Lake Wylie Today, Spring 2017

LakeWylie Spring has Sprung!

Our favorite spring festivals plus steps to a healthier you

Fishing for Catfish Reeling them in

Chamber Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce news and information

TODAY Spring 2017 | Issue 1

Our View

Presenting Lake Wylie Today for Spring 2017

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By Susan Bromfield, President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

t is my pleasure to present the spring issue of Lake Wylie Today for 2017. It is always a pleasure to help to develop the story ideas for each issue.

The spring issue of Lake Wylie Today always showcases our vibrant community with a lot going on. Pour a cup of coffee or glass of wine and settle in to read this issue to see how you can enjoy Lake Wylie today!

You will read about the activities, events and festivals happening around the area. The Strawberry Festival held in May in Fort Mill has been named the No. 1 festival in South Carolina. The Come-See-Me Festival held in April in Rock Hill is a ten-day festival with more than 80 events.

Let’s not forget the St Patrick’s Day Festival held in March in Clover and the various Easter egg hunts that bring members of the community together. For a more solitary and peaceful experience, there are many beautiful scenic areas to hike, bike and explore nature trails. As spring blossoms, so do the many opportunities to enjoy the area, community events and attractions nearby.

The Garden Party section this issue features the Lake Wylie Home and Garden tour presented by the Lake Wylie-Clover Republican Women’s Club. This event lets you have an “insider’s view” of lake with various homes and gardens open to ticketholders. New this year, artists will be added to the tour. Locals are encouraged to invite out-of-town guests to attend this special home tour. Proceeds benefit a scholarship for Clover High School students.

The shoreline feature in this issue talks about how to fish for the mighty Lake Wylie catfish. Many fishing tournaments are on tap for 2017 so stay tuned for seasonal updates.

Food for Thought features new and estab2

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lished places for healthy eating selections. The many farm stands will open in April featuring a nice selection of fresh local berries, produce, local honey and other healthy food choices.

South Forty Farm located on Highway 274 will open on April 1. Bush-n-Vine located on Highway 321 in Filbert will feature locally grown strawberries from their hot houses early this spring.

Our local writers and seasonal stories make up the local flavor of our quarterly community magazine designed to market and promote our beautiful area. Lake Wylie Today is a proud collaboration with the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and SC BIZ News to publish a beautiful, full-color magazine that helps promote and market Lake Wylie and its businesses, real estate, area attractions and events.

Each year, the spring issue is our Healthy, Wealthy and Wise issue featuring tips on healthy living, financial tips and related topics.

The chamber is also taking over sponsoring the Lake Wylie Wellness Initiative that will promote living a healthy lifestyle. Check out page 60 for more information.

The summer issue theme is summer fun.

The fall is the green issue with a focus on the environment and local features like green developments in the area, agri-tourism, homegrown, gardening and nature-based ideas and tips. Winter is the holiday issue with all the activities, attractions, parties and winter stories to get you in the spirit. We encourage local ideas, photos and attractions to be submitted.

Email susan@lakewyliesc.com to submit your photos and story ideas.

No matter what time of year, Lake Wylie is a great place to visit, live and work. It is a pleasure to work every day to promote our beautiful area and its many attractions. LW

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Contents Spring 2017

Creative Director - Ryan Wilcox production1@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3117 Senior Graphic Designer - Jane Mattingly production2@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118

18 Shoreline

In search of Lake Wylie catfish

Graphic Designer - Andrew Sprague asprague@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3128

26 Food for Thought

Assistant Graphic Designer - Emily Matasi ematasi@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3124

Where to eat healthy this year

Assistant Graphic Designer - Jessica Stout jstout@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3113

34 Garden Party

Advertising Sales - Jane DuBois jane@lakewylietoday.com • 704.287.8668

Annual Lake Wylie Home and Garden Tour

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

42 Feature

Blazing a trail for a good cause

Jane DuBois jane@lakewylietoday.com • 704.287.8668

48 Feature

Contributing Writers Susan Bromfield Jane DuBois Jan Todd

Hidden treasures: Lake Wylie Rocks

52 Feature

Allison Creek Presbyterian Church unveils multi-purpose recreation and worship area

Contributing Photographers Susan Bromfield Jane DuBois Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Deep Creek Photography Jan Todd Kim McManus Jeff Blake Jim Stadnyck

56 Calendar

Spring calendar of events

60 Feature

www.LakeWylieToday.com Published by SC Biz News

Associate Publisher - Licia Jackson ljackson@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7546

8 Mailbag

TODAY

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

2 Our View Spring has arrived in Lake Wylie

LakeWylie

The entire contents of this publication are copyright by SC Business Publications LLC with all rights reserved.

Finding wellness in body and soul

66 Development Update

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

70 Spotlight

The magazine of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Cover and Table of Contents photos by Jan Todd

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Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce’s marketing and promotional efforts are supported

by York County’s Hospitality Tax.

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

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

Lake Wylie Boy Scouts Troop 333 has always had strong participation with the Scouting for Food program. This year, the troop collected food for the Clover Area Assistance Center. Pictured, first row: Garner Boeppel. Second row, from left: Alec DiFrango, Nolan Gessler, Ethan Strubbe, Logan Yorick, Dylan Gibbs, 3rd row: Jordan Baker, JJ Scott, Nathan Nishimuta, Casey Humphrey, 4th row, Levi Purvis, Garrett Carpenter, Adrian Yorick, Nicholas Goodell.

Scouts help with Nativity scene

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couts from Troop 333 constructed the nativity scene for the Lake Wylie Christmas parade. The troop also helped the local churches set up their booths and start the warming fire pits. Pictured from left to right: Adrian Yorick, Michael, Nicholas Goodell, Nathan Nishimuta, Alec DiFrango.

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(Top) Scouting for Food - Scouts from Troop 333 formed a chain to unload multiple truckloads of food donated by Lake Wylie neighborhoods. Pictured from left to right: Nathan Nishimuta, Garner Boeppel, Nicholas Goodell, Dylan Gibbs. (Middle) Troop 333 scouts were transported by boat to the uninhabited Capers Island near Charleston where they fished and camped on the beach after hiking through the “Boneyard.” Pictured from left: Zach Baskin, Nicholas Goodell, Zach Fowler and JJ Scott. (Bottom) Capers Island - Scouts hiking through the “Boneyard” on Capers Island. Pictured from left: JJ Scott, Nicholas Goodell, Zach Fowler, Zach Baskin.

Mailbag

Pat Kirby (left) presents an award to the hearing aid team including (from left) John Davis, Ray Sundaraman and David Shimberg

Lions collaborate on hearing aid project

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butterfly perches on a spring orchid in Clover.

Photo/Angie Clinton

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embers of the River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club recently joined with South Park Lions from Charlotte to provide hearing aids for deserving clients, many of whom need the devices to hold down jobs.

Pat Kirby, chair of the hearing aid project for River Hills/Lake Wylie, thanked David Shimberg of the Charlotte group, numbering 31 as compared to more than 170 for River Hills/Lake Wyle, for their collaboration on the hearing aid project. The River Hills/Lake Wylie club covered two-thirds of the cost of the screening.

Lions District 32D Governor Paul Dove presented one of the organization’s top awards to Lion John Davis for his substantial financial contribution to the hearing aid project.

Lake Wylie Family Dentistry gets into the spirit

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ake Wylie Family Dentistry hosted a blowout “spooktacular” Halloween Event Oct. 31st at their office located in the Village Harbor Complex of Lake Wylie. There were superheroes abounding as well as an office full of skeletons, bats, and pumpkins. Every child was a winner!

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Mailbag

Strawberries and jazz at Bush-N-Vine Farm

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oin the farm for “Strawberry Saturdays” during the months of April and May for pick-yourown strawberries and enjoy ice cream, a slush and stock up on fresh produce. Live music by Take Two Jazz will be held on April 15 and May 13. Bring the whole family out for a fun-filled day on the farm. 1650 Filbert Hwy. York. Visit www.bushnvinefarm.com or call 803-684-2732 for more information.

Spring wreath making at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

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elcome neighbors, friends and family into your home using inspiration from spring’s floral palette of color. Jump into the season using a grapevine base to start a wreath design to adorn your front door. March 25, from 1-3:30 p.m. $55, materials included. Discount for garden members. 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont, NC.

Shabby Chick’s in York to hold open house April 22

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n upcycle, vintage and antique store, Shabby Chick’s, has opened in York inside a circa 1850 farmhouse. An open house and spring showcase will be held on April 22 from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. with local artists selling their designs. The lawn of 10

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Sophia Tyra, from Clover, enjoys the spring blooms at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Gastonia. Photo/Angie Clinton

the farmhouse will be set up like a garden party and ten percent of all proceeds will go towards a local children’s charity. The farmhouse is located at 2188 Kingsbury Road, York. Call 803-627-0717 for more information.

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Mailbag

Boy Scouts pitch in

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oy Scout Troop 333 completed a service project on January 21 where they picked up trash along Hwy. 49 in Lake Wylie. Photo/provided

A Blue Star Memorial sign was placed in Lake Wylie at the intersection of S.C. Hwy. 49 and Hwy 274 to honor veterans and those who have dedicated their lives to service. A dedication was held on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2016. Photos by John Anderson

Blue Star Memorial Highway plaque unveiled in Lake Wylie

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new Blue Star Memorial Highway marker was dedicated on Veterans Memorial Day, November 11, 2016 on the corner of SC Hwy 49 and 274 in the Lake Wylie gateway into York County and South Carolina.

The Blue Star Highway Memorial is a tribute to the armed forces who have defended the United States of America and dedicated by the South Carolina Garden Club, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and York County.

During World War II, Blue Star flags were flown with pride over households if a son or daughter was in the service. The star color 12

was changed to gold if the family lost a service member.

Back in 1945, some patriotic National Garden Club members in New Jersey began a Blue Star Memorial trail that developed into a national highway beautification program. The Federation of Garden Clubs believed that it was fitting to honor the men and women who served the U.S. by beautifying the landscape rather than building stone monuments.

Along the original Blue Star Highway near North Plainfield, N.J. 8,000 dogwood trees were planted with the help of the N.J. Department of Transportation. As the movement grew, garden

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clubs throughout the country began beautifying the roadsides of these Blue Star Highways with the help of their state departments of transportation.

As more and more state garden clubs joined the effort, an abundance of newly landscaped, blue star roads appeared throughout the United States. There are over 70,000 miles of highway designated as Blue Star Memorial Highways in every state including Alaska and Hawaii. While originally honoring only WWII veterans, the effort was expanded in 1951 to include all the men and women of all of the services in all wars.

Kid yoga at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

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he perfect class to transition to naptime!

Certified yoga instructor Rasheedan Hasan will lead the class geared towards children ages 3 and older, focusing on movement and energy release. March 4 from 11:30 a.m.noon. $6 per child; adults pay regular garden admission. 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont, NC.

Peace Poster winners with their art work: Alyssa Guy (left) and Jordan Robinson.

York County students win Lions International Peace Prize Poster Contest

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wo York County students are winners of the 2016-17 Lions International Peace Poster Contest with the theme of “A Celebration of Peace.” The local competition was sponsored by River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions.

Jordan Robinson is the winner from Oakridge Middle School, under the guidance of Olivia Chinnes, visual arts teacher. Alyssa Guy is the winner from Clover Middle School under the guidance of Sara Bena, visual arts teacher.

