Lake Wylie Today, Spring 2018

LakeWylie TODAY

Springtime at the Lake It’s time to get out there and smell the flowers

Being Healthy in Mind, Body and Wallet The healthy, wealthy and wise issue

Chamber Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce news and information

Spring 2018 | Issue 1

Our View

Spring issue blooms with fun for everyone

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By Susan Bromfield, President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

t is my pleasure to present the spring 2018 issue of Lake Wylie Today.

This issue is packed full of information and showcases a vibrant community with a lot going on. Pour a cup of coffee or glass of wine, sit back and take a look through the pages.

You’ll be amazed at all that is going on in and around Lake Wylie.

As spring blossoms, so do the many opportunities to enjoy the area communities’ events and attractions. You will read about a wide variety of events and festivals, including the Strawberry Festival held in May in Fort Mill that has been named the No. 1 festival in South Carolina in past years. In Rock Hill, the beauty of Glencairn Gardens and the celebration of spring with the Come See Me Festival held in April are great ways to greet the new season. The River Walk in Rock Hill along the Catawba River, Anne Close Greenway in Fort Mill and McDowell Park on Lake Wylie are always delightful places to enjoy a spring afternoon. Springtime events at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden are always a favorite way to kick off the season and the St. Patrick’s Day Festival held in March in Clover is fun for all. There are also many beautiful scenic areas available for people to hike, bike and explore.

Another spring highlight is the Lake Wylie Home and Garden Tour presented by the Clover/Lake Wylie Republican Women’s Club.

It will feature an assortment of homes and gardens located all around the Lake Wylie area.

This event showcases the beauty and living opportunities with an insider’s view of lake living at Lake Wylie. The event, held April 28, has expanded to include the beautiful gardens that adorn many of our area’s homes. Back by 2

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2018

popular demand this year is a buffet luncheon with fashion show at River Hills Country Club. Locals are encouraged to invite out-oftown guests to attend this distinctive home tour and luncheon. Proceeds will benefit a scholarship for a Clover-Lake Wylie area high school student.

A beautifully updated home in River Hills will be featured in the Garden Party section of this issue. Barb and Brett Candler’s home takes full advantage of lake living and illustrates why so many people look to our area to call home.

The real estate development update is chock full of information about home sales and growth on both sides of Lake Wylie. With all that is going on around the lake with business expansion, new openings, residential developments and major investments, it paints the picture for the start of another dynamic year ahead for our area.

Of course, Lake Wylie wouldn’t be the wonderful place it is without the people who give back to the community. Two of our features focus on those who make this a better place through their grassroots efforts to help others: Boy Scout Troop 333 and longtime community volunteer Perry Johnston.

Food for Thought takes a look at the newly opened Lily’s Bistro, which embraces the farm-to-table concept to give diners a unique experience with the freshest variety of fare our local farms, brewers and growers have to offer.

It looks like we are off to a great start for 2018 with so many things happening all over the area. Lake Wylie is a wonderful place to visit, to live and to work. It is a pleasure to work every day to promote our beautiful area and its many attractions. . LW

Spring 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Contents Spring 2018

2 Our View 8 Mailbag 18 Shoreline

Sailing away on Lake Wylie

24 Food for Thought

Farm to table is the focus when dining at Lake Wylie’s Lily’s Bistro

32 Garden Party

The Candlers’ home on the Little Allison Creek channel of Lake Wylie

38 Garden Tips

No time to wait on controlling summer weeds

40 Feature

Boy Scouts Troop 333 learns valuable life skills

46 Feature

Perry Johnston’s life work is to give back

52 Feature

LW Wellness Initiative

62 Spring Calendar

Lake Wylie area blooming with activities

64 Development Update

LakeWylie TODAY

www.LakeWylieToday.com Published by SC Biz News Lake Wylie Today Editor - Steve McDaniel smcdaniel@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3123 Associate Publisher - Licia Jackson ljackson@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7546 Creative Director - Ryan Wilcox production1@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3117 Senior Graphic Designer - Jane James production2@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118 Graphic Designer - Andrew Sprague asprague@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3128 Assistant Graphic Designer - Jessica Stout jstout@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3113 Advertising Sales - Jane DuBois jane@lakewylietoday.com • 704.287.8668 Contributing Editors Susan Bromfield President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce susan@lakewyliesc.com • 803.831.2827 Jane DuBois jane@lakewylietoday.com • 704.287.8668 Contributing Writers Susan Bromfield Jane DuBois David McCorkle Jan Todd Contributing Photographers Susan Bromfield Jane DuBois Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Deep Creek Photography Jan Todd The entire contents of this publication are copyright by SC Business Publications LLC with all rights reserved.

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

80 Southern Twang

A look at the Southern side by Jan Todd

Cover and Table of Contents photos by Jan Todd 4

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

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Whether you choose an active lifestyle or a more leisurely one, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. Choose from three distinct neighborhoods: South Shore features exceptional luxury homes on estate-sized lots, including dockable waterfront homes; The Conservancy is our low maintenance cottage-style homes neighborhood; and Overlake features single family homes. Visit McLean today – Charlotte’s last great, highly-desirable waterfront community.

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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 smcdaniel@scbiznews.com .

Carowinds to debut Camp Snoopy in spring

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arowinds will debut a new attraction this spring called Camp Snoopy, an update of the park’s Planet Snoopy area. Six new rides and exhibits are part of the reimagined kids’ area at Carowinds, including Woodstock Whirlybirds, Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies, the Kite-Eating Tree and Beagle Scout Acres. Carowinds will begin its new season March 24. Get updates on tickets and events at www.carowinds.com.

Earth Day at Anne Springs Close T Greenway

he Anne Springs Close Greenway will host its annual Earth Day event with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 21 near the Dairy Barn. Events and activities include border collie demonstrations, cane pole fishing, canoeing, kayaking, face painting, lead-line horse rides and farm animals. Free entry and activities for all, include hiking, kayaking, horseback riding and a dog park open house. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 288 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill.

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Mailbag

Longtime realtor Stephens honored for service

Clover Choraliers to perform

Smokey Joe’s Cafe

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on Stephens of Lake Wylie Realty was awarded the prestigious Realtor Emeritus designation by the National Association of Realtors, an elite

group of Realtors that includes less than .1% of all active associates with at least 40 years of service to the association and the community.

he award-winning Clover Choraliers will hold their annual spring concert at 8 p.m.

Thursday, April 19 and Saturday, April 21 and at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 22. This year’s show is Smokey Joe’s Cafe, a Broadway production that celebrates the songs written by the prolific duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in the early days of rock and roll. Go online to www.CloverChoraliers.com for box office hours and information.

Grace Bono is a member of the USC Color Guard. (Photo/provided)

Bono receives Republican Women of Clover Scholarship

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adeline Grace Bono has been named the recipient of the Republican Women of Clover Scholarship. She is currently a freshman attending the University of South Carolina and plans to pursue a degree in nursing. She is the second oldest of five girls, and said she loves to spend time with all her sisters.

Madeline loves to read, sing and is an a member of the USC Color Guard. After graduation and certification, she hopes to use her nursing license to serve others on medical mission trips.

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Mailbag

Annual Come-See-Me Festival set for April 12-21

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or more than 50 years, the Come-See-Me Festival has been 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 and much more. With 10 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.

Egyptian tapestries on display through March 12

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he Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, N.C., is hosting an Arts and Orchids exhibition through March 12 featuring woven tapestries from the workshop of Ramses Wissa Wassef.

He was an Egyptian architect who started a project in 1952 to encourage children to develop artistic and craft skills. Each garden-themed tapestry is unique in that it was created without a preliminary drawing, so no two are alike.

All tapestries are available for purchase.

The exhibition runs daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and is free to garden members or with general admission. More information is available at www.dsbg.org/events. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is at 5200 South New Hope Road.

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Mailbag

Clover St. Patrick’s Day Festival on March 17

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he 20th 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. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and wrap up at 4 p.m. Registration forms for the dog show and run/walk are available 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.

Vendor applications are currently being accepted and more information is available at www.cloversc.org.

Christmas boat parade winners named

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rian Welch of Charlotte was the winner of the 2017 Lake Wylie Lights on the Lake Christmas Boat Parade. His boat’s theme was “Lake Wylie Christmas.”

Second place went to Cabela’s 1 from Fort Mill with “The Grinch’s Sleigh” and third place was Gary Sample of Blacksburg with “Home for the Holidays.” Ronnie Lineberger of Belmont won the award for most creative with his “O Christmas Tree” theme.

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Mailbag

New Year’s Day 5K raises $3,000 for charity

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lover Community Bank held its third annual New Year’s Day 5K race in Lake Wylie on Jan. 1. Thanks to the 125 race participants who toughed out the cold temperatures, the event generated a $3,000 donation to God’s Kitchen.

CEO and Pastor Sam Thompson from God’s Kitchen and Gwen Thompson CCB President.

Stan Rabineau with his classic car.

Cars and Coffee dates for 2018

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ars and Coffee returns to the Lake Wylie area for 2018 with 10 dates. The events are free and the public is welcome to come see classic and unique cars while meeting local collectors and gearheads. All events run from 8:30-10 a.m.

Fred Caldwell Chevrolet, 974 Bethel St. in Clover, will host five events on the third Saturday of the month. Dates are March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16 and July 21.

Lake Wylie Assisted Living, 4877 Charlotte Highway in Lake Wylie, will host five events on the fourth Saturday of the month. Dates are March 24, April 28, May 26, June 23 and July 28.

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2018

Mailbag

Keeping Splash Dash runners cool

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embers of the Lake Wylie Boy Scouts Troop 333 help with the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Splash Dash every year. Scouts staff This year is the 25th annual event and the water stations in uniform on the course starts at 8 a.m. June 9 at Camp Thunderbird to help keep the runners hydrated during on Lake Wylie. See more details and registhe race held each June. tration information on page 79.

Blue Star Blitz outdoor festival March 24

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he Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill will kick off the spring season and the start of the second annual “April is Love the Greenway Month,� with the Blue Star Blitz on March 24. The outdoor recreation festival features 5k and 10k trail races, short track mountain bike racing and a geocaching contest.

