Lake Wylie Today, Summer 2016

LakeWylie Summer is Back!

Bring on the heat with summer peppers plus a full calendar of summer events

A look back on the Lake Recalling Lake Wylie of bygone days

Chamber Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce news and information

TODAY Summer 2016 | Issue 2

Our View

Something for everyone at Lake Wylie in the summer

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By Susan Bromfield, President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

ou don’t need to travel very far to have an abundance of recreational and tourism opportunities around Lake Wylie.

Lake Wylie is a summer playground for boating, waterskiing, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Check out our “where to rent a boat” section for those who do not own their own boat but still want to enjoy the lake for a day or weekend. Our summer fun calendar is bursting with the many opportunities to enjoy festivals, agri-tourism, recreation and events in the area.

The annual community-sponsored July 4th and fireworks are always the highlight of summer. Nearby Tega Cay celebrates its birthday each Fourth of July with a variety of activities including the annual July 4th boat parade, a pancake breakfast, and fireworks and on land activities. Carowinds Theme Park also expanded its water park to be the largest in the area and added new rides and features at the park. The Lake Wylie Splash Dash will be held on June 11 with a 5K, 10k and walk.

For the local food lover, orchards, farm stands, strawberry fields and pick-your-own produce locations are buzzing all summer long. This issue of Lake Wylie Today features a story about local hot sauces made with local hot peppers and we’ve included some locations where locally-grown peppers and produce can be found. It’s always worth a drive to 2

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South Forty Farm located on Hwy 274 to see the miniature horses, buying fresh produce and an ice cream cone while sitting on one of their red rocking chairs.

The Peach Tree located in Filbert, a community located between Clover and York on Highway 321 also features local fresh produce and a large variety of peaches. Reminiscent of days gone by, it is a simple and a quaint building filled with fresh summer produce and an ice cream shop. It is definitely a treat for all ages to enjoy that beautiful drive. Just down the road is Bush-n-Vine with its farm stand filled with locally-grown produce and homemade strawberry ice cream made from their locally-grown strawberries. Bush’n Vine is a third generation family farm and farm stand that will have summer produce and allows for picking of some produce.

For a true farm experience, the annual AgArt Tour in York County is held in June and includes tours of many of the area’s farms with a chance to talk to the owners. Check out page 40 for more information. Mama Bees Honey farm, equestrian locations and more encourage visitors to tour the beautiful rural areas in York County and surrounding counties.

There really is something for everyone in Lake Wylie during the summer. From rural experiences and farm stand, to lake activities like boating and fishing, there is no need to travel far for summer fun for the whole family. LW

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Contents Summer 2016

2 Our View Something for everyone this

season in Lake Wylie

8 Mailbag July 4th fireworks to light up Lake Wylie

24 Food for Thought

Local hot peppers a new way to feel the summer heat

32 Garden Party

Paradise on the golf course in this River Hills custom home

36 Feature

A look back at Lake Wylie and its shoreline cabins

40 Feature

Check out our summer calendar for what’s happening in Lake Wylie

46 Faces

Lake Wylie resident Jerry Helms leads the way at Carowinds

50 Development Update 54 Spotlight

Lake Wylie Today Editor - Jenny Peterson jpeterson@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3145 Associate Publisher - Licia Jackson ljackson@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7546 Creative Director - Ryan Wilcox production1@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3117

Graphic Designer - Andrew Sprague asprague@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3128 Assistant Graphic Designer - Emily Matesi ematesi@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3124 Advertising Sales - Jane DuBois jane@lakewylietoday.com • 704.287.8668 Contributing Editors Susan Bromfield President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce susan@lakewyliesc.com • 803.831.2827 Jane DuBois jane@lakewylietoday.com • 704.287.8668 Contributing Writers Susan Bromfield Jane DuBois Jan Todd Drew Choate Contributing Photographers Susan Bromfield Jane DuBois Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Deep Creek Photography Jan Todd Kim McManus Jessica Coffin The entire contents of this publication are copyright by SC Biz News with all rights reserved.

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

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

Cover photo by Kim McManus.

Table of Contents photo by Jan Todd.

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TODAY

www.LakeWylieToday.com Published by SC Biz News

Senior Graphic Designer - Jane Mattingly production2@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118

16 Shoreline

LakeWylie

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2016

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

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

Lions support sight program

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or nearly 100 years, Lions Club members have worked to improve eye health in children and adults. At a Lions Club convention in February, the River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club presented an $8,000 check to Paul Hinson, Chairman of S. C. Lions Charitable Services in support of the Lions Eye Surgery Program. The program was created to help South Carolinians receive eye surgery and treatments they need but cannot afford. Qualified applicants receive quality medical treatment River Hills/Lake Wylie Lion Bessie Meeks presents a check to Paul Hinson, Chairman of S.C. Lions Charitable Services. Photo provided. with dignity, confidentiality and compassion. (l-r) Jane DuBois, Susan Bromfield, and Jan Todd

Lake Wylie Today wins S.C. Press Association award

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ake Wylie Today magazine won second place from The South Carolina Press Association for a Magazine or Specialty Publication at the association’s annual awards luncheon on March 19.

The magazine is published by SC Biz News, which received 21 total awards for the company’s newspapers, magazines, graphic design, digital email products and events.

The chamber and SC BIZ News have been publishing Lake Wylie Today since 2010. Local content, photos and seasonal stories add to the local flavor of the quarterly community magazine, which aims to market and promote the Lake Wylie area.

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Golfers enjoy the weather on the driving range at River Hills Country Club.

Photo provided.

Swinging into summer

Lake Wylie Pilot wins press association award

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ake Wylie Pilot Editor Kitty Muccigrosso accepted a first place award for Breaking News Reporting at the South Carolina Press Association annual meeting March 19 in Columbia. The story was about two men who rescued a driver and passenger trapped in burning vehicle after a crash. She also won third place in Feature Video documenting the rare bloom of the corpse flower at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont.

Introduction to Beekeeping at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

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earn what it takes to be a hobbyist beekeeper, including how to select hive locations, the equipment you will need and how to start and maintain a honey bee colony and hive. Marty Gutowski, Gaston County Beekeeper, will lead the session. June 4, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S New Hope Rd., Belmont. $24. For more information, call 704-825-4490 or visit www.dsbg.org.

Bush-N-Vine opens market stands

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ush-N-Vine has opened its fresh market stands in Lake Wylie and Rock Hill, offering fresh fruits and vegetables from its farm in York. The Lake Wylie stand is located at 1700 Village Harbor Drive and open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m-4 p.m. The Rock Hill stand at 1662 Ebenezer Road is open Monday-Friday 10-4 p.m. and Saturday 10-3 p.m. The Bush-n-Vine farm features seasonal pick-your-own fruit, a hiking trail and observation bee hive. It is located at 1650 Filbert Hwy, York. The hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Check out what’s in season at www.bushnvinefarm.com.

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Mailbag

Art shows to be held at The River Rat Restaurant A

rt shows featuring local artists are held on the third Wednesday or Thursday of every month at the River Rat Restaurant in Lake Wylie from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Started by local artist Jonay di Ragno, past art shows have incorporated art from Clover Middle School students and included a raffle to raise money for the school’s art program. June’s show is set for the third Thursday, June 16. 5301 Hwy 557, Lake Wylie. Call 803 831-5455 to find out the monthly exhibit schedule.

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Mailbag

Carowinds unveils largest water park in the Carolinas

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arowinds, the premier entertainment destination of the Carolinas, is gearing up for an epic season with the debut of two new world-class attractions: Plants vs. Zombies™ Garden Warfare 3Z Arena, the world’s first intra-active 3D digital experience, and the allnew Carolina Harbor, the Carolinas’ largest waterpark. Carolina Harbor Waterpark will be included with park admission and will offer guests relaxing moments of tranquility and refreshing thrills by the “shores.” New features include: -Blackbeard’s Revenge, a six story waterslide complex that features three exhilarating attractions and a total of six slides.

-Pirate’s Plank, which will send guests plummeting down a nearly vertical free fall where the floor drops out from underneath.

ent wave patterns, mimicking the high surf of the Atlantic Ocean.

Carolina Harbor will also feature many new amenities including a new entrance, new restaurants with a full-service bar, plush cabanas and upgraded facilities and changing areas.

Carowinds guests can also conquer the 325-foot tall worldclass thrill ride, Fury 325 – voted the world’s “Best New Ride” by the readers of Amusement Today. Thrills, relaxation and “splashtastic” fun await this season at Carowinds. Visit www.carowinds.com for more information.

-Cannonball Drop, which will twist and turn riders through an enclosed chute with four intense 360-degree turns.

-Captain’s Curse, which shoots guests down a series of intense drops and turns.

