Lake Wylie Today, Summer 2019

LakeWylie TODAY

Summer on the Lake

As the season ramps up, make your plans for fun in the sun

Raised Beds Rising The easy approach to vegetable gardening

Chamber Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce news and information

Summer 2019 | Issue 2

Our View

SUMMERTIME! T

By Susan Bromfield, President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

his is the Summer Fun issue of Lake Wylie Today, showcasing summer-themed stories and activities. This area is rich in history, agriculture and great spots to enjoy wholesome local experiences, and each year more and more families discover the many opportunities for summer fun around the area. Here are a few ideas.

Our many agri-tourism locations will be geared up for summer, with farm stands offering a variety of lush seasonal produce.

Local restaurants will also feature seasonal farm-fresh fruits and veggies. Speaking of local restaurants, the newly renovated Papa Doc’s Shore Club, which recently opened at the former T-Bones on the Lake location and is featured in this issue, is sure to be a hit with locals and visitors.

Love the outdoors? You don’t need to drive for hours to enjoy nature, camping or picnicking. King’s Mountain state and national parks are just minutes away. These fabulous hidden jewels are rich in history, beauty and recreational opportunities — including campgrounds and a small lake in a natural setting. Another great option is McDowell Park, which has campgrounds, fishing piers, hiking trails and picnic pavilions in a beautiful setting just minutes from the city.

Long Cove Marina, located on the main channel of Lake Wylie off Pine Harbor Road, has a marina, campground with new cabins, swimming pool, beach, bath house and picnic area, perfect for a great day or weekend on the lake. Annual memberships are available.

And Ebenezer Park, conveniently located on the south end of the lake off Museum Road in Rock Hill, has a beach for swimming, picnic and camping areas.

Seeking more excitement? The “Copperhead Strike,” the newest roller coaster at Carowinds, is the Carolinas’ first double launch coaster and is sure to thrill kids of

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all ages. Indeed, Carowinds offers a full day and night’s worth of rides, water activities and entertainment. Also new this summer is the Blue Ridge Junction, a seven-acre Blue Ridge Mountain region-themed addition to the park, complete with rides, entertainment and restaurants. On July 4, the day concludes with a 10 p.m. fireworks show.

Tega Cay celebrates its founding on July 4 with a pancake breakfast, golf, activities in the park, and parades on both land and water.

The Tega Cay fireworks show concludes the celebration.

Events such as the annual Lake Wylie Splash Dash run and walk and the Ag-Art tour give families even more unique opportunities to explore the lake and nearby rural areas. For an authentic, wholesome “retro” summer experience, take a country drive to the Peach Tree or Bush n Vine farms in Filbert, near Clover, or the South Forty Farm stand on Highway 274 at Lake Wylie, or to one of the many other roadside produce stands in York County.

Love flowers and gardens? Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, which has special events all summer, is not to be missed. Check their website for more information.

July 4 is the biggest day of the year at Lake Wylie when more than 20,000 people hit the lake to celebrate Independence Day. That evening, folks gather near Papa Doc’s and the Buster Boyd Bridge public boat landing to view the annual fireworks display, a spectacular ending to a wonderful day.

By the way, the fireworks show is solely funded by donations. Please send your fireworks contribution each year to: Lake Wylie Camp Thunderbird Fireworks Fund, One Thunderbird Lane, Lake Wylie, SC 29710.

So, please come, enjoy, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is located at 264 Latitude Lane, Lake Wylie. LW

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Contents Summer 2019

2 Our View Outdoor options plentiful around the area 8 Mailbag 16 Food for Thought

Papa Doc’s Shore Club opens in former T-Bones location

24 Dining Guide

Where to eat in Lake Wylie

26 Garden Party

Lake Wylie Home and Garden Tour

33 Summer Calendar 34 Feature

Hungarian couple embarked on risky, difficult journey to reach U.S. in 1969

40 Feature

Celebrating 20 years: Lake Wylie Assisted Living

44 Feature

Raised beds offer an easy approach to gardening

50 Development Update 54 Spotlight

LakeWylie TODAY

www.LakeWylieToday.com Published by SC Biz News Lake Wylie Today Editor - Jim Tatum jtatum@scbiznews.com • 864.720.2269 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 Assistant Graphic Designer - Joel Travis jtravis@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 Michael Harrison Jan Todd Kathy Widenhouse Contributing Photographers Susan Bromfield Jane DuBois Chris Iadicicco Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Angelica Rodriquez Jan Todd Kathy Widenhouse The entire contents of this publication are copyright by NWS Company LLC 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

64 Southern Twang

A look at the Southern side by Jan Todd

Cover and Table of Contents photos by Jan Todd 4 www.LakeWylieToday.com | Summer 2019

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 jtatum@scbiznews.com .

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

What: Fantastic Fireworks Display

When: Pictured from left: Rod Ruth, Clover High School Principal; Anjelica Jaenty, Interact student; Amy Gulig Strong, Lake Wylie Rotary President Elect; Grayson Janus, Interact student; Dr. David Redding, Lake Wylie Rotary President; Grace Sain, Interact student; and Jimmy Roach, Clover Rotary and Interact adviser.

Rotary Club awards scholarships to 3 Clover High Interact Club students

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he Lake Wylie Rotary Club recently held its annual Celebration of Service and awarded three scholarships to deserving students in the Clover High School Interact Club.

Grayson Janus was the winner of the $2,000 scholarship. She is the president of the Clover High School Interact Club and developed her passion for community service while serving in the Girl Scouts for seven years. She has been involved in many community service projects and plans to attend Clemson University and major in business.

Grace Sain won a $1,000 scholarship. She has served as the Vice President of the Clover

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High School Interact Club and participated in numerous Interact service projects and a medical mission to the Dominican Republic.

She plans to attend Queens University and pursue a nursing degree in the fall.

The winner of the other $1,000 scholarship was Angelica Jeanty. After serving in the Giving Back program in middle school, she joined the Interact Club, serving as an officer for each of her four years at Clover High School. She helped run projects such as a Valentine’s party for Lake Wylie Assisted Living, Moped for Memphis and the Special Olympics. She plans to major in exercise science at the University of South Carolina.

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Thursday, July 4, 2019

Time: Dusk to 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 Papa Doc’s Shore Club on outside deck Rey Azteca deck at Lake Wylie Plaza Lake Wylie Italian and Pizza on patio at Lake Wylie Plaza Bagel Boat Long Cove Resort 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 so the event can 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!

Mailbag

Rotarians compete in food drive for CAAC

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River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club provides literature pamphlets at the local Walmart during its Diabetes Awareness educational expo.

he Lake Wylie and Clover Rotary clubs challenged each other to collect the largest weight of food donations for Clover Area Assistance Center (CAAC).

The contest ran from March 11 through April 11, with neither group knowing how much the other club had donated during that time. When the final numbers were revealed on April 11, the two Rotary clubs collected over two tons of food (4,084.55 pounds, to be exact) to help feed those in need in Clover and Lake Wylie.

The Lake Wylie Rotarians won the challenge by collecting 2,567.95 pounds of food, while the Clover Rotary brought in 1,516.60 pounds.

Rotarians Eddie Lukowski and Chad Bordeaux in the CAAC warehouse with the first of many deliveries of food collected for the Lake Wylie and Clover Rotary Clubs collection contest.

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Mailbag

Small Arts grants deadline June 1

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he Arts Council of York County offers small grants to individual artists, nonprofit organizations and schools throughout York County to help support projects of high artistic quality. Small grants are designed to support small or pilot arts activities to new and developing programs or organizations. Special art projects that develop during the year are also eligible for small grants. The deadline to apply for programs occurring July-September 2019 is 5 p.m., June 1.

Organizations and individual artists may request up to $1,000 per grant and may receive up to two grants in a calendar year. Prospective applicants must discuss the proposed project with the Executive Director at least 10 days in advance of the application deadline date. Information and applications are available through the Arts Council at 803-328-2787, or on the Arts Council’s website at www. yorkcountyarts.org/grants.

Where to Rent A Boat April - Labor Day Pier 88 River Hills Marina Gas Dock 803-831-0088 www.pier88yachtclub.com

Tega Cay Marina 803-548-3715 www.tegacaymarina.com

Light-N-Up Houseboat Charters 704-813-8033

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

Lake Wylie Boat Rental 704-516-2674 www.lakewylieboatrental.com

NEED A TOW? Sea Tow www.seatow.com 704-895-8699

Tow Boat U.S.-Lake Wylie www.towboatLKW.com 803-681-0911

HOW TO CHECK LAKE LEVELS www.duke-energy.com 10

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Summer 2019

Mailbag

Bromfield recognized for 25 years of Chamber service

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ake Wylie Chamber of Commerce President Susan Bromfield was recognized for over 25 years of service in the Chamber industry at the Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Conference.

Susan is the only executive with over 25 years of service in both Carolinas recognized this year.

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istoric Brattonsville, in the western York County town of McConnells, will stage a reenactment of the Battle of Huck’s Defeat from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 13 and from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. July 14. Capt. Christian Huck and his Loyalist troops were soundly defeated during the Revolutionary War in the early morning hours of July 12, 1780, in a battle that took place at the home of William Bratton’s neighbor, James Williamson. This victory inspired confidence for backcountry Patriots and began to turn the tide for success in winning independence from England and King George. The event will feature military camp life activities, music, crafts and children’s activities. Battle reenactments are at 2 p.m. both days. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for youth 4-17. Children 3 and under and Cultural History Museum members free.