Each poster was judged on originality, artistic merit and expression of the theme. The program is available to students ages 11-13 worldwide. The winning entries will next be judged at several other levels. The grand prize winner, along with two parents, will receive a trip to the Lions Day award ceremony at the United Nations, as well as a $5,000 prize.

Robinson’s idea for her poster was, “Peace will light the way.” Guy said, “We want to make this world better, so we should treat it like a present. The universe has given us this task to keep the world beautiful; it’s not too late to change.” The two local winners received a $50 gift card and a Certificate of Achievement.

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Mailbag

Clover Choraliers dazzle audiences in ‘Big River’

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he award-winning Clover Choraliers performed the musical last April and May for their spring show. This year’s show will be held April 20, 22, and 23. See page 56 for details. Photo by Davina Fear

Spring deer crossing

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doe and her fawn were spotted on Heritage Drive in River Hills.

River Hills Easter egg hunt

Last year’s event for the River Hills neighborhood brought out children of all ages.

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Shoreline

i n

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s e a r c h

o f

Lake Wylie’s Big Fish

by Jenny Peterson

photos by Kim McManus

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Shoreline (Clockwise from top left) Captain Rodger Taylor casts a line into Lake Wylie; A channel catfish was the first catch of the day; Jenny Peterson, Lake Wylie Today editor, admires her catch; Randy McManus reels in a bite. Kim McManus catches an impressive blue catfish.

Lake Wylie fishing tournaments • The Catawba Catfish Club hosts catfish tournaments on Lake Wylie. The 2017 season schedule is still TBD. Check www.Carolinacatfishclub.com for updated information.

• HuntFishPaddle of Lake Wylie sponsors several tournaments throughout the year. A bass tournament will be held March 4 in Lake Wylie. Visit www.huntfishpaddle.com or the shop at 4070 Charlotte Hwy, Lake Wylie for more information.

Tip: Get a fishing license for both North and South Carolina to have full fishing access on both sides of the lake.

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t was a brisk, sunny day in March when we arrived at Ebenezer Park in Rock Hill, overlooking Lake Wylie.

It didn’t take long to find our fishing guide, Rodger Taylor, of Catfish On! Guide Service.

He was the one preparing a 21-foot pontoon boat that was already in the water.

Two Lake Wylie Today Magazine staffers, plus one husband, had booked a half-day fishing trip with Captain Taylor specifically to catch the whiskered species.

We had read about the growing number of catfish tournaments on Lake Wylie and wanted to try our luck.

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The magazine also featured a photo of a Lake Wylie angler posing with a whopper of a blue catfish that weighed a record 82 pounds.

It was noted on the photo that the monster catfish had been released back into the lake.

I had to see this for myself.

Taylor is an expert in Lake Wylie fishing, and writes lake fishing reports for several angler websites and has written fishing trends for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

His pontoon boat has been outfitted specifically for catfishing – upright poles lined each side, like a fence.

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Once we loaded everything onto the roomy vessel, we launched into beautiful Lake Wylie.

We zoomed across the lake to the first fishing spot, trusting that Taylor would lead us to a spot that would result in a good catch.

And that’s when I learned that merely finding the catfish is half of the battle.

That’s why you see fisherman zooming around from one end of the lake to the other, in coves and in the deep center, seeking the elusive species.

With more than 13,443 surface acres that make up Lake Wylie, Taylor had to determine where to find the catfish. Where would you be

Getting hooked All season bait...........Gizzard Shad Late spring-fall..........Blue Gill Fall-winter.................White Perch

Source: Roger Taylor, Catfish On! Guide Service

Fishing charters and guides in Lake Wylie Fishing League Worldwide Angler and Guide Capt. Bryan New Bass or White Perch fishing 704-421-5868

Catfish On! Guide Service

Capt. Rodger Taylor Catfish fishing www.catfishon.com 803-328-9587 803-517-7828 Email: rodon@comporium.net

Jerry’s Fishing Guide Service

Capt. Jerry Neeley Crappie, Bass, Catfish fishing www.carolinasfishing.com 704-678-1043 704-867-5116 Email: jerry@carolinasfishing.com

if you were a hungry catfish in Lake Wylie just shaking off the winter cold?

Lucky for us, if anyone could think like a catfish, it was Captain Taylor.

According to him, in the springtime, the catfish are on the move looking for baitfish. The baitfish at this time are often scurrying around coves heading towards the Lake Wylie dam, and the whiskered bottom-feeders aren’t far behind.

“These baitfish move north in the spring to get ready to spawn, and predatory fish like catfish will be right behind them,” Taylor said.

“The spring weather puts a larger number of fish into a smaller area.”

We were getting excited.

Taylor slowed the pontoon boat down near one of Lake Wylie’s many coves in the northern part of the lake, and we marveled at the natural beauty of Lake Wylie from the spot.

Our guide had a unique way of anchoring his boat. It wasn’t a heavy metal anchor with a chain; it was a floating anchor—a technique called “drifting”— where a floating anchor that looks like a windsock captures water and air causing a shallow drag without churning up the bottom of the lake.

As the boat slowed to a stop near the shore, Taylor loaded up each of our poles with cut giz-

zard shad, his favorite all-season bait. We cast our lines out into the water, and we waited.

And waited.

Catfishing on Lake Wylie is not a task for an impatient fisherman.

There’s no active casting, reeling in and re-casting of the lines. You don’t reel in every few minutes, you don’t check to make sure your bait is still on the hook.

You simply wait for the catfish to find you.

“How do you know when a fish is on the line?” I asked, impatiently.

“Oh, you’ll know,” Taylor said.

A few times I was tricked, thinking some-

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Shoreline thing was pulling the line, but it was just the bump of the wind, or a wave.

While we waited, we took the time to look around and enjoy the scenery. Lake Wylie from a boat is a unique perspective – one that not everybody gets to see.

The natural blend of the water and the land was picture perfect. We were in the middle of a living postcard.

Well-known neighborhoods like Big Allison Creek and Little Allison Creek made more sense now, after navigating through their big and little creeks.

We saw ospreys collecting twigs and straw for their nests, a brightly colored sailboat gliding silently by and Lake Wylie residents enjoying the sunshine on their lakefront lawns.

Just then, the fishing pole line whirred.

Taylor wasn’t kidding; unless you had fallen asleep, you’d be hard-pressed to miss it. You know it when a catfish bites.

He picked up the pole from its spot on the side of the boat and handed it to me with the instruction: “Reel!”

It was an exciting moment as the thrashing on the other end of the line got closer and

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closer to the boat, the limber pole bending over the side of the boat like a rainbow.

Was this going to be the monster catfish? I both wanted and didn’t want it to be the catfish I saw in the photo.

This catfish was considerably smaller, at around seven pounds, but still the largest catfish I’ve ever caught. I expertly reeled it in while Taylor scooped it up with a net. The photographer’s camera snapped away as I admired my catch.

Also good to know: catfishing is not for the weak-armed.

We caught seven catfish that day, the biggest nearly ten pounds, at four locations on Lake Wylie.

Anglers need to be willing to move around, anchor and drift to find out where these catfish are biting.

Each member of our fishing crew took turns reeling them in and checking out the different species. Taylor prides himself on often catching the “trifecta” on his trips—channels, blues and flathead catfish.

He patiently helped us unhook each catfish and put more cut bait on the lines.

I was pleasantly surprised at how cat-

Shoreline fishing (at least the way we did it) was much more relaxing than I expected. Between bites, we were able to enjoy the scenery of Lake Wylie and chat with each other at length. As we waited for the fish, we enjoyed pointing out the different landmarks, types of birds and unique natural areas around us.

When we ran out of things to say, almost on cue, someone’s line would whir, and we’d reel in a whiskered catfish.

I can see why people get hooked on this leisure sport.

Taylor, who is from Gastonia, is a lifelong outdoorsman. Having a relaxing and enjoyable experience in nature while fishing is why he’s been a charter fishing guide for more than ten years.

“The maturing of a fisherman is when you move from wanting to prove yourself by catching the limit to being able to just appreciate being out there,” he said. “You want to watch the sun come up in the morning, watch it go down in the evening and see the lake’s stillness being broken by the splash of a big fish in the water.”

And, it’s worth the wait. LW

Where to Rent A Boat Pier 88 River Hills Marina Gas Dock 831-0088 Boat Rentals Kayak and Canoe Rental www.pier88yc.com Tega Cay Marina 803-548-3715 Pontoon Boats-22 footers All Day-Weekends Half-day rentals-weekdays only Light-N-Up Houseboat Charters Nancy Bedgood, Proprietor 704-813-8033 Private parties, outings, receptions and more

Wylie Boat Rentals 803-370-2628 wylieboatrentals.com Wylie Watercraft Pontoon rentals 803-619-9283 www.wyliewatercraft.com CareFree Boat Club 704-557-0848 www.carefreeboats.com NC Flatwater Outfitters 704-914-7484 Canoe & Kayak rentals

Need to check lake levels?

Go to www.duke-energy.com

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Food for Thought

Healthy choices around the Lake Story and photos by Jane DuBois

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Food for Thought

Walnut bleu salad at T-Bones on the Lake.

Photo by Kim McManus

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Food for Thought

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s this the year you are committed to living a healthier life? Your food choices have a huge impact on your health. While buying and using fresh, local produce is a good way to form healthy habits, there are lots of healthy eating choices at many restaurants in Lake Wylie.

Eating out is often the stickler when it comes to sticking to a healthy diet, isn’t it?

We do just fine at home, but meet a friend out for lunch or celebrate a birthday with family at a restaurant and we blow our whole plan!

It doesn’t have to be that way. Many of our restaurants offer healthy fare – you just need to look, and ask for it.

Copper Premium Pub 4516 Charlotte Hwy. Lake Wylie 803-701-7021

Copper Premium Pub opened last year at the former site of Café 49 in Lake Wylie with many tempting entrees including a wide variety of pizzas and burgers. But there are also a number of healthy options, including chicken skewers, which are chargrilled marinated chicken with a cucumber and tomato summer salad, sun-dried tomato pesto and basil and an amazing list of salads.

Green salads, purple kale salads, salads with avocado, pumpkin seeds, artichoke hearts, Greek olives, Granny Smith apples . . . the list goes on and on! Salad protein choices range from chicken, steak, ahi tuna, salmon, shrimp and more. Don’t be shy to substitute ingredients to make your salad as healthy as possible.

Thai Fusion 125 Evergreen Rd., Suite 102 Lake Wylie 803-746-5047

The Thai diet is naturally full of vegetables, so there are a number of options at Lake Wylie’s newest Thai restaurant at Anchors Shop Place. Garlic and broccoli are two mainstays of Thai cuisine and just happen to be two of the best things for you! Thai Fusion offers many healthy entrees for both lunch and dinner. It’s easy to stay on track with your diet here with the added benefit of authentic Thai spices.

Check out the Thai salad with tofu, carrots, cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, pineapple and spouts served with peanut vinaigrette, or the wok-tossed dishes fea-

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turing flavorful bamboo, string beans, bell peppers, snow peas and broccoli. There are healthy options on the kids’ menu as well, such as chicken and broccoli with white rice or steamed veggies. They are happy to accommodate you with special orders as well, so if you want to substitute green beans for rice, just say so!

