Lake Wylie Today, 2019 Winter

LakeWylie ‘Tis the

Season Calendar, guides inside to help plan your holiday happenings

Holidays at Historic Brattonsville Candlelight tours give peek into Christmases past

Chamber Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce news and information

TODAY Winter 2019 | Issue 4

Our View

Local events help ring in the holiday season

By Susan Bromfield, President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

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t’s holiday time, again. We are fortunate to live in an area rich not only in history but also in options for holiday enjoyment. Both Clover and York have historic areas and home tours. There are Christmas light displays at Daniel Stowe Botanical and in McAdenville. In fact, McAdenville, known as Christmas Town USA, uses that on their postmarks at their post office.

The neighboring towns have Christmas parades.

Lowrys, a short drive away, hosts an old-time Christmas parade, with lots of horses, carriages and tractors. And the 30th annual Lights on the Lake Holiday Boat Parade will be held, along with Christmas by the Lake, at Lake Wylie.

There is a full range of festivities within a few miles of Lake Wylie. ChristmasVille in Rock Hill is nearly a week-long celebration that kicks off with a parade and has a full assortment of holiday festivities. And let’s not forget Winterfest at Carowinds. The park is transformed into a winter wonderland with lights, music, parades, Christmas tree lighting, carriage rides, holiday foods and more. Winterfest provides a fabulous place for a company or family Christmas party, or just to gather family and friends to enjoy a special evening together.

Holiday time is a time of celebrating the season and making holiday memories that last a lifetime. It’s a time of year rich with traditions and history for most families. It is also a season of giving. This issue of Lake Wylie Today is chock full of interesting features and info that will give you the many options and ideas to make new wonderful holiday memories. Your family may want to include an outing to a Christmas Tree farm to cut the family Christmas tree, or visit the River Hills Lions Club Charity Christmas tree lot at Camp Thunderbird, or share a festive meal and time together, or enjoy one of the many outings described in this issue of Lake Wylie Today.

There are many options to choose from.

A trip through the country to Windy Hill 2

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Apple Orchard and Farm is always a great part of any holiday experience. Windy Hill located on Highway 5 outside of York, and they make and sell hard cider, Wassail, apple pies and homemade apple cider donuts, apple butter and more. Your holiday traditions may include a day at home baking gingerbread boys or holiday cookies and breads, hosting parties or caroling. Whatever your traditions are they surely make memories for a lifetime.

If you enjoy history, you are in for a lot of treats in the area, beginning with the Lowrys Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec.14 from 1-3 p.m. and is south of York on Highway 321.

This parade features horses and carriages and a glimpse of traditional parades of years gone by. Also, nearby in McConnells, on Brattonsville Highway, a Southern-style Backcountry Christmas comes to life during Historic Brattonsville’s annual Christmas Candlelight Tours. Through candlelit vignettes, costumed interpreters will recreate Christmas of the backcountry settlers as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries. 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. This year’s 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.

Of course, a few miles away in Charlotte is the Billy Graham Library and its “Christmas at the Library” celebrations that include horse drawn carriage rides, story time and live nativity.

If you enjoy holiday music, the Clover High School Choraliers present their annual holiday show at the Clover High School Auditorium - which is like a Broadway performance each year.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Lake Wylie Today - which is just brimming with holiday info and ideas! LW

Winter 2019 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Contents 2 Our View Options abound for holiday celebrations.

8 Mailbag 18 Shoreline

Crappie fishermen share secrets

24 Food for Thought

Charcuterie great for holiday entertaining.

27 Dining Guide 30 Garden Party Home Tour.

36 Garden Party Christmas Tree Farms.

42 Feature

Winterfest at Carowinds.

46 Feature

Historic Brattonsville Candlelight Tour.

52 Feature

Getting Ready for Flu Season.

56 Holiday Calendar Holiday events and happenings

Winter 2019

LakeWylie TODAY

www.LakeWylieToday.com Published by SC Biz News Lake Wylie Today Editor - Jim Tatum jtatum@scbiznews.com • 864.720.2269 Creative Director - Ryan Wilcox production1@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3117 Senior Graphic Designer - Jane James production2@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118 Graphic Designer - Andrew Sprague asprague@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3128 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 Kathy Widenhouse Nasim Yousaf

Contributing Photographers Susan Bromfield Jane DuBois Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Dana Sipper Jan Todd Kathy Widenhouse Brett Widenhouse

58 Feature

Why we moved to Lake Wylie.

64 Feature

Shop locally.

66 Development Update

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.

70 Chamber Spotlight

80 Southern Twang

A look at the Southern side by Jan Todd

Cover and Table of Contents photos by Jan Todd 4

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

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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 .

Eddie Lukowski, Janet Gaglione, President Amy Gulig Strong, Anne Violanti, Zack Bordeaux, Chad Bordeaux, Paul Moran, Mary Sieck and Ed Lindsey. (Photo/Provided)

Rotarians find ‘alligator’ in Lake Wylie

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he Lake Wylie Rotarians participated in the annual fall Riversweep clean up in Lake Wylie on Oct. 5. Ed Lindsey organized and lead the group as they enjoyed fun and fellowship. Among the trash collected that day

was a green toy alligator. Riversweep was a successful event that ended with 750 volunteers; 10 collection sites; 1,200 bags of trash; 90 old tires; two refrigerators; two dilapidated docks; one discarded roof; and 22,000 pounds of trash.

ChristmasVille in Old Town Rock Hill

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he 14th annual ChristmasVille holiday event in Old Town Rock Hill is scheduled for Dec. 5-8. 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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he Clover Choraliers Winter Concert will be held at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 and 14 and at 3 p.m. Dec. 15. The annual winter concert is filled with fantastic dancing, singing and acting. Shows will be held at the Clover School District Auditorium, 1625 Highway 55 East, Clover.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, although advanced tickets are recommended.

For box office hours or more information, visit cloverchoraliers.com.

Mailbag

Clover Woman’s Club Christmas Tour is Dec. 7-8

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he annual Clover Woman’s Club Christmas Tour will be held Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8 from 3 to 7 p.m. The tour features eight stops in the Clover and Lake Wylie areas. Locations include homes on Windswept Cove, Valelake Road, Clarendon Estates Drive, Cedar Hill Drive, Jim McCarter Road, Belwood Street and Acacia Road and Gallery 120, located on Bethel Street in downtown Clover. Tickets are $15 each and available at Bagel Boat in Lake Wylie, Good Things and The Cottage on S. Main Street in Clover, or from club members. For tickets contact Wendy Bartee at (803) 222-7533 or tumblet8@bellsouth.net. Proceeds from the tour fund scholarships for seniors at Clover High School. In May 2019, three graduating students received $2,000 scholarships.

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Mailbag

Live Tree Shopping Lutz Christmas Tree Farm 756 Neelands Road Clover, SC 704.860.5604

Penland Tree Farm 6457 Campbell Road York, SC 29745 803.366.7605 www.penlandtreefarm.com

Stowe Dairy Farms 169 Stowe Dairy Road Gastonia, NC 28052 704.228.9826 www.stowedairyfarms.com

Monthly Artist Receptions at Gallery 120

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ooking to broaden your cultural side while helping the local arts scene?

Come check out the Monthly Artist Reception at Gallery 120, located at 120 Bethel Street, Clover. The event is held on the first Friday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. It’s a great way to support the arts, enjoy time with old friends and meet new friends, as well as meet a talented and interesting artists each month.

Established in 2015, Gallery 120 was created as a community art gallery with a mission to build a strong vibrant Arts community and encourage growth and exposure of professional and emerging artists while educating the community in the Fine Arts. Gallery 120 is a center where partnerships with other art groups serve as an opportunity for community involvement and showcase a variety of artwork, with a special focus on student art.

Gallery 120 exhibits change monthly with professional and student artists. Gallery 120 exhibits artwork created by artists who are professional and whose works are exceptional in skill and presentation. The gallery showcases works of emerging artists, student artists, and new and established artists, whether they are hobbyists in drawing or painting or some other fine art medium.

Gallery 120 is located inside the Clover Community Center, 120 Bethel Street. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information call 803-222-9493 or visit cloversc.org.

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Mailbag

2019 Local Christmas Parades Rock Hill

Friday, December 6, 6:30 PM Parade

Fort Mill

Saturday, December 7, 11:00 AM Parade

Clover

Sunday, December 1, 3:00 PM Parade

York

Friday, December 6, 6:00 PM Parade

Tega Cay

Saturday, December 7, 6:30 PM Christmas Tree Lighting

Lake Wylie

Saturday, December 14, 5:30 PM Christmas By The Lake

Lake Wylie

Saturday, December 14, 6:30 PM Boat Parade

2019 Holiday Events ChristmasVille - Rock Hill

December 5 - December 8 Christmas by the Lake at Lake Wylie

Saturday, December 14, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Clover Christmas Home Tour

December 7-8 Christmas In Olde York

December 7-8 Choraliers -Clover High School

December 12, 14 & 15 DSBG – Holidays At The Gardens

Nov. 29 thru Jan. 5, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Narroway Productions

see website for plays and live nativity dates Winter 2019 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Mailbag

Go Fish W

hether you’re an experienced angler or new to Lake Wylie, check out www.crappie.com to get fishing pointers and tips to nab the slabs. Note that Lake Wylie traverses both North and South Carolina and to fish on the lake, you need to obtain appropriate fishing licenses.

North Carolina North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission: www.ncwildlife.org/Licensing/ Hunting-Fishing-Trapping-Licenses North Carolina Residents Annual Inland Basic Fishing License: $20 10-Day Inland Basic Fishing License: $7 North Carolina Nonresidents Annual Inland Basic Fishing License: $36 10-Day Inland Basic Fishing License: $7 Youth under age 16 are exempt from the requirements of a basic inland fishing license.

South Carolina South Carolina Department of Natural Resources: www.dnr.sc.gov South Carolina Residents 1 Year Freshwater Fishing License: $10 14-Day Freshwater Fishing License: $5 South Carolina Nonresidents 1 Year Freshwater Fishing License: $35 14-Day Freshwater Fishing License: $11 Youth under the age of 16 are not required to purchase a fishing license unless they are engaged in commercial activity.

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Mailbag

Work off the feast

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re you looking to fight off holiday waistline creep? The Anne Springs Close Greenway will host bike rides the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29, at the greenway. Rides will be available for all riding levels. Distances will be from two to 11 - plus miles, depending on ride group. Families are welcome but riders under 15 years old must have parent or responsible adult ride with them. Helmets required.