Call 803-684-2327 or go to chmuseums. org/events for more information.

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Mailbag

Unsung Hero

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he Rotary Club of Lake Wylie awarded Gene McCarthy with the 2018-19 Unsung Hero of the Year Award. The award is given annually to a non-Rotarian in our community who exemplifies the motto, “Service Above Self.”

Gene began volunteering for the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program in 1999. The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program has more than 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers and senior centers. There’s no fee and no sales pitch for other services and AARP membership is not required.

Gene, through this service, offers free tax preparation help to anyone, especially if you’re 50 and older, and can’t afford a tax preparation service. He has been the coordinator for 12 years and has participated in the program for a total of 19 years. After seven years he took over the local coordinator duties, managing 12 tax consultants and helping prepare hundreds of individual tax returns.

He makes sure there are enough consultants available to assist clients. He also sets up the equipment and makes sure the software is installed and operational.

Gene is onsite at the Clover library two days a week and works many hours outside of program time, making sure clients’ taxes are processed correctly and in a timely manner.

This program helps hundreds of local residents every year.

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Lake Wylie Today earns SCPA recognition

Mailbag

of Fall

ake Wylie Today magazine won a first-place and second-place award during the annual S.C. Press Association meeting in April.

The Summer 2018 issue won a first place in the Associate Division for an article on new attractions at Carowinds entitled “Playing with Peanuts.”

The Fall 2018 issue won a second place in the same division for an article on fall produce called “The Bounty of Fall.”

Lake Wylie Today is a quarterly publication that is a joint collaboration entering its 10th year between the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and SC Biz News.

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New Scout groups form in Lake Wylie area

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ake Wylie’s first all-girls troop of Boy Scouts of America, BSA Troop 2552, has formed with a home base at Alison Creek Presbyterian Church, made up primarily of girls from Oakridge Middle and Clover High schools.

The troop started in February and has already performed community service projects for the church, traveled to the Triple Tree Aviation Museum in Woodruff and participated in the Spring District Camporee.

Another new group, BSA Venturing Crew 255, also based at Alison Creek Presbyterian, is looking for scouts ages 14-20 for high-adventure trips. They recently traveled to Roan Mountain in eastern Tennessee for an outing.

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Food for Thought A brand new sign welcomes all to the newly renovated Papa Doc’s Shore Club.

Photo/Susan Bromfield

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Food for Thought

New

Digs Lake Wylie’s gathering place reopens as Papa Doc’s Shore Club

By Kathy Widenhouse

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ake Wylie’s gathering place and lakefront restaurant is alive once again.

And locals are cheering.

In 1970, The Hungry Fisherman restaurant began welcoming guests to its popular Buster Boyd Bridge location. Twenty-four years later, the restaurant changed hands and T-Bones on the Lake took up residence.

Now yet another 24 years later, Papa Doc’s Shore Club has taken up the mantle and flung open its doors, ready to help Lake Wylie residents celebrate life’s moments.

Charlotte’s Bottle Cap Group (BCG) — known throughout the Carolinas for restaurant ventures including Ink N Ivy, Southend Station, Whiskey Warehouse, Jack’s Corner Tap, and Brazwells Premium Pub — purchased the T-Bones property in late 2018 with an eyes-wide-open: the restaurant represents the heart of the Lake Wylie community.

“We want Papa Doc’s to continue the community tradition — to be the place where residents celebrate weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and other special moments in life,”

says Morgan Conroy, Bottle Cap’s marketing director. “We want to be the place where they build memories for the next 24 years.”

Doc’s Special Space The new concept celebrates lake living, explained general manager Adam Moran — a gathering place embodied in the character of Papa Doc. BCG president and CEO Britton McCorkle chose a name with family ties. His stepfather, Tom Wicker, owned a bar named Papa

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Food for Thought

A few of Papa Doc’s 101 menu items, which includes seafood, burgers, sandwiches and soups. Photos/Bottle Cap Group Doc’s on South Boulevard in the early 1970s.

The imaginary Papa Doc comes alive inside his current-day namesake restaurant on a wall-to-wall mural overlooking the Anchor Bar, a cozy space that mimics a seaside pub.

The likeness was created by Chris McDaniels and Michael Boudreault of Artisan Rooms (Columbus, Ohio), who design and paint specialty wall and furniture décor throughout the country and were recently featured on HGTV. Together the team conceived Papa Doc from a photo of a crusty boat captain who loves life on the water. A small eagle, globe, and anchor emblem on the top of Papa Doc’s hat is Boudreault’s personal tribute to his son, an active-duty Marine serving in the Middle East.

Papa Doc is just one of the murals covering the walls throughout the eatery painstakingly painted by McDaniels, who took up residence in a local hotel for seven weeks to get the job done. Polynesian sculptures and colorful hibiscus splash across walls of the restaurant’s main space and Tiki bar, where a stage welcomes live music and an oyster bar is tucked into one corner.

The lake theme is carried throughout the restaurant in lights made from boat motors 18

and outdoor benches from reclaimed water skis.

“Our guests have a life-is-good-on-thewater mentality,” says beverage director Andrew Israel. “Every day can be a vacation day at the beach while they’re at Papa Docs.”

Dock at Doc’s Doc’s outdoor deck and patio, too, are decorated with wall-to-wall murals — these courtesy of Mother Nature in a 180-degree view of the lake. The patio seats 100 at the bar and tables in waterside dining.

Meanwhile, the dock has slips for 38 boats to accommodate guests who have spent the day on the water and stop at Papa Doc’s for a meal or gathering.

Blue-shirted dock hands greet seafaring guests at the pier, help secure their boats, and then radio the restaurant to reserve tables while guests make their way to the dining area. Carryout services mean boaters can call ahead to place their order and collect it at the dock in the waterside version of a drivethrough. And those extra staff roaming the docks mean extra security, too.

Eventual plans call for a dockside convenience stand, says GM Moran, to provide ice, beer, snacks and items that boaters can use to

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restock their vessels when they stop at Papa Doc’s to eat.

Doc’s 101 Choices Lest the sleek, fun atmosphere and gorgeous views cause you to forget, Papa Doc’s is a restaurant. That means food — 101 menu items, to be exact.

It is billed as a “seafood lover’s paradise,” which means patrons can order tequila bacon mussels, she-crab soup, oysters served six different ways, or Big Papa — a five-pound seafood tower combo with king crab legs, oysters and shrimp.

But the fresh American cuisine menu, created by BCG executive chef and WBT radio personality Troy Gagliardo, serves up a large variety of made-to-order brunch, lunch and dinner fare ranging from a Kale & Portobello wrap to Grilled Chicken Tacos to an All-American Cheeseburger.

That something-for-everyone spirit carries over to beverages. In keeping with the Tiki bar-beach feel, Doc’s exotic specialty drinks are each served in beverage glassware unique to that item, from ceramic barrels to communal Tiki bowls (shared by up to four people) that light up when set on the table. The calorie-conscious can order Becky Buckets,

Food for Thought

Chris McDaniels paints a mural in the restaurant. Photo/Kathy Widenhouse clocking in at under 100 calories. Pouch drinks — dubbed “adult Capri Suns” — are served in portable plastic holders and sport fun names like Peach Paradise (peach whiskey, orange juice, sour, grenadine) and Power Plant (vodka, grape juice and Sprite). Slushy

machines grace each of the four bars.

For the kids or those with an incurable sweet tooth, there’s a Lucky Leprechaun milkshake topped with Lucky Charms and marshmallow fluff. All of these choices make it easy for families, sports teams,

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A tempting specialty cocktail. Photos/Bottle Cap Group neighbors, and friends to meet up and find something they like at Papa Doc’s. Everyone can order. And the community can make more memories.

Doc’s Community Papa Doc’s has already grabbed the community baton and run with it by partnering with Lake Wylie Children’s Charity (LWCC), a local nonprofit that supports kids in the Lake Wylie area who face serious, life-threatening illness. LWCC offers them friendship, funding and support.

Even prior to the official restaurant opening, Papa Doc’s team welcomed local residents to a special event supporting LWCC. Tickets provided guests with a complimentary Papa Doc’s meal in exchange for a donation to the charity. Looking ahead, the restaurant will host LWCC’s annual bash and concert on the shores of the lake in fall 2019.

That commitment to the community has only helped to win over the locals. When T-Bones closed last fall, the news was met with dismay by hundreds of patrons. But now, residents are gushing both in person and on 20

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Food for Thought social media about the Papa Doc’s transformation and the opportunity it offers as a meeting place, watering hole and feel-good dining experience.

“So excited! Most definitely the locals are loving the menu,” said Kathy Baxter. And from Danielle DeBow: “The food, atmosphere, and service are great! Bottle Cap Group has done a fantastic job updating the space.”

“We’ve been embraced by community,” says BCG’s Morgan Conroy. “Residents have opened its arms to Papa Doc’s and we’re stepping into them. We’re thrilled to be a part of the Lake Wylie family.” LW

Want To Go? Papa Doc’s Shore Club

3990 Charlotte Highway, Lake Wylie, S.C.

Phone: 803-831-0043 Hours: 11 a.m.–2 a.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-2 a.m.