Additionally, a new family area will include many new activities for the whole family such as: -Seaside Splashworks, a multi-level children’s water spray ground, featuring over 80 play elements including a giant 423-gallon tipping bucket.

-Kiddy Hawk Cove and Myrtle Turtle Beach, toddler areas with jets of water spraying up from the ground in a charming garden atmosphere.

-Surf Club Harbor, the newest wave pool that creates up to six foot waves in 12 differSummer 2016 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Mailbag

Mr. Jack’s Tree Farm is now open for events

M R.P.Boggs & Co. expands team

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aul Boggs has added Sam Swisher to his team to help with the strong growth over the past several years. Sam is a lawyer, CPA and CFP and moved to River Hills from Chicago where he was a successful financial planner.

r. Jack’s Tree Farm has been family owned and operated since 1979, with over 200 varieties of trees for residential and commercial landscaping The farm is now open for private and community events.

Spring events at the farm included a recent food truck rally and Mr. Jack’s Easter Eggstravaganza.

The farm is open for business Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday by appointment.

16310 Wrights Ferry Rd., Charlotte. Call 704589-0435 for information about renting the farm for an event or celebration.

Having fun while learning

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arowinds turned into an outdoor classroom this spring when Atomz Lab held interactive, lessons for local elementary, middle and high school students at the park.

During Atomz Lab’s “Education Days,” students used Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) principles to learn about the physics and science of roller coasters. For more information, visit www.atomzlab.com.

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Mailbag

From left: Don Jeffries, Neil Nelson, Hank Gerald. Photo/Ken Sanford

Lions hit the road O

n Thursday, April 7, a group of River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club members picked up litter on Highway 49 near the River Hills Community Church and Buster Boyd Bridge. The volunteer effort was one of several the Lions participate in throughout the year. Many of the club’s projects raise money for 35 area charities. Annually, that amount comes to approximately $100,000.

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Mailbag

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Mailbag

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Shoreline

A sparkling good time Lake Wylie Community fireworks are one of the premier events of the year.

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Shoreline

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ourth of July is the busiest and most exciting time of the year on Lake Wylie.

The lake is filled with boaters, swimmers, children and summer campers all enjoying the holiday.

The Lake Wylie Community’s annual 4th of July Fireworks display will return this year, a fantastic display of fireworks high in the sky, reflecting off the glass-like surface of the lake.

July 4th on Lake Wylie is one of the premier events of the year. Truly a community event, the annual fireworks show is funded solely by donations. The show will be held from dusk9:30 p.m. on Monday, July 4.

For the best view of the fireworks, either on land or by boat, the fireworks will launch near the Buster Boyd Bridge - S.C. Hwy 49 at Lake Wylie.

The best places to watch are The Buster Boyd Bridge Boat Landing, T-Bones on the Lake outside deck, Rey Azteca deck at Lake Wylie Plaza, Lake Wylie Italian and Pizza on patio at Lake Wylie Plaza, Bagel Boat on the lawn and Long Cove Marina The fireworks are presented to the community by the community each year. Since Lake Wylie Community Fireworks Display is funded solely through donations, continued support of this wonderful event is needed in order for the event to continue. Please send contributions in any amount now to: Camp Thunderbird Fireworks Fund, One Thunderbird Lane, Lake Wylie, SC 29710. See you at the show! LW

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Shoreline

Where to Rent A Boat Pier 88

River Hills Marina Gas Dock 803-831-0088 www.pier88yachtclub.com Boat Rentals Kayak and canoe rentals

Tega Cay Marina

803-548-3715 Pontoon Boats22 footers All day-weekends Half-day rentals-weekdays only

Light-N-Up Houseboat Charters Nancy Bedgood, Proprietor 704-813-8033 Private parties, outings, receptions and more

Wylie Boat Rentals 803-370-2628 wylieboatrentals.com

NC Flatwater Outfitters 704-914-7484 Kayak and canoe rentals

CHECK LAKE LEVELS ONLINE: www.duke-energy.com

CareFree Boat Club 704-557-0848 www.carefreeboats.com

Summer 2016 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Shoreline

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Shoreline

A Nest That’s

Best

By Jenny Peterson Photos by Kim McManus

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very year, members of a different kind of family move in to Lake Wylie, and they have quite the waterfront view.

Perched on poles 20-feet above Lake Wylie, ospreys make their nests on the top of man-made platforms to lay eggs.

The raptor birds have a wingspan that can reach six feet and are an important part of the ecosystem. They are superb fishermen and breed by freshwater lakes. Before the platforms, ospreys made their nests on utility poles, channel markers and other perilous structures.

Thanks to the Piedmont Area Wildlife Stewards (P.A.W.S), a chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, there are now 25 man-made platforms on Lake Wylie for osprey to lay eggs safely and securely.

P.A.W.S. President Dr. Bill Jarman said that efforts to improve osprey habitats on Lake Wylie and within the Catawba River system started six years ago.

Thanks to grants from Duke Energy’s Habitat Enhancement Program and support from The Lake Wylie Marine Commission, the group creates and successfully installs nest sites.

“This was something that had been done in a lot of other places and it was a project we wanted to do here,” Jarman said. “We’ve had a very good response to ospreys using the nests, and people really enjoy seeing them.”

Using the grant money, the group buys materials, builds the poles and platforms, and even adds twigs to the top so osprey know they can make it a nest. P.A.W.S. contracts with local pile-driver Jerry Wilkens to secure the poles into the water and checks on the nests periodically by boat.

“Generally, it takes birds two years to adopt a nest and the same pair will come back year after year,” Jarman said. “We had over two-thirds of our nests used by ospreys, each producing about three chicks. Every year they are a marvel to see.”

Catching a glimpse

Osprey make a stop on Lake Wylie during their spring migration back from South America, Jarman said. In York County, ospreys typically nest between March and June and hatchlings stay in the nest for up to eight weeks. Fishermen can catch a glimpse of babies in early summer.

Ospreys are sometimes confused with bald eagles, but can be identified by their white underparts.

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Shoreline An osprey returning with nesting material

Osprey habitat locations on Lake Wylie include McDowell Park, Crowders Creek, at the mouth of Big Allison Creek, on Goat Island across from Ebenezer Point and main channels near the Catawba Nuclear Station. All the sites receive proper permitting and are marked. Boaters are asked to stay 300 feet from the structures. “You can get a better view from a distance rather than from straight below,� Jarman said.

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photo/Shutterstock.com

An osprey takes off from its man-made nest.

Eye on the future

Four new osprey nests are planned for this year on Lake Wylie, and two additional North Carolina locations are also planned, including one at the new waterfront park in Belmont.

P.A.W.S also installs underwater artificial reefs for fish and wood duck boxes. For more information or to request an artificial osprey nest in your area, call Jarman at 704-860-2015 or visit the P.A.W.S. website at www.gastonpaws.com. LW

Shoreline

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Smokin’ Hot!

Food for Thought

York County man cultivates world’s hottest chili pepper Story and photos by Jan Todd

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A hot chil i pe at South F pper orty Farm .

Food for Thought

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id you know that the hottest chili pepper in the world was cultivated right here in York County? “Smokin’ Ed” Currie holds a certificate from the Guinness World Records that certifies that his Carolina Reaper® pepper leaves all others behind in its heat intensity.

Ed Currie, described as the “Mad Scientist” of the pepper industry, has been dabbling in the cultivation of hot peppers for the past 40 years or so. Surprisingly, the super heat index of his record-setting pepper was somewhat of an accident.

“I didn’t start out to develop the world’s hottest pepper,” said Ed. “I was actually trying to boost the cancer-fighting properties of this particular pepper.”

At a teenager, Ed became interested in hot peppers for health reasons.

“Most of the men in my family died at young ages, from heart disease or cancer. So I started doing research on how to avoid that. I learned that indigenous

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Food for Thought

“Smokin’ Ed” Currie holds a certificate from the Guinness World Records. populations around the equator have very low instances of heart disease and cancer. One of the things they have in common is that they eat hot peppers with almost every meal.”

Hot peppers offer many health benefits.

They are high in antioxidants and have medicinal properties that fight inflammation, cancer and a variety of diseases. Ed began incorporating peppers into his everyday diet and began making sauces and salsas as a hobby.

“I went into the pepper producing business with a friend for a while, but then left to pursue a career in investment banking. Later I moved to South Carolina, and met my wife, Linda. She encouraged me to get back into the pepper business,” Ed said. “Linda even came up with a name for the business, The PuckerButt Pepper Company.”

It was actually one of Ed’s salsas that brought him and Linda together. “I was really interested in her, but she wouldn’t even talk to me,” Ed said. “Then I found out that she really liked salsa, so I made her a batch.” Evidently Ed’s habenero peach salsa served as a love potion, because it helped Ed win Linda’s heart.