Rides are free to Greenway members and $5 for non-members. Please note that training wheels and hybrid bikes are not happy on the Greenway’s single-track trails. There are no paved trails. For more information go to ascgreenway.org.

Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 14, 1-3 p.m.

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or a unique parade experience, check this one out! It features floats pulled only by horses and farm equipment. Beginning at the Lowry’s Community Center, this year’s event is expected to last about two hours, with more than 100 floats, 400 horses, 100 tractors, 50 horse-drawn carriages, some farm animals and a new Santa. Arrive early to ensure a good spot.

Food will be available from local vendors. Lineup begins at 11 a.m. Entrants must have a farm theme and a horse-drawn vehicle or tractor. No registration or entry fee required. Information, (803) 377-4892.

Located south of York on Highway 321 just into Chester County.

Father Christmas pays a visit to the River Hills Lions Club.

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Mailbag

Clover-Lake Wylie Republican Women

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ozalynn Federline, president of the Clover-Lake Wylie Republican Women, attended the South Carolina Federation of Republican Women state convention in Myrtle Beach in October and won three awards: the NFRW Membership Award, for retention of 85 percent of its membership for 2018; the Caring for America Award, for the club’s Annual Home Tour scholarship drive; and the NFRW Gold Achievement Award, presented to clubs that demonstrate “excellence in membership development, campaign activities, community relations, program and club functions.”

Left - Beverly Owensby, left, president of the SC Federation of Republican Women, presents Rozalynn Federline, president of CLWRW, with award at state convention in Myrtle Beach.

Top Right - Peggy Upchurch, left, is sworn in with new state officers of the South Carolina Federation of Republican Women during convention in Myrtle Beach.

Bottom Right - Linda Armfield, left, Rozalynn Federline and Cheryl Saylor show off awards at the SCFRW state convention in Myrtle Beach.

Helping Neighbors Charity Drive

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he Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Lake Wylie 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 Assisted Living at 4877 Charlotte Highway (Hwy 49), Lake Wylie. 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.

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Mailbag

Winter and Holiday Party Guide Locations for parties and gatherings: River Hills Country Club One Country Club Ln., Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-2126 Papa Doc’s Shore Club Hwy. 49 @ Blucher Cir., Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-0043 Red Fez Club 16600 Red Fez Club Road Charlotte, NC 28273 704-588-0574 Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden New Hope Road Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-4490

Musicians and DJ’s: Ansel Couch, Guitarist 803-329-0640 anselwcouch@yahoo.com

Travel – Holiday and Winter Getaways: AAA Vacations 13540 Steelecroft Parkway Charlotte, NC 28278 704-816-1680 Lake Wylie Travel Susan Lukowski 6244 North Road, York, SC 29745 803-831-5494 lakewylietravel@yahoo.com 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:

Christine Robinson, Violinist 803-802-1930

Arby’s/Brumit Restaurant Group 803-831-5555

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

Azteca Grill / Rey Azteca Feliz Navidad Mexican Food Catering 803-831-9277 | 803-831-8930

Carol Chase, Pianist 803-831-5872 CarolChase2002@hotmail.com www.cdbaby.com/CarolChase

Christopher’s Bar & Grill 803-831-2461

Ray Ray Karaoke & DJ 803-526-4148 RayRayKaraokeDj@gmail.com Top Hat Entertainment (DJ) Tom and Judy Gray 704-737-7522 nadines@bellsouth.net

Photography:

Sipper Photography Jeff and Dana Sipper 714-348-0630 info@sipperphotography.com www.sipperphotography.com

Famous Toastery of Lake Wylie 5217 Highway 557 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-675-6000 Fast Frog Bakery 803-209-2065 Harris Teeter – Steelecroft 704-587-9970

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 Papa Doc’s Shore Club 803-831-0043 Publix 803-831-5667 Walmart- Lake 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 Allison Love’s Fine Jewelry 2030 Cherry Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730 803-366-7161

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

Hey Sugar Shop Specialty Cookies and Cake truffle www.heysugarshop.com Jackson’s Kitchen Catering 803-222-7767 Winter 2019 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Shoreline

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Nab the Slab Wylie crappie anglers trade tips on the boat and online

By Kathy Widenhouse

M

ike Ringler knows a bit about crappie fishing.

In Texas, his skill netted him plenty of crappie per fishing outing and a reputation as a leading amateur crappie angler, one featured in Texas Fisherman magazine.

So, when a job transfer brought him to the Charlotte area, Ringler was excited learn the ins and outs of crappie fishing on Lake Wylie.

That excitement soon led to frustration.

Ringler reeled in plenty of perch, catfish and the occasional bass from the lake. But for the most part, crappie eluded him.

“Texas water is muddy, but Lake Wylie is mostly clear,” Ringler said, lifting up a bottle he filled from Little Allison Creek and holding it to the light. “I needed some advice from the locals about how to keep from scaring off crappie when they see my line.”

He found that group of anglers in an unlikely place: in an online community called Crappie.com.

America’s friendliest fishing community Crappie – also called “specks”, “papermouths,” and “slabs” – are the perfect pan fish, one that is just the right size to cook in a frying pan. A crappie caught in Lake Wylie must be at least eight inches long to keep.

Taste and size make them excellent table fare.

So, it’s no surprise that crappie fishing represents 25% of the freshwater market nationwide, according to the latest national survey of fishing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

And one of the best crappie hot holes in the Southeast is in our backyard.

Although Lake Wylie has long been known for perch, the lake’s black crappie population is enjoying a resurgence, thanks in part to increasing development along its 325 miles of shoreline. New dock pylons and construction attract the papermouths, offering them nooks and hideouts.

That is why anglers - like Ringler - go looking for tips from locals at Crappie.com.

The online community was launched in 1996 by self-proclaimed computer geek and outdoor enthusiast Ed Moes, who purchased the domain just as the internet took off. “I put up one message board just for fun,” Moes, who hails from Chicago, Ill., but now lives in Florida, said. “Soon, other anglers from all over the place began to post their crappie fishing reports.” A guide asked Moes to create a board for Kentucky and then anglers in Louisiana wanted their own forum, too.

From there, the site grew. Today, Crappie. com has 50,000 members and 100 message boards spanning dozens of topics, including 32 boards dedicated to fishing in specific states. North Carolina and South Carolina are among them.

Crappie.com is billed as “America’s Friendliest Fishing Community,” and with good reason. Anglers are a passionate and diverse breed, yet it’s their generosity that spills out onto the forum. Everyone is accepted right away, from newcomers to old timers,

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Shoreline

(Clockwise, from top left) Several Lake Wylie avid crappie anglers, all active members of the online fishing community Crappie.com; a crappie caught out of Lake Wylie measuring in at around 12 inches; Lake Wylie angler Mike Ringler showing off his catch of the day. (All photos/ Brett Widenhouse)

occasional fishermen, and those who fish to feed their families.

Members choose usernames like Ofishlbizzness, Cutbait, Sinkermaker, and Tackleboat. Those who post frequently earn subtitles like “Crappie.com 1K Star General” and “Crappie.com Legend.” Moes, as site owner, is simply known as “Slab.”

Nab the Slab on Wylie With A Little Online Help While Lake Wylie spans both the Tar Heel and Palmetto states, it’s on the South Carolina message board that local crappie anglers congregate. Wylie users post their fishing reports to alert each other about lake conditions and shifts in crappie schools. They offer personal tips about jigs, lures, and which areas of the lake they get the most bites on a given day, all with one common goal: to help each other nab the slabs.

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“I am primarily a bass angler, and I fish Wylie about four times a week,” posted a frustrated user. “In 20 years of fishing I have never caught a crappie. I see people loading up the slabs when we are back at the ramp.

Can anybody help me with how to fish for them this time of year and where?”

That desperate plea yielded six quick responses packed with tips about following the weather before setting out in the boat (low to no wind days are best), creeks to check out (crappie spawn in shallow areas), what color jigs to try (bright blue and chartreuse), and casting (throw the line to the banks and wind it in slowly.)

Working Together to Build Crappie Condos The Wylie anglers on the forum routinely use their electronic fish finders to note coordinates of underwater crappie havens and

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then pass along that information to other members. The lake’s 13,443 acres have long been known as a fertile home to black crappie, which hide in brush piles, alongside docks, and close to tree stumps.

The group has also partnered with Mother Nature to maximize their catch.

Eight Crappie.com members decided to create new homes for their favorite fish by building natural structures to drop in strategic locations in the lake to attract more crappie. The men pooled $30 each, then purchased 22 five-gallon buckets and concrete mix. They sacrificed a Saturday morning of fishing to mix concrete, fill the buckets, and insert bamboo branches to create formations that mimic discarded trees and brush.

The following week, teams of two and three loaded their boats with the new “Crappie Condos.” They headed out to Wylie and dropped the structures in positions carefully noted in the group’s onboard electronics.

“We wanted to give crappie some additional places to live and spawn,” Ringler said.

The group cleared the project with DNR (Department of Natural Resources), purposefully sinking the structures to a safe depth.

The concrete bases prevent the condos from

drifting ashore.

Have crappie families taken up residence in the condos? “Yes,” Ringler said. “If you want to know where they’re hidden, just join the South Carolina board on Crappie.com.

We’ll let you in on the secret.”

It’s not just a message board. it’s a community.

Over time, the Wylie anglers trade much more than cheers and barbs about each other’s Catch of the Day pictures.

In the spring, the group members hold a special cook out and crappie tournament staged at Ebenezer Park, inviting their spouses and children. They string out a Crappie.com banner across the tent and give out prizes.

Those relationships continue to grow throughout the year, both on the lake and on the message board. Members offer prayers for a wife’s surgery, send congratulations for a son’s graduation, and ask to see pictures of a grandchild’s wedding. When Ringler lost a family member, a fellow angler from the forum attended the funeral.

“Crappie.com brings people together to (Above) Completed “crappie condos,” which catch fish,” Ringler said. “But it does more mimic the underwater brush and trees that crappie consider prime real estate. than that. It builds a community.” LW

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Food for Thought

A wooden Lazy Susan makes a great display board and can easily turn so guests have easy access to the assorted foods on display. Add a couple of little knives, forks or picks.

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Food for Thought

Say Cheese … and Crackers!

Enhance your charcuterie board for a festive holiday offering

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ntertaining during the holidays can be a tradition, along with the usual things we prepare and display. Favorite wines and cocktails always add to the festivities. Various foods can make a nice pairing and sometimes it is fun to switch it up with holiday foods, or a new recipe, new ingredients or display or to have food become the centerpiece of your table.