Saturday and Sunday

Web: www.papadocslkw.com Email: info@papadocslkw.com Papa Doc presides over the Anchor Bar. Photo/Kathy Widenhouse

Facebook: www.facebook.com/papadocslakewylie Instagram: www.instagram.com/papadocslakewylie

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Dining Guide

Arby’s

Dunkin Donuts

McDonalds

The Cove

511 Nautical Drive Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-5555

335 Vesla Lane Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 675-6044

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

5301 Hwy 557 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-5455

Azteca Grill

Fast Frog Bakery

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Stateline BBQ & Taphouse

312 Bulkhead Way #105 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 398-1663

4052 Charlotte Highway, Suite 105 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 701-8029

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

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

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

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

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

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

54 Highway 55E Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803)209-2065

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

Kochi Japanese Steakhouse 5360 Highway 557 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 610-0146

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

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

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

Papa Doc’s Shore Club 3990 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-0043

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

Pier 88 at River Hills Marina

Subway 5245 Hwy 557 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0143

Sweetwater Grille 4582 Charlotte Highway Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-1788

Taco Bell at Lake Wylie 311 Vesla Lane Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 701-7068

Thai Fusion

54 Marina Rd Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0088

125 Evergreen Road Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 746-5047

Pizza Hut

Waffle House

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

5013 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0315

Copper Premium Pub

Lee’s Hoagie House

Rey Azteca Mexican

Wendy’s

4516 Charlotte Highway Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 701-7021

312 Bulkhead Way Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 619-4046

4052 Charlotte Highway Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-9277

5188 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710-8099 (803) 831-2687

Domino’s Pizza

Lily’s Bistro

River Hills Country Club

Zaxby’s

125 E Evergreen Rd Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-7075

4547 Charlotte Highway Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 701-7788

1 Country Club Dr. Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-2126

143 SC-274 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-2634 LW

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Dining Guide

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Stories on Tour Lake Wylie Home and Garden Tour gives a glimpse of homeowners’ lives Story and photos by Jan Todd

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Garden Party The Bennetts’ pool, with hot tub and cascading waterfall, overlooks Lake Wylie.

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Lynn Viets in her master bedroom with her handmade quilt covering the bed. On the wall hangs a replica of quilts used by the Underground Railroad, with secret navigational codes stitched into the design.

T

he annual Lake Wylie Home and Garden Tour is not just about beautiful homes, glorious gardens, enviable kitchens and remarkable renovations. Those are all part of the tour, of course, but what propels people to return for the tour year after year are the stories.

Homes showcase the stories of the people who live there. What do they like to do?

Where have they traveled? What is important to them? The annual tour, sponsored by the Clover/Lake Wylie Republican Women’s Club (CLWWC), allows the public not only to peek inside some of the area’s most beautiful homes, but to peek inside the lives of those who live in them.

Best of all, the tour proceeds are used to enrich the stories of deserving students in the Clover School District, by providing financial assistance for college through the Fay Berman Scholarship Fund. The home tour is the primary fundraiser for the scholarship, said club member Lynn Viets.

“Last year, a total of $11,000 was awarded, two $4,000 scholarships for high school seniors, plus two $1,500 continuing scholarships for prior recipients exceeding in their college careers,” said Lynn. “We’ve had excellent luck with kids who earn these scholarships and go on to work very hard in college.”

Scholarship criteria include academic performance, community service, and financial need, Lynn shared. Applicants write an essay about how they will use their college degrees in future community service. A CLWRWC committee selects finalists to be interviewed, then determines the winners.

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Designer Diane Dyhan has worked with the Bennetts for about three years on various projects.

Tour Homes — The Viets Not only did Lynn Viets serve on the scholarship committee this year, but she also provided her home as a tour stop. Located in The Landing, Lloyd and Lynn Viets’ waterfront home was custom built in 2003. Now retired, the Viets enjoy traveling, and their home is filled with mementos from their journeys all over the world.

Lynn is a quilter, a hobby she picked up after retirement. One of her quilts covers the master bed, but it is the small display quilt that hangs on the wall above that gets the most attention, she said.

“I made a replica of a quilt that was used during the times of the Underground Railroad,” she explained. “Cooperators used to hang these quilts on their clotheslines, and the patterns contained codes that directed people where to go. If the situation changed, the appliques were changed out on the quilt to provide new directions.”

Lynn, a retired teacher, said she loves history and was fascinated by the stories of the quilts, inspiring her to make one of her own.

Lloyd Viets, a retired forester, had a different collection on display for tour guests.

He was in the “train room” in the basement, running seven antique model trains through miniature villages. “I got my first train when I was a boy,” he said. “We used to set them up on Thanksgiving and keep them up through Christmas.” His oldest train is just over 70 years old.

The Viets’ home served as the display area for additional fundraising opportunities for the Scholarship Fund. Honorary tour sponsor and world-renowned artist and Lake Wylie Summer 2019 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Garden Party designer who has worked with the Bennetts on projects for the past three years, was onsite during the tour.

“The Bennetts love to entertain,” said Dyhan. “Their style is very family friendly.

In the design, we like to use a little mix, with some modern art here and there, but overall a relaxed, traditional style.”

The Bennetts purchased the home in 2010 and are the second owners of the property.

They added a beautiful swimming pool with hot tub and installed a fire pit poolside for intimate gatherings with family and friends.

Inside, they converted the formal dining room to a music room. The Bennett children play the piano and violin.

Last year, Carly Bennett played the violin during the home tour, and returned with her teacher and fellow students to play in her own home for the 2019 tour.

Tour guests visiting the pool area at the Bennett home in Heron Cove.

resident Jim Shore donated some of his work for the silent auction and raffle, and other tour sponsors provided items for sale during the tour.

McGee Home — River Hills

Ashley and Brandon McGee love River Hills. Their home on Fairway Ridge, featured on this year’s tour, is their fourth home in Bennett Home — Heron Cove James and Lane Bennett’s waterfront home the community. They lived in and renovated three homes in River Hills before building the on Montgomery Road reflects a family-foFairway Ridge house about three years ago. cused lifestyle. Diane Dyhan, an interior Tour guests gushed over the master suite, with a luxury bath, his and her closets, and spacious dressing areas.

The master suite is also a favorite of the McGees, who incorporated some of their favorite ideas from previous homes in the floor plan and design as well as features from their “wish list.”

A deep, rocking chair front porch graces The Te Th Teaam m at the front of the home, and ample covered LWW LW WW&C W& W &C CC C haass beeen en porch space on the back extends the living gre grea gre reeaatt.. Veerry hhoossppiittaabblle le, e, aal alwa lwa ways w way ays ys space into the outdoors for entertaining, SR XMXMQ SR MQII ZI ZIIV IV] V] ] ¾¾II\MF \\MFP \M MFFP FPI PI [MX [MXL [M MXMXXLL XL XLLIIMMVMV V schheeedu sc dul ddu ulilling inngg anndd haavve cce cert errttaai ainl innl nly ly ly watching ball games on the outside television, proov pr ovid viid ided deedd reelliliie ief eeff fo for m for myy acch ches heess & paai ains inns. s. and relaxing next to the fire pit patio table TThheeyy’’vvvee bbe The been eeenn thhooro rroug rou ouug ugh gh wit with w wi iitth th th thheeiirr when the weather is chilly. “We live in every aasssseessssm ment me enntt proc rroce ro occe cess essss anndd I wo woou ould uld ld inch of the house and plan on this being our reco rec re ecco comm om mmen mm meen end nd aad addi ddin dinngg thheem di forever home,” said Ashley. ttoo yo yoou our ur cca care aree pro rogr rog oggrra raam am. m. ~Ton ~T ~ Toon ony ny SS..

MacIndoe Home — River Hills June MacIndoe is another “house hopper” in River Hills, having lived in four River Hills homes during her 31 years as a resident. Her late husband, Bill, started out in the River Hills condominiums in 1973, and also lived in several homes in the community. June and Bill married in 2002, after both their spouses had passed away.

In 2016, June and Bill bought and renovated one of the condos on Old Post Road.

“Bill came full circle!” said June about his 30

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The luxury bath in the McGee home in River Hills was a favorite feature of tour guests.

The electric fireplace in June MacIndoe’s River Hills condominium is both functional and artistic.

return to the original condominium complex.

Described as a “champion for River Hills community,” Bill passed away about a year ago at the age of 90.

During the makeover, the MacIndoes converted an open patio to an enclosed sunroom. “The sunroom makes the place,” said June. The conversion added square footage, plus provided a place to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, regardless of the weather.

June said they took the condo “down to the studs” in the renovation and opened up the living and kitchen areas. They installed an electric fireplace, which is part functional, part art. The décor of the home reflects traditional with a splash of Asian influence, inspired by their travel.

June has been a member of the CLWRWC for 30 years and has served as a hostess on the tour for almost every year. In addition, her past homes have been tour stops a few times.

Meyer-Cuno Home — River Hills

The Meyer-Cuno home, one of the first built in River Hills in the early 1970s. Above the kitchen window are family heirloom plates from the late Jurgen Meyer-Cuno’s native Germany.

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Like Bill MacIndoe, Carmen and her late husband Jurgen Meyer-Cuno moved into River Hills in the early 1970s. “We were one of the first ten homeowners in River Hills,” said Carmen.

Unlike the MacIndoes, though, the Meyer-Cunos never moved around. “We bought the lot here when Heritage Drive was still a dirt road,” Carmen remembered. “Our kids were 9 and 11 years old at the time, when we moved from Charlotte.”