At the time, Ed was growing pepper plants in his backyard, in friends’ gardens, and anywhere he could find a patch of dirt. He cul26

tivated new varieties by cross-pollinating, yielding new varieties with different flavor profiles, spiciness, size, sweetness, nutritional content and other qualities.

As it turns out, Ed isn’t your typical backyard farmer. In college, he majored in biology, chemistry, horticulture and was even on a pre-med track at one point. “I was in college for eight years,” he laughed. “I loved every minute of it!” Ed excelled in his scientific studies, and brings that knowledge to the table . . . the kitchen table, that is. He can explain the chemical reaction that occurs in the mouth when capsaicin—the component that makes hot peppers hot—hits your tongue. He can also explain what to do when you’ve bitten off more than you can handle.

“After eating something really spicy, lots of people reach for a glass of milk or a spoonful of sugar to stop the burn. That doesn’t work.

Capsaicin is an oil. What breaks down an oil?”

Acid. So the citric acid in a bite of lemon or lime will do the trick.”

You’ll want to keep the limes close by when tasting the Carolina Reaper® sauce.

Rated on Smokin’ Ed’s scale of 5 out of 5, or “Stupit Hot,” according to Ed’s description, the Reaper Squeezins sauce is comprised of

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97% pepper puree, and just enough vinegar to allow it to pour out of the bottle.

Containing such a high concentration of the precious pepper, the sauce retails at $25 for a 5 ounce bottle, but for most people that might be a lifetime supply. The pepper is used in more diluted products such as salsa, mustard, cream cheese, sauce blends, and even beef jerky.

The level of heat in chili peppers is measured by a Scoville scale, based on the amount of capsaicin, the heat-producing active ingredient. Pure capsaicin measures at 16 million.

A sweet bell pepper has a Scoville score of zero, a poblano pepper ranges from 1,0002,000, a jalapeño 2,500-5,000, and a habanero ranges 100,000-350,000.

Ed’s Carolina Reaper® pepper measured an average of 1.6 million on the scale, with some of these peppers exceeding two million units.

The Carolina Reaper® put Ed’s company in the international spotlight, and business boomed.

For some, hotter is better. Indeed, there is a culture of “chili heads,” Ed describes, that revel in the ridiculous, seeking out the hottest of the hot to consume if only for bragging rights.

But for most, the peppers have to actually be edible to be enjoyed. Luckily, there is something for everybody. Ed has a variety of pep-

Food for Thought

The Carolina Reaper® in the form of plants and hot sauce developed by Ed Currie (top right).

per products ranging from mild to extreme.

PuckerButt Pepper Company has a storefront in Fort Mill, an internet site and growing distribution all over the world.

“We have a large variety of peppers, over 11,000 different peppers. I get inquiries and business from everywhere,” said Ed. Most of Ed’s peppers are grown in York and neighboring Chester Counties.

“We’re a true seed-to-table producer,” he said. “That means that we know where the product has been in every stage of production.

We’re the only sourced pepper product in the U.S. and the largest supplier of hot peppers in the country.”

Ed’s company follows all-natural growing practices, not surprising considering his emphasis on health and nutrition. He partners with local growers such as Bush ‘n Vine, Springs Farms and several others, and is “hands-on” in every stage of the growing and harvesting process. Other ingredients used in his products are also sourced locally, including peaches, strawberries, tomatoes and more.

For a complete selection of products, visit the PuckerButt Pepper Company tasting room and store at 235 Main Street in Fort Mill or go to the website puckerbuttpeppercompany.com. LW Summer 2016 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Food for Thought

Splashes of HEAT

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n addition to PuckerButt Pepper Company, local farmers markets and produce stands carry locally-made hot sauces and chutneys that use peppers to fire up the palate.

Tim Reid, at South Forty Farms shop in Lake Wylie, is excited about a selection of Carolina-made sauces and spices that is new to his store this year.

“It’s a company called Smokin’ J’s Fiery Foods.

Some of it is really hot.”

Black’s Peaches grows more common chili peppers. “We’ll have jalapeños, cayenne, and habanero peppers,” said Arthur Black, owner of the family farm located at 1800 Black Highway in York. “We make some of our own sauces and chutneys, and have them in our store.”

Locally-grown chili peppers can be purchased in season at Black’s Peaches, Bush ‘n Vine, South Forty, and PuckerButt Pepper Company.

Tabasco Peppers on the vine. Photo/Zack Snipes, Clemson Extension

Peppers By The Numbers Most peppers are classified according to their degree of hot or mild flavor.

Mild:

Scoville Units:

Bell 0 Sweet Banana

0

Sweet cherry

0

Pimento 100-500 Pepperoncini 100-500 Hot Cherry

100-500

Hot:

Scoville Units:

Jalapeño

2,500 – 5,000

Cayenne

30,000 – 50,000

Tabasco

30,000 – 50,000

Habanero Chile 200,000– 350,000 Ghost Chile

855,000 – 1,005,000

Carolina Reaper®

1,600,000 - 2,000,000

Source: www.chiliworld.com and www.gogardengo.com 28

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Food for Thought

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Lake Wylie Dining Guide

Food for Thought

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Azteca Grill 604 Nautical Dr Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-8930

Concord Cove 5303 Concord Rd York, SC 29745 (803) 831-1036

McDonalds 5262 Highway 557 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803)831-0577

Bagel Boat – Bagels 4090 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-5995

Domino’s Pizza 125 E Evergreen Rd Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-7075

Panda Hut 144 Highway 274 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 631-1988

Best China 5243 Hwy 557 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-5540

Fini’Z Oyster Bar and Grill 4555 Charlotte Hwy, Suite 19 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0037

Papa Johns 221 Latitude Lane Suite 101 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0101

Bojangles 4927 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-9346

Jersey Mike’s 604 Nautical Drive, Suite 101 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0912

Pier 88 at River Hills Marina 54 Marina Rd Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0088

Cherry – Asian Cuisine 4034 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-9594

Lake Wylie Bowl N Bounce 4034 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-2553

Pizza Hut 5241 Hwy 557 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-1188

Christopher’s Bar and Grille 1500 Village Harbor Dr Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-2461

Lake Wylie Italian and Pizza 4074 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0855

Q2U BBQ and Catering 4052 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-8883

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Food for Thought Rey Azteca Mexican 4052 Charlotte Highway Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-9277 River Hills Country Club 1 Country Club Dr. Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-2126 The River Rat II 5301 Hwy 557 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-5455 Now serving brunch from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Monday-Saturday Shia Asian Bistro 4547 Charlotte Highway #1 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 746-5588 Subway 5245 Hwy 557 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0143 Sweetwater Grille 4582 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-1788 T-Bones on the Lake 3990 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0170 Waffle House 5013 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0315 Wendy’s 5188 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710-8099 (803) 831-2687 Zaxby’s 143 SC-274 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-2634 LW

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

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

803.831.1318

125 Forest Oaks Dr. • Lake Wylie Dr. Jodi Werfal Dr. Cory Ellis Bring this ad in for $10.00 off an annual wellness exam Summer 2016 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Garden Party

John and Sandee Wilkerson relax around the fire pit on their covered porch.

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Garden Party Wilkerson’s house on Holly Berry Woods

Paradise on the golf course Story and photos by Jan Todd

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Garden Party

(above) Sandee loves waking up to her view of paradise; (three images top to bottom) Pictures of their vacations decorate the Wilkerson’s home; The Wilkersons spend most of their indoor time in the multi-purpose great room; The Wilkersons enjoy dining and entertaining outdoors; (center) The open foyer provides a view of the porch and pool; (right) John and Sandee Wilkerson.

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andee and John Wilkerson describe their River Hills home site as a “lemon.”

“This lot was on the market for 22 years before we bought it!” Sandee said. “It had a big gully running through it, and was overgrown. It was one of the last remaining empty lots in River Hills. Nobody wanted it.”

You’d never know that now.

The Wilkersons have transformed the property, located on Holly Berry Woods, by building a beautiful home that overlooks a pond and the eighth fairway on the River Hills golf course. The backyard is a piece of paradise, with a covered living area overlooking their swimming pool, surrounded by palm trees and a view of the golf course.

Sandee and John were two of the “original” residents of River Hills. John, about to celebrate his 90th birthday later this summer, is a York County native.

“I grew up in Hickory Grove, one of eight children,” said John. He graduated from Clemson University, and served in the Navy during World War II. He and his brother started Wilkerson Fuel Company in Rock Hill, providing oil and gas to homeowners and businesses.

“My whole family was made up of entrepreneurs,” he said.

The Wilkerson brothers sold the fuel company, and John moved his family to River Hills in the early 1970s to “retire.” However, his retirement didn’t last long.