Events begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day. Race participants and community spectators are encouraged to enjoy live music through the afternoon, as well as the Blitz Biergarten from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. To register or purchase tickets, go online to BlueStarBlitz.org.

Spring 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Mailbag

Clover High Interact Club delivers Christmas stockings

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lover High School Interact Club members delivered stockings to local veterans after school on Dec. 13 and 14. The stockings were made by members of the senior citizen group at the YMCA. The group made the stockings from unused fabric pieces collected from a flag factory in Spartanburg that it visited last summer. Once sewn together, the stockings were filled with items for the veterans and delivered to them.

Lake Wylie Home and Garden Tour set for April 28

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he 32nd annual Lake Wylie Home and Garden Tour will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday, April 28. Six area homes will be open for public tours and local artists will once again be on hand to paint in the gardens of the homes.

A luncheon and strolling fashion show are back by popular demand. They will be held at River Hills Country Club from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch

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Mailbag

Annual Chamber meeting brings members together

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ome past and current Lake Wylie-area representatives came together at the recent Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce annual meeting, where Perry Johnston (center) was honored as citizen of the year. Those in attendance included (from left) Lisa Domurat; Allison Love, current District 2 councilwoman; Ron Domurat, Lake Wylie Park Committee; Johnston, former District 2 councilman; Jim Gilkeson, Lake Wylie Park Committee; Peggy Upchurch, a former District 2 councilwoman and first female councilwoman and first Republican council person in York County; and former District 2 councilman Tom Smith.

will feature a salad buffet and the fashion show is sponsored by Chico’s of Rock Hill. Cost is $16.

The home tour and luncheon are sponsored by the Clover/Lake Wylie Republican Women’s Club.

Admission for the home tour is $20 inclusive.

Proceeds from the tour will support the Faye Bergman Clover Senior Scholarship, which will go to a worthy, eligible student who lives in the Clover-Lake Wylie area.

Tickets for the home tour and luncheon/fashion show are available at the door the day of or by calling Suzanne Krause at 803-831-0689. The lineup of homes is still to be determined.

Also, anyone interested in volunteering as a host at one of the featured homes can call Krause at the number listed.

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Shoreline

Come Sail Away

Catawba Yacht Club has been a staple at Lake Wylie since 1939

By Steve McDaniel Photo by Ron Wright

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Photo/Alex

Owings

Shoreline

ht

Photo/Ron Wrig

Phot

o/Ro

n Wr

ight

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ne of the great advantages of living near the water is the chance to play on it. Ron Wright and the nearly 100 members of the Catawba Yacht Club have taken full advantage of that opportunity.

Wright is well known in Lake Wylie as a longtime educator in the public school system. His sailing adventures began in earnest when he joined the club in 1993, and he is now commodore of the club that regularly sponsors races and other sailing events on the lake.

Wright has lived in Clover since 1975 and said sailing had always been something he was interested in. He had restored an old cabin cruiser in his spare time and followed the exploits of Dennis Conner and the America’s Cup races, which significantly raised sailing’s profile in the 1970s and ’80s.

That’s what he said finally inspired him to take the plunge.

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Shoreline

Photo/Ron Wright

Photo/Alex Owings

Photo/Alex Owings

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“I was always interested in boats,” he said.

“I restored a 25-foot cabin cruiser and learned a lot about boats while doing that. And then watching the America’s Cup races, that really inspired me to get into sailing.”

Wright said membership in the club, which was established in 1939 and has its docks and storage facilities about a mile south of the Buster Boyd Bridge, has grown steadily during his 25 years there, and is stable at about 100 members now.

“We’re somewhat limited in how many people we can take on,” he said. “Folks join a yacht club not just to sail, but to have a place to store their boat. We’re about at the limit of what we can accommodate comfortably in that regard.”

The club holds one major race each season of the year and sponsored a regional regatta in November that attracted boats from as far away as Canada. Some of the club’s most popular events are the pursuit regattas that are held around the summer holidays of Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. “The pursuits are a lot of fun for sailors of every skill level,” Wright said. “We stagger starts based on the type of boat and the estimated time for an individual boat to complete

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2018

the course. It’s a real relaxed atmosphere, very laid back. Folks really enjoy those races.”

Longtime River Hills resident Charles Wood is active at many levels in the community, and sailing is one of his favorite pastimes.

Wood isn’t a member of CYC but participates in many of the group’s events on Lake Wylie.

“I bought an Irwin 23-foot sailboat about 45 years ago,” Wood said. “I had it on Lake Norman back before Charlotte got too big to drive through. I eventually moved it down here to Lake Wylie to cut down on the travel.”

Wood said he enjoys the camaraderie and competition with CYC events, as well as the chance to disconnect from the world for a little while.

“I don’t even own a cell phone, never have,” Wood said. “Getting on the water, relaxing or enjoying a friendly competition, that’s the best thing.”

CYC partners with the Catawba Youth Rowers from the Rock Hill YMCA and allows the young sailors to use the club’s facilities. Wright said attracting youngsters and even adults who might have some interest in sailing is crucial to the future of the sport and groups like his.

Shoreline

Photo/Ron Wright

Fishing at Lake Wylie

Where to Rent A Boat

Seven-day license can be purchased for out-of-state visitors.

Must have a valid state ID.

Walmart - Lake Wylie Photo/Alex Owings “Sailing isn’t the kind of thing you just jump into and start beating people right away,” he said.

“It can take two to three years to get competitive, so we try to help new folks in the group with more hands-on help, giving them head starts in the races and recognizing their improvements and achievements in our group’s blog.”

Getting the novices up to speed is fun and rewarding for CYC members, Wright said, but gaining new members who already know how to sail is another key part of the equation for future stability.

“What’s really gold for yacht clubs is getting a new member who already has knowledge and experience on the water,” he said. “Having somebody join us knowing how to race helps from a competition standpoint and enhances the group as a whole.”

Wright said the area’s population growth will only help ensure the future of CYC. The club hopes to start a youth program soon and is looking to upgrade its facilities. The launch dock was recently renovated and renovations to the mooring docks are planned.

“There was a time when two or three skippers losing interest and leaving the club would be a problem for us,” Wright said.

“That’s not a problem now. We’re stable in our membership and things look really good for the future.” LW

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NEED A TOW? Sea Tow www.seatow.com (704) 895-8699 Spring 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Food for Thought

Farm2 Table The Lak eW ylie Wa y

Salmon and Crab Cake appetizer, made with fresh seafood and served over roasted corn salsa with a mustard cognac aioli, is one of the customer favorites.

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Sto r pho y and tos Jan b Tod y d

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Jerry Simonetti (left) and Chris Earle bring a wealth of restaurant experience to the new Lily’s Bistro in Lake Wylie.

e’ve all heard the term “farm-to-table,” and everything about it sounds good! Enjoying fresh-picked vegetables, locally raised meat and tasty craft beers and beverages is good for the environment, good for the local economy, and good for the palate.

Restaurants using locally grown, fresh meat and produce isn’t a new concept. What is an emerging trend, though, is the emphasis on naming the local sources of the ingredients used in restaurant menu items. Rather than simply promoting “fresh, local ingredients,” restaurants are listing farms, breweries and other suppliers in their signage and menus.

In this way, local providers are marketed as partners in providing meals to the restaurant patrons.

One of the newest restaurants in Lake Wylie, Lily’s Bistro, is embracing the farmto-table concept in both food and beverages.

A chalkboard in the lobby area entices diners by listing local providers: Tega Hills, Joyce Farms, J&J Family Farms, Old Mecklenburg Brewery, Palmetto Distillery and more. Even some of the names of menu items give credit to the providers, such as the Joyce Farm Poulet Rouge and the Tega Hills Farm Salad.

Lily’s Bistro, owned by Jerry Simonetti and Chris Earle, opened in late 2017. Simonetti said, “The food we get is superior. Our vegetables and produce for salads are picked almost daily and come straight to us. They aren’t being shipped from California, sitting on trucks for several days. We’re getting all-natural food, with no pesticides, just picked out of the garden. But because it is local, we have to be flexible. For instance, if the weather is too cold, we’ll have no mushrooms. We’ll work with the farmers and adjust the menu as needed. If Tega Hills has one lettuce that is doing better than another that particular week, we’ll change up the menu according to what the farm can supply.”

Simonetti is no stranger to the restaurant business. He operated a restaurant under the same name, Lily’s Bistro, in Gastonia, and still owns Simonetti’s Pizza in Belmont. He learned to cook by watching and helping his grandmother prepare traditional Italian dishes, then worked with some of the top chefs in the country in Florida and New York. “Some of the dishes we serve at Lily’s are the same ones I’ve been making all of my life,” he commented.

The two partners have been friends for several years, and Simonetti said he was eager to join Earle in Lake Wylie to open an upscale restaurant. Earle, who owns Christopher’s Grill & Bar in Lake Wylie, said, “I’ve been in

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Food for Thought

Jerry Simonetti (left) and Chris Earle showing off some of the cuisine of Lily’s Bistro.

the restaurant business my whole adult life, and I’ve done about everything. Buffet, steakhouses, sandwiches. We opened Lily’s Bistro in November, which is usually the slowest time for the restaurant business. It worked out well, because that gave us time to work on training our crew, getting them up to speed, and figuring out what people like and don’t like.”

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Food for Thought The Linguini Fruitti di Mare features lobster tails, mussels, clams, shrimp, calamari and diver scallops over pasta with a spicy housemade marinara sauce. Jerry Simonetti has prepared this special dish in many restaurants along the East Coast.

The Farms Some of the local food providers that are featured at Lily’s Bistro Thomas Family Farms This dairy goat farm in Clover provides delicious gourmet goat cheese to Lily’s Bistro.

They also produce Silky Goat all-natural skin care products and a line of Nature’s EssentOils.

Products are available at the farm (by appointment), at farmer’s markets and a few local retailers. Go online to thomasfamilyfarmsc.com for more information.

J&J Family Farm Located in Clover, this family farm grows mushrooms and vegetables, and raises Italian honeybees that produce honey. They offer classes and events to educate the public about sustainable farming and offer a rustic venue for weddings and special events. Their products are available at several local retailers and markets. Go online to jandjfamilyfarm.com.