Her son, Doug Meyer-Cuno and his wife, Margaret, live nearby on Bonum Road and their home was featured on last year’s home tour. Margaret was chairman of the tour committee this year. The Meyer-Cuno’s daughter, Lisa, and her husband, David Brinson, also live in the area.

The Meyer-Cuno home is located on the eighth hole of the River Hills golf course, where the couple enjoyed playing. Prior to Jurgen’s passing in 2016, the couple traveled extensively, and the home’s décor reflects influences from all over the world. The kitchen and outside of the home have been renovated to incorporate Tuscan style, and Carmen said she “loves Italy and everything Italian.”

Family heirlooms, such as the set of plates from Jurgen’s native Germany, adorn the walls in the kitchen. The Meyer-Cuno’s home is full of memories — and stories — from their lives in River Hills. LW

Summer Calendar June 15-16

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

May May 30

(Every Thursday-Sunday through September) Grandiflora at Night Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden celebrates its 20th anniversary with an awe-inspiring, larger-than-life botanical glass exhibit, Grandiflora: Gamrath Glass at the Garden. Guests will be mesmerized this summer by dozens of vibrant sculptures by Seattle-based artist Jason Gamrath including towering 10-foot orchids, vivid pitcher plants, energetic Venus flytraps and more. The garden’s annual beds will feature big, bold, beautiful plants with large flowers and leaves to complement Gamrath’s sculptures.

By day visitors are welcome to explore the Garden and glass sculpture throughout, while at night the sculptures will be illuminated and visitors can listen to live music while relaxing with a beverage in the Beer Garden. Tickets are available at DSBG.org and at the door. Adults $14.95, Seniors 60 and over $12.95, Child 2-12 $2.95, Members plus four guests 30 percent discount.

June June 6

York County - East Ag Art Tour A free, self-guided tour of farms and local artisans in York County that is part of the statewide Ag Art Tour. Farms, artisans and live bluegrass and folk music. The tour will run 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 2. Visit www. agandarttour.com for a list of participating farms.

June 8

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 at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 8. 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, and day-of entrants will get a T-shirt while supplies lasts. To register, visit www.lakewyliesplashdash.com or call the chamber at 803-831-2827.

June 8-9

June 1

June 15

Rock the Park at Carowinds Carowinds is showcasing a variety of musical acts, including For King & Country, Kari Jobe, We Are Messengers, and more. 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte. Purchase advance tickets online at www.rocktheparkfest.com/tickets.

July 4

June 1-2

(every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through September) River Jam A free, outdoor weekly concert series through September from 7-10 p.m. at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte. National musical acts and food and craft beer selections.

Parking $6 per vehicle. 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte. www.usnwc.org.

Father’s Day weekend at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Free garden admission for all fathers. Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with family crafts and activities, a round of Pollinator Putting, live music and more. Grab lunch and a beverage, including craft beer from the Beer Garden, then stroll the garden. 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont, N.C. www.dsbg.org.

York County - West Ag Art Tour A free, self-guided tour of farms and local artisans in York County that is part of the statewide Ag Art Tour. Farms, artisans and live bluegrass and folk music. The tour will run 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 11. Visit www.agandarttour.com for a list of participating farms.

Tega Cay Summer Food Truck Rallies Monthly food truck rallies held at Runde Park.

Headlining music acts from 7-10 p.m. Kids activities and lots of concessions. 5110 Windward Drive, Tega Cay. Email jblethen@tegacaysc.gov or call 803-548-3512.

Lake Wylie Community Fourth of July Fireworks Lake Wylie’s annual fireworks display will be held on Wednesday, 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 the patio at Lake Wylie Plaza; Bagel Boat on the lawn and Long Cove Marina. Watch by boat near the Buster Boyd Bridge.

Tega Cay Fourth of July Celebration 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 Pavilion Area and Glennon Center. A large fireworks display concludes the celebration. www.tegacaysc.org.

Carowinds Fireworks Carowinds will hold a fireworks show at 10 p.m. on July 4. 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 Aug. 17

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

Aug. 23-24

York Summerfest Celebrating its 35th year, York Summerfest is one of the largest festivals in South Carolina.

The event includes concerts, food, an antique car show, unique craft vendors, a special children’s area, art exhibits and more. 5-10 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 23 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. North Congress and Roosevelt streets between Liberty and Madison streets. www. yorksummerfest.com. LW

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Feature

Decorated eggs are part of a Hungarian courtship tradition that remains dear to the Farkas family today. Photo/Chris Iadicicco

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Realizing the American Dream Lake Wylie area couple embarked on risky, difficult journey to reach the U.S. in 1969

By Michael Harrison

A

s the 1960s turned into the homestretch, it was a transformative and even disorienting period in U.S. history. For many Americans, 1969 provided a rush of lasting images from Woodstock to the Moon.

The first year of the Nixon administration signaled America’s break from the Kennedy-Johnson era and a re-embrace of a conservative agenda. As war raged in Vietnam and American casualties further divided the nation, the shadowy TV images of Neil Armstrong’s historic first steps on the moon provided hope and a palpable feeling that anything was possible.

If we could do that, why couldn’t we cure cancer or achieve world peace?

In sports, two classic underdogs, the New York Mets and New York Jets, bucked astronomical odds to win championships and gave Americans another reason to put aside differences and cheer, if only fleetingly.

It was also the year a young Hungarian couple in Romania — who knew nothing about a Hungarian-American named Joe Willie Namath leading those world champion Jets while leaving an indelible mark on his sport and pop culture — made a pivotal turn of their own on the way to America. Eventually, they would follow their children to the Carolinas in 2011 and find a home near Lake Wylie for their retirement years. But 50 years ago, Michael and Magdalena Farkas, like millions of Europeans before them, were still just dreaming about crossing the Atlantic in search of a better life.

In search of freedom.

They didn’t know much about American culture, pop or otherwise, and had yet to learn a word of English, but they were keenly aware that America offered freedom and opportunity.

They knew that immigrants willing to work hard and assimilate had as good a chance as

any to prosper. In contrast, growing up in the city of Arad, Romania, in the Transylvania region, which used to be part of Hungary before boundaries were realigned following World War I, opportunities were limited. That was the reality for citizens of the Soviet bloc. Just getting by was as much as most people could expect.

Travel outside their country was a bureaucratic nightmare.

This young couple, however, dared to dream big. For Michael, who goes by “Mike” and Magdalena, who prefers “Maggie,” it went far beyond owning a Pontiac like one in the many photos of American cars Mike hung on the walls of his garage. But before they could make it happen, the couple planned an escape from Romania that ended up taking as many twists and turns as a Hollywood film. Lifelong Catholics, they relied on faith and prayer to see them through the darkest moments of their journey.

“We always had the hope of God,” Maggie says.

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When the Farkases left Hungary, they traveled through Europe, which led to them immigrating to the United States. This is a photo of them in Germany. Photo/ Farkas family

Yearning to be free For Mike, a factory machinist, there had to be more to life than a job with no opportunity to advance and the occasional trip back to his ancestral homeland.

“There were (top) layers of (connected) communists who did very well, but for the rest, there was nothing. Hardly anybody could get out. Hardly anyone could get passports, because it was under communism,” Mike says.

Both Mike and Maggie had grown up listening to counter-propaganda radio broadcasts from Voice of America and Radio Free Europe.

They knew a better life existed — if only they could get out from behind the Iron Curtain.

The seed of a notion about making a better life was germinating.

“The company where I worked, there were a lot of German people and I would see they would go back to Germany on vacations and come back with a nice car and nice things. We would see (visiting) Americans and they had these gorgeous American cars. Chevrolets and Cadillacs,” Mike recalls.

To an auto enthusiast like Mike, it was tantalizing.

“I just wanted a nice car, too, and I wanted to travel. I had relatives in Hungary and I went there sometimes, but most of the time I was denied (a travel visa). They would say ‘no, you were just there.’ You were locked in. (Romania) was like a big jail. I was seeing what was happening and I said to myself, ‘I have to leave this country.’ I started dreaming about it.”

In time, Mike was able to acquire a not-sogently used German Opel.

“I said, ‘This is going to be the car I use to leave this country.’”

A sprinkle of perfume Mike and Maggie’s courtship didn’t begin until they were adults, after she turned 18 and he was in his mid-20s, about a year after Maggie and her family moved into Mike’s neighborhood.

“We met on Easter Monday,” Maggie recalls, explaining an old European Catholic tradition that is a rite of spring.

“The guys sprinkle the girls with perfume,” Maggie explains.

“I had a motorcycle at the time and I stopped by her house and asked her if it’s OK if I sprinkle her with perfume,” Mike laughs.

“And the girls serve the guys with pastry or wine. Something sweet,” Maggie says.

“And they give you a colored (Easter) egg,” Mike says. “And you’re supposed to recite a little poem to the girl.”

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Feature “It’s still a tradition there,” Maggie says.

“So, I sprinkled her,” Mike laughs again.

“And, a year after that, we were married. A year after that, we left the country in my old car.”

He was 26 and she was 19.

Escaping Romania In 1968, the two planned their escape from the Iron Curtain. Mike, who was handy with cars, had rebuilt the engine in his 18-year-old Opel, hoping it would have the durability to get them across Europe over what would sometimes be rough mountain terrain. The two hid what little money they could scrape together and their few valuables, praying the cash and anything they could sell or trade along the way wouldn’t be found and confiscated at border crossings.