A trendy new way to display a variety of foods and make a festive display is called a Charcuterie Tray. And no cooking needed! Whether it is a holiday gathering, a football game day or cocktail party this idea has endless possibilities.

Charcuterie is just a fancy name for cooked

cold meats. Add charcuterie to cheese plates, antipasto platters, or even as a savory addition to a relish tray. Although charcuterie means cured meats and can be a platter of just meat, it is often used to describe a mixed board with cured meats, cheeses, and other accompaniments. So, “charcuterie board” or “charcuterie platter” is often used interchangeably with “cheese board” or “cheese platter.” Use these ideas for inspiration to make your own appetizer platter.

Typically, a wooden board, Lazy Susan, or tray is used to create the visual display of foods. Begin with three types of cheese cut in

any shape. Add your choice of cooked cold meats like salami or pepperoni. A little goes along way. From there you begin to look in your pantry and fridge during the holidays and create a lovely display of nuts, dried fruits, olives, pickles, artichoke hearts, or fresh berries and vegetables arranged on the board or tray. Add some crackers, breadsticks or crisp breads and you can magically have a beautiful creation and don’t even need to turn on the oven! You can garnish with a sprig of rosemary or herbs, or something red or green for the holidays and you are all set.

And did I mention this is also what you

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Food for Thought A rectangular bamboo board makes a nice charcuterie display with small bowls for nuts, olives, pickles and any other favorites you may have on hand.

can do with those meat and cheese or dried fruit gifts you may receive at the holidays.

Charcuterie Board Ingredient Ideas Think salty, crunchy, sweet, colorful, textures and variety.

• • • • •

3 cheeses of choice 2 or more cured cold meats Pate’ Pickles – bread and butter or tiny dill Nuts - mixed, cashews, almonds or smoked almonds • Crudite – fresh vegetables – sliced and displayed • Fresh berries – strawberries, blackberries or others in season • Dried fruits – dates, apricots or your favorites • Grapes – red or green or both • Dijon Mustard in tiny dish • Crackers, or breadsticks, sliced baggette or crisp breads • Sprig of rosemary or other fresh herb for garnish • Optional - sprinkle with salt, fresh ground pepper and or balsamic glaze.

There are no rules. Use your creativity and favorite foods to make a festive and fun display. LW

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Dining Guide

e i l e y d i W u e G k La ining D Arby’s

Domino’s Pizza

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

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

Azteca Grill

Dunkin Donuts

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

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

Bagel Boat – Bagels

Famous Toastery of Lake Wylie

4090 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-5995

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

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

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

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

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

5217 Highway 557 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-675-6000

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

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

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

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

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

Lee’s Hoagie House 312 Bulkhead Way Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 619-4046

Lily’s Bistro 4547 Charlotte Highway Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 701-7788

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

Moe’s Southwest Grill 312 Bulkhead Way #105 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 398-1663

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Starbucks 1201 Village Harbor Drive, #101 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (704) 591-5361

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zaxby’s 143 SC-274 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-2634

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Food for Thought

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Garden Party

Deck the Halls Peek inside homes and support students during annual tour

By Kathy Widenhouse

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indy Bartree joined the Clover Woman’s Club when she moved to the area in 1973.

She was immediately recruited to host one of the stops on the Club’s annual Tour of Homes.

The ticketed annual event, held each year during the holiday season, invites guests to peek into private residences decked for the holidays.

Windy set about to decorate their home, the historic Akers house on Kings Mountain Street in Clover, which she and her husband had rented in order to accommodate their growing family.

“Oh, I cleaned and decorated and fixed up that house so nicely,” chuckles Windy, now in her 70s. “It was a special place and I wanted things to look beautiful.”

After all the guests had made their way through the old mansion’s well-appointed rooms and had gone home, Windy set about to tidy up. But she stopped in her tracks at the doorway to an upstairs bedroom, where she noticed a stray apple core in the baby’s crib, left by one of her children before the event had started.

“I was mortified thinking all the people who had seen it,” said Windy with a laugh.

The slip-up didn’t matter to guests, who continue to buy Tour of Homes tickets each year.

Yet most don’t know they’re supporting a wonderful cause. Proceeds from the event benefit the Clover Woman’s Club Scholarship Fund, providing much-needed college funds for young women who graduate from Clover High School.

The club that built a community center and builds up girls The Clover Woman’s Club was founded in 1950 by ladies who were leaders in the community. Some had husbands who were managers in the local textile mills.

Others were teachers or homemakers. The women join forces with a simple mission: to contribute to the activities that enhance the lives of the citizens of the Clover community.

Charter members raised funds though all kinds of events from hosting horse shows to catering Chamber of Commerce meetings. One of their first community projects was financing the construction of a brick building at 224 Church St., which today serves as the Clover Senior Center. The building is open on weekdays and provides group meals, social, educational, and recreational activities, and health and wellness programs.

The club’s commitment to understanding local needs endures today as its 30 members meet monthly to learn more about their community. They get insights about town growth from guest speakers such as Clover Mayor Greg Holmes and meet at Clover School District offices for a hands-on session explaining new whiteboards, iPads, and other technology.

The group uses that information to continue to fulfill its mission to service. As the ladies noted increasing

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Photos/Windy Bartee college costs, they decided to support the next generation of women leaders. The club presented its first scholarship to a young female graduate of Clover High School in 1983 and every year since, increasing the number and size of its awards through the years. In spring 2019, members awarded three scholarships of $2,000 each to deserving young women.

Those funds are accumulated from the club’s two main fundraising events: a Card Party fundraiser held each November and its annual Tour of Homes during the holiday season.

Get a glimpse beyond the front door A staple in the Clover community for decades, the Tour of Homes attracts 200-300 guests each year, allowing the general public to walk through select private residences decked out in holiday finery.

Visitors purchase tickets in order to view houses in Lake Wylie and Clover and get a glimpse beyond the front doors. Some guests see the tour as a chance to look at new construction. Those with a penchant for history grasp the opportunity to walk through some of the area’s historic homes, such as one built in mid-1700s and featured on a recent tour.

Visitors bent their heads as they descended the basement stairs to see the home’s origiWinter 2019 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Garden Party nal kitchen and fireplace spanning an entire wall, viewing where slaves lived and prepared meals for the owners.

Yet whether the home is old, new or a renovation, the tour is an ideal way to get decorating ideas. Club members seek out homeowners with unusual or unique stories and invite them to be included as a tour stop.

One recent host, originally from Germany, displayed her entire collection of Hummel figurines. Another’s collection was more celestial in nature: each room of her home was filled

with dozens of angels.

A stop on the 2018 tour featured a home that was decorated by a different theme in every room, including a retro living area with a circular couch and a Christmas tree suspended upside down from the ceiling.

Explore a tuxedo house and period furniture The 2019 Tour of Homes, headed up by club secretary Judy Miller, features an eclectic mix of seven residences in neighborhoods

Tuxedo kitchen.

Photo/Marsie Tripi stretching from Lake Wylie’s Allison Creek area all the way to downtown Clover.

Custom built in 2005, the featured home on Clarendon Estates Drive is brimming with craftsmanship. Bookcases and crown moldings were designed and built by David Mills, a local well-known carpenter. Much of the hand-crafted furniture was made by John Leake, of York, who specializes in period reproductions. Teapots from all over the world line the kitchen shelves and countertops.

In contrast, the tour stop on Belwood Street recently underwent a complete makeover. Owners Marsie and Stevie Tripi, inspired

by HGTV, adopted a black-and-white theme throughout, transforming the original 1950s red brick ranch to what’s been dubbed the “Tuxedo House.”

In a creative yet economical way to update a home, the Tripis enlisted help from Marsie’s parents across the street and painted the exterior bricks white, trimmed in black. Inside, the kitchen’s quartz counters are topped with white cabinets on top and black cabinets below, with touches of natural wood in repurposed doors, paneling, and flooring from the original house.

Among the other stops on the 2019 tour is Gallery 120, Clover’s community art center 34

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Want to go?

Clover Woman’s Club 2019 Annual Tour of Homes When: Fri.-Sat., Dec. 7- 8, 2019 Time: 3 to 7 p.m.

Where: Eight stops in the Clover and Lake Wylie area, including Gallery 120 (120 Bethel Street, Clover) and seven homes in Windswept Cove, Valelake Road, Clarendon Estates Drive, Cedar Hill Drive, Jim McCarter Road, Belwood Street, and Acacia Road Tickets: $15 each, available at Bagel Boat (4090 Charlotte Highway, Lake Wylie), Good Things Consignments (104 S. Main Street, Clover), Cottage Nail Salon (118 S. Main Street, Clover) or Windy Bartee (803-222-7533) Website: www.thecloverwomansclub.com Facebook: Clover Woman’s Club

at 120 Bethel Street, where visitors can sample refreshments and view local artwork. Restrooms are available at the gallery.

Meet, see, celebrate and support The tour is open on two successive nights, Dec. 7 and 8, from 3-7 p.m., to accommodate guests who don’t like to drive at night as well as those who want to see Christmas lights after dark. Visitors can speak with homeowners and take as much time as they like at each stop.

Tickets list tour addresses so guests can visit homes in the order they choose. The tour is the perfect chance to meet people, view homes in the area, get holiday decorating ideas, and celebrate the season. Local business sponsors, new last year, have upped event revenue.

That means the club can now offer more scholarship funds to deserving young students as it enters its second quarter-century of awards. As a patron, you partner with the Clover Woman’s Club to move into its second quarter-century of supporting young women.

“It feels great to know that this tour allows us to help young ladies get a college education,” says Windy. “It’s right in line with our mission to enhance the lives of Clover citizens.” LW Winter 2019 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Garden Party Photos/Stowe’s Dairy Farm

Pick the perfect tree How to choose and cut a Christmas tree around Lake Wylie

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he scent of a fresh-cut Christmas tree: it’s the ideal backdrop for the holiday season.

Yet if you are new to the area – or you always had an artificial holiday tree or past experiences with a freshly-cut tree have only meant pine needles in your carpet – then you may need some spruced-up inspiration.

Choosing and cutting a live Christmas tree can be an adventurous outing that has all the makings of a memorable holiday experience.

These tips will help you know where to go in and around Lake Wylie to choose a live tree - or even cut your own - with confidence.

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by Kathy Widenhouse

Holiday atmosphere aside, there are considerable benefits to choosing a natural Christmas tree over an artificial one.

