylie Today’s next issue.

York Development Group, owners of Waterside West, are already planning Phase 2 and expanding the business expansion opportunities of the shopping center.

At nearby Lake Wylie Plaza, Q2U BBQ Pit and Catering’s long-awaited expansion

has begun. It will be complete just before the Democratic National Convention, where its BBQ sauce was selected to be featured in a trio gift pack of Carolina BBQ sauce. The pack of sauce will be sold at the DNC, online at store. charlottein2012.com and at special retail locations. Q2U’s award-winning BBQ is sure to be a popular local spot after the national publicity.

Frank Keefe has plans to open a Bagel Boat at the former Bank of America location at the front of Lake Wylie Plaza this fall. The

Bagel Boat will feature freshly made New York-style bagels, coffee and frozen yogurt.

The concept of this new business is to create a community gathering spot for locals to meet, enjoy a coffee, play a game or have a meeting. Watch for more details in the next issue of Lake Wylie Today.

Salon 108 opened at Shoppes at the Landing and is now home to six established, local hair stylists. Salon 108, owned by Lou Anne Stewart also has a boutique with jewelry and accessories for gifts for all occasions.

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Visit www.lakewylielawncare.com for a complete list of services Contact us for a FREE ESTIMATE! (803) 810-4139 or ronda@lakewylielawncare.com

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

Alberto Palomarez and Jose Ayala, owners of Azteca Grill, opened their new restaurant this August on Nautical Drive and Latitude Lane.

Azteca Grill – Mexican Food, located on the corner of Latitude Lane and Nautical Drive at Shoppes at the Landing is slated to open in August. This is the second Mexican restaurant and sister restaurant of Rey Azteca located at Lake Wylie Plaza. Owner Jose Ayala says “Azteca Grill will feature Western-style Mexican cuisine and a variety of new offerings including breakfast burritos and fresh foods.” Breakfast will be added to the menu. Outdoor seating will be offered also.

Waffle House has come to Lake Wylie. It opened in mid-August on Highway 49 by Evergreen Road. Waffle House at Lake Wylie is conveniently located near Anytime Fitness and Lake Wylie Liquors. Waffle House serves breakfast all day and is open 24 hours a day every day of the year. There are 1,500 Waffle Houses nationwide.

May Green Properties, known for its open spaces and natural settings, is opening a second phase of The Coves on River Oaks in September. Phase 2 of The Coves will consist of tracts averaging 2 acres in size for custom homes. It also will have green space corridors with walking trails through the development. The estatesize wooded tracts cater to individuals looking for space to build a larger custom home. The minimum heated square footage of home requirement is 3,000 and there are architectural requirements that run with the property. There

Development Update Welcome to...

Lake Wylieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest community of affordable village homes.

Top: Ribbon cutting at Salon 108 located at Shoppes at the Landing. (Photo/Jan Todd) Bottom: QuikTrip opened in July on Highway 49 and Blucher Circle. (Photo/Susan Bromfield) is no time limit on when you have to build and you may choose your own builder. South Carolina Bank and Trust will consider financing up to 90% for the home site. The location on Pole Branch Road offers the convenience to local shopping just one mile away yet the privacy and beauty of large hardwood tracts. The pricing for the 2 acre tracts will be from $84,900 to $94,900. This development follows two other developments from May Green, The Coves and Carolina Coves.

Elite Tae Kwon Do opened by BI-LO in Landing Station and offers classes for adults and children six days a week. Elite Tae Kwon Do also offers classes in self-defense for male and females in all age groups.

River Hills Country Club has new golf greens. Work on the new lawn began in June.

The course is slated to reopen in early September, just in time for the Lake Wylie Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual golf event held in October. Watch for story in the next issue of Lake Wylie Today.

Sweetwater, formerly Lake Wylie Gators, has expanded and added a new deck and expanded the outdoor seating and entertainment area. Locals can enjoy a cold beverage and a game of corn hole, and choose from an assortment of menu choices. Sweetwater is located on Highway 49 at 4582 Charlotte Highway.