They signed up with an auto club for a tour to Istanbul, Turkey. The plan was, once in Turkey, not a communist nation, they would shake their Romanian government chaperones and make their way to what was then West Germany, the U.S.- aligned democratic half of the country during the Cold War. From there, free but for the limits of their own imaginations and desires, they could plot their future.

But first, they had to get there.

A friend in Arad gave them the name and address of a contact in Istanbul. Make their way to that address and they were assured of a safe house and assistance making their next move.

Getting to Istanbul was the easy part. The trick was getting around unfettered by their government minders, who held the passports of everyone in the touring party as collateral against escape attempts. Whether the hand of God or just a lucky break, Mike and Maggie and another man in their touring party would soon see a bit of misfortune turn into anything but.

“A red light came on in my car showing a problem with the generator,” Mike says. “So, I tried to explain (to their chaperone) that I have to get this fixed and, of course, he didn’t believe me, because he didn’t know about cars. But he called someone else who told him ‘yes, this has to be fixed or else they could be stuck.’”

They were given permission to find a garage to get the repair. More important, they got their passports back in case they were stopped. In the meantime, they had identified a museum as a rendezvous point. Now, they just needed time.

Their chaperones would eventually come looking for them and they had to wait it out before setting out to find the safehouse.

“We went to the museum to hide our stuff,” Maggie recalls. “We waited all day.”

It was still daytime when a car with an official “R” — a Romanian government vehicle

— rolled by. They were spotted.

“When they saw us across the street, they waved at us (to come over) and we ran into the museum,” Mike remembers.

Eventually, the car drove off. They waited for hours in the car behind the museum. Later, they hid under a bridge and then slept in a park which, luckily, had facilities, including running water. In the morning, after freshening up as best they could, they set out to find the safehouse and the man they were counting on to help get them over the next border.

“All our hope was this guy would help,” Maggie says.

They had an address written out in the local language, but finding it was another matter.

They asked passersby for help, but the language barrier was formidable. One person looked at the address and drew a picture of a boat — a clue neither Mike, Maggie nor their companion could decipher. Then came a chance meeting with someone they couldn’t directly communicate with, but by cobbling together bits and pieces of other languages, including German, they

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Michael and Magdalena were married in December 1966 (top) and moved into their first residence in New Jersey (above) after immigrating to the U.S. Photo/Farkas family learned they needed to cross a river to get to the other side of the city and to the man, a salesman for a German car company, who held their fate in his hands.

A ferryboat ride and a few miles later, they ended up at his front door. He wasn’t home, but his son was. The son, somewhat wary of the strangers, told them his father was away on business and asked them to come back another time.

“We cried,” Mike says.

“We had no place to stay. Nothing to eat.

Hardly any money. Then, the guy saw us crying and said, ‘I’ll take you to my father’s office. You can sleep there and wait for him there.”

Now they had a roof over their heads and some food, but no idea when their contact would show up.

“We stayed there two weeks!” Maggie says.

Then a friend of the man they were waiting for showed up, learned their story and put them up in a hotel. The next day, the man on whom they pinned their hopes and dreams finally arrived. He took them to a restaurant, filled their gas tank “and even gave us some money,” Mike says.

Now they were on their way. From Turkey they crossed into Greece, then, by boat, to Italy.

There was a myriad of adventures and challenges, but each time they managed to make progress. From there, they made it to Germany, where they settled temporarily in a refugee facil38

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Feature ity. The couple found work and was able to start saving some money. After 10 months, through the Tolstoy Foundation, which helped connect those fleeing communism with new host countries, they now had the option to start new lives in one of three possible destinations: Australia, Canada or the United States.

Australia was too far and Canada too cold.

America sounded just right.

“We had to have sponsors, but we didn’t have any,” Mike explains. “So, we filled out some paperwork at the embassy and someone through the (Catholic) church said he would sponsor us.”

It was an example of paying kindness forward.

“He said somebody helped him when he came here and, now, he wanted to sponsor someone else,” Maggie says.

On to America It wasn’t long after they touched down in New York on that fall day on 1969 that Mike and Maggie got their first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. The memory, and what that statue represents, literally brings tears to Maggie’s eyes when she talks about it.

Once in New York, they started making con-

nections and soon learned there was a thriving and welcoming Hungarian community in New Brunswick, N.J., a bus ride away. There, Mike got a job in a machine shop and Maggie went to work in a cosmetics factory. They started learning English, taking classes and picking up fluency from TV, including “Sesame Street,” which also launched in 1969. Mike knew he arrived when he bought his first American car, a second-hand Pontiac Bonneville. For Maggie, it was a $25 Ford Falcon with rotting floorboards that Mike fixed up for her.

Over the years, they worked hard and prospered. After five years, they became American citizens; Maggie points out proudly that they gave up their Romanian citizenship.

They bought a home. Mike would go on to own his own company. They had a family, raising first-generation Americans Michele and Michael. They are now the proud grandparents of Kataline, Eva and Michael.

By every measure, Mike and Maggie achieved the American Dream.

“It’s true,” Mike says, “that in America, if you work hard, anything is possible.”

Looking back, few can dispute 1969 was a big year in America.

“For us, too,” Maggie laughs. LW

The Farkases hold a decorated red heart with their picture on it: It is a Hungarian 50th anniversary tradition to have one of these. Photo/ Chris Iadicicco

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Feature Patti Neill, the activity director, scoops up a treat for residents gathered in the Country Kitchen for a Parfait Party.

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Celebrating 20 years:

Lake Wylie Assisted Living Story and photos by Jan Todd

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esidents rocking on the Southern-style front porch of the Lake Wylie Assisted Living visit with family and share stories with one another while inside, a Bingo game is in full swing. Other residents are boarding a van to ride to the library, while still others are working on a craft project led by a volunteer.

This Senior Lifestyle community, located in the heart of Lake Wylie, has been in operation for just over 20 years. It began as a retirement village, said Debbie Cline, front desk concierge and 10-year employee of the center. As demand grew for different levels of care for seniors, the facility evolved into an assisted living community. From certified nurses on duty 24-hours a day, to on-site Medicare-approved physical and occupational therapists, to the experienced and trained staff to handle daily needs, care is available for residents of varying needs.

The facility is set up much like a home and has a warm feel. A large parlor near the entry has a big screen television, where residents gather to watch game shows and favorite soap operas during the day. Jigsaw puzzles are set up on card tables, and a library offers a variety of books and board games.

A baby grand piano in the parlor is often played by volunteers to entertain the residents.

“We have daily devotions and exercise each morning in the parlor,” Cline said. “We try to encourage everyone to come down and join in, but every day is different.” Each Sunday, church services are held in the parlor, with leaders from different area churches participating.

Smaller sitting areas are available on every floor, with couches and a chair or two, for residents to visit with each other or family members in a quieter setting. Resident quarters are designed in a variety of apartment sizes and styles to cater to singles or married couples in their golden years.

A physical therapy center run by The Westin Group — independent of Lake Wylie Assisted

Living — is on-site and provides treatment to some of the residents. There is a movie room, with a huge selection of DVD’s. Cline said, “Residents can come in and watch movies at their leisure, and we also have organized movie nights.”

Bingo is scheduled at least twice per week, and there is a room dedicated to the game.

It has a huge lighted display, and plenty of seating. “We even open bingo up to the public sometimes, which is a good opportunity for people to meet and visit with the residents,” said Cline.

An on-site beauty parlor provides haircuts, perms and other salon services. “Patti Neill, who leads our resident programs, does nails once a week for the ladies, at no charge,” said Cline. “That’s very popular!”

The “Country Kitchen” is another room set up for activities. “Patti leads craft sessions and bakes with the residents here,” described Cline.

“A lot of our residents miss cooking in their own homes, so we set this kitchen up for holiday baking and special treats.”

For breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, residents are seated in six connected dining rooms. The multiple rooms are all open to one another, providing an intimate feel that is more home-like than institutional.

There is also a private dining room used for family gatherings and special occasions.

“Residents just need to reserve the room when they have family coming in,” Cline explained. “It gives them a little privacy and can accommodate a larger group. Tables in the main dining rooms are usually just set up for four people.”

Renad Lazar, the dining room supervisor, said the lunch and dinner menus provide a couple of entrée and side dish choices. “We serve heart-healthy meals, and usually have some gluten-free and diabetic options,” she said.

Twice daily the staff circulate with snack and hydration carts.

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Feature With the mild climate in Lake Wylie, the residents like to spend time outdoors. The front porch has plenty of shade and rocking chairs, and out back in the sunshine, there are elevated container gardens for residents to plant and tend flowers, bird feeders to attract songbirds, and benches lining the walkways that encircle the property.

Many people have outdated ideas of living options available to seniors and are reluctant to consider assisted living. However, there are many benefits to a center that offers progressive care: Nutritious meals — Cooking is a challenge for many seniors. Having chef-prepared meals with plenty of variety as well as consideration of medical and nutritional needs results in better health and overall satisfaction.

Intellectual stimulation — Crafts, music, puzzles, book clubs, and learning new skills and hobbies are designed within daily programs and activities.

Fitness — Exercise classes, social dances and walking keep residents mobile.

Safety and security Transportation — Vans transport residents to the grocery store, shopping centers, doctor appointments, and social activities.

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Residents Ann Marie (left) and Phyllis enjoy a game of bingo.