T-Bones on the Lake 3990 Charlotte Hwy. Lake Wylie 803-831-0170

A Lake Wylie favorite, T-Bones on the Lake has plenty of healthy food choices on the menu. Skip the fried preparation for broiled tender Carolina shrimp, or have a cool strawberry almond spinach salad with crumbled bleu cheese and a raspberry vinaigrette. The sides at T-Bones include healthier options that you can substitute such as sweet potato fries, green beans with roasted almonds or the veggie of the day. There’s also a fruit cup as a side on the menu that can serve as a refreshing dessert. LW

Thai Fusion’s dishes include plenty of vegetables.

A colorful dish at Thai Fusion.

Copper Premium Pub salads can be topped with a number of protein options.

The grilled salmon salad at Copper Premium Pub.

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Food for Thought

Farm fresh at home I

f you want to prepare your own healthy meals at home with the freshest items available, check out some of Lake Wylie’s farm stands and fresh markets. Area grocery stores also stock organic vegetables, fruits and meats.

Make sure to keep it fresh and in season to get maximum flavor.

Catawba Fresh Market www.CatawbaFreshMarket.com Looking for the freshest local ingredients to prepare in your kitchen? All you need is the internet! The Catawba Fresh Market is an online market that sources from farms in York County and several of the counties right here at your back door.

All buyers need to do is register online for free, fill an online shopping cart with local produce and hand-made products from nearly 40 local farmers and vendors, and purchase with a credit card. Items include fresh vegetables, meat, honeys, fruits, eggs, meat—even all-natural soaps and handmade crafts. All orders are placed online and the local growers process them and deliver them within 24 hours. Currently, all orders must be placed no later than 2 p.m. each Wednesday for a Thursday pickup.

Perfect for a weekend of meal planning! There is no minimum order amount. The pickup location in Lake Wylie is at Market on Wylie, 4070 Charlotte Hwy. There are also pickup locations in Clover, Tega Cay, Fort Mill and Rock Hill. This is a wonderful service we have right here in Lake Wylie. Check the website for more information or to register.

Bush-N-Vine Farm 1650 Filbert Hwy York 803-684-2732

Bush-N-Vine is a beloved farm in York with a farm stand in Lake Wylie and online ordering

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options for you to get their fresh local produce to your kitchen table. The farm, located at 1650 Filbert Hwy. in York, opens in the spring for pickyour-own strawberries in April and pick-yourown blueberries in May. The York farm’s hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Sundays. Fresh fruit and vegetables are available at the farm store, and in the spring, Bush-N-Vine will again open its Lake Wylie stand at 1700 Village Harbor Drive in the Village Harbor Shopping Center.

Bush-N-Vine has an online ordering option year-round, through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

Buyers can sign up seasonally for a basket of fresh, seasonal produce each week. Baskets can be customized to the number of people being fed (from one person to six) and buyers pay in advance for seven weeks. Fresh, local produce is then ready for pickup at several locations to take home and enjoy. The deadline to sign up for the seven-week summer CSA box is April 15. Call 803-684-2732 or sign up online at www.bushnvine.com. LW

What’s in season?

In season fruits and vegetables pack in maximum flavor. Look for them at local grocery stores and farm stands.

Spring Fruits

Strawberries • Raspberries

Spring Vegetables

Asparagus • Broccoli • Cabbage • Kale Lettuce • Radishes • Spinach Sweet Potatoes • Tomatoes Source: Bush-N-Vine Farm Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Garden Party

The Rinehart home will be one of the highlights on this year’s tour. It was modeled after the “Home of the Nineties” award winner at the National Home Builders convention. The property features the main home, with pool and gazebo stretching over the lake, plus a cabin converted to a party house. (Photo supplied

by John Rinehart)

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2017

Garden Party

Story and photos

by Jan Todd

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Garden Party

(clockwise from top left) Artist Cynthia Howard painting “en plein air.” This year’s Home Tour will feature artists painting live what they see in the gardens. Finished paintings will be on display at the after-party at the River Hills Marina. Photos provided by Cynthia Howard; Barb and Chris Christopher’s home was a favorite on the tour last year, with lots of luxury features and natural lake views; The Hagner home dining room overlooking the lake.

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ant to get a peek inside some of the loveliest homes on Lake Wylie? If so, you won’t want to miss the annual Lake Wylie Home and Garden Tour, sponsored by the Lake Wylie/Clover Republican Women’s Club.

This self-guided tour features homes in River Hills and the neighborhoods surrounding Lake Wylie. Hostesses and volunteers are stationed throughout each home, available to

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share stories about special heirlooms, architectural details, renovations and interesting collections on display.

This year, the Women’s Club is introducing some new features to the tour. Peggy Upchurch, president of the club, said there will be artists live painting in the gardens of the homes on tour while people watch.

Cynthia Howard, a landscape artist and painting instructor, is coordinating the artists

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that will be featured on the tour. The art technique is called “plen air.” “’Plein air’ painting is literally painting what you see, in open air,” Howard said.

“There are artists who specialize in this type of painting, and they’re used to working with people looking over their shoulders. They’re used to chatting while they work, answering questions as they paint. It’s a lot of fun for the artist.”

Want to go?

This year’s tour is scheduled for April 29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with the After Party at the River Hills Marina scheduled 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

Tickets are $20 and fund the Fay Bergman Clover High School Scholarship. Tickets can be purchased at the following locations:

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce 264 Latitude Lane Lake Wylie, SC 803-831-2827

River Hills Community Association 102 Hamilton’s Ferry Lake Wylie, SC 803-831-8214

For information on ticket sales contact Gloria Bruce, 803-831-2018 or gjsbruce@ comporium.net and Peggy Upchurch, 704-813-9828 or peggyscgop@gmail.com.

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Garden Party (Far left) The Wards home, featured in 2016, had been extensively renovated. On display were “before and after” photos of the remodeling project. (Left) The Carlson home, located on the River Hills Golf Course, was included on the 2016 Home tour. Guests were thrilled to see some of Bill Carlson’s momentos from his father’s time in the movie business.

Most of the time, Howard said, plein air artists are able to finish their work in just a few hours.

“We have to work really fast, because the light and the shadows are changing as we paint,” she said.

There will be a party afterwards, where tour guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, see the completed artwork and purchase pieces from the artists. Artists will bring some of their other work in addition to the paintings done during the home tour. The party will be held at the River Hills Marina, under the picnic pavilion.

Upchurch is excited about the homes that will be on tour this year.

“We’ll have Martha Young’s home off of Lake Wylie Road. She has been renovating it and redoing the landscape and gardens. It’s just fabulous, an incredible vista of the lake.

Martha has a lot of unique items and collectibles, including Mark Twain’s telescope!”

One of the highlights of the 2017 tour will be the home of Geri and John Rinehart, located on the Allison Creek peninsula. It is a landmark home on the lake, located on a point with a panoramic view. The home was designed using the plan for “The House of the Nineties,” an award-winning home built in Buckhead and an “Idea Showcase” home at the 1990 National Home Builders convention in Atlanta. The Rineharts read about the home and built it on Lake Wylie in 2004.

Located on the site of the Rinehart’s home was a 100-year-old schoolhouse, in disrepair when the lot was purchased in 1980. The Rineharts renovated the structure, converting it to a cabin used for a weekend get-away. They moved the cabin to the adjoining lot when they built their house, and it is now used as a rental property. The Rineharts also own another cabin, located next to the main house, that has been converted to a “Barbecue Hut,” where they host pig pickin’ parties, shrimp Continued on page 40 38

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Garden Party

Spring Gardening Tips D

By Lizabeth Currie

id I miss something here? Contrary to what our weather has been like, I’m pretty sure we haven’t see the end of winter. Not yet!

Here are some tips to get a head start. As far as sowing new grass seed now, you take a high risk. You’re better off to wait until daytime temperatures are a consistent 65 degrees. You can go ahead and lime your lawn and this will help break up any red clay compaction. It takes time for lime to break down, so start it now.

Hopefully your grass is weed free, but for those who aren’t that lucky, applying pre-emergents for both crabgrass and broadleaf weeds

needs to be done now before they emerge.

Did you plant shrubs last fall? If not, this is a great time to plant them. The soil is soft and ready for planting. Just make sure to keep them well-hydrated with water, plant them to a depth twice the size of the root ball and use at least a 50/50 ration of a good tree and shrub soil with your native soil. This will help with drainage.

Fall and spring are the best times to fertilize your trees and shrubs. Make your spring application before or during new bud break.

Any major pruning to trees and shrubs can

be done now (while they are in dormancy).

Get a start on flower and vegetable beds by checking PH levels. This will give you an idea of what nutrients your soil is missing and therefore what you need to add. The richer the soil, the better the crops.

Growing your own plants from seeds is not only economical, but so rewarding. So many different varieties to choose from! Select some now and get started indoors.

Lizabeth Currie is a master gardener and live nursery specialist at Lowes Home Improvement in Lake Wylie. LW

Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Garden Party

The kitchen from the home of Jonell Hagner, from last year’s tour.

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Garden Party Continued on page 38 boils and hang out with friends and family.

This fun gathering place will be featured on the tour, in addition to the main house.

The Rineharts’ garden is a sight to behold.

Their request to the architect was to create a year-round garden to enjoy during all seasons.

A swimming pool, Lake Room, and gazebo stretching out over the lake provide an outdoor paradise. Tour guests and the “plein air” artists are all in for a real treat.

Other homes in The Landing and River Hills neighborhoods will be included on the tour. Each year, the tour includes five or six homes, within easy driving distance of one another.

Tickets are $20 and proceeds fund the Fay Bergman Clover High School Scholarship, awarded to selected college-bound girls based on their academic achievements, community involvement, merit and need.

This year’s tour is scheduled for April 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., with the after-party at the Many homes, such as the Ward’s house in the 2016 tour, River Hills Marina scheduled 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. have beautiful outdoor spaces overlooking the lake.

Tickets will be available at area businesses and through members of the Republican Women’s Club. LW

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Feature Mel Ames out on the trail.

Trail Blazers r o a m w h e r e t h e

Story and photos by Jan Todd

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Feature

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Feature

Mel Ames trains all fall and winter for the Trailblazer challenge, held in the spring.

She hikes local trails, at Crowders Mountain and Kings Mountain parks and also hikes whenever she travels.

Lake Wylie residents hike 28 miles for Make-a-Wish Foundation

M

el Ames never thought she’d find herself hiking over 28 miles in a single day. She remembers a Christmas dinner conversation, just over two years ago, with her daughter Maddie, who had just started a job with the Make-a-Wish Foundation in Charlotte.

Maddie brought up the subject of the Trailblazer Challenge, a fundraising event to grant wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. The Foundation’s mission is to enrich the lives of these children, providing hope, strength and joy.

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The Trailblazer Challenge is a 28.3 mile hike on the Foothills Trail, beginning at the Upper Whitehalls Falls and ending in Oconee, South Carolina. Seventy hikers embark on this journey, which begins with training months ahead of time, and raising pledges of support along the way. Maddie had heard about the event at work, and suggested that her family participate in the upcoming spring hike.

“Twenty-eight miles?” responded Mel. “No way! Next subject.”

That was almost the end of that. But then she reconsidered.

“Christmas was over, and I was feeling kind of sluggish in January. I needed something to

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Ruby, one of Mel’s two Corgies, often join her on hikes. Above Ruby sports the blue bandana worn by hikers on the Trailblazer Challenge.

give me a jump start, and decided to do the Trailblazer Challenge.”