Lake Wylie continues to blossom and grow with the expansion and opening of many new businesses during this summer season. LW

See our ad on the inside back cover for more photos and information!

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

51

Development Update

Real Estate Update

By David Coone

W

hen buyers call and tell me they want to look at waterfront property, many of them have little idea of the variety of properties that we have available on Lake Wylie, particularly when the buyers are

from out of town. Lakes around the country are vastly different and often buyer expectations are formed by their experiences on other lakes.

Lake Wylie is unique as it spans two states, three counties and seven towns. Schools, tax rates and lake regulations vary in the different areas, which affect a buyer’s decision. Other con-

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

siderations, including amenities (golf course, country club, gated access), lot size, neighborhood-versus-rural, commute time to Charlotte and budget, also play a role in the decision.

Once we narrow down the parameters, we sometimes find that there are only a handful of properties that might match the buyer’s desires. Every house on the lake is different. Even in a waterfront community where home styles are similar, every lot has a unique view, water depth and shoreline. Buyers find that they have to prioritize their wish list, and evaluate what can be changed to fit their needs, and what cannot. Sometimes buyers who are set on buying a home realize that to get exactly what they want, they need to buy a waterfront lot and build.

Waterfront home inventory is down about 25% from two years ago, and waterfront lot inventory is down about 21%. Part of the reduction is due to an increase in sales. Another part is due to “shadow inventory,” which represents the homes and land that have been taken off the market until conditions improve. Shadow inventory also includes foreclosures that haven’t hit the market, which can be a wild card in real estate forecasting.

In terms of sales thus far in 2012, we’re seeing recovery with buyer confidence up, more qualified buyers coming to the table, and the foreclosure feeding frenzy beginning to fade.

During the first half of 2012, waterfront home sales included just 14% distressed sales, compared to 25-35% in the past two years. Waterfront lot sales, however, continue to run about 50% foreclosures and short sales.

As the home market inventory tightens up, we’ll generate more interest in lots when buyers are unable to find a house that suits them.

The average price of home sales is on the rise this year compared to last year’s low. Last year we had a higher concentration of sales of smaller homes (under 2,000 square feet), with about 28% of sales compared to 13% this year.

We’ve seen a decline in buyer interest in summer cabins, mainly because prices of “regular homes” on the water have dropped enough to make them more attractive than a second home. The decline in distressed sales has improved the average price point as well. Also, we’re seeing an improvement in activity in the $800,000+ category of homes.

Signs of recovery are all around us, and that’s good for all of us in Lake Wylie. LW

Spotlight The magazine of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

x

th Forty Farm.

Fall at Lake Wylie at Sou

CMC-Steele Creek Uncompromising Excellence. Commitment to Care.

Spotlight

LAKE WYLIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOLD GOLF TOURNAMENT

O

ne of the best networking opportunities of the year is at the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Golf Classic. It will be held on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012 at River Hills Country Club, Lake Wylie. The premiere sponsor is CMC-Steele Creek. The event chairman, David Mathein of T-Bones on the Lake, makes sure that this golf event is one of the best of the year in the region.

The tournament begins at 1 p.m. with a Shotgun Start and Captain’s Choice. There will be prizes and/or hospitality on nearly every hole, including the “Hula” hole and “Margarita” hole. The day promises to be one of good golf and great fun.

Registration is $140 per player or $540 per foursome and includes a full day of hospitality; including a Business After Golf event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Space is limited so make reservations early.

Hole sponsorships are available and offer a great opportunity for businesses to promote themselves at this premier event.

Registration forms are available on the Chamber’s website at www.lakewyliesc.com or contact Susan Bromfield at the Chamber office (803-831-2827 or lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com) for forms or additional information.