Joyce Farms Joyce Farms started in 1962 in Winston-Salem, N.C., and this family-owned business raises all-natural poultry, beef and game.

Along with partner farms located in the Carolinas, Virginia and Georgia, Joyce Farms provides “Naked Chicken,” slow-growth heritage breeds raised without pesticides, hormones, growth stimulants or antibiotics, to culinary markets. Go online to joyce-farms.com.

Tega Hills Farm

Simonetti’s son-in-law, Jerry Butler, manages the bar, which has some creative offerings not found elsewhere in the area. “Most of the draft beers are from the Carolinas, and our house drinks use local spirits,” said Butler.

“One of our specialty drinks is the Lake Wylie Sweet Tea we made with Muddy Rivers Rum, a small batch specialty mixer, and fresh mint.”

“We’re trying to fill a niche, educating the public and getting feedback on what people like,” Butler continued. “We’ll plan to have bourbon tastings and wine dinners, showcasing special beverages and also giving people the chance to try some of our more unusual entrees. We’ll have a guest whiskey sommelier, someone who is an expert in bourbons,

If you’ve driven down Zoar Road near Tega Cay, you’ve passed the greenhouses of Tega Hills Farm. Inside those greenhouses are tasty lettuces, microgreens and specialty produce that are served in several fine restaurants in the area.

Using hydroponic systems and controlled environment techniques, Tega Hills is able to provide products year-round. They are open for direct sales to the public, and also sell their produce at farmers’ markets and food hubs. Go online to tegahillsfarms.com for more information.

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Room for dessert? The Italian-style Strawberry Cheesecake is served with a dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side.

Food for Thought

who will work with the chef to come up with dishes that highlight the notes and accents in each bourbon.”

Some bourbons are aged additionally right in the bar at Lily’s Bistro. “We purchased some white oak barrels for that purpose,” Earle explained. “We pour a bottle of bourbon in the barrel and age it for a few weeks, which really mellows it out. We’re going to make a House Manhattan in the barrels,

aging bourbon and vermouth together.”

The partners at Lily’s Bistro are having fun, using what they know and trying new things to bring some fresh choices to Lake Wylie.

Want to go? The restaurant is located at 4547 Charlotte Highway and features a new patio with lots of outdoor seating. It is open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. LW

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803.831.8856

Mention Key Code 40

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New Patients Welcome!

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2018

C. Andrew Snell, DDS Stacy Blackmon, DDS Thomas N. Stall, DMD

1100 Village Harbor Dr., Lake Wylie, SC 29710

www.LakeWylieFamilyDentist.com

Jerry Butler, sonin-law of Jerry Si monetti, manages Bistro. He create the bar at Lily’s s custom cocktails using local spirits, expertise on wine and provides , beers and liquors . Lily’s Bistro plan and bourbon tasti s to hold wine ngs and dinners wi th specially paire d entrees to complement the be verages.

Food for Thought

Lily’s Bistro uses white oak barrels to custom-age its bourbons as well as its House Manhattans.

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Food for Thought

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Food for Thought

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Garden Party

Ringing inSpring Story and photos by Jan Todd

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An heirloom from her family’s farm in Wisconsin, the dinner bell that hangs by the lake reminds Barb Candler of her childhood.

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Garden Party

Barb Candler accents her butterfly garden with colorful flowers and glass art found at a gift shop while vacationing in the mountains (clockwise from top left). In some areas of her yard, Barb adds a splash of color with eye-catching hanging planters. Distressed fish signs, antique fishing rods, and old angler’s baskets decorate the Candlers’ screened porch. Perennials are part of Barb’s low-maintenance landscape plan; the Candlers’ wide front porch has chairs perfect for relaxing; raised beds keep weeds to a minimum and provide easy access to summer’s bounty; Barb’s bottle tree displays treasured bottles, a collection started when she was a child.

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sign on Barb Candler’s porch reads, “I wasn’t born in the South, but I got here as quick as I could.” A glance around her Lake Wylie home and garden confirm that indeed, the Candlers have settled in well. Lake themed decor, family heirlooms, and fun accent pieces serve as decorations as well as reminders of people and places that Barb loves.

Barb and Brett Candler moved to Lake Wylie in 2010, when Brett was assigned the East Coast territory in his sales job. “We could have lived anywhere from Maine to Miami,” said Barb. They narrowed their search to Southern states, eager to escape the winter weather they’d endured in Ohio and the upper Midwest. “Even though we’re not fans of snow, we did want a place that had four seasons,” Barb added. “We love the colors of fall and spring.”

“We needed to be near a major airport, be34

cause Brett travels quite a bit,” Barb continued.

When they moved to Lake Wylie, the Candlers’ daughter, Becca, had just started college at Indiana University on a soccer scholarship.

They knew they’d be flying to see many of Becca’s soccer matches in upcoming years. “As a hub airport, Charlotte is perfect because it offers direct flights to most of the places we go, which is a real time saver.”

The Candlers wanted to live on a lake. “We both grew up around water,” said Barb. “I used to spend every summer on Lauderdale Lakes in Wisconsin with my grandparents, and Brett’s parents had a place on a lake in Elkhart, Indiana. There’s something very serene, very relaxing about being on the lake.”

Good things are meant to be shared, and Brett and Barb realized that having a house on the lake would provide extra incentive for their daughter and other family to visit. After

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graduating from Indiana, Becca married and moved to Seattle. “It’s on the opposite side of the country, but it is still just a direct flight away!” laughed Barb.

The Candlers’ home on the Little Allison channel of Lake Wylie is actually their second on the lake. Their first home was about a quarter mile away, on the Big Allison side of the Allison Creek peninsula. “We loved our neighbors, loved the area, but the house itself was a bit larger than we needed,” said Barb. Plus, with the amount of shoreline and location in a cove, they were only able to have a small dock. So when their current lot was listed for sale, the Candlers jumped at the chance to buy the land and build exactly what they wanted.

The Candlers truly enjoy being out on the water, whether it be on their ski boat, paddle boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Their

new dock allows storage and easy access for all of their lake toys. The dock is covered, providing a shield from the sun when the Candlers are relaxing on the water.

Bringing the outdoors inside The layout of their home focuses on the outdoors. Lots of windows open the living space to lake views. The Candlers’ favorite place in the house is the huge screened porch, on the side of the house where it doesn’t block the water views from the inside. The porch is furnished with comfy outdoor chairs and a couch, a table for eating and playing games, and a cabinet with a television for watching ball games or movies. “We spend the majority of our time out here!” Barb said.

Barb’s love for the outdoors translates into the time and care she devotes to making her landscape and outside living areas come to Spring 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Garden Party life. On the porches, weather-resistant patio furniture is accented by antiques and decor that can withstand moisture and temperature swings.

“I love antiques,” Barb admitted. “My parents were antiquers, and so that was part of my childhood. Now, whenever I visit my parents, or when they come here, we always go antiquing. I always have my eye out for things.” Barb often uses themes in her decor. For instance, on the screened porch, one corner features fishing themed antique signs, old angler wire baskets, and a collection of vintage rods and reels. “We aren’t really into fishing ourselves, but I really like the pieces and they go well with the lake.”

Some of her old treasures have been purchased, while others are family heirlooms. On her front porch is a little green wagon that holds an old watering can and an arrangement of plants. “That wagon was my Dad’s when he was growing up in Milwaukee. It goes back to the 1930’s!” said Barb. In a plant bed lakeside, there is a cast iron dinner bell that came from her family farm. Barb remembers how she loved to ring that bell as a child.

Barb has other keepsakes in her gardens.

When she was growing up, she started collect-

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Artificial flowers are hung on the gate to add a splash of color (clockwise from top left); the Candlers’ home on the Little Allison Creek channel of Lake Wylie; colorful coleus and yellow lantanas complement the bright front door and provide a welcoming atmosphere for guests; the covered dock provides shelter and storage for their boat, jet ski, and other water toys; the antique wagon, used as a planter, once belonged to Barb’s father when he was a child; the Candlers’ private yard features several shady resting spots that invite quiet moments with family and friends.

Garden Party ing old glass bottles. She found a few around her family farm. Another she bought for a nickel at a yard sale and ended up forming a lifelong friendship with its former owner. One bottle was in her mother’s kitchen for years and given to Barb as a memento. When Barb saw an iron bottle tree at a gift shop, she knew she’d found the perfect way to display her collection. The bottle tree is now a centerpiece in one of her plant beds.

As for her landscaping, Barb describes her efforts as “trial and error.” At their first house in Lake Wylie, Barb said she spent a lot of time trimming and maintaining the shrubs. “So when we built this house, we made sure to install low growing bushes that wouldn’t get too tall and block our views. We tried to choose plants that wouldn’t require a lot of ongoing maintenance.”

Each year, Barb updates her planters on her porches and deck. She favors coleus plants for their vibrant foliage and adds in flowers such as lantanas for a “pop of color.” She has learned which flowers, such as the lantanas, are deer resistant, which is an important consideration in the area where she lives. When they’re not feasting on her flowers, Barb loves watching the deer and other wildlife. She mused, “Living on the lake is our little slice of heaven.” LW

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Garden Tips

Gardening with

W

Time is now to control summer weeds

hat’s happening? Again, I see my head spinning around like “Beetlejuice!” Is this winter or early signs of spring? Geez!

Being an avid gardener and an advocate of “the early bird catches the worm,” here are some of my ideas.

On controlling crabgrass and broadleaf weeds, you better have already applied a pre-emergent treatment or are about to do so now. The warm weather has set the mood and unfortunately germination has begun. There is no rebound once germinated. Your next step will be a crabgrass/broadleaf killer.

Working in retail, I have the opportunity to

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By Lizabeth Currie, Lowe’s Garden Center

meet such great people. Recently a retired chef came to me and was so excited about a raised vegetable bed he was to receive soon. I advised him of a great blend when prepping for his new spring garden bed. Start with a good vegetable or flower soil and add a mushroom or black cow compost at a ratio of approximately three parts soil to one part compost. Tilling this in now will prep the soil and it will be ready for planting when the temperature rises.

For growing climbing vines, place your trellis on the north side of your garden, preventing the vines from shading out the shorter vegetables.