Mel’s husband Todd was easy to convince to join the effort. Both Mel and Todd enjoy hiking, and were excited about helping the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They also enlisted the participation of fellow Lake Wylie residents, Rose and Bill Cummings.

“We decided to participate as a team,” said Mel. “That way, we could encourage each other through the training process, go on hikes together and help each other with fundraising.”

The Trailblazer Challenge is limited to 70 hikers each year, and participants must raise a certain amount of funds to participate. “If one

team member is a super fundraiser, then their total can work to meet the minimum amount for a team,” Mel said.

As a former president of the Clover Choraliers Booster Board, Mel is no stranger to fundraising. Using social media, Mel let her large list of contacts know about her mission.

She invited friends to join her at fundraising events such as a “Wine and Paint” party, a huge “Cosmic Make-a-Wish” community yard sale and a birthday party where dona-

tions were received in lieu of gifts.

The most successful fundraiser that Mel designed, however, involved the four-legged members of the Ames family, a pair of Corgies. Mel dressed her dogs, Ruby and Lewie, and posted pictures of the pups donned in Valentine’s Day attire, Mardi Gras garb, and even formal gowns for Oscar night whenever she received new donations. This kept her effort top-of-mind on social media.

While fundraising, Mel and her team

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Feature

kept busy training for their big hike. “We started out with small hikes, and worked our way up to 16 and 20-mile hikes. We’d hike trails that were close by like Crowder’s Mountain and Kings Mountain.” The group

named their team “The Blue Blazes.” Mel explained, “Blazes are the trail markers— ribbons or painted symbols—that identify a trail. We chose blue, the color of the Makea-Wish logo.”

“Plus, it described our thoughts as in, “What in the Blue Blazes were we thinking?”

She laughed.

The Make-a-Wish Foundation does its part in preparing hikers for the challenge by organizing bi-weekly hikes, plus tips on endurance.

“Feet, knees, and hydration—those are the biggies,” said Mel. Tips from other hikers, plus internet research helped Mel prepare her feet, with a recipe of lambswool socks, sock liners, and proper fitting hiking shoes. A CamelBak hydration pack, worn as a backpack, holds a supply of water for the hike.

In May 2015, team Blue Blazes took to the trail—a 12-hour trek.

“The whole group of hikers stayed together in a hotel the night before the hike. We had a dinner the night before, met other hikers, and shared stories about what motivated us to do the challenge,” she said.

Hikers were motivated by stories from families of “wish kids,” members of the Foundation and fellow hikers. Plenty of pasta was served to help participants “carb up” before the next day.

The day of the hike, wake up call was at 3 a.m. and hikers were in position at the trailhead well before dawn. Mel and her team finished in about twelve hours. “It isn’t a race, it’s a journey,” said Mel, repeating the mantra of the foundation.

“There were aid stations along the way as well, where we’d stop for a quick rest, some snacks, Band-Aids for blisters, and re-supply our water. The folks at the aid stations would make sure everyone was ‘hale and hearty’ and able to continue on,” she said.

Some hikers set off alone, but the Blue Blazes hiked as a team. “We decided to stick 46

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together unless one member couldn’t go on and had to drop out at one of the check-in stations. During the last couple of miles, one of our team members was really dragging, and we pepped her up so we could all finish together,” Mel said.

The event itself was unforgettable for Mel and her team. All hikers wore bandanas to identify them as part of the challenge. “People wrote on their bandanas and decorated them in different ways. I wrote the names of everyone who had donated, so I could carry them along with me on the trail, metaphorically,” said Mel. The morning after the hike, all participants gathered for a celebration breakfast. People shared stories about adventures on the trail, self-discovery and what motivated them to participate and finish the Challenge.

“It was really emotional,” said Mel. “I also got to see first-hand how Make-a-Wish makes a huge difference in the lives of children and their families, after meeting some of the volunteers and participants who had personal experiences and stories to share.”

Last year, Mel’s daughter Maddie joined the team. It turned out to be a special mother-daughter experience, training, fundraising, and hiking together. Since their first hike, Mel and her team have raised over $15,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The family will again be participating in the Spring Trailblazer Challenge, which takes place in May. “It’s a huge time commitment, and a lot of work getting ready,” said Mel. “But the rewards are so much greater than the effort.”

For more information about the Trailblazer Challenge, and how you can participate or support, visit trailblazechallenge. kintera.org. LW Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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k c o R he t ! e k la

Feature

Story and photos by Jan Todd

W

hen Charlie Brown announced with dismay, “I got a rock,” he obviously wasn’t talking about the kind of rocks that have been popping up all over Lake Wylie in the past several months.

Brightly painted stones, hidden by a growing group known as “Lake Wylie Rocks,” are being found in random places by folks all over our community.

Mary Sauer, who lives in RiverPointe on Lake Wylie, started the group last summer. She

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was inspired by a similar group from Mary’s hometown in the Pacific Northwest. “I grew up on Whidbey Island, in Washington state,” said Mary. “I still keep in touch with some friends through Facebook and saw some postings about people painting rocks and hiding them just to brighten other people’s day. “ Mary fell in love with the idea and decided to form a group in Lake Wylie. She painted a few rocks and then started a group page on Facebook.

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2017

On Facebook, anyone can create a “group” to link people with similar interests or associations. Groups can be created for anything: high school class alumni, families, area clubs, or even enthusiasts of a particular hobby, such as photography, cooking, or crafts. Groups can be set up with “tags” to enable others to find the group. In the case of Lake Wylie Rocks, Mary set up “tags” including the phrases “Lake Wylie,” “Arts and Crafts,” “Painted Rocks” to help potential members find the group.

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photo by

On the back of each of her painted rocks, Mary uses a sharpie to write the name of the Facebook Page, “Lake Wylie Rocks,” and invites whoever finds the rock to post a picture and comment on Facebook.

After creating the group page, Mary didn’t have to wait long for a reaction. “Somehow, WBTV picked up on the story, and actually filmed me hiding my first rock,” recalled Mary. “That was quite a launch!”

Mary, with the help of her grandson, hid the

first batch and had fun watching for pictures and comments on the group page. Some of the hand-painted rocks had pretty pictures of flowers, animals, moon and stars, fish, smiley faces.

Others had words of Inspiration: “Smile!” or “Be humble and kind” or “I hope you dance!”

Mary reflected, “It seems that all we hear sometimes is bad news. So this is just a way to take people’s minds off of all the crazy stuff.

Just bring a smile to their face, make them want to play along.”

Mary Sa

uer

From initial reactions, it was evident that her mission was a success. People were excited to find the rocks and posted pictures celebrating their finds. Many promised to re-hide the rocks, and many accepted the invitation to paint rocks of their own.

Within just a couple of months, the Lake Wylie Rocks group had grown to more than 1,000 members on Facebook.

“I hide rocks all over the Lake Wylie area: Belmont, Steele Creek, Tega Cay, Rock Hill

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Feature and Clover,” she said. Rocks are usually hidden in plain sight, and Mary leaves hints on Facebook about where the rocks can be found.

One hint from Mary read, “You may find them if you stop for gas, or clean up after your dog in an apartment neighborhood, or if you visit the dentist. Happy hunting...”

Rocks have been hidden at trailheads and in parks; restaurants and sidewalks.

Sometimes the hints are pictorial, with the hiders posting a piece of the scenery for finders to recognize.

“It’s addictive,” said Mary. “Hardly a day goes by that I don’t paint a rock. I keep a basket of rocks in my car, and hide them wherever I go.”

Mary has found that the rock project gets her out of the house, exploring the area. “I’ve hidden rocks on the Carolina thread trail, Riverwalk in Rock Hill, over in Tega Cay and on the trails at McDowell Nature Preserve.

Hiding and finding rocks is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature.”

People of all ages are enjoying being part of the hunt. Children, in particular, love the idea.

“It’s like a giant Easter egg hunt,” said Mary.

Painting rocks has led to some face-to-face encounters for Mary, with invitations to come

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to Brownie and Girl Scout meetings and lead craft projects for the troops. “Getting young ones involved has been a great way to model ‘paying it forward’ and sharing kindness with strangers,” she said.

Sometimes the kindness is tailored for specific people.

“I’ve had group members write about hiding rocks for specific people, folks who are sick or just need their spirits lifted in some way,” said Mary. The rock designs have sometimes been used to bring awareness and thoughts towards others in need, as well. For example, after Hurricane Matthew pounded the coast of South Carolina, rocks were painted with pictures and notes of encouragement for those who were hit by the storm.

Some rocks have made it out of the area.

Mary took one of her painted rocks on a trip to Lake Junaluska, near Asheville. It was found and made its way to Maggie Valley, where it was found again by a visitor from, ironically, the Lake Wylie area.

Another rock was found in Lake Wylie, by a lady who wrote on Facebook, “While visit- Lake Wylie rocks are hidden all over the area, ing our friends we found this rock on River- most in plain sight. Some rocks are painted point trail. I was so inspired to make sure that with cute or inspirational messages.

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2017

Feature (Left) Mary Sauer, organizer of the Lake Wylie Rocks group, keeps a basket of rocks in her car, so she can spread some love and happiness wherever she goes.

(Top) Mary says she isn’t an artist or crafter. She just thought the rock painting idea was a fun one. (Bottom) Mary finds ideas for rock painting online. Sometimes, the shape inspires the design. “This rock was shaped like a slice of bread, so I used that!” said Mary. it made its way to other places to make others smile . . . This rock will be making its way to Roanoke, Virginia! I hope to see it go far and inspire others to find this site and want to do the same thing. Make people smile! Thanks!”

Rock painting groups have been springing up all over the world. With the impact of social media and internet sites such as Pinterest and Etsy, creative ideas for painting are readily available.

“You don’t have to be an artist to paint rocks,” said Mary. “I’m not an artist, and I’ve never done any painting before. Painting

rocks is fun and easy, and materials needed aren’t expensive.” Mary uses acrylic paint, Sharpies, and a spray sealer to protect her artwork from the elements.

It isn’t just those who find the rocks that are cheered.

“Painting the rocks can be very therapeutic.

I’ve gotten notes from people who share how relaxing and uplifting it is for them,” Mary said.

As the weather warms up and summertime approaches, we can expect to see more and more pretty little rocks around Lake Wylie. More smiles, coming right up! LW

Paint your own!

Get creative by painting your own rocks to hide throughout the community. Rocks can be purchased from the garden section of Lowe’s, hobby and craft stores or even found in nature. Use a sharpie to write phrases on the rocks and encourage “finders” to post a photo of their found rock on Facebook. Acrylic paint also works great. Use a spray sealer to protect the artwork from the elements. Hide throughout the community!

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2017

Finding Common Ground Allison Creek Presbyterian Church unveils multi-purpose recreation and worship area for all Story and photos by Jan Todd

I

n a time where differences of opinion, political persuasion, ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, and even diet choices seem to be sources of contention on social media and in everyday conversation, a group in Lake Wylie has come together with the goal of building a place where all differences can be put aside; a place where people can take the time to walk, to meditate, to reflect and ponder.

A place where people can breathe deeply, enjoy nature, and think. A place where people can play and get a little exercise. A place where people can pray, feel gratitude, maybe shed a few tears and heal.

It all started when Lorre Coone, a retired middle school guidance counselor, visited the Common Ground campus in Stanley, N.C., with some friends. It was named Common Ground because of the phrase’s dictionary definition: a basis of mutual interest or agreement.