Among those, surprisingly, are eco-friendly advantages. “Real trees are beneficial for the environment,” said Doug Hundley of the National Christmas Tree Association, a trade organization with more than 700 member farms.

“For every tree that’s harvested, (farmers) plant at least one and often two back. This stabilizes the topsoil and fields and it creates wildlife habitats.” And once the season is over, natural trees are recycled into mulch or used for erosion barriers while a discarded artificial tree remains in

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landfills for decades.

An additional benefit to choosing a live Christmas tree is an economic one, particularly in this region. Purchasing a fresh-cut Christmas tree supports the local tree farmer. North Carolina growers produce 20% of the live Christmas trees in the United States, second in production only to Oregon, according to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

More than 35 evergreen varieties are grown in the United States to accommodate holiday consumers.

The variety you choose depends in large part on where you live and whether you buy a pre-

cut tree, cut your own tree, or even purchase a Christmas tree that you can plant.

In the Carolinas, one of the most readily-available holiday tree varieties is the Fraser fir, sometimes dubbed “The Cadillac of Christmas trees.” Its slender shape and upward-growing needles produce a near-perfect form that’s easy to decorate. Yet you won’t find Fraser firs growing in and around Lake Wylie. Fraser firs flourish in mountain climates like western North Carolina, where they are pre-cut and delivered here to the Piedmont to be sold.

The Leland Cypress, on the other hand, is well-suited to our local hot, humid summers, so it is available at nearby choose-and-cut tree farms. It’s favored by those with allergies because it produces little to no sap and only a mild fragrance.

If you want aroma, consider the Carolina Sapphire Cypress, which has blue-gray foliage and a reputation for holding moisture, meaning it does not dry out as quickly as other varieties.

Other fresh Christmas tree varieties which are popular in the south are the Virginia pine, whose narrow trunk fits easily into a tree stand, and White pine, which has long, feathery needles strong enough to hold large ornaments well.

Locally, you can cut your own tree at several area tree farms. “We provide a saw for cutting your tree and afterwards, we shake the old needles out of the tree and wrap the tree for easier handling and transporting home,” said Steve and Judy Penland of Penland Christmas Tree Farm in York. “We also base drill your tree if you have a spiked tree stand.” Penland’s offers six kinds of Christmas trees, free hot chocolate and coffee daily, and free hayrides on weekends.

At Stowe’s Dairy Farm in Gastonia, N.C., choose from four different tree varieties and visit their Christmas shop for wreaths, swags, greenery, and gifts. Their Snack Shack is open on weekends, where you can pick up marshmallows to roast around the fire pit before or after you choose a tree.

Brian and Jamie Lutz planted their first tree in 2006 and opened Lutz Christmas Tree Farm in Clover on Thanksgiving Day 2009. Their business continues today with free hot chocolate, complimentary apples, and choose-and-cut hypoallergenic Leyland Cypress trees. “Visiting Lutz’s felt as if we were visiting family,” said Sheila Becht. “The owners are what make this place so special, not to mention they have beautiful trees.”

All three local tree farms also sell pre-cut Fraser fir trees.

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Photos/Stowe’s Dairy Farm your property. These trees have an intact root ball that’s wrapped in burlap or set in a container. You can purchase a plantable tree at a garden center or at Penland’s which sells Virginia Pine, White Pine, Leyland Cypress, Red Cedar, and Carolina Sapphire evergreens suitable for setting in the ground. If you don’t have space for a Christmas tree on your property but like the idea of keeping your tree long-term, you can opt for a smaller tree in a container to set on your patio or balcony.

Tips for choosing a tree or cutting your own Use these tips for choosing a pre-cut fresh Christmas tree or cutting your own.

Don’t get your tree too early. The best time to purchase a natural Christmas tree is between late November and mid-December so that it stays fresh through December 25 (or even January 1). Well-watered evergreens can hold their needles for up to three to four weeks but dry out soon afterwards.

Gather your gear. You may get dirty. Wear boots and gloves and bring wipes or a towel to remove sap and dirt from your hands. Most tree farms provide a saw for cutting but call ahead to make sure. Bring blankets or sheets of plastic to protect your knees when you cut your tree and to protect your vehicle from sap, needles, and scratches. If you plan to transport your tree on 38

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the roof of your car, make sure you have rope or ties to secure it. Bring along a tape measure so you can ‌ Measure. Before you head out to the tree farm, measure the space in your home and the space in your vehicle. Once you think you’ve chosen the perfect tree, measure it to make sure the fit lines up. Trees tend to look smaller outside than they do inside.

Check the tree. Shake the tree it to break loose critters and bird nests. Check needles for freshness by running a branch through your hand. If needles are brittle, the tree is too dry.

Cut it cleanly. Spread a blanket on the ground to protect your knees. Place your saw as close to the ground as possible and cut the trunk cleanly, using a back-and-forth motion. Low, clean cuts allow the tree to sprout another shoot quickly. Avoid pushing the tree over as the trunk may splinter. Once home, slice off an inch of the trunk and set the tree in water as soon as possible so it stays fresh.

Then turn on the holiday music, string on the lights, and breathe in the evergreen scent as you enjoy this beautiful tradition throughout the holiday season.

To know where to shop for your Christmas tree see page 10 for a list of local tree farms. LW

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Making merry memories Winterfest at Carowinds is fast becoming a local holiday tradition

By Kathy Widenhouse

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wimsuits and sunscreen are packed away until next summer, but you won’t need them for your next trip to Carowinds.

The 407-acre amusement park welcomes visitors this holiday season to its third Winterfest, a complete immersive experience for kids from one to ninety-two.

The iconic thrill-seekers paradise – home to fourteen roller coasters and a water park that boasts a six-story water slide complex – is transformed into a holiday fairyland that’s nearly unrecognizable from its summer counterpart.

Carowinds staged earlier versions of Winterfest in 1983 and 2005, then reintroduced the current festival in 2017, evoking comparisons to a Disney World-type experience from visitors.

“We didn’t want Winterfest to be a token event,” Carowinds Communications Director Lisa Stryker said. “We went all in.”

And now the festival is quickly becoming a favorite holiday tradition in the Carolinas.

Guests are flocking to Winterfest because they want to spend time with their families

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and experience all the holiday feels.

“People are looking for ways to celebrate the holidays together,” Lisa said. “My favorite part of the festival is walking through the park and watching families take it in.” Far flung relatives, packed schedules, and travel mean families are pulled in multiple directions.

Winterfest offers an opportunity for people to enjoy the season and create memories together because it appeals to all generations.

And while park rides aren’t the main draw of the festival, 23 of them are open during Winterfest, including flat rides like Zephyr, Electro-Spin, Do-Si-Do, and Flying Ace Balloon Race, along with the Afterburn and Copperhead Strike roller coasters.

Better yet, you can hop on Carolina Skytower and see the festival from a different point of view – from above.

The park’s spectacular décor, ranging from whimsical to classical, sets the stage for a full holiday experience. Five million lights are draped throughout a dozen themed areas with names like Candy Cane Lane, Gingerbread Alley, and Tinsel Town. Wander through any of the mid-

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ways and you’ll meet up with strolling entertainers like Ebenezer Scrooge and Jack Frost.

In between gawking you can go ice skating, watch live holiday shows, finish your Christmas shopping, help Charlie Brown choose a Christmas tree in the tree maze — and of course, eat.

Carowinds’ chef has designed a special Winterfest menu offered at the park’s 14 dining locations that includes holiday favorites like gingerbread funnel cake with eggnog icing, cinnamon pull-part bread, and a Christmas ham dinner with all the fixings.

Each successive year, the Winterfest team makes additions to the festival. In 2019, it’s the Winterfest Wonderland Parade.

Winterfest kicks off each evening with falling snow during a 5:30 p.m. tree-lighting ceremony at the festival centerpiece, a 70-foot tall tree, split perfectly down the North Carolina and South Carolina state lines. The parade takes place each evening.

This full-scale spectacle “entertains guests in a very special way,” said Brent Barr, corporate vice president of entertainment for Carow-

inds’ parent company, Cedar Fair. Lavish floats have been custom-designed and built by Kern Studios, a family business that for decades has created New Orleans’ world-famous Mardi Gras Festival floats and whose client list includes Harrah’s Casinos and The Walt Disney Company. Winterfest cast members are part of the parade and interact with guests along the route. Each evening, Santa Claus makes an appearance, too.

Afterward, families disperse to enjoy the model trains at Christmas Crossroads, make a personalized tree ornament at Carolina Boardwalk or hop on the historic Grand Carousel for a ride on a hand-carved wooden horse.

“Our kiddos loved decorating the giant Christmas cookies at Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen,” said Jennifer Albaeck, who has taken her five children to Winterfest twice and even blogged about their outings at Love Dwells Here. “You have to pay extra for them but at $14 for 4 ginormous cookies and unlimited frosting and toppings, we found it to be an excellent deal.”

With nearly 50 live performances a day,

park rides, and dozens of family activities ranging from a petting zoo to eating a scrumptious holiday meal, what’s easy to overlook at Winterfest?

“The horse-drawn carriage ride,” Lisa said.

This vintage holiday experience lets visitors take a breather from the hustle and bustle along the midways and get an up-close view of the decorations in the “North Pole,” the beautifully transformed Carolina Harbor.

Winterfest is not a small undertaking, so Carowinds hires 1,200 seasonal employees to bake sugarplums and operate the reindeer games. Ryan Allen, Carowinds’ Live Entertainment Manager, recruits cast members and instrumentalists through auditions at Southeastern Theatre Conference, Winthrop University, The Children’s Theater of Charlotte, audition videos, and via his network of casting companies. College interns and hospitality industry newcomers join the staff during the fall and stay through the festival.

To accommodate them, Carowinds built a new 400-bed college-style dormitory on site.

The facility opened in summer 2019 and includes a recreation center with ping pong tables and televisions, free laundry, and a community kitchen. It becomes home-awayfrom-home to younger employees who hail from outside the Charlotte area and those with international visas.

Meanwhile, Entertainment Production Manager James Sidler and his team are responsible for transforming the park into a winter wonderland.

The process is underway behind the scenes all year long. All those luscious gingerbread houses and Rudolph-powered sleighs are stored in a climate-controlled warehouse on Carowinds’ grounds, inventoried and managed by a full-time design staff who take an annual buying trip during the calendar year to freshen up seasonal designs.

