Lake Wylie Today, Winter 2018

LakeWylie TODAY

Winter at the Lake Christmas in Olde York 36th annual Holiday Tour of Historic Homes

Chamber Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce news and information

Winter 2018 | Issue 4

Our View

Look close to home

TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON

By Susan Bromfield, President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

H

oliday time is here and there are many options in our area to enjoy all the season has to offer.

History, Christmas lights, parades and a full range of festivities are all within a few miles of Lake Wylie. It is a time of celebrating the season with friends and family and making holiday memories that last a lifetime. This issue of Lake Wylie Today is chock full of interesting features and information that highlight many of the options and ideas to make new memories.

Your family may want to include an outing to a Christmas tree farm to cut the family Christmas tree or a visit to the River Hills Lions Club Charity Christmas tree lot at Camp Thunderbird. A trip through the country to Windy Hill Apple Orchard and farm is always a great part of any holiday experience.

Windy Hill located on Highway 5 outside of York, makes and sells hard cider, Wassail, apple pies and homemade apple cider doughnuts, apple butter and more. Many evenings Windy Hill has a bonfire and music and sample flights of ciders.

Your holiday traditions may include a day at home baking gingerbread boys or holiday cookies and breads, hosting parties or caroling, or attending one of the many worship services in our area. Whatever your traditions are, they surely make memories for a lifetime.

Lake Wylie and the surrounding area is rich in history and offers many opportunities to celebrate the season with historical home tours, musical experiences, entertainment, community parades, a festival and even a theme park decorated for Christmas. Each year, most of the area communities have a Christmas parade with bands, floats and local elected leaders joining in the festivities. And let’s not forget that Santa Claus really gets around this time of year.

If you enjoy history, you are in for a lot of treats in the area beginning with the Lowry’s Old-Fashioned Christmas parade held from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 15 on U.S. Highway 321 south of York. This parade features horses and car-

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riages and a glimpse of traditional parades of years gone by. Also nearby in McConnell’s on Brattonsville Highway, a Southern-style Backcountry Christmas comes to life during Historic Brattonsville’s annual Christmas Candlelight Tours.

Meanwhile in York, the Yorkville Historical Society Historical Christmas Home tour features homes rich in history and decorated with traditional décor of days gone by. The Clover Home Tour presented by the Clover Women’s Club will feature new and older homes with a variety of traditional and contemporary holiday décor.

If you enjoy festive lights, you will not want to miss a trip to Christmastown, USA, also known as McAdenville, where the whole main part of town is lighted and decorated with festive displays and lights. It’s only minutes away in North Carolina in Gaston County. Also on the Gaston County side of Lake Wylie, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is sure to delight with its beautiful light show, festive décor and carriage rides.

In Rock Hill, Christmasville kicks off the season with a parade, gingerbread house contest, and a full week of events and activities to celebrate the season. This award-winning event grows its festivities each year.

Of course, Carowinds continues to expand its holiday offerings, starting with Winterfest that begins Nov. 18 and runs through the end of the year. Find out more online at www. carowinds.com/play/winterfest.

If parades are your thing, each community in the area has a Christmas parade, so you will have many festivities and dates to choose from (parade list on page 11). This year is the 30th annual Holiday Boat Parade at Lake Wylie with the fifth anniversary of Christmas by the Lake on Dec. 15, located at Lake Wylie at T-Bones on the Lake and the Buster Boyd Boat Landing. (story on page 16) If you enjoy holiday music, the Clover High School Choraliers present their annual holiday show at the Clover High School Auditorium. LW

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Contents 2 Our View Celebrate the season in Lake Wylie 8 Mailbag 16 Shoreline

Annual boat parade lights up the lake

22 Cocktails for Thought

Add a boost to your holidays with some caffeinated cocktails

24 Food for Thought

Take the heavy lifting out of entertaining this season

28 Garden Party Christmas in Olde York

36 Powerful Neighbor

Looking at the resources of the Catawba Nuclear Station

Winter 2018

LakeWylie TODAY

www.LakeWylieToday.com Published by SC Biz News Lake Wylie Today Editor - Steve McDaniel smcdaniel@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3123 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 Jan Todd

42 Remember When?

Bob Goodell shares the wonder of a nostalgic collection

46 Health and Wellness

Prepare now for cold and flu season

51 Winter Calendar 52 Development Update 54 Spotlight

Contributing Photographers Susan Bromfield Jane DuBois Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Deep Creek Photography Jan Todd

The entire contents of this publication are copyright by 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

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

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

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden shines for the holidays

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aniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont will stage its annual Holidays at the Garden starting Nov. 23 and running through Jan. 6. Each evening from 5-9 p.m., visitors can enjoy live music, shopping in The Garden Store, roasted marshmallows, children’s activities and more. The garden will be closed Christmas Day. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever. You’ll discover new displays, more lights and fun for the whole family. Experience an all-new, musically orchestrated topiary display, wander through the new illuminated prairie garden, explore the extended lights of fire and ice in the perennial gardens, view an expanded display of quaint buildings from Department 56’s Dickens’ Village Series and more.

The garden is located at 6500 S. New Hope Road in Belmont. Food and beverage service will be available every night.

Tickets and more information are available at www.dsbg.org or by calling 704-829-1252.

Lions Club charitable work continues

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he River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club refurbishes worn adult bicycles and sells them, using the cash to purchase new bicycles for distribution through its Bikes for Tykes program. Refurbishing for this Christmas is underway.

Led by Rick Thomas, a group of Lions, Sam Swisher, Mike Heslop, Lee Reighart, Jimmy Lee, Lloyd McMillan, Ken Middleton and Frank Tucker, work around three hours a day twice a week restoring the bicycles. Last year, they partnered with Wal-Mart and do8

nated 51 bicycles to the Boys and Girls Club of York County and three to Toys for Tots.

Also, Lions Frank and Dona Van Leer handed off 225 pairs of mostly new shoes to 2nd Vice District Governor Judy Scott to help the victims of Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas last month.

River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club and Sweet Repeat, a resale thrift store which also supports local charities and provides area scholarships, combined resources to aid victims of this historic storm.

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From left, Lions Walt Mayer, Immediate Past President Neil Nelson, Zone Chair Dona Van Leer, President Peter Tucker and Leo Director Frank Van Leer load the van of shoes collected to support victims of Hurricane Florence.

Mailbag

Live Christmas Trees and where to find them!

River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club fundraiser

1 Thunderbird Lane, Lake Wylie, SC Daily: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

For decades the Lions Club has brought North Carolina’s finest, freshly cut Fraser fir trees and wreaths to a borrowed Christmas Tree lot at Camp Thunderbird. Lions prepare and decorate the lot, display the trees and sell them to the general public.

Proceeds go to local charities and the Lions

can also deliver the trees. This has become a holiday tradition for many families and the Lions volunteers alike.

Mr. Jack’s Tree Farm

16310 Wrights Ferry Rd., Charlotte, NC Monday-Saturday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m. -5 p.m.

Pre-cut and choose and cut varieties: Frazier Fir Specials: Barrel fires, hot chocolate and s’mores

Stowe Dairy Farms, LLC

169 Stowe Dairy Rd. Gastonia, NC Weekdays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sundays: 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.

Choose and cut varieties: Leyland Cypress, Red Cedar, Carolina Sapphire, Fresh Fraser firs, Christmas wreaths and greenery.

Special events: Santa visits with children – Sat., Nov. 26, 1 p.m.- 6 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 3, 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

Penland Christmas Tree Farm

6457 Campbell Rd. York, SC Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Choose and cut varieties: Carolina Sapphire, Deodar Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar, Leyland Cypress, Virginia Pine, White Pine.

Special events: Wagon rides on the weekends, gift shop, fresh wreaths Choose and cut your own Christmas tree from 70 acres of trees at various stages of growth. We provide you a saw and a farm map and then your tree selection begins. Trees are then picked up by a truck and brought back to the sales area, old needles are removed, the tree is drilled if needed and then wrapped with string or netting for easier carrying home.

Lutz Christmas Tree Farm

756 Neelands Rd.Clover, SC Monday-Thursday: 3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Friday-Sunday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Choose and cut varieties: Leyland Cypress.

Additional pre-cut varieties available: Fraser fir Specials: Free hot chocolate Winter 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Mailbag

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Charity Drive

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he Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and Lake Wylie Assisted Living continue the Neighbors helping Neighbors Holiday Toy, canned goods and warm clothing drive.

We are asking Lake Wylie neighbors to contribute new unwrapped toys for area children and canned goods and new gloves, scarves, hats and coats for children and families in need in our area. Drop off location is Lake Wylie As-

sisted Living. If everyone helps by dropping off canned goods and a toy and/or warm clothing, collectively we can make a difference to many.

If you are unable to shop for the needed items, checks are welcome too. Make checks to Clover Area Assistance Center and mail to PO Box 521, Clover, SC 29710. Count your blessings this holiday season and give to our neighbors that may need a helping hand.

ChristmasVille in Old Town Rock Hill

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he 13th annual ChristmasVille holiday event in Old Town Rock Hill is scheduled for Nov. 29-Dec. 2.

More than 70 events are scheduled over the four-day celebration, including a parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, historic tours, strolling Dickens carolers, art, theater, dance, music, a gingerbread house contest, multiple Santa activities and an ice skating rink.

Many events will highlight and celebrate the works of illustrator Vernon Grant, who lived and worked in Rock Hill and is the creator of the Kellogg’s Rice Krispies characters Snap, Crackle and Pop. More information is online at www.christmasvillerockhill.com.