In our growing zone, which is Zone 7, gar-

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dens should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight. Consider your hours of sunlight when planting.

Group plants by their growing period.

Plants spring veggies together so when harvested your next group of summer veggies can be planted in the same spot. If planting perennial crops, plant then to the side of gardens so they will not be disturbed by tilling.

I always have customers wanting to know when to prune their roses – Knockouts, Hybrids, heirlooms. Well, it might be an old wives’ tale, but it is also true: Prune your roses on or around Valentine’s Day for the best results.

Happy Spring Gardening! LW

Garden Party

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Feature

Troop 333 lending service at Clover Area Assistance Center.

(Photos/Provided by Troop 333)

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Feature

The

Honor

Bound

Young men learn life skills through local Boy Scout Troop 333

By Jan Todd

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On my honor, I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

- The Boy Scout Oath

S

ince 1994, Boy Scout Troop 333 in Lake Wylie has been teaching young men to care about their community, developing life and leadership skills that carry into adulthood, and having lots of fun along the way.

Stephan Nishimuta and his 15-year-old son, Nathan, have been involved with the troop for seven years, and Stephan attests to the difference it has made in his family’s life.

“Nathan started in Cub Scouts as a Tiger Scout in first grade, and is now a Life Scout, on track to be an Eagle Scout,” said Nishimuta.

Boy Scouts proceed in the program by advancing through ranks. In Cub Scouts (first through fifth grade), rank achievement is dependent on the age of the boy when he joins. In Boy Scouts, which begins at age 11, the advancement trail begins as an “Emblem” and proceeds up seven levels to an Eagle Scout.

Earning new ranks is an individual process, achieved through meeting challenges, learning new skills and earning merit badges.

Throughout the process, the Scout is being educated by experiences, by practicing what they’ve learned. They are placed in practical situations to use the skills they’ve been taught, with the goal being personal growth and development.

Nishimuta described, “When Nathan first crossed over from Cub Scouts into Boy Scouts, he was kind of shy. But now he has a lot of self-confidence and isn’t afraid to speak up. When he was 13, he spent the night outside in a thunderstorm by himself, in the forest when it was raining. He had a plastic tarp, and that was it. He had to cut branches to make a shelter and survive, and said he spent the night with spiders crawling all over him.

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Top two photos: Troop 333 assists with Dylan Gibbs’ Eagle Scout project. Dylan worked with his fellow scouts to plant a long row of trees at Gaston Day School that will block light from the football stadium for the school’s residential neighbors.

Bottom photo: Troop 333’s October hiking and camping trip to Capers Island. The scouts were dropped off on the island on a Friday afternoon and hiked and camped until they were picked up the following Sunday.

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Feature He learned that he could handle a lot through that experience.”

Mentorship is very important in Scouting. The Scout troop is organized in patrols of about a dozen boys. In Troop 333, each patrol has Scouts of different ages and ranks. “At one time, they were organized by age group,” commented Nishimuta. “But then it was asked, how can an 11-year-old be expected to lead a group of other 11-year-olds? So now, we have high school students in the same patrol as the middle school boys, and that gives the older students the opportunity to develop leadership skills and teach the younger ones.

“In Cub Scouts, the parents and adult leaders plan everything out,” continued Nishimuta. “But when transitioned to Boy Scouts, the adults aren’t there telling them what to do or making decisions anymore. Everything is led by the boys, and that is a core value of Scouting. The adults serve as mentors or guides, but trips and activities are all planned by the boys.”

At a typical meeting, the Boy Scouts begin with a flag ceremony and announcements, and then have patrol time. In their patrols, the boys plan for camping trips or other outings, and develop Scout skills like knot tying and first aid. Then they’ll have recreation time, play flag football, basketball or other games.

Troop 333 plans at least one camping trip or outing per month. Some are close by, such as an overnight at Kings Mountain or a weekend in Congaree National Park near Columbia. “We have a lot of great places to go that are nearby,” said Nishimuta.

Every few years, the Troop plans a bigger adventure. “This June, we’re planning to backpack in the Rocky Mountain National Park. A trip like that takes a lot more planning, with travel arrangements, getting permits, planning food and shelter. Plus, the boys will need to go on practice hikes to make sure everyone is in shape to hike the 15 miles or so that they’ll do each day,” said Nishimuta. “The boys plan every aspect of the trip, with the adult leaders advising as needed.

“In planning meals, there is an unwritten rule that you don’t bring a pack of hot dogs on a camping trip. They have to cook a decent meal,” Nishimuta added. He described a grocery list that his son once brought home, including salmon, asparagus and rice. “They’re developing real cooking skills. They even do an Iron Chef Challenge every year, with the patrols competing against one another.”

Even though the Scouts’ activities are planned and led by members of the Troop, parental involvement is important. Nishimuta

explained, “It definitely plays a big role. When the boys cross over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, the majority of those who go all the way to Life or Eagle Scout have had involvement from their fathers. As the boys get older and are higher in rank, some of the fathers start to pull away and let the boys continue on their own.” Parental involvement might be anything from being a Scoutmaster, to providing transportation for trips and outings, to encouraging the Scouts as they progress through the program.

From the time boys enter the Scout program, Nishimuta said that only 3% progress all the way to an Eagle Scout. “Our troop is higher than that,” he added, “It is a very active troop.” Last year, Troop 333 had eight students achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

To become an Eagle Scout, the boy must meet many requirements before he turns 18 years old. He must serve in a leadership role in his troop and complete an Eagle Scout project. “That’s basically a significant project for his church, school or the community,” de-

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Feature scribed Nishimuta. “It takes a fair amount of planning. The Scout comes up with the idea for their project himself. Sometimes he’ll go to their church or school and ask what needs to be done and come up with a project that way.”

One Eagle Scout candidate planted 35 juniper trees at Gaston Day School, to provide a barrier between the school stadium and nearby homes. Another Eagle Scout built benches for the teachers to use during recess at Oakridge Elementary. Another repaired and replaced wheelchair ramps at outdoor classrooms at Christ The King church. In each case, the Scout had to determine all materials needed for the job, estimate the cost, raise money or find donors, plan the work flow and organize the volunteers to help with the installation.

Scouts are encouraged to recognize needs within the community and come up with solutions. “One thing that we encourage the Scouts to do for their Eagle project is to pick something that is long-lasting, some sort of permanent installation, so one day they can take their kids and say, “This is what I did for my Eagle Scout project,” said Nishimuta.

Community service isn’t limited to Eagle

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While hiking on the Foothills Trail, Scouts take a refreshing break at the King Creek Falls in Oconee County.

Feature

Troop members share a spectacular view during their hike on the Foothills Trail that winds along the Blue Ridge Mountains in North and South Carolina.

Troop 333 plants trees at Gaston Day School.

Projects, of course. On a regular basis, Troop 333 picks up trash along the highway from River Hills Community Church to the stoplight at S.C. highways 49 and 274. They participate each year with the Lake Wylie Chamber Splash Dash, help with the Lights on the Lake parade, and gather food for the Clover Area Assistance Center. Nishimuta said that without Scouts, his son Nathan said he would have never thought about getting involved with things like that. “They make the projects fun and enjoy hanging out with their friends. They challenge each other.”

Nishimuta recognizes that Scouting develops many admirable qualities in young men.

“In fact,” he commented, “Nathan wrote an essay recently about that very Troop 333 helps collect thing. Development of commore than 10,000 pounds of food for CAAC. munication skills, leadership, and a sense of community service are some that he listed.” Scouting is more than just an “extracurricular” activity.

It prepares the Scouts to take on leadership roles and contribute to their communities throughout their lives.” LW

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Feature

n e z i t i C y r r Pe

Helping Lake Wylie and its people is Perry Johnston’s passion

Story and cover photo by Jan Todd

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2018

Feature Perry Johnston at Dock Masters.

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Perry Johnston (circled) as a third grader in 1958 at the original Bethel Elementary School, which burned in 1959. Some students attended school barefooted in those days! (Photo/Provided)

T

his past December, Perry Johnston was awarded the 2017 Lake Wylie “Citizen of the Year Award,” presented by the Chamber of Commerce. But if truth be told, Johnston didn’t do anything particularly outstanding in 2017 to earn such a title.

In fact, his contributions that year were fairly typical of every year in Johnston’s life.

Perry Johnston is simply a man who is passionate about his community and lives every day of his life in such a way to make things better for the people around him.

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Johnston was born and raised in what is now Lake Wylie, and his family has deep roots in the area. “I was born in York, SC at the Divine Savior Hospital,” said Johnston. “I came home to a two-story house on top of the hill where the River Hills water tank is now. That was the old Boyd home. My grandmother was a Boyd, and Buster Boyd was her uncle. In the 1770s the Boyd family came across the bridge and set up a homestead in that area. The Johnstons came along right after that and settled along Mill Creek, long before the dam was built.”

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“That was amazing, how they were given all that land by the King of England,” he reflected.

“I had to buy mine!”

Growing up, Johnston didn’t spend a lot of time on the water. “I was a poor country boy!” he explained. “But as a teenager, I worked at the marina where the current River Hills marina is, and I ran the gas pump. That was the greatest job in the world. I got to wear shorts and deck shoes, and sometimes ride around with all the rich girls in their daddies’ boats.

Then one summer, Johnny Funderburke and I

Feature

A couple of years ago, Perry Johnston was recognized for 50 years of service in the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department. He still serves today. (Photo/Contributed)

Perry Johnston (from right) and his wife, Cheryl, daughter, Kara, and her husband, Andy.

(Photo/Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce)

were lifeguards at the Exxon place. Exxon had a big office in Charlotte, and they had a place on the river for their employees with a clubhouse and swimming pool, out on what is now Carroll Cove.”

During Johnston’s childhood in the 1950s and ’60s, people didn’t live on the lake, for the most part. Most of the land was owned by Duke Power and was leased to individuals and businesses for recreation. Local companies and organizations such as Bowater, Exxon and the Elks Lodge had clubs on the lake where

members or employees could come and fish, swim, camp and go boating.

Most of the structures on the lake were temporary in nature, modest “river shacks” or mobile homes. It wasn’t until the 1970s that individuals were able to purchase lake property and build more permanent homes on the lake.