Come summer, the entertainment team begins staging décor in the warehouse by decorating trees, fluffing up wreaths, painting backdrop sets, and quietly draping areas of the park with lights. Once S’Carowinds and the Great Pumpkin Fest are over, part-time employees join regular staff to work around the clock to clear out the autumn pumpkin patches and corn maze stations to create the holiday magic.

While Winterfest is open to the public only on select days from late November through New Year’s Eve, the park is also available for corporate events, even on non-operating days.

It’s a novel environment for a team building

or holiday experience. “The staff at Carowinds made our 2018 holiday party a huge success,” said Crystal Black, executive assistant to the CEO and executive board at Sunbelt Rentals in Fort Mill. “Our guests of all ages had a terrific time and enjoyed the work and effort put into the Winterfest experience.” Carowinds also extends special discounts to Winterfest for military members and their families.

For the general public, admission to this year’s Winterfest is free with the purchase of 2020 season pass, which you can use for unlimited visits to the park. Pass members receive additional benefits and exclusive discounts throughout the year, too.

Whether opting for a one-time Winterfest admission ticket or a season pass, families now have a new holiday tradition that spells merry-and-bright for all ages.

“Over and over we hear from guests who are grateful they can do something with family all in one place – where they don’t have to rush all over town and there are a variety of activities to please everyone.” says Lisa. “We hear it all the time: ‘Thank you for creating a place to help us build holiday memories together.’”

The only problem you may have is deciding what to do first once you’re inside the gate. LW

Want to go?

Winterfest 2019 at Carowinds Where: 14523 Carowinds Blvd Charlotte, NC, 28273 When: Open select nights from Nov. 24 – Dec. 31 Special family-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration on Dec. 31 Admission: Admission free with purchase of your 2020 Carowinds season pass One-time admission ranges from $23-$41 More information at www.carowinds.com Tips for Your Winterfest Experience: Dress in your favorite holiday gear Saturdays are most crowded Prepare for lower temperatures when the sun goes down. Check website for inclement weather closures Website: www.carowinds.com

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A Simpler Christmas Experience a hands-on holiday at Historic Brattonsville during Candlelight Tours

By Kathy Widenhouse

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f you’re looking for a simpler holiday season, head to Historic Brattonsville during the first two Saturdays in December.

That’s when the 800 -acre living history museum hosts its annual Christmas Candlelight Tours, giving visitors a sampling of Christmas the way it was celebrated during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Year-round, you can walk through the beautifully restored plantation and experience first-hand how people farmed the land, cooked their food, and entertained themselves in that earlier time period.

The Christmas Candlelight Tours go a step further. You’ll see Historic Brattonsville’s 30 colonial and antebellum structures and its Homestead House decked with garlands and ribbons for the season. Period lanterns replace Christmas lights. Meanwhile, costumed interpreters step into character and invite you to participate in simple colonial and Civil Warera holiday traditions right along with them.

The site was home to three generations of Brattons, a prominent York County family that

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operated the plantation beginning in pre-Revolutionary War days all the way through the Civil War and antebellum periods.

After it was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, Brattonsville caught additional nationwide attention as a key filming location for the feature film The Patriot (2000). It is now operated by York County’s Culture & Heritage Museums, which preserve the region’s natural and cultural histories. Historic Brattonsville serves as one of the few that depicts the lives of the enslaved alongside that of plantation owners.

During the holiday season, its 16 member staff swells with the addition of 40 costumed volunteers and 25 additional behindthe-scenes volunteers to tell the story of life in the Carolina Piedmont from the 1750s through the 1840s. The team of trained Interpreters who serve at the plantation - including junior docents (5th-12th grade) and volunteers - become ambassadors of local history by adopting language and mannerisms of the time and even meticulously hand

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sewing their own costumes.

It is this attention to detail that makes history come alive as you weave your way through the Candlelight Christmas Tour’s lamp-lit paths, either on your own or with a group of visitors. Fire pits guide you to a half dozen or more areas of the grounds for demonstrations.

Interpreters on both 18th and 19th century sides of the plantation explain cooking on historically accurate open hearths. Back then, you’d see an apple-stuffed pumpkin roasting on coals, a chicken turning on a spit, and wild greens simmering in lard made from Brattonsville’s hog slaying the previous winter.

Costumed interpreters remain in character – and back in time – while they discuss events recorded in Bratton family history, as if they are living in those moments. You can ask them to describe preparations to defend part of a field (Brattonsville is the site of Huck’s Defeat, a 1780 Revolutionary War battle that helped turn the tide to the patriots) and about the Bratton daughters’ plans to decorate the home (and how they managed

their Scotch-Irish father’s refusals).

Among the demonstrations are experts in historic trades. During colonial times, traveling craftsmen – sutlers – helped to provision southern plantations and militias like those stationed near Brattonsville. When interest in the Civil War bloomed during the war’s centennial in the early 1960s, entrepreneurs developed cottage industries to supply the growing number of history buffs and re-enactors with clothing and equipment.

Each year the tour features five to ten of these modern-day sutlers, who offer demos and sell period-style merchandise from petticoats to saws, cast-iron cookware, pottery, military uniforms, hand-forged buckles, and homespun cotton and wool.

Among them this year will be colonial American-style glassblower Phil Gilson, who produces hand-blown designs for historic homes, museums, schools, and the living history and re-enacting communities. His Virginia family has maintained a glassblowing tradition that stretches back to the 1730s.

Phil creates many of his pieces using original molds and hand tools that have been handed down for generations.

In addition to its reputation for historical accuracy, the tour is known for inspiring a next generation of young history enthusiasts.

Look around and you’ll see young toes tapping to fiddle music, families singing carols with the brass band, and kids listening to stories in the barnyard with cows mooing in the background.

And children experience an historic Christmas using their hands. Volunteers guide them through make-and-take activities – ones that were enjoyed by children in colonial and Civil War times. Past crafts have included silhouette paper cutting, making marbles out of clay, writing and drawing with quills and ink, and constructing corn husk dolls.

This year, children will have the opportunity to create water-coloring paper ornaments to take home and hang on their Christmas trees as a reminder of their experience. And as in years past, both children and their parents Winter 2019 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Feature can try their hand at a favorite activity: candle It’s that quiet simplicity that may explain dipping. why tens of thousands have flocked to Historic Since its founding, the plantation has al- Brattonsville each holiday season since 1977. ways been bustling with activities to prepare And why they keep coming back. LW its residents for the winter. But Christmas festivities took longer to catch on.

The Scotch-Irish Brattons who settled in southern York County adhered to austere Presbyterian roots. Their Christmas was a time for quiet, thoughtful reflection.

But as the calendar turned over to the 19th century, Christmas merriment gained popularity in Europe. Colonialists, too, made the transition to include decorating and dancing When: Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14, in their holidays.

3 to 9 p.m.

At the plantation, those changes took place gradually. Residents slowly adopted holiday Where: 1444 Brattonsville Road, activities like stringing popcorn, a trip into McConnells, SC the woods to cut a Christmas tree, and a visPhone: 803-684-2327 it from Father Christmas - traditions that are alive and well during the Christmas CandleAdmission: Adult $10; Senior $8; light Tour.

Youth 4-17 $6; 3 and under free; Culture Like the residents of old, you can enjoy ci& Heritage Museum members free der, hot cocoa, and light refreshments around the campfire. And while you can buy gifts Website: www.chmuseums.org/ from the sutlers or at the museum shop, the brattonsville tour has resisted the trend towards overt commercialism and maintained its decidedly auFacebook: Historic Brattonsville thentic, true-to-history feel.

Want to go?

2019 Christmas Candlelight Tours at Historic Brattonsville

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Getting Ready for Sick Season Prevention, treatment advice for colds, flu

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t’s that time of year again. Re-familiarize yourself with what the flu is, how it spreads, the best prevention techniques and if you do get sick, how to find the most convenient care.

As temperatures start to cool, we know flu season is just around the corner. Early predictions suggest that flu might hit our area earlier and harder than in the past several years so experts advise getting your flu vaccinations sooner rather than later, before flu symptoms spread in your community.

What is the flu?

How to prevent the flu

The flu is a common respiratory illness caused by an influenza virus. It is highly contagious and normally spreads through coughs, sneezes or contact with mucous/phlegm 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 those with longstanding diseases that reduce immune system function.

Experts agree that the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. Katie Passaretti, MD, 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. Soap and water is preferred if you have mucous, visible contamination on your hands • Don’t take antibiotics for cold and flu symptoms 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 usually 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. The flu can be life-threatening.

What to do if you think you have the flu: • Rest and drink plenty of water.

• Sanitize your surroundings and wash your hands frequently.

• Visit your nearest Urgent Care location or use Atrium Health Virtual Visit (face-toface visit) to determine treatment and receive a prescription if needed. If you have a high-risk medical condition (weakened immune system, chronic lung disease, etc.) and you think you might have the flu reach 54

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Health experts say the best protection against the flu is to get an annual vaccination several weeks before the onset of flu season. (Photos/ Atrium Health) out to your physician about whether you might need antiviral medications. These medications are most effective if taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.

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. You can learn more about the flu and antibiotics at AtriumHealth.org/Germs.

“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 Lisa Davidson, MD, medical director of Atrium Health’s Antimicrobial Support Network. “If you need symptom relief, your doctor can provide recommendations for over-the-counter medications.”

Learn more about cold and flu symptoms and how to get the right care at AtriumHealth. org/GetCareNow LW Winter 2019 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Calendar

Kicking up their heels at ChristmasVille in Rock Hill. Photo/York County Visitor Bureau

Planning Your Holiday Activities

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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.

Visit with Santa at Stowe Dairy Farms – Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 Santa Claus will arrive and greet children from noon to 5 p.m. on Nov. 25 and Dec. 2. The farm will also have choose-and-cut Christmas trees. 169 Stowe Dairy Rd., Gastonia, NC 28052.

Winter Wonderland Craft Fair at Anne Springs Close Greenway – Nov. 30 More than 150 artists and crafters will offer unique holiday gifts and decorations. All items are handmade and include pottery, jewelry, quilts, handbags, children’s clothing, woodwork, soap, candles and gourmet foods. Door prizes will be raffled throughout the day. Admission is free with $5 special events parking per car. 288 Dairy Barn Lane. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

The Real Christmas Story at NarroWay Theatre – Through Dec. 22 Guaranteed snowfall at every performance!

See your favorite Christmas scenes, hear your favorite Christmas songs and watch in wonder as NarroWay Productions recreates the Real Christmas story. Optional Christmas dinner before the show. There will also be a performance of the show Dec. 28. For tickets, show times and more information, visit www.narroway.net.