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2018 Local Christmas Parades Rock Hill - Parade Friday, November 30 6:30 PM

Fort Mill - Parade Saturday, December 1 11:00 AM

Clover - Parade Sunday, December 2 3:00 PM

York - Parade Friday, November 30 6:00 PM

Tega Cay - Christmas Tree Lighting Saturday, December 1 6:30 PM

Lake Wylie - Christmas By The Lake Saturday, December 15 5:30 PM

Lake Wylie - Boat Parade Saturday, December 15 6:30 PM

Other HolidayEvents Christmasville - Rock Hill November 29 - December 2

Christmas by the Lake at Lake Wylie Saturday, December 15, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Clover Christmas Home Tour December 8-9, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Christmas In Olde York - York December 8-9

Choraliers - Clover High School December 6th, 8th & 9th

DSBG - Holidays At The Gardens November 23 thru January 6, 2019

Narroway Productions see website for plays and live nativity dates

Merry Market - Clover, Larne Building November 30, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

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Mailbag

Carowinds WinterFest returns Nov. 18

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interFest is returning to Carowinds after a successful debut in 2017. Starting Nov. 18, the theme park becomes a holiday wonderland full of magical characters, scenes and festivities for families to enjoy throughout the holiday season. More than 5 million shimmering lights, a 70-foot tree and lavish displays will light up the night.

The park will be open weekends only through Dec. 9, then daily from Dec. 14 through New Year’s Eve, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Live shows and strolling performers will delight guests and spread Christmas cheer for all to hear. Festive fun and hands-on holiday activities are located throughout the park, and sweet aromas from special holiday dishes and desserts fill the midways. Plus, up to 24 of your favorite rides will be open to complete your night of memory making.

More information is available online at www.carowinds.com/play/winterfest.

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Mailbag

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Food for Thought

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Food for Thought

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Shoreline

Magic

on the

Lake

by Jan Todd

C

hristmas is in the air, and one of the highlights of the season is the annual Christmas by the Lake event and Lights on the Lake Boat Parade, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Boat Parade is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Launching from the docks at T-Bones on the Lake, the gaily lit boats circle around the Buster Boyd Bridge, cruising in front of crowds gathered on the deck at T-Bones and along the shorelines at the public boat landing and private homes on the lake.

For a different vantage point, some even 16

park their boats in the middle of the lake and watch as the parade circles around them.

“The crowds have really grown,” said Susan Bromfield, president of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce. “The size of the gathering is second only to the annual 4th of July fireworks display.

“I believe that the original boat parade was started by the Chamber and the (now defunct) Lake Wylie Magazine, published by The Herald,” Bromfield continued. “Back then, the parade was held at the Hungry Fisherman, which is now T-Bones. Don Hevener, who had one

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of the first big houseboats on the lake, would bring his 75-foot boat out to use for hospitality, and that’s where they’d hold the meeting with all of the boat captains prior to the parade.”

Little has changed with the parade over the years. “We’ve kept the concept pretty much the same,” said Bromfield. “People are encouraged to be creative, and to use lots of lights.”

Parade judges present awards to boats that excel in various categories. “We used to give out 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, plus an Honorable Mention,” said Bromfield. “Honorable Mention could be anything from most humorous

Shoreline

to quirky creativity. But in recent years, we’ve added various categories to give more boats a chance for an award.

“As we know, the larger boats can have more of an advantage because they have more of a capacity to plug in lights,” she continued. “The little boats have to be more creative with that. So we’ve tried to add some categories to recognize the smaller boats.”

Bromfield recalled some of the most memorable entries over the years. “About 15 years ago, there was a man who lived on the lake, and he had once worked for Walt Disney Productions.

He built a bi-plane frame on his pontoon boat, complete with a propeller that turned. He had lights strung all around the frame, and when I saw the boat coming across the lake toward T-Bones, it looked just like a bi-plane, all lit up!”

For the past several years, Brad and Shannon Thomas, who own Creative Solutions Special Events in Belmont, have placed or won several times with their parade entries. Transforming their Trojan Flybridge boat into anything from a Swan to a Train, complete with flashing lights synchronized to themed music, their boat is always a crowd favorite.

Boat crews can play an important role in the parade as well. One year, riders on a boat all dressed as different characters from the movie “A Christmas Story.” The centerpiece decoration onboard was, of course, a fully lit leg lamp!

“We’ve had everything from boats decorated for Hanukkah, to Santa Claus, to whimsical themes and nativity scenes,” said Bromfield. “I remember one year, a boat had its crew outfitted with elves of every size. There was a fouryear old dressed as the tiniest elf, all the way up to a large man elf!”

Because the parade takes place after dark,

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Shoreline Members of Redeeming Grace PCA enjoying the evening.

Lake Wylie Christmas

by Brian Welch of Charlotte was the 2017 winner.

Kids have great fun decorating cookies. strolling along the docks at T-Bones prior to the launch provides the best close-up view of the boat decorations and crews. Once the parade begins, though, it’s all about the lights. The slow-moving boats, with colorful lights reflecting on the water, are simply magical.

to make this fun event even better. Prior to and during the parade, “Christmas by the Lake” is set up at the Buster Boyd Access Area and riverbank adjacent to T-Bones on the Lake. Various churches set up hospitality tents, offering the public free hot chocolate or coffee, home baked goodies, and a place to gather around a warm fire.

Christmas by the Lake Bev Thompson, a member of River Hills Five years ago, area churches collaborated

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Community Church, explained, “Several churches set up tents. We try to make it festive, with lights and decorations. Our group brings chairs to set around a bonfire, and we invite people to sit and relax.”

Some of the churches provide some basic literature, to let people know about their service times and various programs.

Reverend Aaron Morgan, of Redeeming

Grace PCA in Lake Wylie, said, “We want people to know that we care about the community. Having the hospitality tents adds a lot of fun and excitement to the event, with people huddled around the fires, fellowshipping and just getting to know each other. I feel like it is a flashback to the 1950s, a fun, family oriented event where everyone has a really good time.”

Morgan added, “We want to support the community, because the churches are part of the community. It is incredibly appropriate for churches to be a part of this holiday event, because we’re celebrating the birth of Christ, and we’re excited to be a part of bringing this good news to the community.”

Bruce Jones, pastor of Imagine Church, which meets at the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary on Choate Circle in Charlotte, says that his church gets very excited about participating in Christmas by the Lake. “We hand out coffee and hot chocolate, homemade brownies, chicken noodle soup, and all kinds of sweets. It is one time that the whole community comes out together, and all of the churches come out together.”

Jones said, “Christmas is one of those times that just draws people together. It has become larger than just a holiday. It is a time that touches people deeply down in their hearts, whether they are religious or not. Something about Christmas changes human beings from the inside out. People are kinder at Christmas, more generous, and treat one another better. That’s part of the majesty of the coming of our Savior into the world. It reaches across all the demographic lines to draw people closer to God and closer to one another.”

Want to go?

The event takes place at the Buster Boyd Access and adjacent T-Bones on the Lake, Dec. 15, 5:30-7:30pm. The parade launches at 6:30.

“The route of the parade is flexible, based on temperature and weather.” Bromfield noted. “Some years, the parade goes under the bridge, in front of River Hills and back, while other years it runs in a tighter circle. If it is really cold, we’ll do the shorter route because we don’t want people freezing out there, particularly the ones on the smaller boats. So the best place to watch the parade is at the boat landing and T-Bones.”

At the Chamber’s hospitality tent, unwrapped toys will be collected for “Toys for Tots,” and canned goods and monetary donations for the Clover Area Assistance Center. LW Winter 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Shoreline

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Shoreline

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Cocktails for Thought

A Cup of Holiday

Joy

With the holidays upon us, it’s time for festive coffee cocktails

By Matthew Mugavero

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Cocktails for Thought

S

o, the other day I was road tripping out of state for quite some time and my body started to run out gas. The next stop must have coffee of the “leaded” variety. Jackpot, I pulled over, went inside and ordered a large black coffee with no frills. With a sweet, honest smile, the service woman said, “Our large coffee is four dollars and twenty five cents.”

I think at that point I may have fainted.

Pinching myself, then returning to life, I asked her, “Does the coffee come with free refills?”

Her response was “Yes, you can have free refills.”

“Ok, great,” I said. “I’ll just wait here for the next sucker to come along that buys a cup of your priceless coffee and I’ll offer to take his refill.” (source: jokesforus.com) But seriously folks, if you are going to get a $4.25 cup of coffee, the coffee better come with all the bells and whistles. And by the words bells and whistles, I am referring to liquor. The people of Ireland, Mexico and Spain have already figured out this concept a long, long time ago.

Below you will see a couple of delicious recipes that we like to share with our customers that make for a fantastic nightcap to any holiday party.

Bailey’s Irish Cream Coffee

1 cup of hot coffee 1 1/2 shots Bailey’s Irish Cream 1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped Ground cinnamon Pour hot coffee into a preheated glass. Add the Bailey’s and mix well. Top with a mound of whipped cream and a few dashes of cinnamon if desired.

Mexican Coffee

1 cup of hot coffee 3/4 shot Kahlua 3/4 shot Tequila Coffee Whipped Cream Pour coffee over liqueurs and top with whipped cream. Garnish with a cherry.

Another great way to indulge in the holiday spirit is to add RumChata to just about anything on the dessert table. “What is RumChata?” you ask. This amazing liqueur combines the finest Caribbean rum with real dairy cream and then adds cinnamon, sugars and vanilla. The result is a deliciously smooth product that has layers of familiar flavors wrapped in a unique and exotic taste.

To start any great gathering, the partygoers need to display individual bravery and courage by doing, what else, shots. Here is a simple one that that even Mrs. Claus would approve of. Its official name is still yet to be determined by Congress, so we will go with “The Morning Before” shot. We call it that because for some odd reason, when the ingredients mix, the result taste just like Captain Crunch cereal.

The Morning Before Shot 1 oz of RumChata 1 oz of Fireball

It’s always a great time to “feel fancy” as well as “cocktail fancy” at the neighborhood party. There is no fancier drink than the Martini – just ask James Bond. However, RumChata adds a fun twist to the standard. Try offering guests the Pumpkin Pie Martini or a Cappuccino Martini.