The 90-acre park includes an outdoor

worship cathedral, miles of walking trails, a prayer chapel, playground and recreational facilities. It was developed through a partnership between a local Methodist church and the community in Stanley.

Lorre was mesmerized by the peace and tranquility of the place and invited her husband David to visit again with her. She also invited Sam McGregor, pastor of the church they’d been attending for about a month.

“I thought Sam would be interested to see the place, and see how that church (in Stanley) was reaching out to the community,” Lorre said.

The three rode over to Stanley and started looking around. “While we were out there, we saw a man at one of the picnic tables,” Lorre recalled. “As it turned out, he was the pastor of the Methodist Church that started Common Grounds. Pastor Noel spent about forty five minutes with us, telling us about the history of the place.”

David said, “The church had inherited over 90 acres of land and had originally planned to build a new church there. But with the economy and a church population that was declining in number, that plan was becoming less feasible.

So they decided to take the land and create a family life center along with an area where people could come and enjoy activities, basketball, track and trails. It really took off and then the church started having Sunday services outside, and the congregation really started to grow.”

The Coones and Pastor Sam headed back to Lake Wylie. “We stopped for lunch in Belmont, and started talking about the possibility of doing something similar in the Allison Creek community,” said David. “And before I knew what was happening, I found myself in charge of heading up the project,” he laughed.

Allison Creek Presbyterian Church, founded in 1854, owns over 20 acres of land with an amazing history. On the property is

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(clockwise from top left) Common Ground at Allison Creek is open to everyone and has picnic tables, a walking track, a prayer chapel and wooded trails; Bottle trees surround a tranquil seat; Trail markings; Prayer chapel; Stations encourage hikers to reflect and remember. (Center) Visitors are asked to write names of loved ones on stones and place inside the cross to remember them.

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a Clay Hill Graveyard, dating to times before the Civil War. Within the past ten years, the graveyard has been restored, adding markers to graves and delving into the history of the few marked spots. The restoration led to partnerships with three area churches, Liberty Hill AME Zion, New Home AME Zion and Union Baptist, all of whom could trace ancestors buried there. In addition, the church began a ministry with a congregation in the country of Liberia, all of whom could trace ancestors buried in the cemetery.

Pastor Sam said, “When we first talked about developing a Common Ground facility at Allison Creek, I felt like it would be another way to tell the stories of these forgotten people in Clay Hill.�

Common Ground at Allison Creek is turning out to do just that, plus much, much more.

In the past two years since the idea was conceived, the land has been developed to incorporate a recreation field, a walking track, a prayer chapel and a mile-and-a-half wooded trail that winds through the Clay Hill Graveyard and surrounding forest. The trails include themed stations along the way that invite visitors to reflect, remember, repent and renew.

“We started with the walking track, and then things just grew,” explained David Coone. “It has been amazing the way things have come together. After we presented the idea to the church, people started volunteering their time and resources. Pete Lynn and Foster Jackson brought tractors out. Penland Tree Farm donated and planted trees to landscape the track. Groups of people came out to spread gravel and mulch.”

“A lot of people came from the Allison Creek community—I’d say about 80 percent of the workers were people who are not even a part of the church,” David Coone said.

The walking track was named for and dedicated to the memory of Kathy Kitts, a member of the community and the church who had recently passed away. Kitts was very active in projects such as Adopt-a-Highway, various mission work at the church and helping neighbors in need on the Allison Creek Peninsula.

The track is a quarter mile around the recreation field, designed so people can use it for exercise or a place to walk their dogs.

Next to the track are picnic tables and the Tom and Nell Jackson Prayer Chapel. Inside the prayer chapel are a couple of chairs, a desk, a small library and a journal where visitors record their thoughts and prayer requests.

“The response to the prayer chapel has been unbelievable,” said Lorre Coone. “You wouldn’t believe some of the things that people write in there. People will pour out their hearts. Every week in church, we read the prayer requests aloud in church and members of the congregation will pray for those people.”

Across the street from the recreation field is the trailhead for the wooded trail. Walking sticks hang on a post with an invitation for hikers to use. Lorre Coone and a group of women came up with ideas for stations along the trail.

“We’d come up with an idea, then David and the men would build it. Right now they’re starting to work on building a waterfall! Some of the ideas we borrowed from Common Ground in Stanley,” she said. “They have been so helpful, giving us advice and recommendations. The whole thing is about having a place where everyone is welcome, no matter what they believe. Not everyone is comfortable in a church. Common Ground is about creating a place without walls, where people can enjoy nature and find peace.”

Want to visit? Common Ground is located on the corner of Hands Mill Highway and Allison Creek Road, York, SC. Want to help?

Work groups meet every Tuesday morning to continue work on the trails and property. LW Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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! n o s a e s e h t e t Celebra

Calendar

F

lowers, festivals, the Easter bunny and some luck o’ the Irish…it must be spring!

No matter what your preference, one thing is certain: The Lake Wylie area knows how to make the most of the season. Check out these fun, family-friendly events in and around the area. Please be sure to check ahead as dates are subject to change.

March 17

forming “Happily Ever After” and “Upcycled Cinderella.” Food concessions will be available for purchase to enjoy in the on-site picnic area; picnic baskets are welcome. Adults $10; March 25-26 Seniors $8; Youth 4-17 $6; 3 and under free; CHM members free. 1444 Brattonsville Rd, Peter Rabbit’s Garden Adventures Peter and his family, including Mrs. Rabbit, McConnells, SC Flopsy, Mospsy and Cottontail will be at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Fun, family April 8-16 activities, including craft-making, will take place throughout the garden including Lost Hollow. 6500 S. New Hope Rd. Belmont, NC.

Photo by Make Baker St. Patrick’s Day on Main Street Old Town Rock Hill will host its 9th annual St. Patricks’ Day on Main Street festival on East Main Street from 4-9 p.m. There will be live Irish music, Irish dancers, more than 25 vendors, a large kid’s zone and plenty of food and beverages for purchase. Free admission.

March 18

Clover St. Patrick’s Day Festival The 19th annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival on Main Street in Clover will feature family-friendly entertainment, food vendors, rides, a St. Patrick’s Day dog show and a “Leprechaun Leap” 5k run/walk. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. To register for the run/walk and dog show, pick up a registration form at Town Hall, 116 Bethel St., at the Lake Wylie YMCA or online at www.cloversc.org. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed runner and best dressed dog.

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Photo courtesy Carowinds

March 25

Carowinds Easter Eggstravaganza and Spring Break Who’s that hoppin’ down the bunny trail? It’s Eggward the Easter Bunny and Snoopy the Easter Beagle! Come to Carowinds during our Easter Eggstravaganza to get your photo taken with Eggward and Snoopy and take part in our eggstra-special activities, crafts and entertainCarowinds opening day Kickstart the spring season with world-class ment. 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC. thrill rides, fun-filled family attractions, live entertainment, authentic Carolina cuisine and everything in between. Carowinds will be open April 13 for the season from 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. with some- City of Rock Hill Easter Egg hunt thing for all ages to enjoy. (New Carolina Har- Children between the ages of 2 and 11, are inbor waterpark opening day set for May 20.) vited to The Great Easter Egg Classic at Cherry

Park in Rock Hill at 2 p.m. sharp. Join the fun at with over 50,000 Easter eggs spread over the March 25 softball fields. Thousands of prizes, ranging from Easter baskets to Coca-Cola six packs, Children Day on the Farm Historic Brattonsville’s annual family event fo- will be awarded. Rain date is Friday April 14. cuses on farm life in the 18th and 19th centu- 1466 Cherry Rd. www.wrhi.com/events/easries. This historic learning opportunity offers ter-egg-classic a wide variety of hands-on activities. From 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., children of all ages can help with candle-dipping, blacksmithing, cooking and April 20, 22, 23 more. Spring is a wonderful time to visit the Clover Choraliers Spring concert and show 800-acre living history plantation; there will at Clover District Auditorium be newborn lambs and heritage breed ani- The award-winning Clover Chroaliers will mals. Visitors can help plow the fields with a hold their spring concert show on Thursday, team of draft horses. Pony and wagon rides April 20 at 8 p.m., Saturday April 22 at 8 p.m. will be available for a small additional fee. and Sunday, April 23 at 3 p.m with plenty of After helping with the farm chores – it’s story singing and dancing. $8. The box office will time. Bright Star Touring Theatre will be per- open on April 6 at 2 p.m. and will remain

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2017

Calendar Glencairn BloomFest, May 20.

open Monday-Thursdays from 2-6 p.m. and Saturday, April 8 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. No box office sales from April 10-14. Additionally, box office opens two hours before each show.

Shows sell out. Visit www.CloverChoraliers. com. 1625 Highway 55 East, Clover.

homes in River Hills and surrounding neighborhoods. Hostesses and volunteers will be stationed throughout each home, available to share stories about the home and displays.

Artists will live paint the scenery at select locations. Tickets are $20 and proceeds go towards the Fay Bergman Clover High School Scholarship. An after party will be held at the River Hills Marina from 4 – 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, 264 Latitude Lane and the River Hills Community Association, 102 Hamilton’s Ferry.

April 22

April 20-29

Come-See-Me festival For more than 50 years, the Come-SeeMe Festival is Rock Hill’s annual salute to spring. With nearly 80 events and activities, there’s something for everyone. Experience the beautiful Glencairn gardens, live music, children’s activities, a parade, art show, road race, fireworks extravaganza and much more.

With ten days full of fun, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy! Many activities take place at Glencairn Gardens at 725 Crest St., Rock Hill, but other venues are included. Visit www.comeseeme.org for a comprehensive list of activities and schedule.

Earth Day Event The Anne Springs Close Greenway will host its annual Earth Day event with a kick-off opening ceremony at 10a.m.near the Dairy Barn. Events and activities include border collie demonstrations, cane pole fishing, canoeing, kayaking, face painting, geocaching, lead-line horse rides and farm animals.

Free entry and activities for all include hiking, kayaking, horseback riding plus a new dog park open house. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 288 Dairy Barn Ln, Fort Mill.

April 22 -May 14

April 29 Lake Wylie Home and Garden Tour Get a peek inside homes and gardens in Lake Wylie during the annual Lake Wylie Home and Garden Tour. Presented by the Lake Wylie/Clover Republican Women’s Club, this self-guided tour from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. features

Carowinds Taste of the Carolinas Experience the best of Carolina cuisine on Saturdays and Sundays from April 22 through May 14 at Carowinds. Sample authentic regional cuisine, try local craft beer and wine

Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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City of Rock Hill Easter Egg hunt, April 13. and enjoy home-grown entertainment throughout the park including live music, celebrity chef demonstrations, crafters and more. Included with park admission. Cooking demonstrations at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC.

May5-6

ing contests, a beauty pageant and pig races.

More than 40 food vendors and more than 60 arts and crafts vendors will be on hand. Free entry. Friday, 4-10 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.10 p.m. 345 N. White Street, Fort Mill.