Help when needed — Whether it be monitoring and dispensing daily medications, keeping up with appointments, or assistance with bathing, dressing and eating, families can be assured their seniors are helped as needed while living as independently as they can.

Social interaction — Living alone can be isolating, and planned activities and outings offered by senior living centers offer both fun and socialization.

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“The social interaction is the most important thing to keep a person happy,” Cline said.

“Everyone is in the same boat here. They want to interact with other people. Everyone can find someone else to click with, someone with a similar interest or compatible personality.”

Emily Sutton, Millie Decker and Jean Stewart are all relatively new residents at Lake Wylie Assisted Living, having moved in during the past year. They like to sit together at meals, and

Feature

Debbie, the concierge, greets guests at the front desk and chats with residents, including Elizabeth. often linger to visit with one another long after the plates are cleared.

Sutton moved in to the center shortly after her husband passed away last year. “I had a heart attack a couple of months before he passed away, so I couldn’t stay by myself.

I couldn’t drive anymore, so we had to do something in a hurry.” Sutton said other ladies in the center, who had similar experiences, helped her deal with the changes she’d had in her life.

A group of residents meets regularly to craft “bag mats” — crocheted from plastic grocery bags — for babies in Haiti and the homeless.

One of her favorite activities at the center is making “bag mats” — mats crocheted using plastic shopping bags — for homeless people and babies in Haiti and Guatemala. “We work on them together once a week,” said Sutton. “We have a good time doing it and it is nice to make something out of nothing and help out others.”

Decker moved in last August. “I like it here because my kids are nearby. My husband died a few years ago, and I moved in with my older daughter, Marlene. She lives in Indian Land. I

stayed there for three years, then my kids got together and suggested I move in here, so I’d be closer to everyone.”

Stewart, who said she is “full blown Irish,” moved in from Belmont. “My daughter works nearby, and suggested I come here. It’s nice to have friends here,” she said.

“It’s amazing,” said Sutton. “I’ve met people and made some really good friends since moving in. It’s like I’ve known them all along, and I don’t know what I’d do without them.” LW

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Feature

Raised Beds

on the Rise An easy approach to vegetable gardening in our region By Kathy Widenhouse

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Feature

D

rought-resistant ornamentals like crape myrtles, lantana, and grasses thrive in Carolina’s red-clay soil. But vegetables and herbs need rich, well-drained home — a home that you can create in raised beds.

“Raised beds are ideal for growing vegetables because they have better soil and better drainage than the typical garden plot,” says Robin Armstrong, an N.C. State University horticultural science graduate who designs landscapes for York and Gaston county residents. “And because they’re contained areas, they’re easier to maintain.”

Busy schedules and limited garden space mean home gardeners have less time and less room to grow fresh vegetables, adds Armstrong. It is easy to see why raised beds are rising in popularity around Lake Wylie. They are one of the easiest and practical approaches to vegetable gardening in the Carolinas.

Advantages to gardening in raised beds A raised garden bed — also called a “garden box” — is a frame set directly on the open ground and then filled with organic

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matter and soil. The sides of the bed keep weeds out of the garden, prevent erosion, deter pests, prevent soil from compacting, offer good drainage, and more. Managing a raised bed garden is easier and takes less time than maintaining an entire garden plot.

They’re a great option if you have only a small space or a space that is an eyesore. “Not every landscape is suitable for in-ground gardens,” say Dr. Bob Polomski and Debbie Shaughnessy of Clemson University’s Home & Garden Information Center. “Sites with steep slopes, poor drainage, and those with rocky, shallow, or low soil quality are ideal for raised bed gardens.”

Adding compost, top soil, and fertilizers to the garden bed mean a nutrient-rich home for your veggies. This saves resources and concentrates them where they will be best used. You can grow your plants closer together, producing more harvest in less space.

An added bonus: soil in your raised beds warms faster after winter, which means you plant sooner than in a regular garden plot, thereby extending your Carolina growing season by several weeks both in early spring and late into fall.

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What material to use for your raised bed You don’t need to be a master builder or even handy with tools in order to set up raised beds, either. Reliable vendors can help provide affordable components in kits that include simple set up instructions and knowhow (see sidebar).

Whether you build your own or hire out the project, start by choosing your raised bed edging. A little-known secret is that you can build a raised bed out any material, including landscape blocks, water-filled plastic, or even concrete. But the best bet is to select a long-lasting, attractive edging material so your raised beds last after year after year and add value to your landscape.

Wood raised beds are considered by many to be the most durable and most attractive option, according to gardening and sustainability expert Joe Lamp’l of Growing a Greener World. White cedar, red cedar, cypress, and redwood are naturally decay-resistant — even in Carolina sticky summers — and can last 15-25 years. Pine is less expensive but has a lifespan of just 7-12 years. If you treat wood for your raised garden bed to increase dura-

Feature bility, be sure to choose a non-toxic stain or sealant such as Eco Wood Treatment or Cedar Garden Bed Oil. Otherwise, chemicals from the wood treatment can leach into the ground — and your plants — and ultimately into your food. It is for this reason, landscapers recommend you do not use railroad ties for your raised garden bed, as they have been treated with creosote and other chemicals.

Recycled plastic raised beds are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, recycled from milk jugs, which is extremely durable and non-leaching.

Meanwhile, new composite materials are an excellent green alternative to building raised beds. Attractive and long-lasting, composites are a combination of wood fiber and recycled polypropylene.

Galvanized metal can be a stylish alternative for your raised garden bed in an early-American throw-back look or a more modern twist. And it is a proven material for watering troughs and outbuildings.

Where to set your raised bed The best raised bed sites are level, well-draining, and close to a water source.

Choose a spot that receives at least eight hours of direct sun daily.

You can gauge how the raised bed will look on your landscape before building it:

create an outline with string, garden house, or even all-purpose flour and adjust to suit your taste. Make sure you can reach the center of the bed from either side — usually no more

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Feature than 4 feet wide. This way you will be able to reach in and cultivate the plants easily.

The most productive raised beds, say local gardening experts, are prepared by removing sod and then worked with a tiller, spade, or pitchfork to turn and loosen the soil at least 12 inches deep or more. Shallow beds tend to dry out quickly in the heat of the Carolina summers, putting stress on plants and requiring more frequent watering. Roots of plants in a raised bed need to penetrate the soil below.

To determine the volume of soil you need to add to your raised bed, measure its length, width, and height in feet and multiply those numbers together. The result will be the number of required cubic feet. A combination of top soil, shredded leaves, compost, well-rotted manure, and kelp enriches the clay. If you line the bottom of the raised bed with chicken wire or hardware cloth, you’ll keep out gophers, moles, and other tunneling pests. Irrigation tubing goes in before adding the soil and organic material.

Backyard garden belonging to Will and Daniell McCormick of Lake Wylie. Photo/Provided.

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What to grow in your raised bed Armstrong is quick to point out that raised beds in and around Lake Wylie are

Feature largely for used as kitchen gardens and rarely for ornamentals.

Local Carolina gardeners grow a variety of crops in raised beds, but a few types are clear favorites. Chief among them are bulb and root vegetables, which flourish in a raised bed’s well-cultivated, amended soil over the usual red-clay garden plot. Carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, radishes, onions, and garlic thrive in dirt that is rock- and debris-free, allowing them to penetrate deeply into the soil and avoid misshapen formations.

Raised beds are typically well-drained, which keeps root rot in check.

That same nutrient-dense soil makes raised beds the perfect home for tomatoes, the South’s favorite summer crop that has earned a well-deserved reputation as a heavy-feeder.

With careful planning you can grow vining crops like peas, beans, and cucumbers vertically on trellises with shorter crops like peppers planted at the base. And the local climate means Lake Wylie gardeners can bookend their raised bed growing season with two rounds of cool-weather greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale, first in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked and then in late summer as other vegetables are harvested for space.

“Raised beds keep my growing space looking neat and tidy and they produce more veggies than my regular garden plot,” said one Lake Wylie gardener. “What’s not to love?” LW

Easy DIY Raised Beds These vendors specialize in raised bed kits for gardeners: Eartheasy: environmentally friendly raised bed kits in cedar, recycled plastics and composites www.eartheasy.com Gardener’s Supply Company: raised beds of all types, including modular and self-watering www.gardeners.com Northern Tool & Equipment: galvanized steel raised bed kits available locally at Rock Hill, Charlotte and Matthews locations www.northerntool.com

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Development Update

1753 Old Clay Hill

7003 Montgomery NWF

903 Thorn Ridge NWF 50

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Development Update

Still on the rise Home sales level off, but prices continue upward trend

By Drew Choate

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riving through Lake Wylie, it is exciting to see the growth and improvements in our community.

New restaurants such as Papa Docs Shore Club, Stateline BBQ, Starbucks, and a Famous Toastery (coming soon!) are bringing fresh dining options our way. Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore and Lake Wylie Outdoor Supply have recently opened, to the delight of those in the market for home improvements.

Duke Energy is installing public restrooms at the Buster Boyd Access Area, one of the busiest boat landings on Lake

Wylie. New housing developments are popping up as well.

If you think housing is becoming more expensive in Lake Wylie, it is not your imagination. Over the past three years, the average price of a single-family home in the Clover School District (CSD) has increased 20%. That’s above the average price growth in York County (up 18%) in the same 3-year period.