The Pumpkin Pie Martini

2 oz RumChata 1 oz vanilla Vodka 1 oz pumpkin syrup 1 dash of cinnamon Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

The Rum Chata Cappuccino Martini

2 oz Rum Chata 1 oz espresso ½ oz vodka ½ oz coffee liqueur Shake vigorously with ice and strain into martini glass. Garnish with espresso beans. LW

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Food for Thought

Holiday Entertaining Made Easy I

t is a festive time of year to entertain or host family meals at home. Early on it sounds so lovely to envision entertaining friends, family and neighbors in a beautifully decorated home while beautifully dressed in holiday attire in a nice, clean home listening to the sounds of Christmas music in the background.

The reality is decorating, cleaning, cooking, Christmas shopping, wrapping packages, addressing Christmas cards and attending a few holiday events takes a lot of time and energy. A 3 a.m. thought may be who has time or energy to entertain, decorate and in today’s busy days.

Here’s a great idea to get that holiday entertaining or family meal prepared locally with ease and grace. Jackson’s Kitchen located on Main Street in Clover has been in the food service industry for over 50 years, specializing in catering which includes full service, deliveries and pickups. At their location they find themselves busy around this time of the year.

For years, every holiday season Jackson’s Kitchen makes it easy for its customers to have the best holiday season because they all know 24

one of the most important things on family holidays and with holiday entertaining is the meal while enjoying being together and entertaining. It’s simple, call to place your order now until mid-December to have a freshly prepared holiday dinner. You pick up your order, everything is in pans ready to serve, and all you have to do is reheat when you’re ready to eat. They offer a deliciously seasoned baked turkey and a gourmet Cajun fried turkey that is to die for. Instructions for reheating and cooking the turkey are provided.

For holiday parties and entertaining, Jackson’s Kitchen Catering can take the stress out of preparing food by either catering at your location or preparing foods for you to pick up before your event. You can order anything from a big turkey meal package to serve 20 people or just a couple side items like pie or dressing for your holiday meal. They make fruit and vegetable trays, antipasto salads, shrimp trays, an assortment of hors d’ oeuvres to choose from and dessert trays to die for. Jackson’s Kitchen Catering knows it can

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An antipasto tray is a festive and colorful addition for any party.

be very stressful leading up to the big meal or entertaining so they make sure everything is absolutely perfect.

This holiday season make it easy on yourself by letting Jackson’s Kitchen do the work for you this Thanksgiving. Check out Jacksonskitchen.com or stop in to grab a menu to see options. To place your order stop in, call 803222-7767 or email jacksonskitchen@gmail. com. Have a happy holiday season and leave the cooking and catering to Jackson’s.

Winter and Holiday Party Guide –2018 Find what you need for upcoming weddings, anniversaries, and special event party planning.

Locations for parties and gatherings: River Hills Country Club One Country Club Lane

Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-2126 Full service location with food and beverage – ballroom or terrace

T-Bones on The Lake

Highway 49 @ Blucher Circle Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-0170

Red Fez Club

16600 Red Fez Club Road Charlotte, NC 28273 704-588-0574 Full service less formal lakeside location, has picnic shelter and building

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

New Hope Road Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-4490 Holiday special events and parties – need caterer

Musicians and DJ’s: Ansel Couch, Guitarist

803-329-0640 anselwcouch@yahoo.com

A fresh fruit tray is a healthy addition to a holiday spread.

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Food for Thought

Shrimp Tray by Jackson’s Catering.

Christine Robinson, Violinist 803-802-1930

The Classics (Band) Jerry Robinson 704-678-9726

Carol Chase, Pianist

803-831-5872 CarolChase2002@hotmail.com www.cdbaby.com/CarolChase

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Top Hat Entertainment (DJ) Tom and Judy Gray 704-737-7522 nadines@bellsouth.net

Travel – Holiday and Winter Getaways: AAA Vacations

13540 Steelecroft Parkway Charlotte, NC 28278 704-816-1680

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Lake Wylie Travel

Susan Lukowski 6244 North Road York, SC 29745 803-831-5494 www.lakewylietravel.com

Party and Tent Rental: Gala Affairs

1368 Constitution Rd.

Rock Hills, SC 29730 803-324-8113

Creative Solutions

PO Box 1236, Belmont, NC 28012 704- 825-8701

Party Trays and Catering: Arby’s/Brumit Restaurant Group 803-831-5555

Azteca Grill / Rey Azteca

Feliz Navidad Mexican Food Catering 803-831-9277 803-831-8930

Christopher’s Bar & Grill 803-831-2461

Fast Frog Bakery 803-209-2065

Harris Teeter – Steelecroft 704-587-9970

Hey Sugar Shop

Specialty Cookies and Cake truffle www.heysugarshop.com

Jackson’s Kitchen Catering 803-222-7767

Jersey Mike’s 803-831-0912

Lake Wylie Italian and Pizza 803-831-0855

Lee’s Hoagie House 803-619-4046

Lily’s Bistro

803-701-7788

Publix

803-831-5667

WalmartLake Wylie

803-619-7021

Accommodations : York County Visitor and Convention Bureau 130 E. Main Street Rock Hill, SC 29731 800-866-5200 www.visityorkcounty.com

Designer and unique jewelry: Precious Metals of Lake Wylie Jody Chandler 10 Executive Ct. Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-818-1100

Local Florists: Magnolia House Florists Plantation Square Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-9155

The Palmetto House 306 North Main St. Clover, SC 29710 803-222-1125 888-438-9449 LW

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Garden Party

Christmas in Olde York Preserving history in our community

by Jan Todd

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Garden Party

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F

orty years ago, awareness of our national and local history was high, with recent bicentennial celebrations across the country, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. It was perhaps this awareness and excitement that spurred the formation of the Yorkville Historical Society, with the cooperation of the mayor, city council, and interested parties from the community. The society was founded in 1978 to foster and promote historical preservation and restoration of the city of York.

York County and the state of South Carolina have a rich history, with many of the Revolutionary War battles fought on Carolina soil.

The county of York was chartered in 1785, four years after the British surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia. The geographic center of York County was determined, and a courthouse and jail were built at the nearest crossroads, which was then named Liberty and Congress streets. The town, known as Yorkville, became a successful cotton center in the mid-1800s.

Later that century, the economy surged with textile manufacturing, leading to population growth and real estate development.

Renamed York in 1915, the town still has many historic homes and buildings. Some were built in the 1700s, and many other are over one hundred years old.

The Yorkville Historical Society is quite active, promoting preservation and restoration of some of York County’s historical treasures.

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Garden Party one of the highlights of the season. This year’s event, scheduled Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 and 9, marks the 36th annual tour and features four homes, one business, one church, and a bonus open house. All of the tour stops are within walking distance of one another, and will be hosted by members of the Historical Society, and in some cases the homeowners themselves. Hosts are well versed in the history of the properties, and some of the stories are quite fascinating!

Wanda Fowler, another longtime mem-

ber of the Historical Society, heads the home tour committee. “We try to have four to five homes on tour each year, plus a business, and a church,” said Fowler. “This year’s business will be Downtown Music on North Congress Street. The lot was on the original town plan drawn up in the 1700s. There was a gas station there from 1937 until the 1970s, and then Home Federal Savings & Loan bought the lot and built the building that is there now.

During the Christmas tour, there will be musicians performing there.”

“We install historical markers and monuments, and have been installing Victorian Street signs in the Historic District of York.

We do beautification projects, like the one at Moore Park and Rose Hill Cemetery,” said Janice Ramsey, who has been a member of the Society for more than 20 years. “Moore Park is a passive park, with a gazebo. It’s a quiet, comforting place. A lot of people get married there in the gazebo, or have their prom pictures taken there. We decorate it every Christmas.”

The Rose Hill Cemetery is privately owned, supported by donations from descendants of those buried there. “It is filled with people from the 1800s,” said Ramsey. “I think the oldest tombstone is from the early 1830s. Citizens who were part of building York are buried there.”

Every two years, the Historical Society hosts an event at the Rose Hill Cemetery called “Stories of the Stones.” “We pick out about 10 grave sites, and research the lives of the people buried there,” explained Ramsey.

“It’s really interesting, learning about them.

We have people dress in period costumes, and tell the person’s life story, next to their grave site.” The next “Stories of the Stones” event is planned for November, 2019.

The “Stories of the Stones” and the “Christmas in Olde York” tour are the two main fundraisers for the Historical Society, enabling the Society to take on meaningful projects.

The Christmas in Olde York Tour, held the second weekend of December, has become Winter 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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The stately home on 229 Kings Mountain St. has been included on the tour several times and is a crowd favorite. It was built by the Mackorell Brothers in 1917, and called “The Aquarium” during its early years, because Jacob Macorell’s nickname was “Fish.” The home was purchased in 1941 and owned by Dr. Charles Roper’s family for over 50 years.

Dr. Roper was a prominent citizen of York, and helped build the Divine Savior Hospital on Congress Street, serving there as chief surgeon. In more recent years, the home has been extensively renovated and has changed hands a couple of times.

The home on 9 Kings Mountain St., now owned by Anne Fryar, was once owned by E.A. Hall, a former mayor of York, and by Dr. John Barron and his wife. Built in 1890, this home has a live oak tree in the front yard, brought in the early 1900s by Mrs. Barron from her home in Mount Pleasant. This tree species is very rare in upstate South Carolina, so is quite a treasure in the town of York!

Another tour stop is the home on 110 E. Liberty St. Built in 1843 for Dr. James Lowry, it has perhaps one of the more colorful histories of the homes on tour this year. It was built by Lowry’s son, Samuel, who died during the Civil War’s Battle of the Crater in Petersburg, Virginia. Following his wife’s passing in 1878, Dr. Lowry had to sell the home due to financial troubles. In the late 1930s, the home became a boarding house and served as the offseason quarters for some of the employees of the Barnett Brothers Circus, which wintered each year on a lot behind the Trinity United Methodist Church.