Sea Pines Plantation Company, a resort developer out of Hilton Head, was develop34

ing River Hills at that time. When Sea Pines pulled out in the late 1970’s, a friend convinced John to take over real estate sales for the development. He got his real estate license and purchased River Hills Plantation Realty Sales from Sea Pines. He operated the company from his office near the marina for a couple of years.

“Once River Hills became more developed, it made sense to move the realty office outside the gates. We renamed the company First Properties of the Carolinas, and built an office in Lake Wylie and another in Tega Cay,” said John. The Lake Wylie building is across from River Hills, and has several office suites that have housed many businesses over the years. The Lake Wylie Pilot and the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce were originally located in the Wilkersons’ building.

John sold the agency and retired, again, in 2004.

Having watched River Hills and all of York County grow and change around him, John researched and wrote a history booklet about York County. He has been very involved in building and bettering the community of Lake Wylie.

Meanwhile, Sandee had moved from Miami to the Lake Wylie area to work with the Sea Pines Company as a sales agent. She remembers operating out of the old Belk Mansion, located in what now is River Hills. Later she went to work as a realtor for Allen Tate.

“John and I were actually competitors!” she laughed. She and John married about 20

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years ago. Sandee now works for First Properties at the office on Highway 49.

They got married at John’s home on Heritage Drive in River Hills. “Since we both knew so many people, we had about 250 guests.

Parking was a challenge, so we rented several limos and shuttled people from a parking lot outside of River Hills.” The Wilkersons continued to live in that home for about three years.

John and Sandee had each moved around a few times within River Hills, and were ready for a new home for John’s “real” retirement.

They searched for a while, looking for an existing home or perhaps one to renovate. “We knew what we wanted,” said Sandee, “and decided that we wanted to build.”

From their experience in real estate, they were able to visualize real possibility for the “lemon lot” on Holly Berry Woods. The location on the golf course and view of the pond were a plus, and the challenging topography could be graded to suit. Their new home, built

by Shannon Miller, was completed in 2001.

The Wilkerson’s home was truly designed with entertainment in mind. With such a beautiful setting, the outdoor area is a showplace. The pool was designed with built-in seating in the shallow areas, so a dozen people could sit and relax in the water. For parties and special occasions, the pool has a fountain in the center that can be turned on.

A covered porch overlooks the pool, with a dining area and additional seating around a fire pit. In warm weather, the fire pit can be

Garden Party

covered with a table top.

The front door of the Wilkerson’s home is glass, and as guests approach they can look straight through the foyer to the outdoor porch and pool on the opposite side.

The Wilkersons spend a lot of time outdoors sitting by the fire to keep them toasty in the wintertime, and lounging in the pool to keep them cool in the summer. They even have an outdoor television and stereo system to enjoy while they’re on the porch.

Inside, the Wilkersons designed the home for single level living, with guest rooms upstairs. The master bedroom is on the main level, and overlooks the pool.

“I love waking up to that view every day,” said Sandee.

The spacious great room incorporates the kitchen, living, and an eating area. There’s a formal dining room for special occasions, but Sandee and John spend the majority of time in the great room when they’re indoors. The Wilkersons have been fortunate enough to travel to many places around the world, and large framed pictures from their vacations decorate the home.

“The pictures remind us of happy memories,” Sandee said.

They entertain frequently, and most parties flow inside and out.

“Once we were asked to host a party to introduce Nikki Haley, long before she was governor. I think we had over a hundred people here,” said Sandee. “We’ve had some good times in this home!” LW Summer 2016 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Feature Trees at the lake were a great way to relay directions.

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Lake Wylie

remembered A look back at Lake Wylie in the shelter of the shack

Story and Photos provided by Jan Todd

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spent many of my childhood days swimming in Lake Wylie, but back then we just called it “the rivah.” My grandparents had a river shack on the Big Allison Creek section.

My grandparents leased their river lot from Duke Power for about $25 a year, beginning in the 1950’s. My grandfather hand-built the shack as a shelter from rain. The shack had three rooms and a path, with the path leading to an outhouse in the woods! There was a tiny living room, a kitchen with a stove, sink, and refrigerator and a little bedroom where the young ones would nap.

Shacks and trailers were common at “the rivah” because Duke Power owned most of

the land, so permanent housing wasn’t a viable option. In the late 1970’s, many of the lots were offered for sale. Those leasing the lots were given the first opportunity to purchase, and my grandparents scraped together the $7,700 price tag for their 1-acre lake lot.

Growing up in the 1960’s and 70’s, I remember visiting my grandparents and looking forward to days on the river.

Summer on Lake Wylie was the best season of all! Nothing beat a cool dip in the lake on a hot July afternoon. We’d pack a big cooler filled with hamburgers to grill, ripe watermelon, iced tea (sweet, of course!) and plenty of home grown tomatoes. Granddaddy would

hitch up his red and white Glasspar four-seater boat to his old Ford pick-up, then select a lucky grandchild or two to ride along with him to the boat landing. He’d stop along the way to buy a cup of worms for fishing, then head over to the Ebenezer boat landing to launch the boat and ride over to his place on the river.

Meanwhile, Grandmama would load the rest of us in her car and we’d head to the river shack. At that time, Allison Creek Road was barely paved, and full of potholes big enough for a jacuzzi tub. It seemed to take an eternity before we’d turn off on a dirt road headed to their place. Once on the dirt road, there

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Jan Todd’s grandmother on steps of their river shack.

were no street signs. We’d fork to the left, then right, then left again, winding our way towards the water.

Those who didn’t know the way followed handmade signs nailed to trees, with family names and arrows pointing directions.

We’d spend our day fishing from the pier, basking in the sun, floating around in our orange life jackets and playing along the sandy shoreline. If we were lucky enough to catch a lot of fish, Granddaddy would clean them and we’d fry them for supper. For dessert, we’d take turns hand-cranking an ice cream freezer filled with fresh peaches and cream.

Back before my time, my uncle remembers learning to waterski behind his friend’s aluminum fishing boat with a 15-horsepower motor. The small motor would cause the boat to surge and dwindle, and it would take a good hundred yards or so before the skier emerged on top of the water.

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Still, my uncle felt lucky to have a pair of skis; many others on the lake were learning to ski on boat paddles or whatever else they could find.

Skis weren’t the only thing being handmade. One of our neighbors (I’ll call him “B.K.” to protect his identity) made his own “party barge” out of some oil drums, rope, and plywood. He constructed this contraption in the backyard of his home in Rock Hill, then transported it to the river to tie up at his river shack.

Trouble was, the width of this so-called pontoon boat exceeded the width of the highway lane. So B.K. waited until the dead of night, when traffic would be unlikely, hitched the barge up to his truck and he and a friend took it to the boat landing to drop it in the water. They underestimated the buoyancy of the oil drums, however, and the oil drums popped out to the sides of the plywood and the entire contraption sprang apart.

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Not to be deterred, B.K. and his friend retrieved the pieces and added more rope until the oil drums were secured underneath the plywood. They then attached a 15-horsepower motor to the back of it, and the party barge was ready to sail. B.K. said they once had ten people aboard. It was all fun and games until a breeze kicked up, and that little motor was no match for Mother Nature. The barge sailed backwards for a bit until it hit the shore, but the party went on.

There aren’t too many river shacks left on Lake Wylie, but when you find them, you’ll see people outside under the trees, sitting in lawn chairs and watching the boats go by.

You’ll smell charcoal and suntan lotion, hear laughter and squeals of children playing in the water. Folks staying in these cabins can tell you where the osprey are nesting, and how the fish have been biting this year compared to last year.

Old times on Lake Wylie.

Jan’s mother as a young girl.

Jan down at the lake in 1966.

Old time river shacks can still be seen on Lake Wylie Unlike the folks who live in the big air-conditioned houses around the lake, people in the river shacks spend all day outside, unconcerned with laundry or chores or appointments and business meetings. They’re out enjoying a day, week, or even the whole summer at the lake and making the most of it.

I think we can learn something from the river shack folks. While it can be easy to get wrapped up in the busyness of everyday living, we’re lucky enough to live on or near beautiful Lake Wylie. Why not take a day or week and spend it under a shade tree by the lake, watching the boats go by? Take out a canoe or paddle board and see how far you can go?

Perhaps take a boat for a slow cruise from the south end of the lake all the way up the river, stopping for a picnic along the way.

And if you see some folks outside of a river shack along the way, stop and visit for a spell.

They’ll probably be glad to see you. LW Summer 2016 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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SUMMER CALENDAR C

elebrate the summer season with fun, family-friendly events held all summer long. Please check ahead dates and times as they are subject to change

June 11-12

Catawba Regional Ag + Art Tour

Tega Cay Fourth of July Celebration

A free, self-guided tour of farms and local artisans in York County. Farms, artisans and live bluegrass and folk music. The tour will run 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m.