“Growing up in Lake Wylie was great, just great,” remembered Johnston. “The community back then was known as Bethel. Where the back gate of River Hills is now was Brown

Harper’s Store. That was where people would go to get gas, bologna and cheese, basic things when they didn’t want to drive all the way to Clover for groceries. Everyone got their mail at Harper’s. All of the mailboxes were lined up between two cedar trees. Most of the people out here got the Charlotte Observer on Sunday, and the papers were all delivered to Harper’s. Mr. Brown would get the papers in and write names at the top. So people would stop by the store after church, thumb through and find their name, pick up their paper and leave the rest. It was a different world back then.”

Johnston attended Bethel Elementary, which was a wood-frame building at that time.

He said, “Right before I entered the fifth grade, the school burned (in 1959). That was probably the incentive for starting the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, because everybody in the community had to watch their elementary school burn down. Nothing we could do.”

“My relatives, along with a lot of other people, Bill Baird and Bate Harvey who was our representative at that time, started looking for land and putting together a volunteer fire department. Clover had a volunteer department down the road, but by the time their people heard the siren, went to their station and drove here, there was nothing but ashes.”

Perry and his father were both charter members of the volunteer fire department. “I was 16 years old at the time,” Johnston recalled.

“Uncle Bill, who was the longtime chief of the fire department, stood up one day at church and announced that they were getting this fire department going. Then he pointed to several of us and said, “You, you and you, are going to be a part of this.” And we all said, “Yes, sir.”

They didn’t have much training at the time.

“Put wet stuff on hot stuff,” said Johnston.

“That was our training.”

“We didn’t have any real equipment. We got an old military vehicle from Steele Creek, and we put a tank on the back of it, and that was our fire truck. We had old hand-me-down equipment, whatever we could find. We didn’t have any air packs or anything like that, for going into burning buildings. We just went in and hoped we could find some air.”

Johnston is still “semi-involved” in the fire department. “I’m not certified to go into burning buildings,” he said. “Back in the day, we just fought fires. Now you have to be certified to do certain things, because of liability and insurance. Firefighters are trained to know what to do inside of a burning building. We used to fight fires primarily from the outside, but things are different now.”

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Feature

Johnston still serves as a “first responder,” often helping with fires or other accidents.

He’ll direct traffic or help extract victims from automobiles. A couple of years ago, he was honored for 50 years of volunteer service at the fire department, and continues serving.

After graduating from Clover High School, Johnston studied architecture and design at York Tech. He had a career in engineering construction, working in chemical plants, power houses, paper mills, breweries and cement plants.

Making Lake Wylie a better place Perry and his wife, Cheryl, bought lakefront property on Mill Creek in 1979. “The place started out as a river shack,” described Johnston. “The previous owners had enclosed the porch, made a room out of that, added a master bedroom. We bought it in that condition and remodeled it some until our daughters graduated from college, then we were able 50

to build our current home there.”

Living on the lake, Perry and his family spent a lot of time on the water. As the population on and around the lake grew, Johnston and others began to see the environmental impact, and realized that regulations and building setbacks needed to be in place to protect the future of the lake. As a concerned citizen, Johnston helped draw up the first buffer ordinance.

“I had gotten involved in the county government a little bit by then,” Johnston explained. “Tom Burton was the county councilman at that time, and he asked me to be on the Zoning Board of Appeals. I spent three years or so on that board, which was a citizen volunteer group. The need for the ordinance was there.” Johnston went on to serve on the county council for two terms, and has continued to have a voice in development issues around Lake Wylie.

When growing up, Johnston was involved

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in athletics. “I played football, basketball, baseball, ran track, all those things,” said Johnston. In the mid 1970s, he started coaching midget football in the Bethel area. “I just felt a need to help kids. I was traveling a lot then, so I wasn’t able to keep up. Then when we had grandkids, I started coaching again. We’d had so much growth out here, but there wasn’t any place to play.”

Scrambling around trying to find fields for kids to play sports prompted Johnston to help organize the Lake Wylie Athletic Association.

Later, Johnston also served on the committee to bring the sports complex to Lake Wylie. “We’ve been working on that for about 14 years!” he said. “By the time we get it built, we’re going to need it to be twice as big,” he added. “The area is growing that fast.”

In the early 2000s, Johnston approached his friend Ron Montgomery, who owned Dock Masters. Tired of the travel and demands of his engineering career, Johnston

Feature

Left: Perry Johnston (second from left, front row) played Little League Baseball, plus football, track and basketball. His love for sports and his passion for helping kids led him to coaching and involvement in the Lake Wylie Athletic Association.

Below: While serving in the National Guard in 1970, Perry (second from right) and fellow soldiers were approached by Colonel Sanders in an airport, thanking them for their service. (Photos/Contributed)

asked Montgomery about working with him.

Montgomery was becoming involved in other ventures and ended up selling Dock Masters to Johnston.

His passion for the care of the lake led to Johnston’s involvement in River Sweep. Each year, Dock Masters provides labor, materials and boats for the cleanup of Lake Wylie.

“They called me and said they wanted to clean up the lake, and I said I’d love to help.

We have big barges for dock construction, so why not use them for River Sweep?” he said. “They’re perfect for hauling trash away.

The first year, we couldn’t get all the trash.

The second year was better. Every year the cleanup gets easier.”

Johnston’s lifetime of serving the community of Lake Wylie was modeled on the lives of his father and family. Johnston himself admits that it hasn’t always been easy, but this legacy of caring, seeing what is needed, and getting involved has made Lake Wylie a better place. LW Spring 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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The Wellness of Being 52

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Lake Wylie Today offers advice from some of the area’s professionals in the fields of wellness of body, mind and finance.

pg 54 Insurance Checkup pg 54 Financial Checklist pg 56 Acupuncture for Healthy Skin pg 58 Blood Pressure Guidelines pg 59 Learning Differences

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Feature

Time for your pre-retirement financial checklist?

Lower your stress with an insurance checkup Have you ever considered how being properly insured could lower your stress level?

Well, it could. Overall your insurance products should provide you with peace of mind, knowing that if a claim occurs your insurance provider will be there to assist you in putting you back to where you were before the loss.

And knowing that your insurance agent will be there to explain the claim process and assist you with any questions or concerns can help you sleep like a baby at night!

Not sure if you are properly covered? Here are a few things to help you get started: Start by evaluating your financial assets.

What are your biggest purchases (home, auto, jewelry, life policy, etc.)?

Review your insurance policies every two years or with each life-changing event (marriage, large asset purchase, divorce, birth of children, death, etc.).

Review your current coverage. Does it provide adequate liability for the exposures 54

you currently have? Do you have a pool, diving board, trampoline, watercraft, secondary home, business in your home, etc. These are all items that increase your liability risk. Did you know that an umbrella policy provides additional liability insurance in million-dollar increments?

Check out your current insurance carrier’s financial rating. Property and casualty carriers are rated up to A++. It is wise to work with a financially stable carrier that is rated A or better.

Finally, you will want to have your agent explain your policy coverages, settlement options, special features of your current policies, and ways that you can reduce your premium without reducing your coverage. We all want to get the best coverage at the best rate. But ultimately at claim time, you want to be sure that you’re taken care of.

So, lower your stress in 2018 by taking the time to go over your insurance coverage with your agent. We think you will be glad you did!

Rosemary Drum CISR Watson Insurance Lake Wylie and Gastonia WatsonInsurance.com 800-849-9287

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Like everyone, you want to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle when you retire. But a successful retirement doesn’t just happen – it requires a lot of planning. And that’s why it’s a good idea to draw up a “pre-retiree checklist.”

Such a checklist might look like this: 20 years before retirement: Try to estimate a “price tag” for your retirement, incorporating a variety of factors – where you might live, how much you might travel, what activities you’ll pursue, and so on. Then, assess if your retirement savings are on track to help you meet your expected costs. From this point, monitor your progress every year.

15 years before retirement: Although you’re still fairly far from retirement, you’ll want to bring your goals and challenges into a clearer focus. For starters, try to establish a firmer target goal for the assets you’ll need during retirement. Also, consider your legacy goals and start developing your estate plans, if you haven’t already done so. You might also explore methods of dealing with potentially enormous longterm care costs, such as an extended stay in a nursing home. Solutions to long-term care may become much more expensive later in life.

10 years before retirement: At this stage, in addition to reviewing your target asset and spending levels, you’ll want to get more precise about how much income you can expect as a retiree, whether through your investments or retirement accounts (such as your 401(k) and IRA), or through some type of part-time work or consulting. Maintaining an adequate income flow is extremely important, because you could spend two or three decades as a retiree, and some of your expenses – health care in particular – will likely rise during the later years. It’s important to plan for health care and long-term care, given the costs and ability to qualify for coverage later in life.

Five years before retirement: Re-evaluate your investment mix to help reduce the risk of having your portfolio vulnerable to a market downturn when you plan to retire. Generally speaking, stocks and other growth-oriented investments are more volatile than bonds and other income-producing vehicles. So, you may want to consider shifting some – but certainly not all – of your investment dollars from the “growth” portion of your portfolio to the “income” side.

Two years before retirement: This close to retirement, you’ll want to pay particularly close attention to health-care expenses, so

Feature you may want to investigate Medicare supplemental policies. You’ll also want to ensure that you have an adequate emergency fund to cope with unexpected costs, such as major home repairs. In addition, you’ll want to think about whether you should take Social Security right away or if you can afford to wait until your monthly checks will be bigger.

One year before retirement: Now it’s time for some key decisions: How much can you withdraw each year from your 401(k), IRA and other retirement accounts without running the risk of outliving your money? Have you lined up your health care coverage? And, finally, are you really set on retiring in a year or could you delay retirement to improve your financial picture?

This checklist isn’t exhaustive – but it can give you a good idea of the various issues you’ll need to consider on the long road to retirement. And the sooner you start planning for that journey, the better.

Ryan Brockington Edward Jones Financial Advisor 4937 Charlotte Highway, Suite 116 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-5344 www.edwardjones.com

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Want healthier, smoother skin?