May 12 or 13** Clover Choraliers Candlelight performance First Presbyterian Church The award-winning choir’s candlelight performance, featuring classic choral music, is scheduled for 7 p.m. **See www.CloverChoraliers.com for exact date and ticket details.**

May 20

Strawberry festival The award-winning festival includes arts, crafts, amusements a car show, live music and a fantastic fireworks display. There will be strawberry eating contests, ice cream eat58

Carolina Harbor waterpark opening weekend Kick off the second season of the new Carolina Harbor waterpark at Carowinds, the largest in the Carolinas. From mild to wild, the entire family will enjoy a day exploring Carolina Harbor. Carolina Harbor is included with the price of admission into Carowinds.

11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Carolina Harbor is set to open daily starting May 27.

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2017

May 20 Glencairn BloomFest This fun-filled family event in Rock Hill features plants, garden art, pottery, baskets and other garden-themed items for sale from local vendors. There will be a variety of activities for children, live music, garden tours and hot dogs for sale. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Meadow at Glencairn Garden, 825 Edgemont Ave., Rock Hill.

LOOKING AHEAD! June 10 Lake Wylie Splash Dash The premier event, put on by the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, has participants race through the scenic and winding roads of River Hills. Visit www.lakewyliesplashdash.com for more information. Registration is at 7 a.m. at Camp Thunderbird. The race and walk start at 8 a.m. Advance reservations: $20 race, $10 walk. Visit www.lakewyliesc.com for more information and an online registration form. LW

T

he Lake Wylie Wellness Initiative is a group of wellness professionals in our area that want to help the people here in Lake Wylie to achieve and maintain their wellness goals. Whether that be a fitness goal, health or weight goal, emotional balance and harmony goal, financial wellness goal, or any other goal that pertains to overall wellness.

Wellness Initiative Members

Mission Statement:

LWWI Spokesperson for 2017

AMP Chiropractic & Integrative Wellness AMPIntegrativeWellness.com

Revel Salon and Color Studio

RevelSalonandColorStudio.com

Anytime Fitness Lake Wylie, SC

Pure Bliss Yoga

Facebook @PureBlissYogaLKW

Doc Marcia

DocMarcia.info

Transcendent Touch

Facebook @TranscendentTouch

Lake Wylie Pharmacy LakeWylieRX.com

Elite Salon & Spa

anelitesalonandspa.com

One Decision Wellness

OneDecisionWellness.com

9Round Lake Wylie

Facebook @9roundlakewyliesc

Lake Wylie Wellness and Chiropractic lakewyliechiropractic.com

To empower the people in the Lake Wylie community to pursue wellness for a vibrant life.

Three Ways to Cut Down on Stress

by Melissa Taylor

1. Disconnect on a Regular Basis.

Find a way to disconnect electronically for short blocks of time, like weekends. If you can’t disconnect for whole weeks on vacation, at least give yourself 24-hour blocks of non-connection time.

M

elissa Taylor of One Decision Wellness is our 2017 Spokesperson. Melissa is a certified wellness coach. She helps people in all phases of their wellness journey in all areas of their lives: physical, home environment, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

2. Wake Up at a Consistent Time.

Though it might feel good every now and then to sleep in, sticking to consistent sleep times helps your body maintain rhythm.

Sleeping later than your regular time disrupts your day, makes you less productive, and add to your stress.

3. Eliminate Unimportant Activities and Chores.

When you fill your free time with unimportant activities and chores, you lose the chance to relax and unwind. If you must do these kind of activities, schedule them on your calendar so they don’t run on endlessly eating up all of your free time.

January New Year Kickoff Spring Fling - early April Splash Dash - June 10th Fall Fest - Late October

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hese are the 4 major events but we also have smaller monthly events among the Wellness members! Please like and follow the Lake Wylie Today Facebook page for Event announcements.

January wellness kickoff event a success

O

ur Kickoff event on January 28th was a huge success! Lots of Lake Wylie folks braved the cold to come out and find out how we might help and encourage them on their wellness journey.

Melissa Taylor of One Decision Wellness

Dr. Amber Pederson (left) of AMP Chiropractic and Integrative Wellness and Dr. Marcia Nibert of Doc Marcia Chiropractic and Acupuncture Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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a d l i u B better

o t w o h

u o y

Let some local professionals help guide you to a healthier, better you.

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Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Keep diet and exercise simple

W

e all know obesity is a growing health problem in America. And the latest diets require educating ourselves, purchasing books, learning new cooking techniques and enduring some level of hunger, all of which seems pretty overwhelming. And then there’s exercise.… How often to do it? How to make time to do it? How to keep from getting hurt?

Eating right and exercising is so complicated!

Or, is it? What if I were to tell you that it doesn’t have to be complicated?

Do you suffer from D.E.I.O (diet and exercise information overload)? Maybe all you need is a little K.I.S.S. Julie Spitzer (Keep it simple, stupid)!

Let’s just roll back the hand of time. Back to a time before deep fat fryers and chocolate bars; before Doritos and Cheerwine; before food was made in a factory. When people hunted and gathered their food, their diet consisted of fresh fruit and berries, fresh vegetables and beans, whole grains and nuts, wild game and fish. Our ancestors had to squat, dig and reach to retrieve fruits and vegetables.

They had to bend, crawl, lift, push, pull and get up and down every day sometimes all day in order to have food and shelter.

Yes, we live in a civilized society and have different daily demands on us. No, we cannot mimic their exact lifestyle. But, we can: Eat whole foods – ask yourself, “did this come straight from the earth?” If “yes,” you

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are good to go. If, “no,” read those ingredients and do not accept anything you cannot pronounce. Go with basic cooking methods and use fresh natural herbs and seasonings.

Exercise - Move as much as possible every day! Shoot for a total of 120+ minutes per week of dedicated cardio and strength conditioning. Most importantly, find something you enjoy doing that incorporates the fundamentals.

Today’s busy lifestyle and tempting conveniences can make good eating choices a challenge and make monotonous elliptical machines seem tempting. But now you know better—step back and think back. Our ancestors ate clean and worked hard. Simple? Yes. Easy? No. Young, old, overweight, or not you have to eat clean and train dirty. Your life depends on it.

cause of poor oral health. Frequent snacking of carbohydrates can lead to severe decay.

Some examples are fruit snacks, goldfish, cookies, candy and event dried fruit! We encourage our patients to consume carbohydrates at meal times only and minimize or eliminate snacking altogether.

Dental health goes hand in hand with a person’s overall health so start early! Good habits formed now can make a difference for a lifetime.

Dr. Ryan Colosi Lake Wylie Pediatric Dentistry 534 Nautical Dr. Lake Wylie, SC 29710 www.LakeWyliePediatricDentistry.com

Julie Spitzer 9Round 221 Latitude Lane Lake Wylie, SC 29710 Facebook @9roundlakewyliesc

Healthy diet, healthy smiles

D

ietary habits are one of the most important factors influencing a child’s oral health. February was National Children’s Dental Health Month, which began back in 1941. This started because children with dental decay are three times more likely to miss school than those without it.

Unfortunately, over 40% of children aged 2-11 have decay in a primary (baby) tooth while 42% of children aged 6-19 have decay in a secondary (permanent) tooth.

As we move into the warmer months, many of our children will begin playing outside again. Drinks like Gatorade, CapriSun, soda, sweet tea, Vitamin Water, etc. can wreak havoc on teeth.

A better option is to have children hydrate Dr. Ryan Colosi with water throughout the day, and drink plain white milk with meals.

Poor dietary choices are another major

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2017

Six weight management tips to help you feel, look and be your best

S

ometimes you just need to take things one step at a time—literally. Here are six tips on how to get your weight on track.

1.Stabilize blood glucose levels

Maintaining a stable blood glucose level through a low glycemic index and daily physical activity are key issues for those dealing with weight problems. Multi-Vitamins with zinc, cinnamon, chromium and aerobic exercise can all help stabilize blood glucose.

2. Reduce stress

Adaptogenic herbs and activated B vitamins modulate cortisol levels to reduce stress and

aid in adrenal support.

Vital to a weight loss program are stress reduction techniques like yoga, tai chi, breathing exercises, meditation, chiropractic, massage therapy, regular physical activity, social support and possibly Dr. David Redding psychotherapy.

3. Eat moderate amounts of protein and decrease carbohydrates

1 Tax Planning

Get a financial health checkup for 2017

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arly in the New Year is a good time to do a financial health checkup to see if you need to change or update your planning for taxes, insurance, wills and investment portfolio.

While the 2016 tax year is closed, you can still fund your 2016 IRA contribution before April 18, 2017. Also, look at your company 401(k) plans and make sure you are taking advantage of Sam Swisher your company’s matching contributions for 2017 and that you are contributing the most you can. You may want

A shift from a higher carbohydrate diet to a higher lean protein diet will enhance energy expenditure. Eat poultry, fish, beans and nuts which contain L-tryptophan that can help depression, anxiety, insomnia and obesity. Consumption of the branched-chain amino acid leucine (2.5 g) protects metabolically active tissues like muscles during weight loss and increases loss of body fat.

4. Develop behavioral strategies and social support

One healthy habit can breed others. It may help to break weight loss down into a series of achievable health-related goals, such as eliminating soda, avoiding white flour, excluding sugar from the diet and taking up an exercise program. Set goals, journal and cultivate relationships with other health-conscious individuals to succeed.

5. Balance hormones and increase fat metabolism

Leptin is an important component in the long-term regulation of body weight. Increasing leptin helps to decrease food intake and increase metabolism. Omegas with EPA and Lepticore have been shown to increase leptin sensitivity and aid in weight loss.

6. Exercise

Regular exercise is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy weight because diet alone just is not enough. Simply fostering the habit of going for a brisk walk every single day for 30 minutes is a great option. It needs to be a daily habit that is as vital to health and well-being and as non-negotiable as teeth brushing or taking a shower. Dr. David Redding Lake Wylie Wellness and Chiropractic 4543 Charlotte Highway Suite 9 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 www.LakeWylieChiropractic.com Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Feature to consider a Roth 401(k) depending on your current and future tax bracket. For those people who have a large SC state tax liability (i.e. over $10,000), consider purchasing certain tax credits for about 84% of the face amount.

This is the equivalent of a 16% return on your investment.

2 Insurance Planning

We recommend that you shop your car and homeowner policies every two years to see if you have to lowest cost insurance. You

should also locate your life insurance policies and see if the amount is enough for your current needs. Also, if you have whole life or universal life policies, it may be possible to reduce your premiums by the dividends payable on each policy.

by a South Carolina attorney to make sure the provisions are all valid in South Carolina.

You should also check to see that you have SC Powers of Attorney for Health Care and Property which are vital if you become incapacitated and need someone else to make decisions on your behalf.

Another important review is to look at all 3 Estate Planning of your beneficiaries of your life insurance and Now is a good time to locate your will and other estate documents and review them as company benefit plans and make sure they are they may be out of date. If they are from an- still in line with your wishes. other state, you should have them reviewed 4 Portfolio Review

Take a look at your investments including your IRA’s and 401(k) plans and make sure you have them allocated to suit your age and risk tolerance. Properly allocated investments is a key element in a good financial plan.

Are you ready to file your taxes?

Sam Swisher RP Boggs and Co. Wealth Management 4100 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710

Wellness is more than just physical health

W

hat is Integrative Wellness? “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” – The World Health Organization “A conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential.” -The National Wellness Institute.

Socrates said, “Focusing on your body to the exclusion of your spirit will make you something less than human. Focusing on your mind to the exclusion of your body will hamper your overall endurance and

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strength. Always strive to balance physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.”

Wellness is more than merely physical health, exercise or nutrition. It‘s the full integration of your Melissa Taylor physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Many aspects act and interact in a way that contributes to our own quality of life.