Average home price in the CSD is approximately $330,000 — about $75,000 more than it was five years ago! The number of home sales in our area has more

than doubled since 2014. Though sales are beginning to level off, prices continue to climb when compared to last year.

Established neighborhoods have shown price increases over the past three years.

Some of the most significant percentage increases have occurred in moderate priced neighborhoods such as Autumn Cove and Forest Oaks, as entry-level homebuying has become more expensive.

Offerings in apartment/multifamily complexes in the area have expanded to meet the demand for affordable housing.

Newer home developments in the Lake

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Development Update Wylie area have contributed to higher average home prices. Neighborhoods such as The Bluffs, Paddlers Cove, and Lake Crest, built by large-scale new home builders, include luxury features that have driven up the average price per square foot in the area.

Custom builders have also been very busy in the Lake Wylie/CSD area. Neighborhoods such as May Green and Henry’s Glen, with large lots and land tracts, are nearing sell-out and several homes are underway. May Green is opening new developments soon with 1 to 2-acre tracts, designed for custom builds.

The lakefront real estate market continues to be a “seller’s market,” with strong growth in average home price — now just over $720,000. Both luxury properties (homes priced over $1 million) and cabin/ weekend property sales have increased in the past year or so, indicating a robust economy on the lake.

Real estate sales on the lake tend to be impacted more by weather than traditional home sales. Too much or too little rain impacts usage of the lake, and fewer boaters on the lake means fewer eyes on the properties from the water. With last year being the wettest on record for the Carolinas, showings and sales were off from previous years. Beautiful weather in recent weeks has spurred showings, and we’re starting the summer with lots of buyer activity on the lake.

Inventory, or number of active listings, has been tight for the past two years, another factor limiting sales opportunity, particularly in the lower and mid-priced waterfront homes (those under $700,000). Last year marked the lowest point in a decade for number of listings on the lake, so sales tapered off from the record-setting year in 2016 simply because there were not enough listings available for buyers to choose from.

Both on and off the water, tight inventory means homes are selling more quickly, with a shorter period on the market. Savvy buyers and their agents are closely monitoring the market, checking daily for new listings, and often homes go under contract within days, particularly when the properties are in “move-in condition” and in desirable locations. LW Drew Choate leads The Lake Wylie Man real estate team, affiliated with Keller Williams Realty. His team has led waterfront property sales for more than a decade. Website address is TheLakeWylieMan.com.

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Spotlight Spotlight

News of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Summer 2019

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce presents the

26th Annual Splash Dash 10K/5K Race Run! Walk!

And they’re Volunteer! off!

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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 8 at Camp Thunderbird/River Hills in Lake Wylie.

This premier event is one of the most challenging runs in the Southeast. This is the 26th year the Chamber has held Splash Dash. The event began as a 10K run on hilly course that challenged the most advanced runners.

Through the years, a 5K was added to the event to make it more family friendly and so more people could participate at every level of running capability. The walk was added more than 20 years ago as a short fun run. With time and more people walking for health and wellbeing, the walk is now 5K so there will be adults and children of all ages as well as a few family dogs and strollers tagging along.

The route is hilly with shade from trees making it a unique and desirable race and walk in the region. Each year the local Boy Scouts Troop 333 helps out and mans the water stations along the route. Volunteers monitor the course wearing bright orange LKW T-shirts so runners and walkers can see the course ahead of them.

The Splash Dash is a Champion Chip 54

runners at the Splash Dash 5K and 10 K race

event by Queen City Timing. The 10K course is USATF Certified, and the courses for both races and the walk wind through the scenic and undulating roads of River Hills.

Starting time for the race is 8 a.m. Walkers will step off behind the runners. More than 120 awards are given out to a variety of age groups and male and female overall winners for both 5K and 10K races. Hospitality is plentiful and the scenic and wooded location makes this race special.

Registration for the race is $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event. Wheelchair racers are welcome. Each preregistered 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. The first 100 walkers to register will also receive a T-shirt.

To register for Splash Dash, visit Queen City Timing Website at www.queencitytiming.com or the Chamber’s website at www. lakewyliesc.com and download a registration form, or call Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce at 803-831-2827 for forms and more information. Same-day registration is at 7 a.m. at Camp Thunderbird.

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Summer 2019

at

Splash Dash 2019

Saturday, June 8 Registration is at 7 a.m. at Camp Thunderbird.

Advance reservations: $20 race, $10 walk.

Day-of-race registration: $25 The race and walk start at 8 a.m. and wind through River Hills, finishing at Camp Thunderbird.

Visit www.lakewyliesc.com for more information.

Online registration at www.queencitytiming.com.

Not a runner or walker?

The Chamber can always use willing and able volunteers at Splash Dash.

Call 803-831-2827 and we’ll find a task for you!

Everyone is encouraged to come out along the course to cheer the participants. And bring your American flag to wave!

Spotlight

26th Annual Lake Wylie Splash Dash 10k * 5K * 5K walk JUNE 8, 2019 - 8:00 a.m.

Registration /Check-in at Camp Thunderbird | Race in River Hills Plantation https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/LakeWylie/SplashDash10K5KRace

Registration Information and Form Event: (Check one)

___ 10K Run

___ 5K Run

___Walk

Cost:

$20 10K & 5K – early registration by June 6, 2019 $25 10K & 5K Day of Race $10 Walkers 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, Atrium 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 Phone: 803-831-2827 Fax: 803-831-2460

e-mail: lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com

www.lakewyliesc.com

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Spotlight

Business After Hours Thursday, February 28, 2019 Sponsored by and held at Redwood Lake Wylie Photos by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Stacey Hood, Ronny Stone and Sonny Prince of Redwood Lake Wylie.

Mary Sieck and Doug Jubenville.

Allen Gregory of K.A. Gregory Wealth Management and Duane Stanek of Dana Anthony Cusom Homes.

Norma Wood welcomes guests.

Susan Lukowski of Lake Wylie Travel and Kay Peters pose for a picture at the Business After Hours.

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Anne Violanti and Ed Lindsey represent the Lake Wylie Rotary Club.

Patsy and Rick Zioncheck of Lee’s Hoagie House enjoy the evening.

Spotlight

Business After Hours

Thursday, March 14, 2019 Sponsored by Carolina Trust Bank and Lake Wylie Liquors Held at Carolina Trust Bank – Lake Wylie Photos by Angelica Rodriquez

Clover Town Councilman Wes Spurrier and Jason Smith of Carolina Trust Bank.

Charlotte and Dick Jackson with Neel Cypher.

Deb Andres and Tally Roberts enjoy the evening.

Neel Cypher, Lori Dickerson, Ann Harvey, Andrea Meglii and Allison Harvey.

Carolina Trust Bank is ready to welcome chamber members to the Business After Hours.

Susan Bromfield introduces Jim Tatum of SC Biz News to members.

Michael Schonfeld is welcomed by Steve Sannella and Steve Huffstetler.

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Spotlight

Business After Hours March 28, 2019 Sponsored by The Village at Lake Wylie and Lake Wylie Counseling Photos by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Andrea Meglii of Sprout Socially and Ronny Stone of Redwood Lake Wylie.

Kay Peters, Larry Marraccini and Jane DuBois.

Ernest and Susan Flanagan of Flanagan Heat- Mike Justice of Stateline BBQ and ing and Cooling.

Taphouse with Dianne Kehler.

Katie Parrish, Susan Autry, Debbie Jackson and Laura Stewart represent Carolina Family Dentistry.

Special thanks to our sponsors Lake Wylie Counseling and The Village at Lake Wylie for a wonderful evening.

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Lake Wylie Chamber Chairman Charles Wood and Kay Peters.

Spotlight

Business After Hours April 11, 2019 Sponsored by Cypress Point by D. R. Horton. Held at Cypress Point Model Homes Photos by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Bobby Otto and Carol Chase attend the Business After Hours.

Lisa Jubenville (center) of Lake Wylie Chamber welcomes Ghada Jakbeer and Rochelle Campbell of D.R. Horton at Cypress Point.

The ladies from Carolina Family Dentistry tour the beautiful model home.

Deb Andres, Larry Marraccini and Anne Violanti enjoy the evening.

Ribbon Cutting to celebrate the opening of Cypress Point by D. R. Horton, the newest development in Lake Wylie.

Christine Allen of Lake Wylie Counseling is greeted to the BAH by Bud and Ann Rother.

The food is ready for the Business After Hours.

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Spotlight Ribbon Cutting to our

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Spring Appreciation Luncheon Sponsors!

Event Sponsors

Ribbon Cutting and Welcoming Stateline BBQ and Taphouse to Lake Wylie Chamber and community.

Bank of York, Comporium and Watson Insurance

Table Sponsors

Cabela’s Carolina Trust Bank Lake Wylie Today YMCA - Camp Thunderbird York Electric Co-op

And Thank You to

River Hills Country Club Christine Robinson, Violinist Alta of Rock Hill, Tracy Stiff River Hills Pro Shop Cabela’s Mary Kay Cosmetics, Heather Catts Lake Wylie Liquors - Model Hospitality Ribbon Cutting at Habitat for Humanity ReStore located at Lake Wylie Plaza was held in April.

Save The Date!