Try acupuncture Skin care starts with what you put into your body. Fresh whole foods including, fruits, vegetables, grass-fed beef and pasture-raised chicken or pork. Fresh fish and seafood are also an important part of the diet. An anti-inflammatory diet that is low in sugar and processed foods is the first part of having healthy skin.

Drinking plenty of filtered water will help the body to stay hydrated and assist in the detoxification process. Taking quality supplements to slow down the aging process will continue to reduce the inflammation in the body. And what you put on your skin is also important to a healthy-looking complexion. Good quality skin care products and sunscreen round out the process of looking your best.

What if you are already doing all of this and you find your skin looking dry and washed out?

Or you have too many wrinkles that weren’t there a couple of years ago? Facial rejuvenation through acupuncture techniques may be your answer. As we age, our skin becomes more dry and wrinkled. Using facial rejuvenation acupuncture techniques, including needling, cupping and qua sha, we can slow down the aging process and stimulate collagen production.

The practitioner will use needles in the face and body to open the meridians (energy lines on the body) and move the qi (energy that moves in the body). This improves blood 56

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flow and stimulates the nervous system to reduce stress hormones. Other techniques such as cupping and qua sha continue to stimulate blood flow to the muscles and skin. This reduces muscle atrophy. They also move the lymphatic system, which reduces puffiness and redness in the face. Discoloration of the skin is very common in the aging process, and the facial rejuvenation techniques can lessen this and smooth the skin.

Cupping is part of the acupuncture techniques. Many people became aware of it during the summer Olympics when the swimmers were seen with large circular bruises on their backs. The cupping techniques used in facial rejuvenation do not leave bruises or marks on the skin and the technique is very relaxing. Gua sha is a form of massage where the practitioner uses a tool made from jade. After applying oil or lotion to the skin, the tool is moved over the skin in a mild scraping action in a certain direction.

The skin may get a little red but it will dissipate quickly. Using the qua sha tool, the practitioner can reduce and smooth wrinkles.

Facial rejuvenation techniques usually take approximately eight to 12 visits and can be very relaxing. There are some contraindications to using this technique. Check with your acupuncturist to be introduced to this ancient skin care secret.

Marcia Nibert, DC., LAc. Doc Marcia Chiropractic 244 Latitude Lane Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-6500 Spring 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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New blood pressure guidelines mean more Americans with hypertension The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have recently released new guidelines for blood pressure.

One major change in the new guidelines is the reclassification of blood pressure categories.

As a result, almost half of United States adults will now be classified as having hypertension.

While this may cause some changes for adults newly diagnosed with high blood pressure, clinicians see these new guidelines as a protective measure. According to an article published by the AHA, “The new guideline is designed to help people take steps to control their blood pressure earlier, according to the authors. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world.”

By lowering the definition of blood pres-

sure for most people to a systolic blood pressure of less than 130 (measured in millimeters of mercury) and a diastolic blood pressure of less than 80, more people will now be subject to making the lifestyle changes necessary to have better control of blood pressure as well taking antihypertensive medications.

There are several factors that patients can work on modifying that will lessen the chances of developing hypertension or reduce of the severity of hypertension in adults. These include quitting smoking, getting control of diabetes, lowering cholesterol, losing weight, increasing physical activity and adapting a healthy diet. These all show benefits in lowering blood pressure in adults, according to a study released in 2017 by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Lake Wylie Pharmacy always strives to serve its patients and the community with convenient, cutting-edge technology. We have now partnered with PharmaSmart, the experts in blood pressure management, to provide patients with the ultimate experience when testing their blood pressure. Readings from the machine are sent wirelessly to a secure, online patient health portal that patients can access at any time to look at their blood pressures.

Larry Meek, RPh Lake Wylie Pharmacy Harskin “H.J.” Hayes Jr., PharmD South University School of Pharmacy Chapin Pharmacy

Learning differences are important All students learn. It’s that straightforward; an idea that has two simple parts. “All students” – not just some, but all. And “learn” – not just getting a passing score on a test but acquiring skills of value for their future, something that becomes an asset as you move through life. Something that helps you realize your promise, make an impact and be successful – as an individual, and as a member of our society.

The fact is that recent research from neuroscience, cognitive psychology and related fields has uncovered that each of us has a range of strengths and weaknesses among the numerous brain functions that influence learning. Our natural affinities for particular

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Feature subjects, ideas and pursuits also impact learning. Collectively, these strengths and weaknesses shape how we learn and what engages us – which in turn influence how much we actually learn and thrive.

Many students struggle needlessly – simply because the way they learn doesn’t align with how they are being taught.

Many struggling students become disengaged, may feel invisible and inadequate. They don’t see the relevance of what is happening in the classroom to their lives.

Those with resources may seek help outside of the schools.

Others fall through the cracks and become part of other intractable societal problems – crime, incarceration, poverty.

At the same time, we could be doing better by all learners. We could be fostering their ability to become lifelong learners – something we know today’s rapidly changing world demands – by ensuring they understand their own learning style. We could be better cultivating individual talents, rather than the mass production approach we currently apply to education.

The fact that students have different learning styles should beg the question: “Are we properly measuring learning?”

Kim Waltmire Education specialist and consultant Carolina Collaborative Prep 5101 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28266 www.carolinaprep.net LW

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Spring Calendar

Springtime at the Lake W hen the temperatures begin to climb, flowers and festivals start popping up all over Lake Wylie and the surrounding area. St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and a host of other events mark the spring calendar. Check out these fun, family friendly options, and be sure to check ahead as dates and times are subject to change.

March 17

March 24-25

Old Town Rock Hill will host its 10th annual St. Patrick’s Day festival on East Main Street from 4-9 p.m. There will be live Irish music, Irish dancers, more than 25 vendors, a large kids’ zone and plenty of food and beverages for purchase. Free admission.

Kickstart the spring season with worldclass thrill rides, fun-filled family attractions, live entertainment, authentic Carolina cuisine and everything in between. Carowinds will be open for the season from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. with something for all ages to enjoy. Celebrate the opening of the updated kids’ area renamed Camp Snoopy (formerly Planet Snoopy).

14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, N.C.

St. Patrick’s Day festival

March 17

Clover St. Patrick’s Day Festival

The 20th 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 bestdressed dog.

March 25

Peter Rabbit’s Garden Adventures at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Celebrate spring along with Peter and his friends. Enjoy family activities, including crafts, lunch or snacks, beverages and more. No tickets or reservations needed, general admission is available for Peter Cottontail’s Garden Adventure only at the door.

Garden members are admitted free and general admission applies for nonmembers: $12.95 adult, $11.95 senior 60+, and $6.95 children 2-12. 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont, N.C., 28012.

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Carowinds opening weekend

March 24

Children’s Day on the Farm

prizes, ranging from Easter baskets to Coca-Cola six packs, will be awarded. Rain date is March 30. 1466 Cherry Road. www.wrhi. com/events/easter-egg-classic

March 29-31

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 entertainment. 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, N.C.

Historic Brattonsville’s annual family event focuses on farm life in the 18th and 19th centuries. This historic learning opportunity offers 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 more. Spring is a wonderful time to visit the 800-acre living history plantation; there will be newborn lambs and heritage breed animals. New this year will be “Signora Bella, the Great Italian Equilibrist,” an 18th century-style traveling performer. Food concessions will be available for purchase; picnic baskets are welcome. Adults $10; Seniors $8; Youth 4-17 $6; 3 and under free; CHM members free. 1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells, SC

The award-winning Clover Choraliers will hold their annual spring concert at 8 p.m.

Thursday, April 19 and Saturday, April 21 and at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 22 at the Clover District Auditorium. This year’s show is Smokey Joe’s Cafe, a Broadway production that celebrates the songs written by the prolific duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in the early days of rock and roll. Go online to CloverChoraliers. com for box office hours and information.

March 29

April 12-21

Children between the ages of 2 and 11 are invited to The Great Easter Egg Classic at Cherry Park in Rock Hill at 2 p.m. sharp. Join the fun with more than 50,000 Easter eggs spread over the softball fields. Thousands of

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,

City of Rock Hill Easter Egg hunt

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April 19, 21, 22

Clover Choraliers Spring concert and show

Come-See-Me festival

Spring Calendar

children’s activities, a parade, art show, road race, fireworks extravaganza and much more.

With 10 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. Go online to www.comeseeme.org for a comprehensive list of activities and schedule.

Country Club. Price for the luncheon is $16.

Tickets for the tour and luncheon can be purchased at the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, 264 Latitude Lane, and the River Hills Community Association, 102 Hamilton’s Ferry Road.

April 21

Bush-N-Vine Farms will offer its annual Strawberry Saturdays event this spring, featuring pick-your-own berries, strawberry-themed treats, music and more. Dates to be determined by weather and strawberry availability. Go online to bushnvinefarm. com/strawberry-saturdays or call 803-6842732 for updates. 1650 Filbert Highway, York.

Earth Day Event

The Anne Springs Close Greenway will host its annual Earth Day event with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. near the Dairy Barn.

Events and activities include border collie demonstrations, cane pole fishing, canoeing, kayaking, face painting, lead-line horse rides and farm animals. Free entry and activities for all include hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, plus a dog park open house. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 288 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill.

April 28

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 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 toward the Faye Bergman Senior Scholarship.

A luncheon and fashion show from 11 a.m.1:30 p.m. are included this year at River Hills

April and May

Strawberry Saturdays at Bush-N-Vine

May 5-6

Fort Mill Strawberry festival

The award-winning festival includes arts, crafts, amusements, a car show, live music and a fireworks display. There will be a strawberry-eating contest, ice cream-eating 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 St., Fort Mill.

May 19

Clover Choraliers Candlelight performance

The award-winning high school choir’s candlelight performance, featuring classic choral music, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Go online to CloverChoraliers.com for updates on location and ticket details.

May 20

Glencairn BloomFest

This fun-filled, family event 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 9-24

Carowinds Great Carolina Fest

Experience the best of Carolina cuisine and drinks on Saturdays and Sundays in June.

Sample authentic regional cuisine from all regions of North and South Carolina, try local craft beer and wine and experience the wide variety of rich cultures in the Carolinas with special activities, handmade arts and crafts and even some down-home fun for the little ones. Included with park admission. 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC.