– 5 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.agandarttour. com for a list of participating farms.

Tega Cay celebrates its birthday on July 4 each year with a parade in front of the Tega Cay town hall at 9 a.m.and a boat parade at the Nivens Creek landing at 11 a.m. All-day activities are planned at the Golf Course Pavillion Area and Glennon Center. A large fireworks display concludes the celebration. www.tegacaysc.org.

Sip & Stroll at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

June 18

Carowinds Fireworks

Sip a glass of wine, stroll through the gardens and enjoy live music at Lost Hollow’s Hillside Theatre. Food trucks will be on site. 5-9 p.m. Free with garden admission. 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012. www.dsbg.org.

Monthly Tega Cay Summer Food Truck Rallies, held at Runde Park. Kid-friendly DJ Tim from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Headliners from 7-10 p.m. Kids activities and lots of concessions.

5110 Windward Dr., Tega Cay. Reserved lawn seating available. Email jblethen@tegacaysc. gov or call 803-548-3787.

June June 2 (Every Thursday in June)

June 4-5

BrewFest at Carowinds Carowinds is showcasing the best of craft beer at its first-ever BrewFest. Purchase sample suds from breweries and micro brews from around the Carolinas while enjoying the theme park. 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte. www.carowinds.com.

June 9 (every Thursday and Saturday through September) River Jam

A free outdoor weekly concert series every Thursday and Saturday through September from 7-10 p.m. at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Rock Hill. National musical acts and large food and craft beer selections. Parking $5 per vehicle. 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte. www.usnwc.org.

June 11

Lake Wylie Splash Dash The Splash Dash returns to Camp Thunderbird to kick off the summer season. Put on by the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, participants run through the scenic and winding roads of River Hills.

The event will be held on Sat., June 11, at 8 a.m.

Walkers will begin at 8:10 a.m. Registration for the race is $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event.

Walker registration is $10, with proceeds going to the Camp Thunderbird Scholarship Fund. Wheelchair racers are welcome. Each pre-registered runner will receive a specially designed T-shirt, while supplies lasts. To register, visit www.lakewyliesplashdash.com or call the chamber at 803-831-2827.

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Tega Cay Summer Food Truck Rallies

June 18 and 19

Father’s Day weekend at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Free garden admission for all fathers! The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden will celebrate Father’s Day weekend with an authentic classic car show, beer tasting, live music and small house workshop. Hands-on activities for the whole family will be held from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Food trucks will be on site for lunch. 6500 S New Hope Rd., Belmont, NC. www.dsbg.org.

July Thursdays in July

Sip & Stroll at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden See description in June events.

July 4

Lake Wylie Community Fourth of July Fireworks Lake Wylie’s annual fireworks display will be held on Monday, July 4 from dusk-9:30 p.m.

This is one of the premier events of the season. The best viewing areas are: The Buster Boyd Bridge Boat Landing, T-Bones on the Lake outside deck, Rey Azteca deck at Lake Wylie Plaza, Lake Wylie Italian and Pizza on patio at Lake Wylie Plaza, Bagel Boat on the lawn and Long Cove Marina. Watch by boat near the Buster Boyd Bridge.

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Carowinds will hold a fireworks show on July 4 at 10 p.m. Fireworks are also featured on many other evenings. Season passes for families make this a popular spot all summer long. 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte. www.carowinds.com.

August Thursdays in August

Sip & Stroll at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden See description in June events.

August 20

Tega Cay Summer Food Truck Series See description in June events.

August 27

York Summerfest Celebrating its 33rd year, York Summerfest, is the largest one-day festival in South Carolina. The event includes concerts, food, art exhibits, an antique car show, unique craft vendors, a special children’s area, a 5k fun run, golf tournament, open art exhibit, and more. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. North Congress and Roosevelt Streets between Liberty and Madison. www.yorksummerfest.com.

Looking ahead Clover Scottish Games and Scotch-Irish Festival Normally held in the summer, the 19th annual Clover Scottish Games and Scotch-Irish Festival is set for Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Scottish food, music, culture and history.

Free. New Centre Park, 501 Memorial Drive, Clover. LW

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Feature

A Lake Wylie baseball player winds up a pitch.

Photo by Kim McMullan.

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Play

Ball!

Lake Wylie Athletic Association programs are a hit for all ages Story by Jan Todd

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s the summer sun sinks low in the sky, the ballfields around Lake Wylie and Clover are filled with kids sliding into second, stealing third base, and slapping high fives as they run across home plate. Along the sidelines, parents and siblings cheer them on.

While older children play ball, their younger siblings can be found behind the bleachers, playing their own version of baseball with plastic bats and tennis balls, practicing for the day when they are old enough to play on the real field on the other side of the fence.

On the bleachers, parents chat and visit, pausing each time they hear the sweet sound of the bat connecting with the ball, watching to see if it sails towards the outfield.

It’s a scene that repeats itself night after night, summer after summer.

Since the first pitch in 2008, the Lake Wylie Athletic Association (LWAA) has built a program where area children can come to play ball. Today, more than 1,000 kids play sports each year through the LWAA.

The organization runs 17 Little League baseball teams, 40 soccer teams, and 26 basketball teams. Each sport has a commissioner who coordinates game and practice schedules, field use, volunteer management, registration and team assignments.

“The entire organization is run by volunteers,” said Ron Domurat, Chairman of the LWAA. “Coaches, board members, field prep, all are volunteers.”

Most of the volunteers are parents, Domurat said. Although, “we do have some volunteers from the community who just want to coach a team or help out in other ways,” he said. “Sometimes we’ll have high school students volunteer to coach or serve as referees or umpires, and that helps a lot.”

Coaches are trained during pre-season clinics that are taught by local professionals.

“We supply manuals, guidelines and a library of drills for each sport,” said Domurat. “Across the LWAA sports, the emphasis is on development and fun. Competition is secondary.

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Photos by Jan Todd

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Every player is guaranteed to play at least 50 percent of the game.”

Boys and girls can join LWAA soccer as early as age three. T-ball leagues begin at age four and basketball at age six. Children are grouped in teams by age. Early training focuses on sport rules, fundamentals, and sportsmanship.

Jeff Grayson, who has coached LWAA soccer for several years and has served as soccer commissioner, said he enjoys watching the kids have fun and progress in their skills.

“I coached a U-10 (ten years of age and under) team, and the first season, they didn’t win a single game,” he said. “The girls didn’t know how to pass or shoot, so we just worked on fundamentals. The next year, the very same team made it all the way to the championship game!”

Some kids stay on the same team from year to year, and skills develop as a team as well as individually. After playing for LWAA, some go on to play for school teams or in competitive club leagues.

LWAA currently relies on schools, churches and neighboring recreation facilities to provide fields for training and games.

“Finding a place to play is a constant challenge,” said Grayson. “We don’t have our own place, so we’ll go to River Hills, Crowders Creek, Allison Creek or wherever. Principals of the local schools and the Clover Parks and Recreation Department are very cooperative and generously let us use their fields, but sometimes we have to make changes. Last year, after the spring rains were so heavy, the fields at the elementary school were in such bad shape that we had to pull away. We’ve been trying to get the park built next to Crowders Creek, and that will give us a consistent place to practice and play.”

Lake Wylie has grown tremendously since 44

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the inception of LWAA, and field availability has become a pressing issue.

“If there were more facilities, we could include more teams and give more kids the opportunity to play. Otherwise, we have to limit registration,” Domurat said.

The proposed Lake Wylie SportsPlex at Paddlers Cove, just southwest of Crowders Creek Elementary School, will make a huge difference for organized sports such as LWAA. “The Sportsplex is good for the whole community,” said Domurat. “We’ll be able to host tournaments there, bringing in visitors who will eat at our restaurants, shop in our stores, and bring tourism dollars into the area.”

About $2.5 million in hospitality tax dollars have been set aside by York County Council to fund the Sportsplex, which will have three baseball fields and three multi-purpose fields that can be used for football, soccer and lacrosse.

“The fields will have artificial turfs, which means they can be used regardless of weather,” explained Domurat. “Artificial turfs will be a significant draw for hosting tournaments in addition to our own community use. On natural surface fields, a big rain storm can make the fields unusable for several days, so the Sportsplex will make huge difference.”

The planned complex will also feature basketball courts, a disc golf course, playgrounds and walking trails. The entire complex is expected to cost nearly $7 million.

“During the season, the LWAA will have games every evening, and tournament play will be scheduled on the weekend,” said Domurat. Anytime the fields are not reserved, the public can use them for adult leagues or casual play.