“They had all of their animals here, and everything they used in the circus,” Ramsey explained. “It really helped the York econo32

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Garden Party The York Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

my, especially since that was during the Great Depression. While they were here, they made costumes, trained the animals, made repairs and got ready for the next year’s circus tour.”

The circus workers lived and became part of the town of York for about a decade. Each year, the York Christmas parade featured Santa Claus riding an elephant! The circus began its

annual tour each spring with a performance in York, then returned to town each November.

The circus has a tie to another one of the Christmas in Olde York tour stops this year.

The York Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, built in 1913, sits on Lot 41 of the 1786 village plan. The church was organized in 1853, housed in a wood-framed structure that was located behind the present day building.

In the mid-1970s, one of the preachers at the church was Baron Nowak, once a member of the Barnett Brothers Circus.

Advertised as “The Smallest Man on Earth,” Nowak was described as 19 inches tall. “He’d make his appearance out of a suitcase,” Ramsey said of his circus performance. He’d tap dance, recite poetry, and entertain the crowd with stories. Nowak, whose growth had been stunted by a childhood disease, was actually only 8 years old when he began performing with the circus. He eventually grew to about four feet tall. He graduated from Erskine College and Erskine Seminary, and was ordained a Presbyterian minister. He was known for his sense of humor and was a popular guest preacher, and was buried in the Rose Hill Cemetery after his death in 1997.

Other stops on the tour include the Gillespie House on 16 W. Liberty St., built in 1913 as a manse for the First Presbyterian Church, and an open house at 219 E. Liberty St. at what may be the oldest home in York, with a portion of the house built in 1795. As always, the tour promises to be a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of the modern day holidays, a chance to stroll along and experience Christmas from yesteryear. Ticket information is available on the Historical Society website, yorkvillehs.com. LW

36th Annual Christmas in Olde York Holiday Tour of Historic Homes Where: York Historic District, York, SC When: Saturday Dec. 8 & Sunday Dec. 9 from 3pm-7pm each day Tickets: Advanced tickets $10 Online Only until 2pm, Saturday Dec. 8 www.YorkvilleHS.com Tickets available during the tour at the Greater York Chamber of Commerce, 23 East Liberty St., York. Adult tickets (age 13+) $15, Child (age 4-12) $10, free for children 3 and under.

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A

Powerful

Neighbor

by Jan Todd

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Construction of the Catawba Nuclear Station reactor building in the early 1980s.

Photo/Provided

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Catawba Nuclear Feature Station exterior.

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t’s impossible to miss. Most days, the skyline of Lake Wylie is graced by a giant cloud of water vapor, a constant reminder of the presence of the Catawba Nuclear Station on Lake Wylie. The power station is the source of our electricity, and in fact the very reason that the lake exists.

The lake was built when a section of the Catawba River was dammed in the early 1900s to build a hydroelectric station for the newly established Catawba Power Company, managed by Dr. Gill Wylie and his brother, Dr. Robert Wylie. The Catawba Power Company merged with several other power companies and became Duke Power in 1927.

During the mid-1950s, Duke Energy was looking into using nuclear power to generate electricity as a more economical, cleaner and safer alternative to other energy sources. Their first nuclear project, the Keowee-Toxaway Project, launched in 1965. Construction on the McGuire Nuclear Station on Lake Norman began in 1971, and groundbreaking on the Catawba plant on Lake Wylie was in 1974. Construction on the Catawba Nuclear station took a decade, with the first of the two reactor units ready for operation in 1985.

Tom Simril, Senior VP of the Catawba station, remembers those early days. “When I was a young boy, my grandparents had property out at the end of Concord Road.

My father was in the Navy, and we’d come to the Carolinas to visit the grandparents in the summer. Back then, Concord Road was a dirt road, and it ran right through where the reactors are now. Back then, it was a 3-mile trip down a dirt road to get to their place, and it seemed to take forever to drive. I remember when the construction started at the plant.

My grandmother talked about a 4 a.m. whistle that would blow to signal the end of the shift.

We’d be careful not to try to go anywhere when the shifts were changing, because there was a lot of traffic with the construction workers.”

As a boy, Simril never dreamed that he’d end up working at that very plant. As it turned out, his family moved to South Carolina when he was in high school, and he studied engineering at Clemson. Simril got a job at Catawba Nuclear Station just a couple of weeks after the first unit came on line. He and his wife, Joy, who also works as an engineer at the station, live on Lake Wylie, where they raised their two children.

“When people find out that I live a mile from the station, as the crow flies, they always ask if that makes me nervous. I tell them absolutely not. I know the folks who work here, 38

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Feature I know how they’re trained. I know the people that protect our plant, that operate our plant, that maintain our plant. It is built intrinsically safe,” assured Simril.

As would be expected, safety is paramount at the Catawba station. All employees attend safety training seminars, and at every meeting they “take a minute” to point out exits and assign a leader and a “last man out” in case of any emergency. It is a procedure that keeps safety top-of-mind for every employee.

The security of the station is also a top priority. The Catawba station has physical barriers and electronic surveillance systems, and armed security professionals on duty at all times. Access to the plant is tightly controlled, and employees must pass stringent background checks and psychological screenings.

All nuclear stations are built to withstand external forces, including earthquakes, fires, floods, tornadoes and hurricane-force winds.

Simril explained, “Our reactors are shut down if we encounter any of these events.” Emergency procedures came into play during recent hurricanes in the Carolinas, at the Catawba plant as well as other plants across the two states. “It was all hands on deck,” said Simril. “We have our own weather forecasting team, and we were monitoring the storm. We have an emergency response team on duty 24/7. During a storm, we increase our staff. We make sure our families get away safely, but we’re going to be here at the plant to make sure we’re protecting this asset and the safety of the public.”

Staff training is ongoing at the plant. All operating teams of the reactors spend 20% of their time in training. “We have a simulator, a fullscale replica of our control room, which we use for training. Each operator has to get a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which takes about five to six years to do.” One out of every five weeks, operating teams spend their time in the simulator and in classrooms, responding to mock emergencies as well as routine operating conditions. They must pass written exams and training exercises.

The simulator is also used as an outreach and educational tool. “We bring in school children, to spark interest in science and technology, and let them operate the computers in the simulator,” said Simril. Occasionally, staff members go into the community to educate students about nuclear energy and electricity. “Some folks got together across our company and wrote a book, ‘Marie’s Electrical Adventure,’ and we have folks go out to the schools and read it to the young children.” The book, designed for first and second graders, chronicles the adventures of a

Attendees at Catawba Nuclear Station’s recent community leaders’ breakfast were treated to a rare look inside the station’s operations training simulator.

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Feature Water vapor merges with a storm cloud over the plant.

young girl and her dog as they try to discover why their night light went out.

“We are very involved in our community,” Simril continued. “We have a number of folks that volunteer with churches, schools, the United Way. The last couple of Christmases, our employees pitched in and we purchased a couple hundred bicycles and helmets for the children, distributed through the United Way. That’s something we take a lot of pride in, helping the kids in the community.”

In addition to supporting the United Way, Catawba employees also participate in community school supply drives, blood drives, a Pen Pal Writing Program and other activities.

“We have a strong partnership with Clover’s Kinard Elementary, in particular,” Simril commented. “Some of the ladies that work here go into the school and work on projects with the STEAM Girls, an after-school leadership program using science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It’s amazing what the kids can do these days.”

In addition to volunteerism, Catawba Nuclear Plant is an excellent neighbor when it comes to supporting the community financially. “We employ about 950 people, with an average salary of just over $95,000, so that’s a lot of money going into the local economy, people buying houses, living in the area. This plant pays more than $7.7 million in local property taxes. My kids went through the Clover schools, and if you drive by and look at the facilities for Clover schools, and York schools, you’ll see that the plant has had a big impact on the community,” said Simril.

Reflecting on his 33-year career at Duke Energy, Simril has seen many changes in technology, the need for security, and the population growth and demand for energy. There have been changes in the workforce, procedures and training programs. “What hasn’t changed, though, is the pride. The employees who work here are proud of what we do, proud of how we serve the community.” LW 40

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Remember When?

by Jan Todd

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95-year old Bob Goodell lives in River Hills and has a myriad of collections marking some of his life and career highlights.

“K

now what this is?” asked Bob Goodell, holding up a solid wooden object resembling a maraca. Noting that it made no sound, I admitted I didn’t know.

“You’d use it to darn a sock,” he said.

“You’d pull a sock over it and start knitting.”

“Probably not,” I quipped. “I’d just go to Walmart and buy a new pair of socks.”

The object in Bob’s hand, however, predated Walmart by several decades.

His antique sock darning egg, commonly used in the early 1900’s, was just one of several strange items laid out on a display table.

He lifted another, a long metal clamp with two prongs. “Ever use one of these things?” he asked, eyes twinkling. “If I had a fire going, I could heat it up and curl your hair!”

This instrument, likely used in the late 1800s, didn’t appear to be a gentle option for styling, so I politely declined the offer.

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Feature Bob Goodell’s father had a collection of Lionel trains, and Bob took it over and added to it after his father passed away.

He runs several models through a miniature town, displayed on a large table in his home.

“How about that thing on the floor?” Bob asked. “Know what that is?”

“Why, yes sir, I do.” I replied proudly. “I married a Southern boy. That is a spittoon.”

“Well, do you know why it is bent?” he chuckled. It was, in fact, rather crooked. “I fell on it,” explained Bob. “Broke four ribs and my hip.”

Everything in Bob Goodell’s River Hills house has a story, it seems. Ninety-five years old, Bob has lived a long and fascinating life, and has a myriad of collections marking some of his life and career highlights, family heirlooms, and collectibles that he holds dear.