June 9

Lake Wylie Splash Dash

This premier event, put on by the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, has participants race through the scenic and winding roads of River Hills. 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

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Development Update

Local Properties Heat Up Lake Wylie real estate markets continue hot streak

By David McCorkle, Lake Wylie Realty

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Development Update

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Development Update

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ake Wylie-area real estate markets look to continue the torrid pace set in 2017. The Steele Creek market continues to be one of the most popular in the Charlotte metro area and is estimated to be one of the top five in the country by the end of 2018.

Nationally, existing home sales in 2017 were at a red-hot 5.5 million sales, which is still 1.1 million below the all-time high. According to forecasts by the National Association of Realtors, a steadily improving U.S. economy, sustained job growth and rising consumer confidence pave the way for an increase in home sales in 2018.

In Steele Creek, the availability of land, proximity to Charlotte’s Interstate 485 outer loop, downtown and the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport are driving increases in

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prices and sales. A new, master-planned development is in the final planning stages for a large, mainly undeveloped area west and south of the airport, which will include the proposed River District. It projects to be larger than the Ballantyne area in South Charlotte and is expected to increase in population by 20-25% over the next five years.

Sales of new and existing homes over the past 12 months in the Steele Creek zip codes of 28278 and 28273 reached 2,000. Berewick, with sales up 33% at 356, and the Palisades, with 131 sales, led the way.

Another large, master-planned community is rising in Gaston County near Lake Wylie and Belmont called McLean. Sales there reached a total of 40 in 2017 in the early stages of development.

On the South Carolina side of Lake Wylie,

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2018

new developments are popping up like spring flowers. National home builders such as Mattamy Homes and DR Horton, along with local builders Fielding and Bonterra Homes, are building a potpourri of styles at a myriad of prices. New home sales in the Lake Wylie, S.C., area have increased from 75 in 2014 to around 200 per year at the end of 2017.

Sales of existing homes in the Clover-Lake Wylie-York area zip codes of 29710 and 29745 were close to 1,300 over the past year. The top seller in that area is the well-seasoned jewel of them all, the planned community of River Hills, with nearly 80 closings and an average sales price up 15% to $354,000.

Waterfront market update Median prices continue to rise in the wa-

terfront market due to low inventory and high demand. As of this writing, there were just 57 active listings in both Carolinas, down from the 120-140 we experienced for a few years, with only six priced below $500,000. The $1 million-plus market was very active with 16 million dollar-plus homes closed in 2017 and 12 currently on the market. The total of 169 waterfront homes sold was down slightly from the year before with a median price pushing close to $700,000, up from the low $600,000s that was the norm for some time.

Urbanized Charlotte continues to gobble up large tracts of land for high-density development. The demand from homebuyers looking for the serenity and peace of lake living along the shores of Lake Wylie will make that more and more difficult to afford. LW Spring 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Development Update

Where to Live New residential options continue to develop in Lake Wylie

Lakepointe Ridge, a new apartment development off Montgomery Road by Redwood Living (above and bottom right), features new apartment rentals with twocar garages. Signs pointing to new homes (top right) are a familiar sight around Lake Wylie.

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omes are going up all around Lake Wylie. The sights and sounds of residential construction are commonplace as developers and builders rush to meet an ever-increasing demand for housing.

The growth in population that is taking place all over the Charlotte metro region is no more evident than around the lake. The median sales price of a home in Lake Wylie has steadily increased and now hovers around the $300,000 range.

Depending on how close to the lake you want to be, the price can rise quickly past $400,000 and much higher. Homes in the sub$250,000 price range are in high demand and

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frequently sell within days of listing.

One of the newest developments is Lakepointe Ridge off Montgomery Road, an apartment community featuring one-story living with attached garages. The rental project is aimed at young people who might be a few years from a home purchase and retired people seeking a simpler, low-maintenance lifestyle.

Lake Crest, planned for 175 homes, and Cypress Point, planned for 358 homes, are new single-family developments off Bonum Road, an area north of S.C. Highway 49 that is experiencing a surge in home construction. LW

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Spotlight Spotlight

News of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Spring 2018

Annual Spring Appreciation Luncheon and Fashion Show April 25, 2018 River Hills Country Club

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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 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, 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 vendors. A corporate table for eight is $325 and includes

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce models from the 2017 fashion show.

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

in the Lake Wylie community, guests are encouraged to reserve a spot without delay. To make reservations now or for more information, call Susan Bromfield or Lisa Jubenville at the Chamber at 803-831-2827 or email lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com.

Business Suites available for rent at the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Fully and beautifully furnished rental offices Professional business center Includes high speed wireless internet Includes all utilities except telephone Includes reception area Business address for 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 • Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce • 803-831-2827 70

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2018

Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Spring Appreciation Day Luncheon Sponsored by

Bank of York and Watson Insurance

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Noon to 1:30 p.m.

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.

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

2018 Board of Directors Charles Wood - Chairman Morningstar Storage

Susan Bromfield - President Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Donna Bordeaux - Secretary Bordeaux & Bordeaux, CPAs, PA

Michaelyn Sherrill - Treasurer Home Companions

Fred Caldwell Fred Caldwell Chevrolet

Jane DuBois Lake Wylie Today/Lake Wylie Marketing

Allan Gregory K.A. Wealth Management

Jeff Ledford Lowe’s - Lake Wylie

Please complete this form and return with check, made payable to Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, by April 20, 2018 Individual Seating at $25 per Person ___ I will attend. Please reserve ___ seat(s).

Enclosed is my check for $_____ ($25 per person.)

Don Long Paige McCarter Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.

Doug McSpadden McSpadden Custom Homes

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

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

Enclosed is my check for $_____ ($325 per table).

Matthew Mugavero Lake Wylie Liquors

Brian Rich Q2U BBQ and Catering

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

Brad Rippetoe YMCA Camp Thunderbird

Marc Sosne Clover School District

Gwen Thompson Clover Community Bank 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 Spring 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight

Holiday Gala December 7, 2017 Held at River Hills Country Club Photos by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Karen Fritz, Rick Jiran and Lisa McCarthy attend the 2017 Gala.

Gala sponsors Matthew, Johanna and Pat Mugavero of Lake Wylie Liquors.

Gwen Thompson and family.

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Cam and Lisa Halford of Halford, Niemiec and Freeman, sponsors of the Gala.

Susan Bromfield and Ed Stewart present Gwen Thompson with the 2017 Business Person of the Year Award.

Chamber founding member John Wilkerson and President Susan Bromfield.

Matthew and Johanna Mugavero of Lake Wylie Liquors.

Norma and Charles Wood show off their festive attire.

Perry Johnston and family.

Spotlight

Holiday Business After Hours December 12, 2017 Sponsored by Lake Wylie Assisted Living, Lake Wylie Liquors and Home Companions Photos by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Event co-sponsors Matthew Mugavero of Lake Wylie Liquors and Michaelyn Sherrill of Home Companions.

Tonya and Shawn Bowe of Lake Wylie Family Dentistry and Charles Wood of Morningstar Storage enjoy the food at the event.

Charlie Bromfield, Norma Wood and Bud and Ann Rother greet members at the Hoilday Business After Hours.

Rob Pila of Lake Wylie Assisted Living with residents at Holiday Business After Hours.

Andrea Meglii of the Clover Chamber and Susan Bromfield of the Lake Wylie Chamber congratulate Robbyn Rene’, 2018 President of Clover Chamber Board of Directors.

Clover Chamber leaders Christine Allen, Robbyn Rene’, Andrea Meglii and Ronnie Vause enjoy the evening’s activities.

Ed Lindsey and Dr. Marc Sosne enjoy the Holiday BAH.

Rob Pila, Sissy Davies and Tammy Mullins of Lake Wylie Assisted Living hosted the chamber.

Spring 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight

Scenes from the Holiday Boat Parade and Christmas by the Lake December 16, 2017 Held at T-Bones on the Lake Photos by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and Bethel Fire Department

2017 Holiday Boat Parade at T-Bones On The Lake.

Members of Redeeming Grace PCA enjoying the evening.

Bethel Volunteer Fire Department ladder truck with flag at the boat parade.

Pirate ships ready for the parade.

Brian Welch of Charlotte with his winning ‘Lake Wylie Christmas’ theme.

Boats gather at T-Bones for the annual holiday boat parade. Photo taken from the top of ladder on fire truck by Rebecca Tongen.

Thank You to our Sponsors of the

Boat Parade and Christmas By The Lake!

T-Bones on the Lake and

Santa and Mrs. Claus hear the children’s wish lists.

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Thank you to Cabela’s for being a co-sponsor of the boat parade.

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2018

Cabela’s

Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

2017 Annual Holiday Gala

Thank You! BOAT PARADE WINNERS 1st Place

Brian Welch

Charlotte, NC “Lake Wylie Christmas”

2nd Place

Cabela’s I

Fort Mill, SC “The Grinch’s Sleigh”

3rd Place

Gary Sample

Blacksburg, SC “Home For The Holidays”

Most Creative

Ronnie Lineberger Belmont, SC “O Christmas Tree”

PREMIER SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS Bank of York

T-Bones on the Lake

Clover Community Bank Clover School District

GOLD SPONSORS

Fred Caldwell Chevrolet Lake Wylie Assisted Living

Carolinas Healthcare System

Lake Wylie Liquors Lake Wylie Pediatric Dentistry

Halford, Niemiec & Freeman

Lake Wylie Today

River Hills Country Club

Lowe’s - Lake Wylie

York County Natural Gas

Revel Salon and Color Studio

Award Sponsor Duke Energy

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 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.”

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Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Person of the Year

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Gwen Thompson

wen Thompson has been named the 2017 Lake Wylie Chamber Business Person on the Year. Gwen is well known for her commitment to her job, her community and her family.

She is one of only two women in South Carolina who holds the position of president in a bank. She has worked for Clover Community Bank since its inception 30 years ago and is one of the only remaining original employees. She began her career as part of the bank’s operations and technology group.

Gwen’s commitment to the bank’s success was recognized when she was named president and CEO in 2001. She has led the bank through years of expansion and growth in the region through economic ups and down, the digital age and much more.