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and Carolinas Medical Center-Steele Creek ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC - REGISTRATION FORM Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012 1 p.m. Shotgun Start – Captain’s Choice River Hills Country Club

Contact Name:_________________________________________________________________________ Company:_____________________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________________ City:____________________________________State:___________Zip:___________________________ Daytime Telephone: ( )________________________ Fax: ( )__________________________________ Email:________________________________________________________________________________ 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) @ $140 per person

Total $_______

________

Golf Team(s) – Four players @ $540 per team

Total $_______

Golfer’s Name:_______________________Handicap:___E-mail:_________________________________ Golfer’s Name:_______________________Handicap:___E-mail:_________________________________ Golfer’s Name:_______________________Handicap:___E-mail:_________________________________ Golfers Name:________________________Handicap:___E-mail:_________________________________ Optional…

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

Total $______________________ 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 Phone: 803-831-2827 Fax: 803-831-2460 Email: lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com Web: www.lakewyliesc.com Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

55

Spotlight

Business After Hours Thursday, May 17, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ Kodiak Mini Storage Sponsored by Kodiak Mini Storage Photos by Diana Grubenhoff

Heather and Chip Krell of Pier 88 at the Kodiak Business After Hours.

Kitty Muccigrosso of the Lake Wylie Pilot and Ed Lukowski, a member of the Lake Wylie Rotary.

John and Sandee Wilkerson.

Allan Gregory of KA Gregory Wealth Management with Corey Anderson of Lake Wylie Pilot.

Leonard Jackson and Nancy Snyder visit at the May BAH held at Kodiak Mini Storage.

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

The Kodiak Mini Storage Team is ready to welcome the LW Chamber to the May 17 Business After Hours.

Spotlight

Business After Hours May 24, 2012 • Allen Tate Realty Sponsored by Allen Tate Realtors – Lake Wylie Photos by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Carol Hampton of Allen Tate Realtors and Robb Grainger.

Don Westmoreland and Bill Stewart.

Melanie McClure and Natalea Feely.

Don Long with S.C. Rep. Ralph Norman.

Jeff Turnbull of Kodiak Mini Storage, David McClure of Ameriprise and Jim Lovell of Allen Tate Realtors.

Joe Versen of Joe Versen Appraisers.

Paul and Dolly Scheasley of Comp Pro Business Services.

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

57

Spotlight

Business After Hours June 14, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ River Hills Marina Sponsored by River Hills Marina Club, Pier 88, T-Bones on the Lake, SeaTow, Lake Wylie Business Centre, The Kelly Group, Happy Trails Horse and Carriage Events, Q-2-U BBQ and Catering Photos by Jan Todd and Diana Grubenhoff

Bill and Melanie Jupena of Anchor Self Storage.

Brenda Peters, Mickey Odom and Angie McCarter.

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Allen Tate Realtors was represented by Jill Acala, Jim Lovell and Kathy Weeks at the June BAH.

Melanie Wilson and Janet Sweeney represented Allen Tate Realtors at River Hills Marina BAH.

Spotlight

Scenes from The Lake Wylie Splash Dash June 9, 2012 • Camp Thunderbird and River Hills Plantation Presenting sponsor CMC-Steele Creek Photos by Jan Todd

Even “Superman” dad and is son competed in this race!

All age groups are represented at the Splash Dash.

Cheering on the runners!

And ... they’re off!

The overall female 10K winner was 16-year-old Amelia Martin of Blacksburg.

The Spash Dash overall male 10K winner was Ping Hu of Charlotte.

Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

59

Spotlight

8

Thank You

From the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce 2012 Splash Dash Sponsors

CMC-Steele Creek Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anchor Self Storage Bethel Commons BI-LO â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lake Wylie Bojangles Burger King Fred Caldwell Chevrolet Clover Community Bank Comporium Contagious Graphics Diamond Springs Duke Energy Focus Physical Therapy Frito Lay Gatorade Glaza Chiropractic Center Hannon Orthodontics Harris Teeter Kodiak Mini Storage

Lake Wylie Pilot Lake Wylie Plaza Lifestyle Physical Therapy Lightning PC Solutions Long Cove Marina M.L. Ford & Sons New American Mortgage Queen City Timing Quik Trip River Hills Community Association Senator Harvey Peeler Sportscenter Walmart Watson Insurance YMCA Camp Thunderbird York County York County Natural Gas

Please Patronize our Sponsors!