ChristmasVille in Rock Hill –Dec. 5-8 Once again, “Old Town” Rock Hill in historic downtown will come alive as a charm56

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

seniors $8; children 4-17 $6. Children 3 and under and museum members free.

Christmas in Olde York Towne Home Tour – Dec. 7 and 8

Annual holiday tour of four historic homes, Trinity United Methodist Church and the Historical Center of York County from 3-7 p.m. Advance tickets are $10 until 2 p.m. Dec. 7 and can be purchased at the chamber office, Clover Woman’s Club “Christmas in His23 East Liberty St., York, or online at www. toric Clover” home tour – Dec. 7-8 Clover Woman’s Club Christmas in His- yorkvillehs.com. Day-of-event tickets are $15. toric Clover annual tour. 3-7 p.m. Tour tickets Proceeds benefit the Yorkville Historical Sociare $15 and available at The Palmetto House, ety.

Good Things Consignment shop, the Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce and at each Clover Choraliers winter concert home on the day of the tour.

– Dec. 12, 14 and 15 The award-winning Clover Choraliers will hold their annual winter concert filled with Town of Clover Christmas celebrations – fantastic dancing, singing and acting. Show Dec. 4-6 The town’s tree lighting ceremony will be times are 8 p.m. Dec. 12 and Dec. 14 and 3 held at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at Centennial Park. The p.m. Dec. 15. Advance tickets are recomClover Merry Market will open the same day mended. For box office hours visit cloverchoat the Larne Building, 103 N. Main St. at 3 p.m. raliers.com. Clover School District Auditoriwith a wide selection of gift options. The 46th um, 1625 S.C. Highway 55 East, Clover. annual Clover Highland Christmas parade will be held on Main Street (U.S. Highway Downtown Christmas Village in Belmont 321) at 3 p.m. Dec. 6. The theme will be “Toy – Dec. 7 Land Christmas.”

This family friendly event features horsedrawn carriage rides, trolley rides, carolers, Santa and more. 6-9 p.m. Downtown Belmont Christmas Candlelight Tours at Historic on Main and Catawba streets.

Brattonsville – Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 Walk the candlelit paths of Historic Brattonsville and experience a Southern-style Lake Wylie’s Lights on the Lake Boat PaChristmas in the Carolina Backcountry. Cos- rade and Christmas on the Lake – Dec. 14 tumed interpreters tell the stories of people A family friendly celebration with warmwho lived in the 18th and 19th centuries as ing huts, free cocoa and hot cider and music. they bring to life the holiday seasons of the Buster Boyd Bridge Landing at Papa Doc’s past. Hands-on activities for all ages, campfire, Shore Club. 5:30-7:30 p.m. The boat parade music and food available. 3-9 p.m. Adults $10; launches at 6:30 p.m. LW

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Why we moved to Lake Wylie

By Nasim Yousaf

Winter 2019 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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am a researcher and author from New York.

I originally moved to the U.S. with my wife and three children in the late 1980s. In 2017, my wife and I decided to move from New York to a new location; we set out to find the perfect place for our next home and found our dream location in Lake Wylie.

When we first began our search for a new home, we reviewed a long list of potential locations that could meet our criteria. We wanted an area that had scenic beauty, pleasant weather, and was easily accessible for our children to visit. We looked at states in the northeast, but ultimately ended up falling in love with the Carolinas. We decided to move to the Raleigh area (more specifically, the Town of Cary), in part because of its location near major universities and research centers (including Duke University and Library Congress libraries), which would enable me to continue my research.

Our plan was to use Cary as our temporary home base while we looked for our permanent home. Finding a home that met all of our criteria was not easy and certainly took extensive research and time! We saw many neighborhoods in the surrounding areas of Cary (e.g., Wake Forest, Morrisville, Holly Springs,

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and Garner) as well as in the Charlotte metropolitan area. We learned all about the new constructions in these areas and met with a number of home builders. The process was certainly taxing at times, but like many couples around our age, we were eager to find a home that was a perfect fit for us. We each had our “deal-breaker” and “must-have” items, but the top-most on both of our lists was being in a scenic area and in a neighborhood that was well-maintained, preferably on a lake, and close to urban living. This is what brought our search to the Lake Wylie area.

When we explored the Lake Wylie region, we were ecstatic. It had everything we were looking for. It had waterfront/lakeside living, scenic vistas, a mix of hilly and flat terrain, and beautiful tall, pine trees. For couples with kids, there is also a good school system. And all of this is within close proximity of Charlotte and the international airport, so that our children could easily visit, and we could also conveniently travel both domestically and internationally. It felt like the perfect blend of resort-style living coupled with the modern, suburban amenities that we had been searching for. We bought a home and have not looked back.

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Since we moved, we could not be more thrilled with our selection and all that the area has to offer. The culture is easygoing, and the lifestyle relaxed. There are plenty of readily available amenities, including grocery stores, boutique shops, and large retailers. Since the time we moved, we’ve also uncovered all sorts of restaurants and eating options, from American restaurants and fast food chains to delicious Thai and Chinese spots to Mexican to spicy Indian/Pakistani food. For those who like nightlife, there are ample bars, pubs, clubs, events, and live music/concerts in nearby Charlotte (and some in Lake Wylie as well).

And for sports lovers, the BB&T Knights, the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets, and NASCAR are not too far away.

But what truly makes the Lake Wylie area a gem is the access to the outdoors. The suburban areas are complemented by rural farms, where fresh fruits and vegetables are available, horses and cattle can be seen grazing, and deer can be spotted in the woods. Lake Wylie also has several marinas, and water sports and boating are common and popular. Many residents have boats with private docks and renting a boat is also an option for the occasional mariner. We also love the beauty of the golf

Feature courses and clubs in the area and the amusement parks and botanical gardens. There is cycling, swimming, and fishing as well. We love driving on the winding roads in the region to see the greenery and trees as well as the farms.

One of our favorite activities is simply going for a walk on one of the trails in the area. And if we need a change of pace from the lakeside living, there are mountains (Chimney Rock, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk) and mountain cities (Ashville and Boone) as well as beaches within driving distance. We have just begun exploring the area, but we truly are excited and pleasantly surprised by all that there is to do here.

Perhaps most of all, we have been impressed by the people we have met in the area.

There is a diversity of residents here who have moved from all over the country and even abroad. Everyone seems happy and have made us feel welcome – whether neighbors reaching out to check in on us or strangers saying hello in the shopping malls and surrounding areas.

Even the more mundane aspects of our move have been relatively pleasant as a result of the friendliness of the people. For instance, the day we closed on our house, we had 24 hours to transfer all utilities (water, electricity, gas)

to our name. Since we didn’t have an internet connection at the time, we had to visit each of the respective utility offices in person; the staff was welcoming and efficient and helped us get switched over quickly. And employees at the DMV were courteous and prompt!

Finally, the weather has been amazing (not too hot, not too cold). The area truly experiences all four seasons – from the mild springs to the hot/sunny days of summer to the fall foliage and cool evenings of winter (which make for great use of a fireplace). For us, the

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Lake Wylie area has it all. It’s no surprise then that realtors call Lake Wylie one of the fastest growing locations in the region.

When we set out to find our dream location after 30 years in upstate New York, we didn’t know where we would land. We are so happy to have found our new home in Lake Wylie – the area truly has everything we could hope for. But don’t take our word for it; we encourage anyone considering the area to experience it for themselves. The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and the visitor center at the NC/SC border are good starting points.

Perhaps we might see some of you as our new neighbors!

Nasim Yousaf is a researcher and author of South Asian history. He has contributed articles to peer-reviewed academic and scholarly journals and well-known encyclopedias. He has also presented papers in American academic conferences and written articles in newspapers across many countries. His books can be found in major research libraries in the U.S. and other countries. LW 62

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Shop locally T

By Susan Bromfield, President - Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

his year, there are six fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so as the holiday rapidly approaches, avoid the traffic, save time, shop locally and support our community and local businesses.

Here are just a few ideas to consider as you prepare for the holiday ahead: Lowes-Lake Wylie and WalMart will have everything for home improvements, holiday décor and gifts for the whole family.

Market on Wylie, located by Rusty Hooks Bait and Tackle, has selections of wine, imported cheeses, salami and gourmet foods. Great for gifts or for making a festive meal at home.

Christmas Trees, wreaths and greenery are available at Walmart and Lowes. 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 you will find Penland Tree Farm and other locations to cut a fresh tree and enjoy a family outing.

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Harris Teeter, Walmart, Food Lion and Publix at Lake Wylie will have a full assortment of holiday foods, deli and bakery trays and all your party needs. For a small fee, Harris Teeter, Publix and WalMart offer online shopping which can make your holiday meal shopping a breeze. Lake Wylie Liquors, located on Hwy 49 and Evergreen Road, offers a terrific variety of competitively priced party and gift items.

Gift Certificates make a great gift and there is no end to the choices available right here.

Who wouldn’t love to receive a gift certificate for lunch or dinner at one of our local restaurants? Papa Doc’s Shore Club 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 or Christopher’s is always a nice gift to give or receive. Jackson’s Kitchen Catering makes entertaining easy and family holiday meal preparation a breeze. (order early).

For those with less time to dine, there are gift

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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 and on these cold winter days? 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. The Fast Frog Bakery, located on Highway 55 near Highway 49 by what has been known as 5 Points, has fresh homemade cookies, desserts, cakes and breads. 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 - man-

icures 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 relaxing massage is always a treat. 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 also makes a nice gift.

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 Rusty Hook Bait and Tackle is a full-service barber shop and a great place to get a gift certificate for the 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.

Rusty Hooks Bait and Tackle offers a full assortment of sporting goods, paddleboards and fishing supplies perfect for the sportsman in the family.

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 gift for the whole family.

A gift card from Quick Trip or Kangaroo Stores will be appreciated by students and kids of all driving ages.

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. Saltwater Market will have the freshest of seafood and freshly

cut meats for all your holiday needs and gifts.

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

The gift of time and creating memories is always appreciated. How about going for a drive to McAdenville to see the lights or to see the lights at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. 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.

See our entertaining and holiday party guide for all your party needs and locations to entertain on page 15. See our Dining Guide for reservations and gift certificates on page 27.