Social wellness concerns our ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with family, friends and co-workers.

Emotional wellness allows us to understand ourselves and cope with the challenges life can bring, to acknowledge and share feelings of anger, fear, sadness or stress; hope, love, joy and happiness.

Spiritual Wellness seeks to establish peace and harmony in our lives. The ability to develop congruency between values and actions.

Environmental Wellness allows us to recognize our own responsibility for the quality of the air, water and land. The ability to make a positive impact on the quality of our environment, and reduce the number of toxins in our lives.

Intellectual Wellness allows us to open our minds to new ideas and experiences; the desire to learn new concepts, improve skills and seek challenges in pursuit of lifelong learning.

Physical Wellness is the practice of maintaining a healthy quality of life that allows us to get through our daily activities without undue fatigue or physical stress. The ability to recognize that our behaviors have a significant impact on our wellness and the need to adopt healthful habits (routine check ups, a balanced diet, exercise, etc.) while avoiding destructive habits to have optimal Physical Health.

Here are some tips to achieve these goals:

• • • • • •

Eat Whole Foods Get Moving Enjoy a Hobby Remove environmental toxins from home Get plenty of sleep Be Well!

Melissa Taylor, Certified Consultant of Integrative Wellness One Decision Wellness www.OneDecisionWellness.com 803-493-0552 LW

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

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

803.831.1318

125 Forest Oaks Dr. • Lake Wylie Dr. Jodi Werfal Dr. Cory Ellis Bring this ad in for $10.00 off an annual wellness exam Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Development Update

Record year for Lake Wylie waterfront sales L

By Drew Choate

ast year was certainly one for the record books, with Lake Wylie growing by leaps and bounds. It was a big, big year for waterfront real estate sales on Lake Wylie, and for the home market all over our area.

Some of the other highlights of the year for waterfront homes: • Sales scratched the surface of $100 million for the year, up 60% from 2015!

• Average price for waterfront homes was just over $650,000, a 10% improvement over 2015.

• The rise in average home price was due to a higher concentration of luxury priced homes being sold, however, not an increase in indi-

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vidual home value.

• Home sales in the $700,000-$999,000 segment more than doubled sales in 2015.

• A record number of $1 million waterfront home sales—14 homes total—were sold in 2016.

• Three homes sold for over $2 million, plus two more near that price tag.

• Forty-one percent of waterfront homes sold went under contract in less than two months.

Highlights for waterfront lot sales: • Waterfront lot sales approached $12 million, the highest point since 2007.

• The average dockable waterfront lot sold for

Development Update This luxury home at 7110 Anchorage Lane in Tega Cay listed for $1.29 million has plenty of “wow� factors, with a salt-water pool and spa, glorious main channel sunset views and a beautiful interior with extensive renovations.

Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Development Update

(left) There are many excellent values in waterfront land and buyers may also consider lots with cabins or structures that provide an opportunity to enjoy the lake until they’re ready to build. This property on Bonita Road on the Allison Creek peninsula has a 1.7 acre level lot with a 3 bedroom cabin, listed for $309,000. $227,000, about the same as in 2015.

• Half of the dockable lots sold in 2016 were priced less than $200,000.

• Eleven of the lots sold were priced over $300,000.

• Average time on market for lots has decreased, but is still over a year.

Highlights off the lake: • York County non-waterfront home sales jumped 13% in 2016 with an average price of $260,000, up 6% from the previous year.

• Charlotte (zip code 28278) home sales were up 8% with an average price of $305,000.

• Belmont non-waterfront home sales fell 13% but prices were up 9% to $249,000.

The luxury segment ($1 million plus) is the most challenging for sellers. Many buyers 68

in this category end up building, instead of buying, to get exactly what they want. Of the luxury waterfront homes that sold in 2016, the average size was just over 6,800 square feet, and the average age was only eight years old (in comparison to 26 years old average age for all waterfront home sales).

Eight of the 14 luxury waterfront homes sold were in the Clover school district.

Most had pools, gourmet kitchens, and impressive outdoor living spaces. All but three had main or wide channel views, and those that did not were rich in features such as outdoor kitchens and designer pool areas. Buyers in this price segment demand a “wow” factor of some sort—spectacular views, gated entrances, patios with fireplaces, spa baths, wine cellars and elaborate landscapes.

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2017

Fast-moving market Current inventory (homes and lots listed for sale on the MLS) is at its lowest point in more than a decade. Particularly in the lower and moderate priced homes, the supply is enough to meet just a few months of sales (and that is if every home listed would sell!).

The $1 million or more price segment of luxury homes still has a very strong supply relative to number of buyers, but we’ve seen quite a few newly listed homes in this category sell very quickly in this strong market.

Building on the lake can be an economical choice for many buyers, if they are able to invest the time. There are some excellent values in waterfront lots. Buyers should consider both undeveloped land, as well as properties with cabins, mobile homes, and other low-value residences that may be removed prior to building.

(above) This Lake Wylie waterfront home on 6982 Pine Moss Lane may have one of the best views on the whole lake. Perfectly positioned to watch 4th of July fireworks, guests can enjoy the lakeside cabana with bar, covered patios and spacious dock. Listed at $1.19 million.

These properties often have the advantage of a dock and outbuildings that might be lived in or enjoyed during the building process.

The shortage of waterfront inventory will have an impact on sales early in 2017, and sellers who have been waiting for the market to bounce back before moving may find success in the coming year.

For best results, sellers should prepare their properties to be “move in ready,” with maintenance and repairs up to date, excess clutter removed and careful attention to pricing. Buyers should be ready to act in this fast-moving market, with financing pre-approved, and a clear idea of “must haves” and more negotiable “like to haves.”

Particularly in this dynamic real estate market, a seasoned realtor with market expertise can assist both buyers and sellers in achieving the best value. LW Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight Spotlight

News of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Spring 2017

Annual Spring Appreciation Luncheon and Fashion Show April 26, 2017 River Hills Country Club

C

elebrate spring with your guests at Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Appreciation Day Luncheon and Fashion Show!

This year’s event, sponsored by Bank of York and Watson Insurance will be held on Wednesday, April 26, from noon to 1:30 p.m., at River Hills Country Club. The luncheon features a fashion show of styles by Alta of Rock Hill modeled by local female and male residents and business people. There will be live music and lots of attractive door prizes.

The Spring Appreciation Day Luncheon is an ideal way for businesses to entertain or thank clients, customers, staff and/or vendors. A corporate table for eight is $325 and includes a table sign with the company’s name, priority seating at the luncheon and acknowledgement in pre- and post-event publicity. Individual table seats are also available, at $25 per person.

Since the luncheon is a very popular event

Chamber models at the annual Spring Appreciation Day luncheon. in the Lake Wylie community, guests are encouraged to reserve a spot without delay. To make reservations now or for more informa-

tion, call Susan Bromfield or Lisa Jubenville at the Chamber at 803-831-2827 or email lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com.

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Charles Wood - Chairman Susan Bromfield, President LAKE WYLIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Donna Bordeaux BORDEAUX & BORDEAUX, CPAs, PA Myron Boloyan, Esq. HALFORD, NIEMIEC & FREEMAN Fred Caldwell FRED CALDWELL CHEVROLET Jane DuBois LAKE WYLIE TODAY / LAKE WYLIE MARKETING 70

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2017

Allan Gregory K. A. WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Michaelyn Sherrill HOME COMPANIONS

Jeff Ledford LOWE’S – LAKE WYLIE

Marc Sosne CLOVER SCHOOL DISTRICT

Don Long

Gwen Thompson CLOVER COMMUNITY BANK

Doug McSpadden MCSPADDEN CUSTOM HOMES Jill Moore YMCA CAMP THUNDERBIRD Haven Presley T-BONES ON THE LAKE Brian Rich Q2U BBQ and CATERING

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

Spotlight The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Spring Appreciation Day Luncheon

Business Suite Now Available For Rent

Sponsored by

Bank of York and Watson Insurance Wednesday, April 26, 2017 Noon to 1:30 PM River Hills Country Club Featuring

Fashion show by Alta of Rock Hill with local male and female models.

Door Prizes • Lots of Fun! The Spring Appreciation Day Luncheon offers a great opportunity for businesses to entertain or thank clients, staff and/or vendors.

Please complete this form and return with check, made payable to Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, on or before April 21, 2017

Individual Seating at $25 per Person

___ I will attend. Please reserve ___ seat(s). ($25 per person.)

Enclosed is my check for $_____

Corporate Table of 8 at $325 per Table ___ I would like a corporate table for eight (8) people. ($325 per table).

I understand that my table includes priority seating and a company sign.

Enclosed is my check for $_____

Door Prize ___ My company would like to provide a door prize:____________________.

Individual/Company Name______________________________________ Daytime Phone_______________________ Email___________________ Name(s) of Guest(s)____________________________________________

Send Reservation with Check to:

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 5233, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 For More Information Call 803-831-2827

Fully And Beautifully Furnished Rental Office In Professional Business Center Includes High Speed Internet & Wifi Includes All Utilities Except Telephone Large Office Includes Reception Area & Mail Service Prime Lake Wylie Business Location Ample Parking Easy Access Convenient Location Save Fuel And Work Close To Home Includes Hospitality Area

Everything A Small Business Needs at Reasonable Rates!

Located at 264 Latitude Lane at Lake Wylie Business Centre For Information or tour call Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

(803) 831-2827

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce is a private, nonprofit organization made up of nearly 300 member businesses in the Lake Wylie area in South Carolina. Whether you’re a Chamber member, a prospective member, a resident, a prospective resident, or whether you’re a one-time visitor to our area you’re important to us.

Mission Statement

“To build a business environment that creates economic prosperity for our members and our community by serving as the voice of the business community and by providing a support network for members.”

Vision Statement

“Leading the Lake Wylie area to become the premier place to live, work and conduct business in the Carolinas.”

Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight

Holiday Gala December 1, 2016 Held at River Hills Country Club Photos by James Stadnyck

The Chamber board and past chairmen recognize Ed Stewart for his many years of service on the board.

Melanie Wilson and Dwayne McClure at the Gala.

Christine Robinson, strolling violinist plays festive music.

Chamber Chairman Charles Wood and board present Ed Stewart with a gift in honor of his service.

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Andrea Meglii and Melanie McClure at the Gala.

Chamber board and past chairmen honored Ed Stewart for 18 years of service on the board,

Matthew Mugavero of Lake Wylie Liquor, a sponsor of the gala.

Gene and Lisa McCarthy at the Gala.

Spotlight

Holiday Business After Hours December 6, 2016 Sponsored by Lake Wylie Assisted Living, Lake Wylie Liquor and Home Companions Photos by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Dusty Rhodes (seated) welcomes chamber members to Michaelyn and Ray Sherrill, co-sponsors of the BAH. Lake Wylie Assisted Living.

Chef Joseph of Lake Wylie Assisted Living prepared a lovely holiday buffet for chamber members and guests.

Norma Wood, Bud and Ann Rother welcome members to the holiday Business After Hours.

Pat Johnson and Stephanie Gordon of Lake Wylie Family Dentistry.

AAA of the Carolinas was well represented by Phyllis Petrisko, Barbara McGuirk and Mike Alexander.

Tammy Mullins and Chef Joseph Sims of Lake Wylie Assisted Living hosted the chamber.