8

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

Spotlight Nominations are now being accepted for 2012 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.

Past Recipients include: Year

Business Person

Citizen

2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992

Doug McSpadden Fred Caldwell Rob Watson and Fred Nason Al Powell Ed Stewart Diana Grubenhoff Mark DeChant Andy Kane Rod Hall Leslie Hall Paige McCarter David Mathein Myron Boloyan Tally Roberts Jong and Po Liu Jack Allen MaMa “C” Mark Erwin John Wilkerson Fire Chief Bill Johnston

Rep. Ralph Norman Tom Smith Elizabeth Hartley Vince Mugavero Susan Bromfield (Milestone Award) Dr. Steve Miszkiewicz Stacy Waddell -Blackmon Fred Wetherell Rep. Ralph Norman was 2011 Citizen Roberta Spampinato of the Year.

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 Doug McSpadden was 2011 Peggy Upchurch Business Person “Duck” Alexander of the Year.

Nominee for Business Person:____________________________________ Nominee for Citizen:____________________________________________ Please tell us about your nominee and his/or her contributions to the community: _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Deadline for nominees: 5 p.m., Oct. 20, 2012. Email: lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

61

Spotlight Renewing Members May 14, 2012 Businesses:

Welcome New Members: May 14, 2012 – July 12, 2012

AT&T Bank of York Bernard Ackerman, CPA, PA Carolina Car Care CaroMont Health/Gaston Memorial Hospital Classic Salon Clover Community Bank Clover School District #2 Custom Property Management Dana Anthony Custom Homes Duke Energy Forms & Supply, Inc. Fort Mill Ford Gala Affairs Gaston Day School Haselden, Owen, Boloyan & Corson, LLC Lake Wylie Auto Care Lake Wylie Eye Lake Wylie Pet Resort Long Cove Marina

Eason Roofing, LLC

lakewyliemetals@hotmail.com

Kodiak Mini Storage

Frank Eason

www.facebook.com/lakewyliemetals

McDonald’s-Lake Wylie

6175 Charlotte Highway

Jewelry Appraisals

McGee Enterprises

York, SC 29745

Custom Design Jewelry

M. L. Ford & Sons

803-631-4505

Newport Financial

803-631-4509

Elite Tae Kwon Do Academy

PHP Locker Company

easonroofing@yahoo.com

Mr. Flamm

Piedmont Regional Association of Realtors

www.easonroofing.com

140 Highway 274

Roofing

Landing Station

Pier 88 Yacht Club Pioneer Services Pest Control Plantation Home Realty

Lake Wylie, SC 29710

Lake Wylie Bowl N’ Bounce

803-746-7171

Darrin Skinner

misterflamm@elitetkdacademy

4034 Charlotte Highway, Suite 105

www.elitetwdacademy.net

Rotary Club of Lake Wylie

Lake Wylie, SC 29710

Traditional Tae Kwon Do

T-Bones On The Lake

803-831-2553

Self Defense

Wellness Ridge Impact

lakewyliebnb@gmail.com

York County Natural Gas Authority

www.lwbnb.com

Pane in the Glass Window Washing

York Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Bowling and Family Entertainment Center

Michael Cooke Jr.

Restaurant

P.O. Box 1463

Remedics Restoration Carolinas Rey Azteca River Hills Marina Club

Individuals: Mickey Odom

Clover, SC 29710

Precious Metals

803-818-5536

Jody Chandler

paneintheglassww@yahoo.com

10 Executive Court

www.paneintheglassww.com

Bill MacIndoe

Lake Wylie, SC 29710

Cleaning Services, Window Washing

Nancy Snyder

803-818-1100

Bill Peters Tally Roberts Bud Rother

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New members Mikey and Jessica Cooke of Pain in the Glass.