Support our local businesses. Our businesses support the community and its charity activities throughout the year. Remember to give a gift of an unwrapped toy to the Clover Jaycee’s Toy Drive and add some canned food items and/or a check to CAAC and all can be dropped off at Lake Wylie Assisted Living. Unwrapped Toys and canned goods may 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 happy holiday season. LW

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Development Update

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Lake Wylie Growth

By Drew Choate

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he sound of new construction is filling the air around Lake Wylie, and the real estate market continues to be robust, with prices inching up and sales happening quickly.

The Clover School District is the fastest growing real estate market in York County, with the number of sin-

gle-family homes posting an 21% increase over last year. Neighborhoods such as Cypress Point, Kings Grove Manor, Lake Crest, Oaks at Clover, The Manors at Handsmill, Summerhouse and Paddlers Cove are attracting new home buyers to the area.

New construction — with just over

30% of homes sold year-to-date having build dates in 2018-2019 — is driving up average home prices in the CSD. Price per square foot for non-waterfront homes has risen 8% since last year, to $125.

On average, though, non-waterfront homes in the CSD are still more afford-

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Development Update

able than those in neighboring Tega Cay and • Average waterfront home price on Lake Wylie has climbed to $766,000, the highest Fort Mill, where average price per square foot point in ten years. is $135 and $140, respectively.

• The average dockable waterfront lot price is $270,000, down slightly from last year but Waterfront real estate well above prices in the last decade.

Waterfront home and lot sales got off to a slower than average start in 2019, but as • Average time on market for waterfront homes sold this year is just 113 days, down summer arrived, sales began to surpass the from 130 days last year.

3-year average and have continued the trend • Almost 40% of waterfront homes sales this through fall. year occurred with less than a month on the The strong economic environment has fumarket. eled real estate performance on the lake:

• Year-to-date home sale prices are 93% of the original asking price.

Three years ago, 37% of waterfront homes sold were priced at under $500,000.

That percentage has fallen to about 17% this year. Inventory of the lower priced homes — cabins and older, smaller homes — has declined dramatically, and prices in that segment have increased to over the half million mark, in many cases. Smaller homes, and even cabins, built prior to 1980 have, in many cases, been updated and ren-

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valuating the value of real estate in a neighborhood where homes are similar is fairly simple. On the lake, though, pricing property is much trickier. Homes next door to one another often differ greatly in style, size and age. Other considerations include open views vs. cove views, the amount of shoreline, condition of surrounding properties, and buildability in accordance with shoreline regulations.

Based on a 12-month averages, homes by price range on the lake have the following characteristics: Price Average Age Average size

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Less than $500k

42 years

1,980 sq. ft.

$500k - $699k

36 years

2,900 sq. ft.

$700k - $999k

23 years

4,100 sq. ft.

$1mm+

11 years

5,725 sq. ft.

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ovated extensively to yield a higher market value.

The bulk of home sales have shifted to prices between $500,000 and one million. Homes that are move-in-ready and in desirable locations tend to sell quickly. Buyers have to check daily for new listings — and often find they’ve missed out because pent up demand exceeds supply.

The outlook for Lake Wylie real estate — both on and off the water — is strong.

The area continues to grow as the greater Charlotte area expands. News of the Carolina Panthers potentially relocating team facilities — including a world-class medical facility, event venues, restaurants, and entertainment — to Rock Hill will fuel growth of luxury priced properties for athletes, medical personnel, and sports and marketing professionals.

Relying on an experienced real estate professional is particularly important in a fast-moving, changing marketplace. Particularly with waterfront property, where each home is unique in style, view, and location, it can take some time for buyers to learn about the value factors in real estate. LW Winter 2019 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight Spotlight

News of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

WINTER 2019

Lake Wylie’s 30th Annual Lights on the Lake Boat Parade Christmas by the Lake in its fifth year Saturday, Dec. 14 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Grassy lawn beside Papa Doc’s Shore Club boat docks

Boats gather for the annual holiday boat parade.

Photo taken from the top of ladder on fire truck by Rebecca Tongen.

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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. In its fifth year is Christmas by the Lake. 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 in Lake Wylie and celebrate the season with our families, friends and neighbors in a festive, fun and relaxing atmosphere.

Activities and events include: • 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 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.” Susan Bromfield, chamber president, said.

And Hey! You boaters out there! Have you ever considered decorating your boat and joining the Boat Parade? It’s not too late to register! The registration form is on page 71 and on the Chamber website, www. lakewyliesc.com. You can also email lakewyliechamber@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’ event will be on Dec. 5 at River Hills Country Club. Reservations can be made by calling the chamber at 803-831-2827. Sponsorships are also available.

Legacy Award presented to Don Long. LW Chamber former Board Chairmen and board members honor Don at 2018 Gala.

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Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

2019 Board of Directors Jeff Ledford -Chairman Charles Wood – Past Chairman Susan Bromfield - President Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Donna Bordeaux Calculated Moves, PA

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

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

Fred Caldwell Fred Caldwell’s Chevrolet Jane DuBois Lake Wylie Today Kim Conroy YMCA Camp Thunderbird

presented by

Cabela’s, Comporium and Papa Doc’s Shore Club

Allan Gregory K. A. Gregory Wealth Management Ed Lindsey Rotary Club of Lake Wylie

REGISTRATION – ENTRY FORM

Don Long Retired IBM

When: Parade begins at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019 Where: Buster Boyd Bridge at Papa Doc’s Shore Club, Lake Wylie Captains meeting will be held at 6 p.m.

Matthew Mugavero Lake Wylie Liquors

This form and a check for $20.00 should be sent to:

Angel Neelands Carolina Trust Bank

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 5233 Lake Wylie, SC 29710

Stephen Nishimuta Carolina Family Dentistry

Deadline: Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019 (late and same-day registration is $25) Name:_____________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________ Cell Phone:__________________________ E-Mail: _______________________________ Type of Boat________________________________________________________________ Describe your holiday decorating theme:__________________________________________

Sheila Quinn Clover School District Michaelyn Sherrill Home Companions Ed Stewart ML Ford and Sons

__________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

QUESTIONS: CALL: 803-831-2827

E-MAIL: LAKEWYLIECHAMBER@YAHOO.COM

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

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Spotlight

Business After Hours October 10, 2019 Sponsored by BenchMark Physical Therapy Photos by Dana Sipper Photography

Angel Neelands, Jane DuBois and Lisa Meadows at BenchMark.

Susan Bromfield, Chamber President welcomes BenchMark Physical Therapy to community and Chamber with a ribbon cutting in October.

Carolina Family Dentistry Team enjoy the Business After Hours at BenchMark P.T.

Jeff Ledford, Incoming Chamber Chairman welcomes BenchMark Physical Therapy to the community and to the Chamber.

BenchMark P.T. Team welcome the Chamber to their new facility BenchMark Physical at Lake Wylie.

Therapy’s new location.

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Ashley Wilson of Benchmark PT and Dawn Hodges of FirstLight Homecare.

Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

21st Annual Golf Classic September 19, 2019 Held at River Hills Country Club Photos by Dana Sipper Photography

A picture perfect day for Chamber golf in September Cabela’s hole added more fun and challenge by shooting the golfball down the fairway. at River Hills Country Club. Golfers on #18.

Lake Wylie Liquors team and Senator Climer shooting at the Cabela’s hole.

Steve Miller, Vic Winebarger, Scott Casselman and Jeff Jackson.

Practice putting for this year’s putting contest.

Rick and Patsy Zioncheck of Lee’s Hoagie House.

Debbie Garbon, Hanks Realty Group and The Lake Wylie Man Team of- Jane DuBois of Lake Myron Boloyan and Matt Niemiec ready for a fun day of chamber golf and networking.

Wylie Today.

Angel Neelands, Carolina Trust Bank. fers hospitality to golfers.

Winter 2019 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight

THANK YOU! Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

2019 Golf Classic Sponsors!

Premier Sponsor Carolina Trust Bank

Business After Golf Sponsors Comporium Halford & Niemiec, LLP Jackson’s Kitchen Catering Lake Wylie Liquors River Hills Country Club Watson Insurance

Lunch Sponsor Jersey Mike’s – Lake Wylie

Hole-in-One Sponsors Fred Caldwell Chevrolet Papa Doc’s Shore Club

Hole Sponsors Bank of York BenchMark Physical Therapy Bethel Commons Cabela’s Carolina Family Dentistry Carolina Homes Connection Carolina Risk Advisors Comfort Systems Duke Energy Elrod Pope Law Firm Hanks Realty Group Kasby’s By The Lake Lake Wylie Assisted Living Lake Wylie Family Chiropractic Lake Wylie Today Lakeside Insurance Lee’s Hoagie House M. L. Ford & Sons Morningstar Storage Redwood Lake Wylie Rotary Club of Lake Wylie SC Representative Tommy Pope Senator Harvey Peeler Southern Custom Printing State Farm Seth Neely The Lake Wylie Man Walmart YMCA Camp Thunderbird York County Natural Gas York Electric Co-Op

Please support our sponsors!

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Winter 2019

Spotlight

Business After Golf

September 19, 2019 Sponsored by Carolina Trust Bank, Comporium, Halford and Niemiec, LLP, Jackson’s Kitchen Catering, Lake Wylie Liquors, River Hills Country Club and Watson Insurance Photos by Dana Sipper Photography

Team Carolina Trust Bank, premier sponsors and also the First Place Watson’s Insurance was well represented at the Gary Troyan, River Hills Golf winning team with their baskets sponsored by Lake Wylie Liquors.

Business After Golf.

Pro announces winners.

Stacey Hood of Redwood - Lake Wylie wins a door prize at the Business After Golf.

Fun time had by all at the Business After Golf.

Jackson’s Kitchen Catering, sponsor of the Business After Door Prize winner Peggy UpHours, served a lovely meal. church showing her prize.

Chamber golf event chairman presents prize baskets to Carolina Trust Bank first place team.

Winter 2019 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

75

Spotlight erce mber of Comm a h C e li y W e k e The La you to attend th cordially invites

n o i t a r b e l e C y a d i l Annual Ho ber 5, 2019 Thursday, Decem lub Hills Country C er iv R at t h ig n 6:30 to Mid

ner Libations | Din pleasure ing and dancing en st li r u yo r fo lassics Music by The C n $80.00 per perso ten ble for eight or oup tables availa gr or te ra po or C ember 27, 2019 R.S.V.P. by Nov -smoking Event ive attire | Non st Fe | d ite lim Seating 27 Call (803) 831-28 For Reservations SC 29710 33, Lake Wylie, 52 x Bo .

O P. , ce er mber of Comm Lake Wylie Cha

The Boat Parade …

is BACK!