Lake Wylie Chamber Annual Golf Classic Thursday, September 19, 2019 Held at River Hills Country Club, Lake Wylie 60

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Mistress of Ceremonies Debra Andres

Our Models

Tonya Bowe, Heather Catts, Natalie Choate, Kim Conroy, Jamie Gibson, Angel Neelands, Gwen Thompson and Sandee Wilkerson Matthew Bradberry, Matthew Mugavero, Bill Shanahan and Charles Wood

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

Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Spring Appreciation Day Luncheon and Fashion Show May 1, 2019 Held at River Hills Country Club Photos by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Christine Allen of Lake Wylie Counseling wins door prize donated by Bank of York.

Charles Wood, Lake Wylie Chamber Chairman, strikes a pose.

Gwen Thompson, Chamber board member and ambassador for Carolina Trust Bank is pretty in pink as she models at the spring event.

Chamber model Sandee Wilkerson and owner of the Wilkerson Building office complex models a lovely dress from Alta of Rock Hill.

Lake Wylie Chamber models did a great job at our Spring Fashion Show.

Charles Wood, chamber chairman, Matthew Bradberrry of Bank Bill Shanahan, York County of York, Bill Shanahan, county manager, and Matthew Mugavero, Manager, models a shirt by Cabela’s. chamber board member and partner at Lake Wylie Liquors.

Matthew Mugavero of Lake Wylie Liquors models sportswear from River Hills Pro Shop and accessories from Cabela’s.

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Spotlight

Welcome New Members January 25-May 2, 2019 Celebration Signs CAROLINA STORKS AND MORE Melanie McClure Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (704) 526-5988 | carolinastork@yahoo.com

Healthcare COVENANT ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE, INC. Barbara Matheson 6385 Crosswinds Drive, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (704) 607-2123 | bmatheson@bellsouth.net

Museum CULTURE & HERITAGE MUSEUMS Alison Mallard 4621 Mt. Gallant Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732 (803) 909-7419 | amallard@chmuseums.org | www.chmuseums.org

New Home Construction D.R. HORTON-CYPRESS POINT Rochelle Campbell 1004 Barcelona Place, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (704) 679-6225 | rcampbell@drhorton.com | www.drhorton.com

Personal Growth and Leadership Services GAME CHANGER U, LLC Certified Member of John Maxwell Team Marilyn Custer 26 Greenwich Blvd, #111, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (813) 523-3993 | bagamechanger@gmail.com | www.johnmaxwellgroup.com/marilyncuster

Barber Shop/Barber School LAKESIDE BARBERS Keith Faulkenberry 4070 Charlotte Highway, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 656-5100 | Lakesidebarbers2015@gmail.com | www.lakesidebarbers.net

Restaurant STATELINE BBQ AND TAPHOUSE Julie Justice 4052 Charlotte Highway, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 701-8029 | statelineBBQ@yahoo.com

Non-Profit STELLIE J. JACKSON ENRICHMENT CENTER Liz Johnson P.O. Box 81, Clover, SC 29710 Elizabeth8252@att.net | www.sjjec.org 62

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Renewing Members January 25May 2, 2019 AAA Carolinas Anchor Self Storage Atrium Health Azteca Grill Bank of York Bethel Commons Associates, LLC Carolina Home Connection Dana Anthony Custom Homes, LLC Dental Care of Lake Wylie Earl Tindol Ford, Inc. Eason Roofing, LLC Flanagan Heating and Cooling Glaza Chiropractic Center, Inc. Jackson’s Kitchen, Inc. Joe L. Versen Appraisals, LLC Journey Fellowship K. A. Gregory Wealth Management, LLC Lake Wylie Bowl N Bounce Lake Wylie Wellness MarineMax Lake Wylie Morningstar Storage Lake Wylie Palmetto Law Associates, LLC Parkway Concrete Products Publix of Lake Wylie Redwood Lake Wylie Rey Azteca River Hills Community Association River Hills Community Church Rotary Club of Lake Wylie Sifford-Stine Insurance Agency Sloan Financial Group Stateline Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge The Village at Lake Wylie United Way of York County, SC Upper Palmetto YMCA Wells Fargo Home Mortgage-Debra Andres

Individuals Don Long Peggy Upchurch Sandy Wilkerson Melanie Wilson J. Watts Roberson

Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

2019 Board of Directors

Upcoming Activities

Charles Wood - Chairman

Saturday, June 8, 2019 8 a.m.

Held at Camp Thunderbird and River Hills, Lake Wylie

Susan Bromfield - President Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Donna Bordeaux Calculated Moves, CPAs, PA Fred Caldwell Fred Caldwell’s Chevrolet Jane DuBois Lake Wylie Today Allan Gregory K. A. Gregory Wealth Management Jeff Ledford

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

Business After Hours

Thursday, June 20, 2019 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by River Hills Marina, Comporium, Elrod Pope Law Firm, Jackson’s Kitchen, Rotary Club of Lake Wylie, Tow Boat U.S., Lake Wylie and Lake Wylie Renovations Held at River Hills Marina Pavilion, River Hills, Lake Wylie Come by boat or by car

Lake Wylie Fourth of July Community Fireworks Thursday, July 4, 2019 Approximately 9:30 p.m.

Best Viewing: Lake Wylie Plaza, Lake Wylie Italian and Pizza, Rey Azteca- Patio, Bagel Boat, Papa Docs and Long Cove Marina

Ed Lindsey Rotary Club of Lake Wylie Don Long Matthew Mugavero Lake Wylie Liquors

Lake Wylie Community Fourth of July Fireworks

Thursday, the 4th of July!

What:

Sheila Quinn Clover School District

Fantastic Fireworks Display

Brian Rich

Thursday, July 4, 2019

Brad Rippetoe YMCA Camp Thunderbird

Dusk – approximately 9:30 pm

Michaelyn Sherrill Home Companions Ed Stewart M.L. Ford and Sons Gwen Thompson Carolina Trust 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

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

Best Viewing: The Buster Boyd Bridge Boat Landing, Papa Doc’s Shore Club on outside deck, Rey Azteca deck at Lake Wylie Plaza, Lake Wylie Italian and Pizza on patio at Lake Wylie Plaza, Bagel Boat, Long Cove Resort 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 so the event can 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!

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Southern Twang

Bye Y’all!

I

by Jan Todd

n my Southern family, saying “Goodbye” could be an event in itself. I remember growing up, as a holiday gathering in my grandfather’s childhood home in Asheville was winding to a close. Extended family filled every room of the old house, from the tiny kitchen with the baker’s cupboard and radiator that doubled as a bench seat at the kitchen table (warm, but not exactly comfortable), to the parlor with the piano that hadn’t been in tune for at least fifty years.

A crew of cousins were packed in the living room with TV trays, and the adults were lounging around the table in the dining room. Desserts had been served, pictures had been taken, and a couple of the older folks had begun their naps while still seated at the table.

My super-efficient engineer father’s internal stopwatch was already calculating the travel time to our next destination, and he alerted our family of seven that it was Time To Go. My father’s idea of the Time To Go ritual was pretty simple: everyone visit the potty (‘cuz he wasn’t stoppin’!), call out a hearty “Bye y’all!” and pile into the station wagon, which had been prepared for our journey by laying down all of the seats and padding the back with pillows and sleeping bags. Seat belts weren’t a thing back then.

My mother, on the other hand, had an entirely different method for saying goodbye.

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She had to go speak to all fifty-eleven people in attendance, promise to write, invite them to visit, and discuss the idea that we just didn’t get together often enough. She had the incredible gift of remembering each person in attendance at the gathering and would search out every single one for an individual farewell.

Meanwhile, my Great Aunt Evelyn, a spry little lady with boundless energy, would try to pawn leftovers off on us. “Won’t y’all take some potato salad?”

“No thank you,” we’d reply, not relishing the thought of the smell of potato salad on the windy mountain roads ahead.

“How about some black-eyed peas? No? Maybe some ham? Oh, how about some of this pound cake? Some of your grandmama’s macaroni and cheese? There’s plenty of this jello salad here. How ‘bout y’all take some of that?”

Eventually we figured out that Aunt Evelyn (bless her heart) WOULD NOT STOP until we took something. So it was usually easiest just to graciously accept the first thing she offered, and be done.

Great Aunt Jackie wouldn’t let Mama — a South Carolina native — leave without a few jars of Duke’s mayonnaise, because we lived in Tennessee at the time and Tennessee didn’t carry The Duke in any grocery stores.

We questioned if Tennessee was even in the South. (They are. Listen to ‘em talk for a min-

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Summer 2019

ute or two and all doubt is removed.)

About an hour after my father had made his original declaration of Time To Go and his face was getting to be about as red as the leftover pickled beets, we’d slowly make our way to the door, kissin’ and huggin’ along the way. As we settled in the car, the porch would fill with family grinning and waving, and Great Aunt Evelyn, well into her eighties, would start dancing the Charleston in the middle of the driveway as we pulled out.

A couple of months ago, I was in Asheville and drove up to my grandfather’s family home. The last of the great aunts living there passed away years ago, and the home, in need of many repairs, was sold to a couple that had promised to restore it.

The sight of the home broke my heart. The grand old house — well over a hundred years old, full of memories and even a ghost or two — was completely dilapidated. The planned renovations had begun, with the siding removed and a few windows replaced, but weeds and trash had overtaken the property and signs of neglect indicated the work had stopped several years ago. What had happened? It was a mystery.

I closed my eyes tight, remembering the laughter and love that once filled the walls of that old house. And after a moment or two, I could almost see Great Aunt Evelyn.

Dancing the Charleston as we drove down the drive. LW