From antique toys, to Lionel trains, to World War II souvenirs and baby strollers from his childhood, Bob has preserved pieces of the past to help him remember and share with his family and friends.

Born in 1923 in Irving, New York, Bob grew up in a tiny town near the shores of Lake Erie. His family had farmland, growing grapes for local wineries. His father also ran the town’s general store, inherited from Bob’s grandfather.

“My grandfather started selling things on the street when he was 10 years old,” said Bob. “He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and moved to Irving when he was young.

He’d sit on a box, next to the road, and sell things that he’d collected. He saved up his money and in 1885 built a general store, a two-story building. On the top floor they had a dance hall, and they had dances there every Saturday night.”

Bob described his grandfather as a “packrat.” “He had stuff here, stuff there, everywhere in the store. He sold everything, from Hudson automobiles to nuts and bolts.”

The family’s general store inspired Bob to begin his collections. “I started saving interesting things from my family that we wanted to keep,” he explained. Some of the items are scattered around his home, used in his decor, such as the antique mirror from his grand44

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Bob’s grandfather owned a general store in Irving, Pennsylvania. “He sold everything from Hudson automobiles to nuts and bolts,” said Goodell.

mother, and the oil lanterns salvaged from the dance hall. Other things are carefully labeled and displayed in cases or on shelves, such as the merchandise saved from the general store’s stock room.

One case houses an old bottle of Jamaican ginger, lemon extract, sweet oil, a can of

Johnson’s Powdered Wax (for “Dancing Floors”), a couple tins of Dr. A.C. Daniels Uderkream (for veterinary use), a pack of Duke’s Cameo cigarettes (circa 1880s), a bar of “Grandpa’s Wonder Soap,” and a bottle of Syrup Pepsin. “My grandfather sold a lot of patent medicines,” Bob said.

He has a box of cigars, well over 100 years old, from the general store inventory. “If you put one of those in your mouth and lit it, it would probably burn your face,” mused Bob. “They’re pretty dry.”

Perhaps the most impressive of Bob’s col-

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lections is his Lionel trains. He has a large table in one of his living areas, set up with tracks for half a dozen different train sets.

Other engines and cars are displayed on shelves. His fascination with trains began as a small child, with a toy train that he’s owned since he was 6 months old. His father had a couple of train sets, and Bob decided to continue and add to that collection after his father passed away.

One of his trains, a replica of an engine that ran between Philadelphia and Atlan-

tic City in the mid 1930s, is displayed in a glass case. Bob remembers traveling on the full-sized train when he was growing up.

“We used to go between Buffalo and Philadelphia, on to Atlantic City a few times a year to visit family. People would play games along the way. We’d go back and forth every Christmas.”

When he grew up, Bob did not follow his father’s footsteps into the retail business. Instead, he went to Alfred University, in Central New York, and studied ceramic

Bob secured some of the leftover inventory when his grandfather’s general store closed.

He displays items of interest on shelves, his own private “museum.” engineering. This type of science and technology, Bob explained, has been used in the development of atomic energy, space travel, electronics and communication. After graduating, Bob served in the Chemical Corps of the U.S. Army. He was a radiological engineer, and was assigned to a team developing and testing nuclear bombs.

He spent a couple of years in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, then was sent to the Bikini Atoll in the Pacific, where his unit detonated nuclear devices over a target fleet of ships in 1946. “We were about six miles away from the blasts during the trials,” he described of the historic event. “We could feel the waves from it.”

After the war, Bob returned to a career in ceramic and glass engineering. Bob, his wife Mary Lou, and their three children moved to the South around 1960, where Bob served as a plant manager for a fiberglass plant in Shelby.

When he retired from the plant about 35 years ago, they moved to River Hills, and Bob began a recruiting business for the glass and ceramic industry.

“Mary Lou was the backbone of our family,” Bob said of his wife. “She was a registered nurse, and was involved in a lot of things.” In fact, Mary Lou was named Lioness of the year 46

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Bob Goodell’s love of trains began with this toy model that he played with as a small child. in 1984. “She was a mover and shaker.” Mary Lou passed away about 25 years ago. Their three children are tied to the area, with their son, Joseph, owning a home on Sunrise Point in River Hills, son, Radford, and his wife, Lori, owning a home in York, and daughter Christine in River Hills.

The Goodells embraced the River Hills

lifestyle, purchasing a home on the ninth green of the golf course. “I played a lot of golf, up until about two years ago,” said Bob. “When we first moved here, we were part of a group that put a lot of new ideas in place. We were members of the country club, and had boats for the lake.”

Nowadays, Bob spends most of his time at

home, enjoying his children and grandchildren. Several times a week, he operates some of his prized model trains, watching them circle a track lined with a miniature village, complete with trees, working streetlights, and little people. As the trains chug along, he triggers the whistle, “Whooooeeeooo!,” and remembers the days gone by. LW

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Avoiding Winter Illness Flu Season: Your need-to-know guide

Content provided by Atrium Health

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t’s that time of year again, when colds and flu viruses start making their annual rounds. Refamiliarize yourself with what the flu is, how it spreads and the best prevention techniques to help keep you and your family as healthy as possible this winter.

As temperatures start to cool, we know flu season is just around the corner. In fact, peak flu season is typically from October through early May. While it’s still too early to predict which influenza strain will be active this year, experts advise getting your flu vaccinations sooner rather than later, before flu symptoms spread in your community.

What is the flu?

The flu is a common respiratory illness caused by an influenza virus. It is highly contagious and normally spreads through coughs and sneezes of an infected person.

People most at risk for flu-related complications are children younger than 5, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women and 48

those with longstanding diseases that reduce immune system function.

How to prevent the flu Experts agree that the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. Dr. Katie Passaretti, medical director of infection prevention at Atrium Health, advises people not wait to get the flu shot, as it takes a few weeks before the vaccination takes effect.

She also cautions that it’s still possible to get the flu even if you get the vaccine.

“In a good season, the vaccine is about 60 percent effective because there are different strains of the virus that circulate every flu season,” she says.

Other tips to prevent getting sick: • Cover your sneeze or cough • Frequently wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel • Don’t take antibiotics for cold and flu symptoms

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If you get sick with a fever and flu-like symptoms, stay home – and encourage others with a mild illness to stay home, too. If your symptoms become severe, you should see your doctor.

Don’t confuse the flu for a cold Dr. Passaretti says confusing the flu with a cold can be easy given that they are both respiratory illnesses. “Symptoms may overlap, but the flu is more severe,” she says. “People typically have more muscle aches and pains with the flu.”

The most common flu symptoms are: • High fever/chills • Muscle pains • Runny nose • Sore throat • Headache • Coughing • Fatigue Colds are usually milder and generally do not result in serious health problems that can be associated with the flu, such as pneumonia,

bacterial infections or hospitalizations. In rare cases, the flu can be life-threatening.

Antibiotics typically won’t cure flu symptoms A common mistake is taking antibiotics for the flu, which is a virus.

Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria and can only treat sicknesses caused by bacteria – so they have no effect on the flu. In fact, taking antibiotics for the flu can make you sicker or make your sickness last longer.

“Since most common-cold symptoms are caused by viruses, you don’t need to treat them with antibiotics. You can help your body’s immune system do its job with rest and lots of liquids,” says Dr. Lisa Davidson, medical director of Atrium Health’s Antimicrobial Support Network. “If you need symptom relief, your doctor can provide recommendations for over-the-counter medications.”

Feeling sick? View a list of symptoms to find the care that fits your needs at atriumhealth.org/careguide. LW Winter 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Calendar Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Planning Your Holiday Activities

H

olidays are in full swing in and around Lake Wylie! From parades to tree lightings, unique gifts shopping at craft fairs and more, check out our winter calendar for ways to celebrate the season. Please check ahead for dates and times as they are subject to change.

Holidays at the Garden, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden – Nov. 23-Jan. 6

Each evening from 5-9 p.m., visitors can enjoy live music, shopping, roasted marshmallows, children’s activities and more. The garden will be closed Christmas Day. Food and beverage service will be available every night.

Tickets and more information are available at www.dsbg.org or by calling 704-829-1252.

6500 S. New Hope Road in Belmont.

Visit with Santa at Stowe Dairy Farm – Nov. 24 and Dec. 1

Christmasville in Rock Hill – Nov. 29-Dec. 2

This award-winning festival has more than 70 events, including horse-drawn carriage rides, strolling Dickens carolers, an artisan craft market, theater, dance, music and a real ice skating rink. For a full list of events, visit www.christmasvillerockhill.com.

Town of Clover Christmas celebrations – Nov. 30-Dec. 2

Start your holiday shoppion from 4-7 p.m.

Nov. 30 at Clover’s Merry Market, 103 N. Main St. in the Larne Building.

Clover’s annual Highland Christmas Parade begins at 3 p.m. Dec. 2. Contact the Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce for more details.

Christmas Candlelight Tours at Historic Brattonsville – Dec. 1 and Dec. 3

Santa Claus will arrive and greet children Walk the candlelit paths of Historic Bratfrom 1-5 p.m. The farm will also have choose- tonsville and experience a Southern-style and-cut Christmas trees. 169 Stowe Dairy Christmas in the Carolina Backcountry.

Road, Gastonia, NC 28052.

Costumed interpreters tell the stories of people who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries as they bring to life the holiday seaWinter Wonderland Craft Fair at Anne sons of the past. Hands-on activities for all Springs Close Greenway – Nov. 24 More than 150 artists and crafters will offer ages, campfire, music and food available. unique holiday gifts and decorations. Admis- 3-9 p.m. Adults $8, seniors $7, children sion is free to greenway members, $5 for non- 4-17 $6. Children 3 and under and museum members with $5 special events parking per members free. car. 288 Dairy Barn Lane. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Christmas in Fort Mill – Nov. 28-Dec. 1

See Santa Claus and watch the lighting of the Christmas tree at 7 p.m. beside the bandstand on Main Street. Afterward, children can visit with Santa and tell him their Christmas wish list. Hot cocoa, cider and cookies will be served.