B

e sure to join us on Saturday, Dec. 14, for Christmas by the Lake, in its fifth year, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and the Lights on

the Lake Boat Parade, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m.

It will all be happening at the grassy lawn beside Papa Doc’s Shore Club boat dock. Don’t miss it!

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Winter 2019

Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

L

Annual Report

ake Wylie Chamber of Commerce had another very active and productive year.

Here is a recap of the variety of activities and accomplishments and Lake Wylie highlights • 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 • networking 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 Cen- • ter and developed a team of volunteers.

• Operated a Small Business Center in Lake • Wylie with 7 beautifully furnished rental offices that has been perfect for small busi- • nesses to launch or downsize and remain in Lake Wylie.

involving more than 150 members, includes • Successfully implemented business plan goals and objectives. sponsors, golfers, volunteers and participants.

• Continued collaborations with educational programs.

Added more than 30 new members.

Continued partnership with SC Biz News • Successfully served as Legislative Liaison with state and federal legislators. to publish Lake Wylie Today, a premier, quarterly magazine to promote the Lake • Worked with other Chambers of Commerce Wylie lifestyle, business and events. Lake on issues and areas of common interest and Wylie Today features the chamber’s Spotconcern. light newsletter and helps to promote and • Actively supported economic development market the area and our members. efforts and issues.

Published 10-page, full-color quarterly • Supported the efforts to get a Lake Wylie newsletter in Lake Wylie Today.

Park for the area.

Lake Wylie Today and SC Biz News celebrated 10th anniversary of the award-win- • Developed and collaborated to publish Lake Wylie materials to support members and ning publication. tourism.

Published a new Lake Wylie Living new• Continued support for “Going Green” efcomers guide for Lake Wylie area. forts at Lake Wylie to include Adopt-AE-communication capability by utilizing Stream and Coves and storm-drain markchamber “e-communications.” ing program at Lake Wylie.

Hosted many business seminars, meetings • Worked with a variety of economic develand informational opportunities for memopment prospects that have now selectbers at the chamber facility. ed Lake Wylie to launch or locate their

• Hosted Spring Appreciation Luncheon and • Presented and collaborated with Clover businesses.

Fashion Show.

School District, Clover and York Chambers • Worked to support a variety of community and Working Smart to create a trainers pro• Presented Annual Splash Dash, showcasing projects and charitable efforts and groups. gram for Workforce Development training.

Lake Wylie with a premier regional running • Supported members and their efforts event.

• Actively supported the many local service to promote economic development and organizations such as Lake Wylie Rotary • Successfully presented and promoted Lake growth and prosperity for the Club and River Hills Lions Club.

Wylie events and activities throughout the community. year by collaborating with Lake Wylie To- • Supported a coat collection drive, toy drive • Promoted and marketed Lake Wyday Magazine. for holidays and canned good drive. lie throughout the year via materi• Did July 4th promotion and assisted YMCA • Celebrated chamber’s accomplishments at als, magazines, visitor center, speaking Camp Thunderbird to promote and raise engagements, and promotional events. annual holiday gala and recognized leaders money to facilitate Lake Wylie Fourth of for the accomplishments during the year.

July Community Fireworks Display.

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce is • Maintained Lake Wylie website and social looking forward to and planning another • Hosted an outstanding golf tournament and media 24/7. active and productive year for 2020. after-golf event at River Hills Country Club Winter 2019 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

77

Spotlight

Renewing Welcome New Members!

Aug. 1–Oct. 29, 2019 Members Health Services

Aug. 1-Oct. 29, 2019

Calculated Moves, PC

BENCHMARK PHYSICAL THERAPY Ashley Wilson 131 Evergreen Road, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 810-6012 amwilson@benchmarkpt.com www.bmrp.com

Casselman Custom Canvas, LLC

Insurance/Financial Services

Christopher’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill

STATE FARM-SETH NEELY Seth Neely 4052 Charlotte Hwy, Suite 104 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 810-6152 seth@sethneely.com www.sethneely.com

ACE: A Caring Environment Audibel Hearing Center

Clover/Lake Wylie Republican Women Comfort Systems of York County, LLC Good Samaritan United Methodist Church Habitat for Humanity of York CountyLake Wylie ReStore Kasby’s By The Lake Kochi Japanese Steakhouse, LLC Lake Wylie Liquors

Real Estate/New Construction DRB GROUP IN PADDLER’S COVE Suzanne Roth 1293 Fishing Creek Rd., Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 985-3746 sroth@drbgroup.com www.DanRyanBuilders.com

Homecare Services

Lake Wylie Pharmacy

FIRSTLIGHT HOMECARE Dawn Hodges 7000 Regent Parkway, Suite 109

Lake Wylie Pizza and Italian Restaurant Lake Wylie Public Library Laurel Oak Farm, LLC Lily’s Bistro, Inc. Mattamy Homes MayGreen Properties Midgard Self Storage Quality Interiors of the Carolinas Seven Oaks Church The Goddard School of Lake Wylie The Lake Wylie Man, Inc. Watson Insurance YMCA Camp Thunderbird York County

Individuals Bobbie Otto 78

Fort Mill, SC 29715 (803) 500-0498 dhodges@firstlighthomecare.com www.fortmillfirstlighthomecare.com

Shipping Services JIGI, LLC-UPS STORE (OPENING IN 2020) Nishant Yajurvedi 1201 Village Harbor Drive, #105 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (704) 906-7669 nyajurvedi@gmail.com

Photography SIPPER PHOTOGRAPHY Dana Sipper 1016 Wylie Springs Circle, #307 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (714) 348-0630 dana@sipperphotography.com www.sipperphotography.com

Restaurant FAMOUS TOASTERY OF LAKE WYLIE Jason Serkin 5217 Highway 557, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 675-6000 lakewylie@famoustoastery.com www.famoustoastery.com

Medical and Ancillary Partnership: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

The 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-50 employees on their Business BlueEssentialsSM platform. Medical coverage is also available for employers with 51-99 employees on the Business Blue Chamber platform.

BlueCross now offers the Blue BundleSM, which combines dental, vision, life and critical illness insurance for companies with two-50

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Winter 2019

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 or email Chamber.quote@bcbssc.com

Spotlight Ribbon-cuttings!

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Upcoming Activities

sical Therapy BenchMark Phy er. opened in Octob

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Chairman Charles Wood and President Susan Bromfield with Suzanne Roth at the Dan Ryan Model Home and sales center.

Annual Holiday Gala Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 6:30-11 p.m.

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

The Dan Ryan Builders model home at Paddlers Cove opened in September.

Holiday Business After Hours Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019

The Lodges of Lake Wylie apartment complex held its grand opening on Sept. 13.

5:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Annual Holiday Boat Parade and Christmas by the Lake Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019

The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce welcomed Famous Toastery on Nov. 4.

Parade 6:30 p.m.

Christmas by the Lake 5:30-7:30p.m.

By Papa Doc’s Shore Club and Buster Boyd Bridge Sponsored by Cabela’s, Comporium and Papa Doc’s Shore Club Winter 2019 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

79

Southern Twang

Dinner at Grandma Mom’s

A

s the holidays approach, I always remember family dinners at my grandmother’s. Only we didn’t call her Grandmother, Granny, or Grandma. At her insistence, we called her “Mom,” because she said any of the traditional grandmother names made her feel too old.

And lawsa mercy, Mom didn’t want to feel old! I recall one time my Cousin Gary was going to the grocery store, and Mom gave him a list of things she needed for the next morning’s breakfast: eggs, grits, and orange juice.

“What kind of orange juice do you want, Mom?” he asked. “Some particular brand, or just generic?”

“I don’t want orange juice for OLD people!” she exclaimed. “Get me regular orange juice!”

Mom always got confused with the words generic, geriatric, and genetic. She used them interchangeably.

In addition to her misuse of words, Mom had a habit of speaking without thinking things through, which was always a source of hilarity at the dinner table. Not that I’d have first-hand knowledge of this — because I was in the den eating off a TV tray.

We had a large family, you see. When I was born, I already had an older sister plus five older cousins, then there were a slew of siblings and cousins following me.

I started out at the Kids’ Table in the kitch80

by Jan Todd en, where we put lima beans in each other’s sweet tea, snuck the pickled beets to the dog, and did things that unsupervised children tend to do at dinnertime.

Though we kids had our own degree of hilarity, as I got older, I looked forward to the day that I’d graduate to the Adult Table, where I heard uproarious, yet sophisticated laughter through the closed door separating the kitchen from the dining room. How I longed to be included in the secret world of the Grown Ups! My promotion never happened. As more and more younger cousins were added to our family, the three oldest of the cousins were moved to a card table in the dining room with the adults, and we Middles were shifted to lowly TV trays in the den.

Oh, the injustice. We could hear both the juvenile hilarity in the kitchen (where they were still plunking lima beans in each other’s tea) and the sophisticated laughter coming from The Place We’d Never See. A bigger family meant a few shortcuts in the kitchen as well. Instead of Mom laboring over homemade biscuits, we transitioned to Whomp’ums — the kind of biscuits that come rolled up in a can until you whomp ‘um to open ‘em up. Only thing is, Mom would get so distracted by the rest of the meal that she’d forget the biscuits were in the oven until they

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Winter 2019

were burned.

That became a family joke at the Adult Table — not that I’d know.

Biscuits aside, we did have some fine eatin’ at Mom’s house. Homemade mac-n-cheese, spiraled ham, black eyed peas, coconut cake and pecan pie. In the summer, we had garden-fresh cantaloupe and homegrown tomatoes.

However, as a youngster, I always avoided the dreaded pickled beets and the congealed salad.

Oh, the congealed salad! This Southern delicacy was made with a bunch of canned fruit in a gelatinous mixture — a combination of Jello and Cool Whip — with a splash of food coloring to produce a most unnatural color. It was called a salad, even though I’m pretty sure there was nothing salad-like, nor the least bit healthy, about it. Sometimes, for extra flair, it was molded into a fluted Bundt pan. It was a sight to behold.

Years later, the next generation arrived, with my mother now the matriarch of our branch. She served turkey and ham, homemade mac-n-cheese, the dreaded congealed salad, and black eyed peas.

The youngsters still sit at the Kids’ Table, and still put lima beans in each other’s tea.

Must be in their DNA. I guess you could call it a “generic” tradition. LW

New Year.

New Home.

We can help.

Lake Wylie Office 803-831-8933

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Clover Office 803-222-7660

Gastonia Office 704-867-4000 Member FDIC