Gwen was instrumental in establishing the Lake Wylie branch of the Clover Community Bank, which, under her leadership, has given

loans to local businesses based on individual merit, allowing these businesses to grow and prosper.

She has given back to the community with her many volunteer activities, including serving on the boards of the Clover Area Assistance Center, the United Way of York County, Hospice, York County Convention and Visitors Bureau and York Technical Foundation.

She has also supported the River Hills Emergency Squad, God’s Kitchen, the new Clover School District YMCA Acquatic Center in Lake Wylie and the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce.

Gwen is married to Jim and they have two children, Jaime and Justin, as well as four grandchildren. Fitness has always been a priority for Gwen, and she has taught aerobics for more than 15 years, is a licensed massage therapist and has run multiple half-marathons and marathons.

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce 2017 Citizen of the Year

Perry Johnston T

he 2017 Citizen of the Year, Perry Johnston, is well known to our Lake Wylie Community.

Perry is a native of the area and a graduate of Clover High School. He served in the South Carolina National Guard and is owner of Dock Masters, a company that builds and repairs many beautiful docks on our lake. Prior to Dock Masters, his career was in engineering construction.

Perry is well know for his volunteer efforts and devotion to Lake Wylie. For many years he served in a leadership position for the Bethel Fire Department and also served as a York County Councilman.

He was an organizer of the Lake Wylie Athletic Association and is a member of the Masons, Shriners and the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce.

Perry has been instrumental in establishing the Lake Wylie Sports and Recreation Com76

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2018

plex and is a Lake Wylie park activist. He is a long and faithful member of the Redeeming Grace Presbyterian Church in Lake Wylie. He is always willing to lend a helping hand and is well-respected among his business associates and friends.

His love for the lake is well known as shown by his involvement with River Sweep, the Marine Commission and the Lake Wylie Cove Keepers.

On the personal side, Perry has been married to Cheryl for 46 years. They have two daughters, Karra and Christie, four grandchildren, Kelsey, Taylor, Lauren and Cole, and three great-grandsons, Klayton, Boone and Huck. Kelsey and Taylor attend the school that has a special place in his heart, the University of South Carolina.

In Perry’s free time (of which he has little), he enjoys boating, golf and attending sporting events, especially USC games.

Spotlight

Renewing Members Oct. 23, 2017-Jan. 25, 2018 Business Members A. Altieri @ ReMax Realtors Carolina Homes Connection LLC Casselman Custom Canvas LLC Clover Area Assistance Center Comfort Systems of York County LLC D & D Sanitation

Welcome New Members Oct. 23, 2017-Jan. 25, 2018 Political Organization Clover/Lake Wylie Republican Women’s Club Rozalynn Federline 1667 Fig Branch Road Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-619-4187 r.federline@yahoo.com www.clwrw.org

Moving, Hauling and Clean-up Service

Dock Masters Marine Construction of Lake

Financial Woodforest National Bank Johnny Satrakoune 4875 Old York Road Rock Hill, SC 29732 704-222-7091 jsatrakoune@yahoo.com www.woodforest.com

Marine Construction WaterJack Marine Construction LLC Casey Nicholls 62 Marina Road Lake Wylie, SC 29710 704-290-4549 casey@waterjack.com www.waterjack.com

Storage

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Guillermo Hernandez 3545 Centre Circle, Suite A Fort Mill, SC 29715 803-445-2003 guillermo.hernandez@CHHJ.com www.collegehunkshaulingjunk.com/ locations/sc/fort-mill

Midgard Self Storage Matt Feely 4180 Charlotte Highway Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-701-7555 lakewyliesc@storesmart.org www.storesmart.org

Restaurant

Event Venue

The Casual Pint of Rivergate Theresa Allen 14126 Rivergate Parkway Charlotte, NC 28273 704-233-7711 theresa.allen@thecasualpint.com www.rivergate.thecasualpint.com

Iron Gate Farm LLC John Walker 649 Bellegray Road Clover, SC 29710 704-214-7814 johnnywalker@live.com www.irongatefarmllc.com

Wylie LLC Edward Jones Financial Advisor - Ryan Brockington Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.

Foresight Property Solutions LLC Fred Caldwell Chevrolet Gala Affairs Lake Wylie Athletic Association Lake Wylie Business Center Lake Wylie Family Chiropractic Lake Wylie Pharmacy Lake Wylie Tax Lake Wylie Today Lake Wylie Travel The Herald/McClatchy Newspapers Inc. Peterson Law Firm Portable Restroom Trailers LLC Publix-Lake Wylie Revel Salon and Color Studio LLC River Hills/Lake Wylie Lion’s Club Steele Creek Dermatology PLLC Totalbond Veterinary Hospital Vitamins 4 Less Carolina Water Service/Utilities Inc. Linda Eggers-Wilkerson ERA Realtor

Individuals Andy Kane Marie Husvar Kay Peters Spring 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

77

Spotlight Ribbon-cuttings!

The Chamber welcomes Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. to its new Lake Wylie location on S.C. Highway 49 with a ribbon-cutting in November.

d at Rivergate, celCasual Pint, locate ening Nov. 10. ebrated its grand op

cSpadDoug and Laurie M new den in their beautiful r. nte Design Ce

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2018

Wylie.

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Spotlight

S

plash Dash, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce’s 10K/5K race/walk, takes place Saturday, June 9, 2018. 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 Thun-

T ’ N O D ISS M T! OU St. Paddy’s Day Business After Hours

Thursday, March 15, 2018 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Clover Community Bank and Lake Wylie Liquors.

Held at Clover Community Bank in Lake Wylie.

Business After Hours

April 10, 2018 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Iron Gate Farm and Jackson’s Kitchen, 649 Bellgray Road (off Ridge Road) in Clover.

derbird. Advance reservations are $20 for the race and $10 for the walk. Go online to www.lakewyliesc.com for more information and a registration form. Online registration is also available at www.queencitytiming.com.

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Upcoming Activities Business After Hours

Business After Hours

Thursday, April 19, 2018 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by and held at Kasby’s, Highway 49 at Shopton Road, Steele Creek area.

Thursday, May 3, 2018 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by and held at Keller Williams in Lake Wylie.

“Grand Opening” Lake Wylie Plaza.

Spring Appreciation Luncheon and Fashion Show

Business After Hours

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Noon-1:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Bank of York and Watson Insurance.

Held at River Hills Country Club.

May 24, 2018 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by and held at MarineMax/Hall Marine “Kicking off the Boating Season” Lake Wylie Marina, 310 Blucher Circle.

Lake Wylie Splash Dash 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 8 a.m.

Held at Camp Thunderbird and River Hills in Lake Wylie.

Business After Hours Thursday, June 14, 2018 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by River Hills Marina, T-Bones on the Lake, Arby’s, SunTrust and Sea Tow. Held at River Hills Marina Pavilion, River Hills in Lake Wylie.

Spring 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

79

Southern Twang

If I Had a Boat

by Jan Todd

W

e’ve all heard it. The best two days of a man’s life are when he buys a boat … and when he sells it.

Or maybe you’ve heard the true meaning of BOAT: “Bring On Another Thousand!” I recall all too well the summer that our boat stayed on the mechanic’s lot from Memorial Day until Labor Day. It’s a common tale.

I grew up around boats. As a young girl, it was always a thrill to be stuffed in an orange life jacket to take a ride down “the rivah” in my granddaddy’s little four-seater boat. When I was a young teenager, my dad bought an 18foot speedboat, and our family of seven would spend the entire day on the lake, nearly every Saturday in the summer.

When my husband, Tony, and I built a house on Lake Wylie, we didn’t have much left in our budget for a boat, so we bought what we lovingly referred to as the Ratty Old Pontoon. If the wind was blowing hard enough, we might get up enough speed to make it seven miles to T-Bones in under a day. It lacked a bit in the style department, but at least the property taxes were cheap.

As the kids grew and we became a little more financially secure, we sold the Ratty Old Pontoon and purchased a second-hand deck boat, with an inboard motor having sufficient horsepower to tow a couple of kids on an in80

ner tube. We were living large!

The deck boat had its issues, however.

For one, its starter didn’t live up to its name.

It might start, it might not. If it DID start, it was best to keep the boat running until we were safely back at the dock. One time we had houseguests who decided to take the boat out for a midnight cruise, and they made the mistake of turning the boat off in the middle of the lake. It wouldn’t start, and no other boaters were out in the wee hours, so our friends decided to swim to shore, pulling the boat along with them. They didn’t visit us again for a very long time.

Once the starter was finally fixed, the fuel gauge stopped working. That added a bit of a Russian Roulette element of suspense to whoever was taking the boat out on a given day.

We might run out of gas, we might not. Lucky for us, Southern people tend to be friendly and helpful, and we were towed to gas stations on several occasions. In fact, between the bad starter and the gas gauge, I think we logged more hours on the end of a tow rope than we did with the engine running.

Our deck boat worked best as a floating patio, secured to our dock and going nowhere.

Not a bad way to spend a sunny afternoon. If extra entertainment was needed, Tony would open up the engine hood and start tinkering.

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2018

Without fail, that would bring over neighbors with a couple of beers and a lot of unsolicited advice. And stories, oh the stories!

Every boat owner has stories of breakdowns, bust-ups and simple stupidity. Just mention the words “boat plug” and you’ll hear how someone launched their craft without the plug in place, sinking the boat a few yards from the boat ramp. I saw it happen once, and when the owner saw his boat filling up with water during the launch, he got so flustered that he jumped out of his car and forgot to put it in park. The car rolled back into the lake and joined the boat underwater!

Almost everyone I know has lost a propeller at some point, courtesy of a hidden sandbar or a loose bolt. My sister hit bottom one time while driving my father’s boat, not realizing that the caution buoy was there for a reason. Guess she thought it was just decoration, bless her heart.

After years of unreliable watercraft, my husband decided to go to the annual boat show in Charlotte. Unsupervised. “Just to look around,” he claimed. He came back with a big smile and a receipt. The new boat was delivered six weeks later, just in time for summer fun. It was a Hurricane. A Hurricane! Who names a boat after a natural disaster? Then again, maybe it makes a lot of sense … LW