Christmas in Olde York Towne Home Tour – Dec. 8-9

Annual holiday tour of historic homes and other locations from 3-7 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 until Dec. 8 and can be purchased at the chamber office, 23 E. Liberty St., or online at www.yorkvillehs.com. Proceeds benefit Yorkville Historical Society.

Clover Woman’s Club “Christmas in Historic Clover” home tour – Dec. 8-9

Clover Woman’s Club Christmas in Historic Clover annual tour. 3-7 p.m. Tour tickets are $15 and available at Good Things Consignment, The Cottage, Palmetto House, Xscape Salon, Gallery 120 and the Bagel Boat.

Journey Life Center Christmas Craft Show and Bazaar – Dec. 8

Journey Life Center’s third annual show from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. features local vendors with a variety of items for sale just in time for Christmas. Admission is free. Journey Life Center, 5415 S.C. Highway 557, Lake Wylie.

Clover Choraliers winter concert – Dec. 6, 8 and 9

Annual winter concert filled with fantastic dancing, singing and acting. Show times are 8 p.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 8 and 3 p.m. Dec. 9. For box office hours visit cloverchoraliers.com.

Clover School District Auditorium, 1625 S.C. Highway 55 East, Clover.

Lake Wylie Lights on the Lake Boat Parade and Christmas on the Lake – Dec. 16

A family friendly celebration with warming huts, free cocoa and hot cider, music and more. The grassy lawn beside T-Bones on the Lake boat docks. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Boat parade launches at 6:30 p.m.

The Real Christmas Story at NarroWay Theatre – Through Dec. 22

NarroWay Productions recreates the real Christmas story with your favorite seasonal songs and scenes. Optional Christmas dinner before the show. For tickets, show times and more information, visit www.narroway.net. LW

Winter 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Development Update

15904 Riverpo from the lake inte .

Trends Stay Positive O

nce again this year, Lake Wylie real estate sales are robust. We’ve enjoyed a market where homes sell quickly, and prices are edging upward. Buyers have to be on their toes, as listing inventory is tight, particularly in the mid-range price categories.

On the lake, number of homes sold are down a small amount in comparison to the past two years, mainly because there are not enough homes to sell! Sufficient listing inventory has been an issue for the past year and a half. Buyers have been reaching into the higher priced waterfront brackets, and average sales price for waterfront homes is just over $725,000, a 20% increase over two years ago!

Luxury homes over $1 million are selling at record levels on Lake Wylie. A strong econo52

my and high employment rates have contributed to this trend, and builders are once again stepping up to meet buyer demand for high end finish levels on new homes, outdoor living areas with fireplaces and covered porches, gourmet kitchens, spa-like baths and similar features that drive prices upward.

Prices are edging up slightly on quality waterfront homes that are reselling, as well. Demand in the low and mid-priced waterfront homes have resulted in sales that often happen very fast, and at prices very close to the asking price. Average time on the market for waterfront homes is just three months, the quickest sell in over a decade.

In comparison to other areas on Lake Wylie, the 29710 ZIP code represents the largest portion of waterfront home sales and is fastest

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Winter 2018

by Drew Choate

growing. Average waterfront home price in this ZIP code is $770,000, the highest on the lake. Belmont currently ranks second in number of sales and highest price.

The sale of waterfront cabins, older homes usually under 1,500 square feet, designed for weekend or vacation use, is on track to sell at record levels in comparison to the past five years. Some of these properties will continue to serve as second homes, while others may be torn down to use the land as building sites for new home. Many of the original “river cabins� were built on premium view lots that are now in high demand.

Off the lake, the housing market in Lake Wylie has shown modest gains in single-family home sales in the past year, and new permits for multifamily (apartments and con-

573 Bonum

15904 Riverpointe showing off its spectacular view of Lake Wylie. dos) have grown considerably in the past few years.

The average home price off the lake this year in Lake Wylie is about $350,000, up by almost $25,000 vs. last year. Some of the higher priced homes, in Heron Cove, Cooks Cove, The Landing, and River Hills, have either lake or golf course views. New homes in neighborhoods such as Paddlers Cove and The Bluffs on Mill Creek are premium priced as well.

Developments with multi-acre tracts have also shown growth.

It is an exciting time to be in the real estate market, and we can look forward to these trends continuing into next year. With sales happening at such a rapid pace, it is important to consider the help of an experienced real estate agent. LW Winter 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight Spotlight

News of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Winter 2018

Lake Wylie’s 30th Annual Lights on the Lake Boat Parade Saturday, December 15th 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Boat Parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m.

Lawn beside T-Bones on the Lake boat docks

T

he Lights on the Lake Boat Parade has been a highlight of the holiday season here in Lake Wylie for the past 29 years.

We all love seeing the procession of boats sparkling with holiday lights and decorations out on the lake. The parade is held in conjunction with Christmas by the Lake, now in its fifth year.

With the cooperation of several area churches, the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce is excited to expand the event into an outdoor, family friendly celebration. Boat parade co-chairmen Allan Gregory and Brad Rippetoe will add a few surprises to this year’s event.

Christmas by the Lake is a chance to gather together here in Lake Wylie and celebrate the season with our families, friends and neighbors in a festive, fun and relaxing atmosphere.

Look forward to these highlights when you attend: • Warming huts with free cocoa and hot cider

• Christmas Music • And a visit from someone very special Join us for a great evening! In keeping with the season, food and monetary donations will be accepted by the CAAC (Clover Area Assistance Center). Also, unwrapped toys for children of all ages will be accepted for Santa’s Sleigh to benefit area children. They will be in the Chamber of Commerce Warming Hut. “This is an opportunity for local families

to give canned goods and unwrapped toys to help others while enjoying the holiday event.

It is the season of giving,” said Susan Bromfield, chamber president.

And to all you boaters out there, consider decorating your boat and joining the Boat Parade. It’s not too late to register. The registration form is at the Chamber website, www. lakewyliesc.com, or you can email lakewylie chamber@yahoo.com. Sign up today.

Holiday gala kicks off the season

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he Lake Wylie Chamber’s annual meeting is held as a holiday gala celebration where the annual Business and Citizen of the Year are recognized. This year’s event will be on Dec. 6 at River Hills Country Club. Reservations can be made by calling the chamber at 803-831-2827.

Sponsorships are also available.

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Winter 2018

Memories of past galas with Elaine Norman singing with The Classics at the Chamber gala held at River Hills Country Club.

Spotlight

Thank you!

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

30th Annual “Lights on the Lake” Holiday Boat Parade

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

2018 Golf Classic Sponsors!

presented by

T-Bones on the Lake and Cabela’s

Business After Golf Sponsors

--------------------------------------Registration – ENTRY FORM

Halford, Niemiec and Freeman Carolina Trust Bank Clover Community Bank Jackson’s Kitchen Catering River Hills Country Club Watson Insurance

When: Parade Begins Saturday, December 15, 2018, at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Buster Boyd Bridge at T-Bones – Lake Wylie Captains Meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m.

This form and a check for $20.00 should be sent to: Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 5233 Lake Wylie, SC 29710

by Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018 (late and same-day registration is $25) Name: __________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ Cell Phone:__________________________ E-Mail: ______________________________ Type of Boat: _____________________________________________________________ Describe your holiday decorating theme: _______________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Questions: Call –803-831-2827 or e-mail:lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com

Medical and Ancillary Partnership:

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

T

he Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce partners with BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina to provide coverage for our members.

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina offers an extensive array of health insurance options for employers with two to 50 employees on their Business BlueEssentialsSM platform.

Medical coverage is also available for employers with 51 to 99 employees on the Business Blue Chamber platform.

BlueCross now offers the Blue BundleSM, which combines dental, vision, life and criti-

cal illness insurance for companies with two to 50 employees. The Blue Bundle product is exclusive to Chamber of Commerce members.

The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce can work with BlueCross to provide employer groups with access to local field experts who work for independent agencies representing BlueCross.

For more information, please contact Emi Ferry, Chamber of Commerce Marketing Representative, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. 800-288-2227, ext. 22145. Chamber. quote@bcbssc.com

Lunch Sponsor

Jersey Mike’s – Lake Wylie

Hole-in-One Sponsors Fred Caldwell Chevrolet

Hospitality Sponsor Lake Wylie Liquors

Hole Sponsors

Arby’s BB&T Bank of York Bethel Commons Carolina Family Dentistry Carolina Home Connection Certainty Home Loans Comporium Duke Energy Fast Frog Bakery Kasby’s By The Lake Kochi Japanese Steakhouse Lakepointe Ridge by Redwood Lake Wylie Assisted Living Lake Wylie Family Chiropractic Lake Wylie Today Lakeside Insurance Morningstar Storage SC Representative Tommy Pope Senator Harvey Peeler Signs On The Side The Lake Wylie Man The Lodges at Lake Wylie TownePlace Suites Rock Hill YMCA Camp Thunderbird York County Natural Gas York Electric Co-Op Walmart

Please support our sponsors!

Winter 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

55

Spotlight

Business After Hours

October 11, 2018 Sponsored by Lake Wylie Wellness & Chiropractic, Lily’s Bistro, and Lake Wylie Rotary Club Photos by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Ed Lindsey of the Lake Wylie Rotary Club Chris Earle of Lily’s Bistro, Seng Sidavong of Certainty Home greets SC House Representative Bruce Bryant. Loans and Angel Neelands of Clover Community Bank.

Florence and Andy Kane and Peggy Upchurch enjoy the beautiful fall evening.