For more information about LWAA and the Lake Wylie SportsPlex, visit lwsports.org or look for the organization on Facebook. LW Summer 2016 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Feature Jerry Helms, Carowinds vice president of operations, points to construction of the new Carolina Harbor, Carolinas’ largest waterpark, that will be unveiled this season.

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!

For the Fun of it

By Jenny Peterson Photos by Kim McManus

Faces

Longtime employee leads the way at Carowinds

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Faces

This page, top left: Many thrilling rides, including the Carolina Cyclone, are featured at Carowinds. Top right: Jerry Helms stands in front of the J.R. Helms Mining Company sign, named in his honor, at the entrance to the Carolina Gold Rusher roller coaster. Bottom right: The Fury 325 is the tallest and fastest Giga coaster in the world. Opposite page top: Jerry Helms flips through archived newspaper clippings from Carowinds’ history. Bottom: Themed areas at the park offer fun for all ages.

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sk any of the 4,000 seasonal employees at Carowinds theme park to point out Jerry Helms, the park’s vice-president of operations, and they’ll tell you he’s the one walking the grounds among guests, picking up litter, returning lost items to the front desk.

He’s the one with the smile, the one who knows everyone by their first name, who ends conversations with a fist-bump.

The Lake Wylie resident, also known as “Uncle Jerry,” to the staff, is also one of the longest-running employees at the park, having worked at the park since 1973, the second year it opened.

He first walked onto the property as a college student looking for a part-time job as a security guard.

In a comedy of errors, Helms found himself lost in a back parking lot, unsure of how to get to the office. As fate would have it, a black Lincoln Continental pulled up, and the man inside in the car showed him the way.

The man in the car turned out to be Carowinds’ original owner, E. Pat Hall, the man who thought of the idea to build a massive theme 48

park in Charlotte straddling North and South Carolina.

In those days, whoever Hall brought in personally was hired on the spot.

“I just got lucky,” Helms said.

His streak of luck was hardly over. It was at Carowinds where Helms met and fell in love with a woman named Irene who was hired as a “balloon girl” to sell balloons to guests for 10 cents each.

“When I first saw her, I couldn’t even speak,” Helms remembers.

At the end of the park’s season, Jerry planned to return to graduate school. He asked Irene out instead. They married in 1977 and he remains as enamored with her as the day he first asked her out on the park grounds.

“That’s what Carowinds is—those special memories,” Helms said.

Over the next 43 years, Helms worked in every department at the park, continuously proving that Hall picked the right man for the job.

Now running the day-to-day operations of the 398-acre park, Helms walks 7 to 8 miles

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on the grounds every day talking to each of the employees and thinking of ways to improve the park experience.

His love for the place is infectious. He’s coached the staff to provide outstanding customer service, trains employees on leadership, and serves as a role model.

“I tell them: where else can you go to get paid and also have the best day ever?” Helms said.

Helms can recall the park’s past and history in great detail. He smiles while flipping through a scrapbook of archived newspaper clippings about notable musical acts, comedians, attractions and rides.

He can recall performances from Steve Martin, Jimmy Buffet, Bob Hope, James Taylor, Johnny Cash and Kenny Rogers at the park’s Paladium.

In a fitting tribute to the man who dedicated his life to the theme park, employees unveiled a new name on the entrance to the Carolina Gold Rusher roller coaster: The J.R. Helms Mining Company. It was a humbling moment and a complete surprise, he said. Irene rode

Faces

the roller coaster with him that day.

Despite more than 40 years working in the business, Helms is still energized by the park.

He points out that airplanes flying into the Charlotte Douglas International Airport get a marvelous view of the Fury325, the world’s largest Giga coaster.

“Pilots tilt the airplanes so passengers can see it,” he said.

This season, Carowinds will unveil the Carolina Harbor waterpark, the largest waterpark in the Carolinas.

Helms is constantly looking for ways to improve the park experience and the community.

He’s led a “Pennies for Progress” tax program to improve York County roads. The program built six lanes on Highway 77 to accommodate the cars traveling the area. He continues to work with elected officials both locally and in the statehouse for more road improvements and safety across all counties.

Helms doesn’t divulge any secrets about the park’s five-year master plan, but says with a smile, “I know what’s coming. If you think the park is something now, just wait.” LW Summer 2016 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Development Update

This vintage cabin, located on the Allison Creek peninsula of Lake Wylie, recently sold in the mid $300’s. It has a good location, nice open view, and the condition is suitable for “weekend” use. Photo by Jan Todd.

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Development Update

Lakefront home options in Lake Wylie

By Drew Choate, The Lake Wylie Man

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very year, we see real estate signs popping up along with the daffodils in the springtime, and this year has been no exception. We’ve had a steady increase in real estate listings since March, and are entering summer with a strong market. The number of homes listed on the market usually peaks April through June, and home closings follow suit May - August. Living in a mild climate, we do have real estate activity year round, but spring and summer definitely dominate the market.

In the popular Clover school district (encompassing Lake Wylie, Clover and York addresses near the lake), first quarter home sales were up 13% in comparison to last year, and up a whopping 70% in comparison to two years ago.

However, home inventory (houses listed for sale on the MLS)

are actually down significantly. This tightening of the market begins to swing the pendulum from the “buyer” side over to the “seller” side. Indeed, recent stats show the average sales price at about 98% of listing price. Average time on market has fallen from 142 days a year ago to just 88 days, an improvement of almost two months.

Lakefront Sales

Waterfront sales on Lake Wylie continue to improve as well.

We had a strong first quarter, with robust increases in both waterfront homes and land sales. Many sales happened rather quickly. Almost a third of homes that went under contract in the first quarter had been on the market for less than a month.

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Development Update

This all-brick waterfront home on River Oaks has been recently listed for $614,900. Built in 2000, it is nestled on a cove lot in a very popular area of the Clover School District. Photo by Beth Abel.

Lake homes generally spend more time on the market than non-waterfront homes. Last year, in the greater Lake Wylie area, non-waterfront homes averaged about 3 months on the market, while waterfront homes averaged almost 6 months. Waterfront buyers generally spend more time looking at properties, and part of that time is simply gaining an understanding of what can be purchased at different price points.

Several factors contribute to pricing for waterfront property. Location, of course, is important, with strong school districts and nearby amenities playing a key role. Location on the lake is also important. Main channel views and big open views command a premium price. Many buyers prefer the quieter coves, but choices are often driven by financial considerations as well.

Looking under $400,000, most of what is available are lake cabins and smaller homes in need of repair. We’ve seen cabin sales pick up significantly in the past couple of years, a positive economic sign as buyers are feeling secure in the purchase of vacation and sec52

ond home property.

Many of these cabins are on highly desirable lots, and buyers may eventually replace the cabins with permanent homes. Also, buyers not afraid of extensive renovation projects can find properties at these lower price points. The first surge of permanent housing development on Lake Wylie was in the 1970s, and popular television shows such as “Flip or Flop,” “Property Brothers,” and “Fixer Upper,” have inspired buyers to consider some of these older homes with updating potential.

From $400,000-$600,000, two types of lakefront property dominate. Either the lot has qualities such as level topography, a nice view and a desirable location, but a smaller house (under 2,500 square feet) that may needs significant work, or the house is movein ready and the lot has some challenges.

At this price point, buyers have to reconcile their priorities.

A larger, newer home (under 15-20 years old and 3,000-3,500 square feet) in this price range will generally be located on a cove lot

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without a big view. A home with a big view in this price range will generally be smaller, older or need some updating and repairs.

Still, this is a very popular price point on Lake Wylie and inventory runs very tight.

There was a flurry of activity in this price range in late first quarter, with several properties going under contract.

Homes in the $600,000-$800,000 category average around 3,800 square feet, and generally offer higher finish levels and move-in ready condition. The age of lake homes is much higher on average than off-the-lake, so while many of these homes may be more than 20 years old, at this price range, most have been extensively renovated. This segment of the market is currently one of the most active and one of the fastest-selling.

Homes in the $800,000-$1 million segment tend to be newer (less than 15 years old), larger (average 4,500 square feet) and are located in the more popular areas on the lake. Inventory is plentiful at the higher price points, so buyers have more choices.

Homes at this price range are usually

move-in-ready and usually have nice docks and outdoor living areas. In this category of homes, the “extras� such as swimming pools, big views, built-in grills and outdoor fireplaces make the difference.

Luxury homes over $1 million have been increasing in sales the past couple of years to 6-8 homes per year. Most of these homes are in excess of 5,000 square feet, offer big views, and are in easily-accessible neighborhood settings with similar properties nearby.

However, the inventory of homes listed runs about three to five times the number of sales, so average time on market for the $1 million plus home can be a few years.

However, new listings in this price category sometimes sell very quickly, as buyers have been waiting for a home of this caliber in a particular neighborhood, or with particular features not found in those currently on the market.