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

Spotlight ROHR Like a Lion, Inc. Erroll Rohrbacher 1320 Golden Ridge Road Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-675-7733 info@rohrlikealion.com www.rohrlikealion.com Creative Services, Graphic Design Communications, Photography

Lake Wylie Pharmacy Larry Meek 221 Latitude Lane, Suite 110 P.O. Box 5343 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-2044 larry@lakewylierx.com www.lakewylierx.com Pharmacy, home health products

Salon 108 Lou Anne Stewart 221 Latitude Lane, Suite 108 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-7143 Salon, Boutique

Lake Wylie Civic Association Mike Mason 264 Latitude Lane, Suite 101 Lake Wylie, SC 29710

Vonda Weaver of Happy Trails Horse and Carriage Events at the June 2012 Business After Hours.

The ribbon cutting at Lake Wylie Bowl N’ Bounce.

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce has business suites available for rent • Fully and beautifully furnished rental offices • Professional Business Centre • Includes high-speed wireless Internet • Includes all utilities except telephone • Access to conference room

Mmason803@aol.com

• Includes reception area

Organizations

• Flat screen TV in conference room • Mail service

QuikTrip

• Prime Lake Wylie business location

4020 Charlotte Highway

• Ample parking

Lake Wylie, SC 29710

• Easy access

www.quiktrip.com

• Convenient location

Convenience store, gas retailer

• Save fuel and work close to home

Syphard Construction 2876 Beulah Church Road Weddington, NC 28104 www.syphardconstrution.com Fire & Flood Restoration

• Includes hospitality area

Everything a small business needs at reasonable rates! Located at: Lake Wylie Business Centre 264 Latitude Lane Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce 803-831-2827 Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce 2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Charles Wood - Chairman KODIAK MINI STORAGE Ed Stewart – Past Chairman M.L. FORD & SONS Don Long – 1st Vice President Fred Wetherell – 2nd Vice President STERLING SOURCE, INC. Donna Bordeaux - Secretary BORDEAUX & BORDEAUX, CPAs, PA Michaelyn Sherrill - Treasurer PLANTATION HOME REALTY Myron Boloyan, Esq. HASELDEN, OWEN, BOLOYAN & CORSON, LLC Susan Bryant RINEHART REALTY Fred Caldwell FRED CALDWELL CHEVROLET Tom Griffin CAROLINA’S PREMIER MORTGAGE CORPORATION Allan Gregory K. A. WEALTH MANAGEMENT Diana Grubenhoff LONG COVE MARINA Leonard Jackson LAKE WYLIE BUSINESS CENTRE Andy Kane CATAWBA LANDS CONSERVANCY David Mathein T-BONES ON THE LAKE Paige McCarter CLOVER COMMUNITY BANK Susan Bromfield, President 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

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2012

The Lake Wylie Chamber holds many events that are great for networking as well as socializing.

(Photo/Diana Grubenhoff)

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Upcoming Activities Grassroots Legislative Luncheon With S.C. Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012 Noon at The City Club in Rock Hill Business After Hours Sept. 20, 2012 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by and held at BB&T, Highway 49 and Latitude Lane Countywide Business After Hours Oct. 4, 2012 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Comporium Held at Baxter Hood Center at York Tech Anderson Road, Rock Hill Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament Premier Sponsor CMC-Steele Creek Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012 1 p.m. Shotgun Start, Captain’s Choice Held at River Hills Country Club, Lake Wylie

Business After Golf Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012 5:30 - 8 p.m.

Held at River Hills Country Club, Lake Wylie Fred Caldwell Chevrolet Date in Nov. 8, 2012 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Bethel St.-Highway 55, Clover Annual Holiday Gala Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 6:30 p.m. to midnight Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, dinner and music Seating limited, festive attire Held at River Hills Country Club, Lake Wylie