Tonya Bowe and Stephanie Gordon of Lake Wylie Family Dentisry attend the BAH.

Lily’s Bistro provided a wonderful selection of food for chamber members.

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

David Redding of Lake Wylie Wellness and Chiropractic Center welcomes Robert Rosenberger of Eastwood Homes.

Spotlight

Business After Hours October 25, 2018 Sponsored by Kasby’s By The Lake and Melanie Wilson of Keller Williams Photos by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Laurie and Doug McSpadden of McSpadden Custom Homes in their western attire at the BAH.

Deb Dagilus and Kay Peters at Kasby’s by the Lake Western-themed BAH.

Sandee Wilkerson at Kasby’s Mark Henderson of Kasby’s with Yvette Herberger of Anchor Business After Hours.

Self Storage with the Magnolia House Clock door prize she won.

Susan Lukowski of Lake Wylie Travel wins a door prize from Kasby’s by the Lake.

Bud Rother, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center volunteer.

Bobbie Otto, Kay Peters, Larry Marraccini and Michaelyn Sherrill catching up at Kasby’s BAH.

Melanie WiIson and John Freeman enjoying the BAH.

Dianne Kehler wins a door prize at the BAH.

Winter 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

57

Spotlight

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce 20th Annual Golf Classic September 27, 2018 Held at River Hills Country Club Photos by Jan Todd

Certainty Home Loans Hole at the golf event.

Gary Troyan of River Hills Country Club along with Matthew Mugavero of Lake Wylie Liquors and golf chairman welcome the golfers.

Hole Sponsors Drew and Natalie Choate of The Lake Wylie Man provide hospitality for the golfers.

Lake Wylie Liquors Team at the 18th hole at River Hills Country Club.

York County Natural Gas provided a won- Charlie and Kevin Bromfield enjoy SC Representative Tommy Pope and Chamber Chairman derful assortment of food at their hole. the beautiful River Hills Golf Course. Charles Wood ready for a great day of chamber golf fun.

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Spotlight

Business After Golf

September 28, 2018 Sponsored by Halford Niemic and Freeman, Carolina Trust Bank – Clover Community Bank, Jackson’s Kitchen Catering, River Hills Country Club and Watson Insurance Photos by Sprout Socially – Andrea Meglii

Gary Troyan, golf pro at River Hills Country Club handles Galen and Joy Sanderson, owners of the new Fast Frog Bakery, had a display and another successful chamber golf event on the new greens. sampling of freshly baked cookies.

First place was won by the AAA of the Carolinas team and represented by Scott Everly and Mike Barrett, owner of Jackson’s Kitchen Catering, Casselman Custom Canvas team won second place Matt Moeller. team and show prizes by Lake Wylie Liquors. served creamy cheese grits and shrimp.

Angel Neelands and Treva Carey representing Clover Prize table for golfers at the Business After Chamber golf chairman Matthew Bank-Carolina Trust Bank present the chamber with a doGolf held at River Hills Country Club.

Mugavero of Lake Wylie Liquors nation for raffle for deluxe driver won by David Benson. prepares to award prizes to golfers.

Winter 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

59

Spotlight Welcome New Members August 15, 2018 – October 26. 2018

In loving memory of founding member John Wilkerson, with chamber president Susan Bromfield at last year’s gala.

Bakery Fast Frog Bakery, Inc.

Joy Sanderson 5400 Highway 55 East, Suite 300 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-209-2065 joycfroggygirl@yahoo.com

Restaurants Lily’s Bistro

Jerry Simonetti 4547 Charlotte Highway Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-701-7788 lilysbistrolakewylie@yahoo.com www.lilysbistrolakewylie.com

Restaurants Christopher’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill Chris Earle 1500 Village Harbor Drive Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-2461 www.christophersgrillandbar.com

Healthcare-Hearing Audibel Hearing Center

Michael Sisskind 264 Latitude Lane, Suite 102 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-572-3240 audibelrockhill@gmail.com www.rockhillaudibelhearing.com

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors with Congressman Ralph Norman at its October meeting.

Healthcare-Counseling Emotional Wellness & Counseling Center Katrina Reese 4341 Charlotte Highway, Suite 203 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 704-868-6807 katC1873@hotmail.com www.EWCC.life

Investing Members August 15 – October 26, 2018

Property Management Reese Property Management Katrina Reese 4341 Charlotte Highway, Suite 202 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 704-868-6807 katC1873@hotmail.com

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Arby’s/Brumit Restaurant Group, LLC BBSI Calculative Moves, PC Carolina Risk Advisors Casselman Custom Canvas, LLC Clover/Lake Wylie Republican Women Dock Masters Marine Construction Good Samaritan UMC K.A. Gregory Wealth Management

Kenya Orphanage Project Lake Wylie Pharmacy Lake Wylie Public Library Lake Wylie Realty Lake Wylie Today Laurel Oak Farm, LLC May Green Properties Microtel Inn & Suites YMCA Camp Thunderbird

Individuals: George Gessner Bobbie Otto

Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

2018 Year in Review Annual Report

L

By Susan Bromfield, President and Charles Wood, Chairman

ake Wylie Chamber of Commerce had another very productive year. Here is a recap of the activities and accomplishments during the past year: • Positively Promoted Lake Wylie and Economic Development all year long. Look around in every direction.

• Operated a Lake Wylie Visitor Center in one of the busiest corridors in the state.

• Held more than 10 Business After Hours events with the support of 20 sponsors.

• Held Ribbon Cuttings and Grand Openings with area new and expanding businesses.

• Staffed a beautiful Lake Wylie Visitor Center and developed a team of volunteers.

• Operated a Small Business Center in Lake Wylie with 6 beautifully furnished rental offices that has been perfect for small businesses to launch or downsize and remain in Lake Wylie.

• Hosted Spring Appreciation Luncheon and Fashion Show.

• Presented Annual Splash Dash showcasing Lake Wylie with a premiere running event.

• Did July 4th promotion and assisted YMCA Camp Thunderbird to promote and raise money to facilitate Lake Wylie Fourth of July Community Fireworks Display.

• Hosted an outstanding Golf Tournament and after golf event at River Hills Country Club involving more than 85 members, includes sponsors, golfers, volunteers and participants.

• Added more than 30 new members.

• Created a partnership with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of SC for group health insurance plan for members with Chamber advantage benefits option.

• Created partnership with TerraTal LLC to help employers find and keep better employees.

• Continued partnership with SC Biz News to publish Lake Wylie Today, a premiere, quarterly magazine to promote the Lake Wylie lifestyle, business and events. Lake Wylie Today features a Chamber Spotlight newsletter and helps to promote and market the area and our members.

• Published 10 full color page quarterly newsletter in Lake Wylie Today.

• Lake Wylie Today honored with two firstplace awards by SC Press Association in magazine category.

• Launched a New Lake Wylie Living newcomers guide for Lake Wylie area.

• Presented the 29th annual Lights on the Lake

• • •

• • • • • • • • • • • •

•

• • •

– Holiday Boat Parade, an event that uniquely promotes Lake Wylie during the winter.

E-communication capability by utilizing chamber “e-communications.”

Hosted many business seminars, meetings and informational opportunities for members at the chamber facility.

Presented and collaborated with CSD, Clover and York Chambers and Working Smart to present train the trainers program for Workforce Development training.

Actively supported the many local service organizations like Lake Wylie Rotary Club, River Hills Lions Club.

Supported a coat collection drive, toy drive for holidays and canned good drive.

Celebrated chambers accomplishments at annual holiday gala and recognized leaders for the accomplishments during the year.

Maintained Lake Wylie website and social media 24/7.

Successfully implemented business plan goals and objectives.

Continued collaborations with educational programs.

Successfully served as Legislative Liaison with State and Federal legislators.

Worked with other Chambers of Commerce on issues and areas of common interest and concern.

Actively supported economic development efforts and issues.

Supported the efforts to get a Lake Wylie Park.

Developed and collaborated to publish Lake Wylie materials to support members and tourism.

Continued support for “Going Green” efforts at Lake Wylie to include adopt a stream and coves and storm drain marking program at Lake Wylie.

Worked with a variety of economic development prospects that have now selected Lake Wylie to launch or locate their businesses.

Worked to support a variety of community projects and charitable efforts and groups.

Supported members and their efforts to promote economic development and growth and prosperity for the community.

Promoted and marketed Lake Wylie throughout the year via materials, magazines, visitor center, speaking engagements, and promotional events.

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

2018 Board of Directors Charles Wood - Chairman

Susan Bromfield - President Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Donna Bordeaux Calculated Moves, PA Fred Caldwell Fred Caldwell’s Chevrolet Jane DuBois Lake Wylie Today Allan Gregory K. A. Gregory Wealth Management Jeff Ledford Don Long Retired IBM Paige McCarter Doug McSpadden McSpadden Custom Homes Matthew Mugavero Lake Wylie Liquors Sheila Quinn Clover School District Brian Rich Brad Rippetoe YMCA Camp Thunderbird Michaelyn Sherrill Home Companions Gwen Thompson Clover Community Bank

P.O. Box 5233 264 Latitude Lane, Suite 101 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-2827 Fax: (803) 831-2460 lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com www.lakewyliesc.com

Winter 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight

Outside Your Own Front Door Shop locally for gifts and holiday needs and support our local businesses

By Susan Bromfield, President - Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

H

oliday shopping can be a most stressful experience. Awful traffic, jammed store aisles and strained credit card limits can make what should be a happy, joyful time of the year a lot less so.

But you can avoid some of the holiday stress and support the local economy by staying closer to home and doing business with Lake Wylie merchants. With just a few weeks left until Christmas, here are some ideas to consider as you prepare for the holiday ahead: Lowe’s in Lake Wylie and Wal-Mart will have everything for home improvements, holiday décor and gifts for the whole family with their many departments.