Continued development, economic vitality and the beautiful resources in our area bring prosperity and growth to our area. It is an exciting time to live in Lake Wylie! LW Summer 2016 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight News of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Summer 2016

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

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Presents the 2016 Splash Dash 10K/5K Race

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ake Wylie Chamber of Commerce’s annual 10K/5K race and 5K walk, will be held this year on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Camp Thunderbird/River Hills in Lake Wylie. This premier event is highly-anticipated each year. This is the 23rd year the Chamber has held Splash Dash.

The Splash Dash is a Champion Chip event by Queen City Timing. The 10K course is USATF Certified, and the courses for both 54

races and the walk wind through the scenic and undulating roads of River Hills. Starting time for the race is 8 am. Walkers will step off behind the runners.

Registration for the race is $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event. Wheelchair racers are welcome. Each pre-registered runner will receive a specially designed T-shirt.

Runners who register on the day of the race will receive a T-shirt as long as the supply lasts. The fee to participate in the walk is $10,

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Summer 2016

with proceeds going to the Camp Thunderbird Scholarship Fund. The first 100 walkers to register will also receive a T-shirt.

To register for Splash Dash, visit the Chamber’s website at www.lakewyliesc.com and download a registration form, or call Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce at 803831-2827 for forms and/or more information.

Registration can also be made online at www. queencitytiming.com. Same day registration is at 7 a.m. at Camp Thunderbird.

Spotlight 23rd Annual Lake Wylie Splash Dash 10k • 5K • 5K walk

JUNE 11, 2016 - 8:00 a.m.

Registration /Check-in at Camp Thunderbird Race in River Hills Plantation Event: (Check one) ___ 10K Run ___ 5K Run ___Walk Cost: $20.00 10K & 5K – early registration by June 9, 2016 $25.00 10K & 5K Day of Race $10.00 Walkers

New for 2016

Browse the Lake Wylie App and Lake Wylie Text Club!

Name:____________________________________________Age:______Sex:___M___F Address:__________________________________________Date of Birth:___/___/____ City:______________________________State:___________Zipcode:_______________ Phone:_________________Email:______________________Fax:__________________ T-Shirt Size: (Check one) ___M ___L ____XL Waiver & Release: By signing this entry form, I release Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, its agencies, and representatives of the Splash Dash Road Race, Carolinas Healthcare System, River Hills Community Association and YMCA Camp Thunderbird from any claims of liability, illness, damage or injury suffered by me as a result of participating or traveling to and from this event. I understand that running or walking a road race is a potentially hazardous activity, unless I am medically able and properly trained. I hereby certify that I am in such physical condition and in good health. I also give permission for use of my name and picture to be used in any account, broadcast, or telecast of this event.

Signed:________________________________________________Date:_____________

(Parent or Legal Guardian if under 18)

Make Checks Payable to and Mail to:: Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce/Splash Dash P.O. Box 5233 Lake Wylie, S.C. 29710

Contact Info:

Phone: 803-831-2827 Fax: 803-831-2460 e-mail: lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com www.lakewyliesc.com

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ew ways to promote local businesses and specials just got easier. The Chamber has partnered to offer our members new ways to promote specials and offers using technology.

Browse Lake Wylie and Lake Wylie Text Club are joining forces! Local specials, deals and discounts delivered to your phone via text and also available 24/7 on the app. It is at no cost to customers and it is so easy! Just download the Browse Lake Wylie App to your smartphone from the App Store. Then text the word “Wylie” to 78816.

Summer 2016 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight

Business After Hours March 17, 2016 Sponsored by Clover Community Bank and Lake Wylie Liquors Held at Clover Community Bank – Lake Wylie Photos by Jan Todd

Linda Eiler and Tom Wirth of Frugal Window Fashions LLC.

Hank Owen of Haselden, Owen and Boloyan and Bo Redmond of CCB.

Kathie Goforth and Gwen Thompson of Clover Community Bank with Jane DuBois of Lake Wylie Today.

Ken Sanford with Kitty Muccigrosso of Lake Wylie Pilot.

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Summer 2016

BAH Caterer, Michael Barrett of Jackson’s Kitchen with Lauren Gibson of Clover Community Bank.

Jenny Peterson and Kim McManus of Lake Wylie Today with Susan and Charlie Bromfield at the St. Paddy’s Day BAH.

The LW Chamber welcomed new member Dr. Dorothy McCoy at the March BAH.

Dr. Amber Pederson, Dr. Alan Hartley and Gwen Thompson of Clover Community Bank.

Spotlight

Business After Hours April 7, 2016 Sponsored by AAA – Carolinas, Suntrust Bank and Lake Wylie Italian and Pizza Held at River Hills Marina Picnic Pavilion Photos by Jessica Coffin

The April BAH sponsors from AAA-Carolinas and SunTrust Bank.

Bobbie Otto, Larry Marraccini and Bob Wheeler.

Andrew Miller and Jessica Coffin of The Lake Wylie Mortgage Man.

View from the deck at River Hills Marina at the April Business After Hours.

Dolly Scheasley of Comp Pro, Christine Robinson, violinist, Carol Chase, pianist and Lynne Gessner at the BAH.

June MacIndoe and Charles Wood having pizza at the April BAH.

Kitty Muccigrosso, Jamie Dodd and Andrew Miller.

Summer 2016 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight Governor Nikki Haley with Susan Bromfield in Lake Wylie.

Senator Harvey Peeler and Susan Bromfield at Lake Wylie Visitor Center.

S.C. Rep. Ralph Norman with Susan Bromfield at a candidate event.

LW Chamber also serves as Legislative Liaison

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he Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and its president uniquely serve as a legislative liaison and voice from the unincorporated Lake Wylie Community. Located on a thriving and prosperous gateway into South Carolina and York County, the Lake Wylie Chamber proudly and continuously works with county and state elected officials to address the growth and related issues.

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S.C. Rep. Tommy Pope with Susan Bromfield at the Lake Wylie Chamber building.

Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Charles Wood - Chairman KODIAK MINI STORAGE Don Long – Vice Chairman Donna Bordeaux - Secretary BORDEAUX & BORDEAUX, CPAs, PA Michaelyn Sherrill - Treasurer HOME COMPANIONS Susan Bromfield, President LAKE WYLIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Ed Stewart – Past Chairman M.L. FORD & SONS Myron Boloyan, Esq. HASELDEN, OWEN, BOLOYAN & CORSON, LLC

Meet the Candidates Evening on June 3

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he Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, the Lake Wylie Pilot, the Clover/Lake Wylie Republican Women’s Club and River Hills Country Club are hosting a Meet the Candidates Evening on Friday, June 3, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m. at River Hills Country Club.

The format will allow for each candidate to briefly tell about themselves and what they have done and why they are

Fred Caldwell FRED CALDWELL CHEVROLET Jane DuBois LAKE WYLIE TODAY / LAKE WYLIE MARKETING

running for office. It will also give ample time to mix and mingle with community members. This opportunity is open to the public.

For more than 35 years the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce has served as the legislative liaison for the Lake Wylie Community and has sponsored candidates and informational events and forums.

Chambers of commerce attend York County Legislative Day

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Allan Gregory K. A. WEALTH MANAGEMENT Paige McCarter Doug McSpadden MCSPADDEN CUSTOM HOMES Jill Moore YMCA CAMP THUNDERBIRD Haven Presley T-BONES ON THE LAKE Brian Rich Q2U BBQ and CATERING Marc Sosne CLOVER SCHOOL DISTRICT Gwen Thompson CLOVER COMMUNITY BANK

ork County Day in Columbia, sponsored by the Council of Chambers comprised of the Greater Clover, Greater York, Lake Wylie and York County Regional Chambers of Commerce, is a legislative day held each year. The important annual event allows chamber of commerce members to meet face-to-face with legislators from across the state for the purpose of promoting York County and discussing timely issues.

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

Summer 2016 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight

Thank You

to our 2016 Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Spring Appreciation Luncheon Sponsors!

Event Sponsors

Bank of York and Watson Insurance

Table Sponsors

Fred Caldwell Chevrolet • Lake Wylie Family Dentistry • Lake Wylie Today YMCA -Camp Thunderbird • Clover Community Bank

And Thank You to

River Hills Country Club • Christine Robinson, Violinist • Alta of Rock Hill, Tracy Stiff Heather Catts-- Mary Kay • Lake Wylie Liquors - Model Hospitality

Mistress of Ceremonies Debra Andres

Our Models

Sonja Burris, Natalie Choate, Lisa Meadows, Jill Moore, Sarah Moore, Angel Neeland, Christina Deal, Chasity Watson, Heather Catts and Sandee Wilkerson Rick Jiran, Marc Lubato, Andrew Miller, and Bill Shanahan

Thank you also to our door prize contributors, volunteers and to everyone who participated.