Shakira, Michelle and Kate of Team BB&T-Lake Wylie enjoy the beautiful assortment of foods at Lake Wylie Assisted Living BAH. Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight Scenes from Holiday Boat Parade and Christmas by the Lake December 10, 2016 Held at T-Bones on the Lake Photos by Jeff Blake/Lake Wylie Today

Boats lined up at T-Bones on the Lake for a static display.

Children from area churches sing Christmas carols on a stage sponsored by Christ the King Church.

The Grinch did not steal Christmas at the boat parade.

A live Nativity was part of Christmas by the Lake.

Children gathered to toast marshmallows along the shoreline.

Santa Claus talked with children.

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2017

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on the firetruck from the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department.

Spotlight

Congratulations!

2016 Boat Parade Winners !

1st Place

1st

Larry Watts

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”

2nd

Erin and Cliff Birch Hot Mess II

3rd

Ken Brown Disco Ball

thank you to our sponsors of the

Boat Parade and Christmas by the Lake!

T-Bones on the Lake McSpadden Custom Homes Cabela’s Christ the King Church Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

2016 Citizen of the Year

T

2016 Citizen of the Year - Melanie Wilson having fun.

his year’s Citizen of the Year promotes Lake Wylie in many different ways.

For the last 19 years she has devoted her time to volunteer work supporting and directing the educational system of the Lake Wylie and Clover communities.

She began her volunteer work at the River Hills Community Church Pre-School where she served on the Board of Directors and later named President. She spearheaded the largest single day charity event in the pre-school’s history which has yet to be topped.

She continued her volunteer work at the Crowder’s Creek Elementary School where she also was active with the Parent Teacher Association. She served as Membership Chairman, Treasurer, Vice President and President.

A few years later, she was recruited to run for an at-large seat on the Clover School District Board of Trustees. During her two terms as a trustee, she has worked on the purchase

of property by the district in the Lake Wylie area that could be used for a second high school. She has overseen the implementation of the use of laptop computers for all students in the secondary schools. She also worked on the joint venture between Clover School District and the YMCA to build an aquatic center. She completes her eight years on the Board of Trustees as Vice Chairman.

On the business side of her life, she is a top selling real estate broker for the past ten years. She continually promotes Lake Wylie as a great place to live, raise a family, work and retire.

She is the 3rd person in her immediate family to receive the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year Award which proves that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

It is with great pleasure that the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce presents the 2016 Lake Wylie Citizen of the Year award to Melanie Wilson.

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

2016 Business Person of the Year

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his year’s Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year Award goes to a person who is well known in the community as a successful business man, a hardworking volunteer and a respected political figure.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio and is an avid sports fan and in particular the Cleveland Browns.

He has been developing acreage tracts in the York County area since 1988. He, his brother and father have developed over 15 communities in York County that reflect the consistent theme of leaving as much of “Mother Nature” intact while offering families a place to build a home. All the developments show a passion for family and for the environment. Preservation of green space, wooded areas, and conservation of resources are key ingredients in their development strategies.

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He has served in county government as a York County Councilman, District #2 Representative and has initiated conscientious growth plans for parks and green space, both residential and commercial. As County Councilman, he has worked diligently for over a decade to get a Lake Wylie Park for the community. The park has gone from a vision to becoming a reality with many uphill challenges.

He and his wife, Alice, have raised their family of four boys, Zachary, Quinn, Garrett, and Patrick in York County, and have been very involved as volunteers in schools, Boy Scouts, the Clover Boosters Club, youth ministry at the All Saints Catholic Church, Clover High School Choraliers, and the Clover Area Assistance Center.

It is with great pleasure that we honor the 2016 Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year, Tom Smith.

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2017

Tom Smith, of May Green Properties accepts Business Person of the Year award.

Spotlight

Welcome New Members October 20, 2016 thru January 26, 2017

Animal Care

Health

Realtor

Laurel Oak Farm, LLC d/b/a Laurel Oak Farm Dog Kennel

Transcendent Touch

Tania Cogdill Re/Max Executive

16223 Youngblood Road Charlotte, NC 28278 980-859-7935 janie@laureloakfarm.net www.laureloakfarm.net

2241 Iron Works Drive Clover, SC 29710 803-412-1686 jac4wellness@gmail.com www.facebook.com/TranscendentTouch

975 Market Street, Suite 103 Fort Mill, SC 29708 704-502-2401 tania@taniacogdill.com taniacogdill.com

Legal

Financial

Landscape Lighting & Design

Peterson Law Firm, PA

Fairway Mortgage

Zenscapes Landscape Lighting

548 Nautical Drive, Suite 202-B Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-548-2898 wbaurer@petersonlawonline.com www.petersonlawonline.com

264 Latitude Lane, Suite 102 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 704-231-3991 andrew.miller@fairwaync.com www.lkwmortgageman.com

509 Morning Glory Court Lake Wylie, SC 29710 704-579-5701 zenscapesusa.com info@zenscapesusa.com

Health

Medical

Shopping

Pure Bliss Yoga

Medical Gas Training & Consulting, LLC

The Shoppes @ Five Points

4543 Charlotte Highway, Suite 15 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 704-778-5717 pureblissyogalkw@gmail.com

440 Five Points Court Lake Wylie, SC 29710 704-891-2582 theshoppesatfivepoints@gmail.com

359 Windy Pine Drive Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-746-5562 connie@medgastraining.com www.medgastraining.com

Education

Mathnasium of Lake Wylie

Health

AMP Chiropractic and Integrative Wellness

Dining

Thai Fusion

312 Bulkhead Way, Suite 104 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-810-1129 lakewylie@mathnasium.com www.mathnasium.com/lakewylie

244 Latitude Lane, Suite 104 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-6500 doctorpederson@gmail.com www.ampintegrativewellness.com

125 Evergreen Road Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-746-5047 gothaifusion@yahoo.com

Renewing Members October 20, 2016 – January 24, 2017

Businesses:

Lake Wylie Athletic Association

Rainbow International of York County

Allstate Insurance-David Vickers

Lake Wylie Family Chiropractic

Rinehart Realty

Clover Area Assistance Center

Lake Wylie Pediatric Dentistry, LLC

Total Bond Veterinary

D & D Sanitation

Lake Wylie Pharmacy

Vitamins 4 Less

Drahola-Technologies Inc.

Lake Wylie Tax

Individuals:

Goodyear Tire

Lake Wylie Travel

Walter Hein

Ingun USA

Lakeside Insurance

Andy Kane

Joyce Presley Realty, Inc.

Portable Restroom Trailers, LLC

Ray Petty

Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

2016 Annual Holiday Gala PREMIER SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

T-Bones on the Lake

Bank of York Clover Community Bank Clover School District Fred Caldwell Chevrolet Lake Wylie Liquor SC House Representative Ralph Norman

GOLD SPONSORS Carolinas Healthcare System River Hills Country Club York County Natural Gas

Award Sponsor Duke Energy

Ribbon Cutting!

st Grill to Lake Wylie

s Moe’s Southwe e Chamber welcome

Th

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2017

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with a ribbon cutting

Spotlight

Save the Date!

Runners gather before the event start.

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plash Dash, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce’s 10K/5K race/walk, presented by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, takes place on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Registration is at 7 a.m. at Camp Thunderbird. The race and walk start at 8 a.m. and wind through River Hills, finishing at Camp Thunderbird. Advance reservations: $20 race, $10 walk. Visit www.lakewyliesc.com for more information and an online registration form.

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Upcoming Activities St. Paddy’s Day Business After Hours

Thursday, March 16, 2017 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Clover Community Bank, Lake Wylie Liquors and York Electric Co-Op Held at Clover Community Bank, Lake Wylie

Business After Hours Thursday, April 20, 2017 5:30 to.7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by and held at Private Residents Club in Palisades.

Spring Appreciation Luncheon and Fashion Show

Wednesday, April 26, 2017 Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Bank of York and Watson Insurance Held at River Hills Country Club, Lake Wylie

Business After Hours

Thursday, May 18, 2017 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by and held at Anchor Self Storage 4937 Charlotte Highway, Lake Wylie

Lake Wylie Splash Dash 5K/10K Run and 5K Walk Saturday, June 10, 2017 8 a.m.

Held at Camp Thunderbird and River Hills, Lake Wylie

Business After Hours

Thursday, June 14, 2017 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by River Hills Marina, T-Bones on the Lake, I Pest, Q-2-U- Catering, Remedics Restoration and Sea Tow Held at River Hills Marina Pavilion River Hills, Lake Wylie Spring 2017 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Southern Gal

When the Critters Come a Callin’

by Jan Todd

F

olks who live on the lake often find themselves with more houseguests than they anticipated. Second cousins show up for the weekend. Old acquaintances from high school come by for a drink on the dock.

But then there are those houseguests that you never saw coming . . . and never wanted to see in your house . . . (insert scary music here.)

When my daughter Rachel was about eight years old, she and my son were cleaning up the house. “Jimmy!” Rachel called out to her brother. “Come get your plastic snake out of my room!”

“I don’t HAVE a plastic snake!” he replied.

“AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” she cried. “THERE’S A SNAKE IN MY ROOM!” It was just a little tiny black snake. We chased it around, trapped it under a trash can, and let Daddy deal with it. From that day forward, Rachel has been terrified of snakes.

Another one paid a visit, this time in our garage, when Rachel was in high school. My husband was out of town, but I wasn’t too alarmed; I just left the garage door open so it could crawl out. Rachel, however, couldn’t sleep, thinking about that snake.

So she called her boyfriend (in the mid80

dle of the night, I might add) and he came over, caught the snake, and removed it from the garage. That’s true love. Or, as it turned out, wasn’t really. (Enough about THAT boyfriend.)

With all the snakes, you’d think mice wouldn’t be a problem. But our lake house, surrounded by woods, enticed all type of critters. Mice would pay a visit, usually after the first cold snap of the season.

Now, you wouldn’t think I’d be squeamish about mice. I had my first pet rodent when I was in second grade, when our class had Snowball, a white rat. At the end of the year, the teacher decided to send Snowball home with a student to live. To decide who would be the lucky student, she decided to have a drawing, and sent permission slips home for the children to participate.

My dad was an engineer, and therefore approached situations in a logical manner. He figured that since there were 26 students, it was very unlikely that I would win. Therefore, I’d be disappointed by fate, and not by my father. He signed the slip. He was the only parent to do so.

I was thrilled to bring Snowball home, and we lived happily ever after. Until she didn’t.

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2017

But enough about Snowball.

Later, I had a pair of mice as pets (after all, we already had a cage for them to live). But they didn’t prepare me for coming face to face with a bonafide WILD mouse staring at me from the top of a can of chicken noodle soup in my pantry. T hat, I didn’t like at all.

Mice seemed to know when my husband was out of town. That’s when they’d decide to have a party at my house.

Then, there was the raccoon that broke into our basement to eat the cat food at the top of the stairs. Not only did the raccoon eat all the food in the dish, it also helped itself to the large Tupperware container with five pounds of cat food, bouncing it down our stairs in the wee hours of the morning. Thank heavens my husband was in town for THAT little episode.

Frogs, lizards, and turtles were playmates to my children and their friends growing up.

One of my neighbors was constantly finding frogs in her son’s pockets, sometimes unfortunately on the wrong end of the laundry cycle.

Lake life is not for the squeamish, my friends.

But at least we’re never lonely! LW