New this year is Clover Patch, located at 4547 Charlotte Highway, Lake Wylie. Clover 62

Patch has everything needed to create custom t-shirts, totes and more.

They carry a huge selection of Oracal, Siser Heat Transfer and pattern vinyls that are compatible with Silhouette Cameo, Cricut and all cutting machines. Also located at Plantation Square is The Coastal Cottage, a boutique/paint studio. Coastal Cottage offers custom signs, home décor, refinished furniture, apparel, paint classes for children and adults and much more. It has a large variety of retail products and personalized home decorating consultations and services, residential and commercial holiday decorating assistance and wedding decorating.

Market on Wylie (near Lake Wylie Pizza) has fine wine, craft beer, imported cheeses, salami and gourmet foods that are great for

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Winter 2018

gifts or for making a festive meal at home.

Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery are available at Wal-Mart and Lowe’s. River Hills Lion’s Club Charity Tree Lot at the entrance of Camp Thunderbird is always a great success and usually sells out by mid-December.

A short drive into the country will take you to Penland Tree Farm and other locations to cut a fresh tree and enjoy a family outing.

Harris Teeter, Wal-Mart, Food Lion and Publix at Lake Wylie will have full assortments of holiday foods, deli and bakery trays and all your party needs. Harris Teeter and Wal-Mart offer online shopping for a small fee. Lake Wylie Liquors offers a terrific variety of competitively priced party and gift items during the holidays and is conveniently located at Highway 49 and Evergreen Road.

Spotlight Gift certificates make great gifts and there is no end to the ideas available locally.

Who wouldn’t love to receive a gift certificate for lunch or dinner at one of our local restaurants? The variety gives many choices.

T-Bones on the Lake offers great views, Rey Azteca offers Mexican fare for lunch and dinner and Lake Wylie Pizza and Italian even delivers. A gift certificate from Lily’s Bistro is always a nice gift to give or receive.

For those with less time to dine, there are gift certificates at McDonald’s, Subway, Wendy’s, Jersey Mike’s, Zaxby’s, Dunkin Donuts, Moe’s Southwest, Lee’s Hoagies, Arby’s, Kochi Japanese Steakhouse, Thai Fusion, Copper Premium Pub, The Cove (formerly The River Rat location) and Bojangles’. A gift certificate from the Bagel Boat of Lake Wylie is sure to be a favorite gift or stocking stuffer.

Who doesn’t love a mocha, hot cocoa or coffee at the holidays? Hey Sugar Shop features beautiful and clever holiday cookies and cake truffles that make a special and perfect gift and for home. Orders can be placed at www.heysugarshop.com New this year is the Fast Frog Bakery located on Highway 55 near Highway 49 by what has been known as 5 Points. Fast Frog Bakery has fresh and homemade cookies, desserts, cakes and breads sure to delight family, friends and neighbors. These are just a few of the choices and ideas to shop locally this holiday.

If meals don’t appeal to your gift giving ideas, think about other gift certificates for manicures and pedicures available at the Nail Gallery and Nail Palace, a great massage from one of our local massage therapists, including Jeani Rogers at A Caring Environment.

A gift certificate with a personal trainer also could make a nice gift. The Office (formerly Sportscenter location) and Anytime Fitness provide gift certificates to begin a healthy new year with a fitness plan and memberships.

A YMCA family membership can be enjoyed all year long. A gift certificate for a facial from Savage Skin, located in the Wilkerson Building, also makes a nice gift for the pampering experience. A car wash or detail at a local carwash is something all of us can use at some point.

A gift certificate from one of our beauty salons always makes a nice gift. Mahalo Salon located at Evergreen Road and Highway 49, Great Clips and Revel Salon and Color Studio located at Lake Wylie Business Centre all will provide personalized service. Lake Wylie Barber Shop, located on Highway 49 by

Hunt, Paddle and Fish, is a full service barber shop and a great place to get a gift certificate for men.

And for our family pets, Bright Eyes and Bushy Tails pet grooming and supplies located in Waterside West makes a great spot to get gifts for pets or a gift certificate for grooming and services. Petsense, located at Shoppes at the Landing, also offers pet grooming and supplies and treats for pets.

Lake Wylie Bowl N’ Bounce is a favorite place for families and groups to gather this winter for bowling and bounce. Gift certificates are available and this treat will make good stocking stuffers or gifts for the whole family.

A gift card from Quick Trip or Kangaroo convenience stores will be appreciated by students and kids of all driving ages. Keep it local and a useful gift is always welcome.

Located across the Buster Boyd Bridge in North Carolina at Highway 49 and Shopton Road is Kasby’s by the Lake. Kasby’s is a furniture store and much more. It has outdoor and indoor furnishing and accessories as well as mattresses and beds. A gift for the home is always a good idea.

In Clover on Main Street at ML Ford and Sons Furniture store, there is a treasure trove of gift items and furnishings. The Palmetto House features many gifts and floral arrangements as well as South Carolina-themed gifts.

Jackson’s Kitchen has homemade breads, salads, pies and cheese balls that are great for gift giving or for home.

The gift of time and creating memories is always appreciated. How about going for a drive to McAddenville or Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to see the beautiful Christmas lights on display?

These are just a few ideas for the holidays.

Visit the chamber’s website at www.lakewyliesc.com and look at the online directory as you complete your holiday list.

Also, our entertaining and holiday party guide that starts on page 24 is a great resource for all your party needs and locations to entertain.

Support our local businesses, which in turn support the community and its charity activities throughout the year. Remember to give a gift of an unwrapped toy to the Clover Jaycees Toy Drive and add some canned food items and/or a check to CAAC, all of which can be dropped off at Lake Wylie Assisted Living seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Have a Merry Christmas and very happy holiday season. LW

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Upcoming Activities Annual Holiday Gala Thursday, December 6, 2018 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Cocktails Dinner and Music Seating Limited, Festive Attire Held at River Hills Country Club Lake Wylie, SC

Holiday Business After Hours

Tuesday, December 11, 2018 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Lake Wylie Assisted Living, Home Companions and Lake Wylie Liquor

Annual Holiday Boat Parade and Christmas by the Lake Saturday, December 15, 2018 Parade 6:30 p.m.

Christmas by the Lake 5:30 – 7:30p.m.

By T-Bones on the Lake and Buster Boyd Bridge Sponsored by Cabela’s and T-Bones on the Lake.

Winter 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Southern Twang

“Tastes Like Chicken”

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ike most Southerners, I grew up eating fried chicken. My mama used to serve it at least twice a month, with a side of rice and gravy, and usually green beens and slices of home grown tomatoes.

As a teenager, fried chicken was the first main dish that I learned to cook, though the gravy took some practice. After frying the chicken, you pour out most of the grease, add in a tablespoon or so of flour, brown it up, then add a mixture of milk and water. It’s easy to overdo the flour in this process; many of my early attempts resembled mashed potatoes more so than gravy. But once I figured it out, honey, that was some good eatin’!

My love of fried chicken opened my mind to other Southern delights. I’ll never forget stepping into the kitchen of the mother of my college boyfriend. She was frying up a batch of frog legs, the result of a frog giggin’ expedition prior to my arrival. Lawsa mercy, I didn’t know that frog giggin’ was a real thing up to that point. I thought it was something like cow tippin’, which was basically a fella inviting you out in the dark to give him some sugar.

Anyhow, frog giggin’ IS a real thing, and sweet little Ja’Bria Barber put Clover on the map and got herself a trip to Hollywood back in 2013 when she explained the art of frog giggin’ during her audition for American Idol.

“They taste like chicken!” Ja’Bria told the Idol 64

by Jan Todd

icons, and in fact, they do. A little fishy, but mostly chicken.

I never went frog giggin’ myself. Watching the frog legs twitch in the pot was close enough to the live frog for me. If you’re a bit squeamish, I’d recommend skipping the home prep on this one and heading down to Palmetto Seafood in York. Fried frog legs are the Saturday night special!

Seems like several Southern delicacies disguise themselves as yard bird. I remember one Super Bowl party, years ago, shortly after I married my husband. He comes from a rural town in North Carolina, where folks hunt, fish, and drink moonshine. So you can understand when I was a little skeered about going to a Super Bowl party hosted at a unheated mechanical shop located on a dirt road out in the country.

“Will there be other wives or girlfriends there?” I asked my husband.

“Sure!” he replied.

There were not. I was the only female in the crowd, with the rest of the significant others having the sense to stay at home in their heated living rooms with their chips and dip. As for me, I found myself amongst men in overalls, pitching quarters and throwing horseshoes and drinking some suspicious looking clear liquid from a mason jar.

I was greatly comforted, however, to spot a pot of chicken stew, and helped myself to

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Winter 2018

some. I was enjoying my second bowl when a fella came up to me and said, “You know what you’re eating?”

“Chicken stew!” I replied enthusiastically.

“Nope,” he said. “It’s turtle.”

When he saw the concerned look on my face, he said reassuringly, “Don’t worry. It ain’t pond turtle. It’s river turtle.” Like that made a difference.

Now, a couple of years ago, my daughter determined that we needed to shake up our Christmas dinner a bit and cook a duck. Always ready for a culinary adventure, I agreed.

Now, fresh duck wasn’t readily available at the grocery store, so my daughter searched and found one at a butcher shop in Charleston, where she lived. I bragged to my extended family about our fancy Christmas feast, and next thing you know, I had 15 people coming to my house for Christmas dinner.

“Better get TWO ducks!” I told my daughter. She came home with two birds, each between the size of a chicken and a turkey.

We Googled “How to Cook a Duck,” and followed the directions. All was well until my husband began to carve the roasted bird. The knife sunk in about a centimeter deep. Turns out a whole duck yields about as much meat as a tiny can of tuna. Those who got a taste announced that it tasted like … chicken.

Next time? I reckon we’re sticking with a chicken. LW