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Spotlight Renewing Memberships February 1 - April 20, 2016

Businesses:

Welcome New Members February 1, 2016 April 20, 2016 Inspect Co. Home Inspection Services Mitch Wyatt 919-270-9932 inspectco@outlook.com

Jackson’s Kitchen Inc.

Michael Barrett 304 North Main St Clover, SC 29710 803-222-7767 jacksonskitchen@gmail.com www.jacksonskitchen.com

Lakeside Barbers

Keith Faulkenberry 4070 Charlotte Hwy #49 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-656-5100 ncbarbershop2@gmail.com

Lake Wylie Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Ryan Colosi 534 Nautical Drive Lake Wylie ,SC 29710 716-445-6530 lakewyliepd@gmail.com www.lakewyliepediatricdentistry.com

Lake Wylie Yoga

Tamara Jefferies 54 Marina Rd. Suite #101 Lake Wylie SC 29710 520-442-4195 tamarajefferies@gmail.com tamarajefferies.com

Dr. Dorothy McCoy

2015 Arsley Town Blvd Charlotte, NC 28273 704-280-8450 drmccoy86@aol. www.charlottecounselingandtherapy.com

Mr. Jacks Tree Farm

Casey Bolen 16310 Wrights Ferry Rd Charlotte, NC 28278 704-589-0435 casey@mrjackstreefarm.com www.mrjackstreefarm.com

New Age Carpet Cleaning of Charlotte Richelle Tarris 10660 South Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28273 704-604-3065 richelle@newagain.com www.newagaincharlottle.com

Novant Rehab Steelecroft

Ginger Morrissey 13557 Steelecroft Parkway suite 1400 Charlotte, NC 28278 704-316-1857 glmorrissey@novanthealth.org

Saltwater Markets

713 Bethel St Clover, SC 29710 803-222-6057 elizabeth@saltwatermarkets.com www.saltwatermarkets.com

A. Alteri - Remax Realtors Association Management Group BB&T Boat Sales of Lake Wylie CareFree Boat Club Casselman Custom Canvas Catawba Dental Clover School District Dana Anthony Custom Homes Earl Tindol Ford Eason Roofing Focus Physical Therapy Frugal Window Fashions Gaston Day School Glaza Chiropractic Joe Versen Appraisals Journey Fellowship Church Lake Wylie Bowl & Bounce Lake Wylie Eye McSpadden Custom Homes Parkway Concrete Piedmont Medical Center Piedmont Regional Remedics Restoration River Hills Community Church Sloan Financial South Forty Farms Steele Creek Dermatology Upper Palmetto YMCA WalMart – Lake Wylie York County Natural Gas York County Untied Way

Individuals Mark Erwin Robert Goodell Don Long Bill MacIndoe Nancy Snyder Peggy Upchurch Sandee Wilkerson

“Investing in the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, is an Investment in the Lake Wylie Community.”

Summer 2016 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight

Upcoming Activities Meet the Candidates Night

June 3, 2016, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Held at River Hills Country Club Sponsored by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, Clover/Lake Wylie Republican Women’s Club, Lake Wylie Pilot and River Hills Country Club

Bank of York Team enjoy an afternoon of Chamber golf.

Lake Wylie Splash Dash 5K/10K Run and 5K Walk

Team LKW Realty and Lake Wylie Mortgage Man hole sponsors greet chamber golfers on their hole.

Saturday, June 11, 2016, 8 a.m.

Presented by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Held at Camp Thunderbird and River Hills Lake Wylie

Business After Hours

Save The Date!

Lake Wylie Chamber Annual Golf Classic

Thursday, September 29, 2016 Held at River Hills Country Club – Lake Wylie 62

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Thursday, June 16, 2016, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by River Hills Marina, T-Bones on the Lake, Remedics Restoration, I-Pest, Q-2-U- Catering and Sea Tow Held at River Hills Marina Pavilion River Hills, Lake Wylie Come by boat or by car

Lake Wylie Fourth of July Community Fireworks Monday, July 4, 2016 Approximately 9:30 p.m.

Best Viewing Lake Wylie Plaza, Lake Wylie Italian and Pizza, Rey Azteca- Patio, Bagel Boat, T-Bones on the Lake and Long Cove Marina

Spotlight

Lake Wylie Community Fourth of July Fireworks Monday, the 4th of July!!!

What: Fantastic Fireworks Display

When: Monday, July 4, 2016 Dusk – approximately 9:30 pm

Where: Lake Wylie by the Buster Boyd Bridge, S.C. Hwy. 49 at Lake Wylie

Best Viewing: The Buster Boyd Bridge Boat Landing T-Bones on the Lake outside deck Rey Azteca deck at Lake Wylie Plaza Lake Wylie Italian and Pizza on patio at Lake Wylie Plaza Bagel Boat – on the lawn Long Cove Marina We all enjoy the fireworks each year. Since Lake Wylie Community Fireworks Display is funded solely through donations, your support of this wonderful event is really needed in order for the event to continue. Please send your contribution in any amount now to: Camp Thunderbird Fireworks Fund One Thunderbird Lane Lake Wylie, SC 29710

Thanks very much for your support!

Summer 2016 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Southern Twang

Engineering the Summer Fun

by Jan Todd

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ummer vacations, aren’t they the best?

Sand between your toes, the smell of Coppertone in your nose, swimming in the waves, and lazy, lazy days.

But if you’re anything like me, fixin’ to go on vacation will about take the life outta ya.

First, you have to get your job ready to leave for a week. Status reports must be written, “away” voicemail messages must be programmed…directions must be read on how to program “away” voicemail messages.

Somehow, about a month’s worth of work must be crammed into the last three days on the job prior to leaving.

At home, clothes have to be cleaned and packed, vacation toys and accessories gathered, book titles picked out for reading on the beach.

And oh, the refrigerator! All the food that has potential to spoil (including the leftovers that have been in there for two solid months, solidly spoiling away) must be discarded or packed in a cooler to take on vacation . . . even though there is a 99% chance that you’ll end up throwing that same food away at the end of your vacation, prior to your return home.

I remember when I was growing up, whenever we were about to leave on a trip, the whole family would be in the car, with the exception of my mother who’d be in the kitchen, wiping the counters. That woman could not leave town without wiping the counters. Mercy, what if a burglar broke in while we were gone and found a stray crumb??

Anyway, we’d eventually get on the road, 64

off like a herd of turtles. Now those family vacations voyages were some kind of fun, with five kids and two dogs piled in the back of a station wagon. Once we got on the road, there was no stopping us. My mom would pack sandwiches in a cooler, and dole them out as we barreled down the highway. Water was given sparingly. Very, very sparingly.

My dad absolutely hated to stop. He had a CB radio (google it if you’re under 40) and chatted with the truckers along the way for warnings of traffic jams or other potential determents.

“Breaker one-nine, any Smokies up ahead?”

We’d play games to pass the time. There was the alphabet game, when we’d try to find all of the letters on billboards (Q’s and Z’s were doozies. Oh! Z in Doozies!) We’d see who could spot the greatest number of different states on license plates. We’d count white cars or blue cars or cows or trucks. Then there was my dad’s all-time favorite game, “Who can be the quietest?”

When we finally reached our destination, my dad would check his watch and announce our travel time.

“Well, it only took us 7 hours and 23 minutes this time. Last year it was 7 and a half.”

Every year, we’d go to the beach, somewhere around North Myrtle. My dad was an engineer, and our vacations were engineered to be as foolproof as possible. We’d go to the same beach, often stay in the same house, and pretty much do the same thing, year af-

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ter year. We’d play in the sand, ride the waves, play horseshoes and hopscotch on the beach, and eat lots of boiled peanuts.

Most of the time, we’d share a beach house with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and half a dozen cousins. With all of those people, things couldn’t be TOO foolproof. There were always sunburns, occasional jellyfish stings and sand in the beds. One year, my sister glued her legs together so she could be a mermaid.

Looking back, I reckon it was an ordeal to take a family of seven on a vacation anywhere.

Sometimes, it might be better to stay home!

I knew a couple of families in Lake Wylie who did just that. For years, these two families had gone to the beach together. This particular year, though, their pocketbooks were a little tight and they decided to have vacation at home.

One family packed up and moved in with the second family for the week. Vacation rules were applied: No one was allowed to go to work. No unnecessary laundry was washed. Junk food was consumed. Chores were ignored. They spent the days in the sun, read books and lazed around.

One day during the week, it rained like cats and dogs. Undeterred, the families had a marathon game day. They started out with a classic board game. The winner of each game chose the next game. Clue, Monopoly, PingPong, charades and cards; a good time was had by all.

I’m thinking those families had a dang good idea. I just wonder if their counters were wiped. LW