Gateway THE 2010 NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE
to the Carolinas
Living at Lake Wylie
About the lake • Moving in • Our schools • Business • Things to do • Community
LOCAL TELEPHONE/LONG DISTANCE • Unlimited Local and Long Distance Calling Plans Available CABLE TV • Over 240 Channels • HD and DVR Services Available HIGH-SPEED INTERNET • New, Faster Speeds • Free Trend Micro (Antivirus Software) • Free ESPN 360 WIRELESS • Rollover Minutes • Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Calling to over 79 Million Wireless Customers • Unlimited Night and Weekend Minutes SECURITY • Low Monthly Monitoring • Wireless Keychain for Arming/Disarming • Text Alerts to Wireless Phone BUNDLE • Choose all 5 Services and Save $25/month • Choose 4 Services and Save $20/month • Choose 3 Services and Save $10/month
UP TO $300/YEAR!
BRIDGING THE CAROLINAS The first Buster Boyd Bridge was built in 1923, creating the first shortcut so local residents didn’t have to go around the lake to get to the other side. According to “York County Yesterday and Today” (written by John Wilkerson of Lake Wylie and available at the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce), “After the dedication, Capt. Elliott White Springs of Fort Mill flew his plane under the bridge. Springs was a World War I flying ace and became one of York County’s prominent citizens as owner of Springs Industries. The bridge was rebuilt in 1961 and widened to four lanes in 2003.”
What’s inside Welcome 6-7 Lake Wylie is the perfect setting Grab a Lake Wylie map at the Visitor Center
About Lake Wylie 10-12 History Lake map with points of interest Facts and tidbits Our towns
Moving In 14-15 What housing slump? Realtor listing Fire tax district at work Tax information Tidbits about our area
Local Resources, Leaders 16-18 Local media Local representatives New group for homeowners Driver’s license info Register to vote Hooking up utilities Numbers to know Libraries
Bustling business 20-21 Room for big business Space for small business Local chambers
Let’s eat 22 Dining out at the lake
Our schools 26-29 New schools Letter from Clover School District’s leader Public schools Private schools
To your health 30-33 Healthplex emergency care opens Getting medical attention Meet our first responders Pet care
Things to do 34-35 Annual calendar of events Local shopping
Places to go 36-37 Area attractions Get outdoors Arts & entertainment
A caring community 38-39 Volunteer Clubs
Be a sport 40-41 Sports for every season Local leagues Golf courses
Lure of the lake 42-47 Access areas Fishing Boating Watching our waters Lake clubs Volunteers on the lake NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 3
Gateway
On the cover Dan Lefebvre, right, lives on Lake Wylie in Rock Hill. He published his work of photos taken over a two-year span in “Lake Wylie: Shadow and Light.” You can find out more about Lefebvre and his book on pages 42-43. Lefebvre has shared his love for photography with his teenage granddaughter, Haley Setzer, who published her photographs of Rock Hill, S.C., historical site, Main Street sightings and more in a 40-page book called “Rock Hill, SC; Yesterday and Today.”
to the Carolinas
NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE “Gateway to the Carolinas: The Information Guide to the Lake Wylie area” is an annual publication of the Lake Wylie Pilot, 8 Executive Court, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 Phone: 803-831-8166 Fax: 803-831-0660 Look for it online: lakewyliepilot.com It is distributed in May and is available at local chambers of commerce, real estate agencies and many other locations. Content was compiled from the latest information available at press time. If you have information appropriate for this publication or would like to make changes, please contact us.
Our advertisers Let them know you saw them in Gateway. ANIMAL SERVICES
HOME REPAIR
Grooming Naturally 21 Bethel Total Bond Veterinary Hospital 33 Carolinas Animal Hospital 33 Steele Creek Animal Hospital 33
Remedics Restoration 19
BOATING/MARINAS
INSURANCE Allstate-David Vickers 21 Sloan Financial Services, LLC 23 Watson Insurance 27
Harbortowne Marina 45
MORTGAGE/LOANS AUTOMOTIVE CARE
Capital South Funding 7
Lake Wylie Auto Care 19
HEALTH SERVICES DOCK CONSTRUCTION/REPAIR Dockmasters Marine Construction 48 Shoreline Docks & Piers 45
BUSINESS SERVICES Comporium 2 Lake Wylie Tax Service & Bookkeeping 19
EDUCATION Palisades Episcopal School 29 Primrose School of Lake Wylie 29
FINANCIAL SERVICES Family Trust 7 Sloan Financial Group, LLC 13 Capital South Funding 31
HAIR CARE Great Clips 19
HOME INTERIORS Frugal Blinds 7
4 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
Lifestyle Physical Therapy 21 Focus Physical Therapy 31 Lake Wylie Family Dentistry 31 Piedmont Medical Center 31 & 32 Prestige Home Health Services & Diabetic Supplies, LLC 31 Carolina Family Dentistry 32 Lake Wylie Eye 32
REAL ESTATE/DEVELOPMENT Allen Tate Realtors/Roz Bailey 5 Allen Tate Realtors/Mary Beth Shealy 9 Allen Tate Realtors/Melanie Wilson 13 McSpadden Custom Homes 24-25
RESTAURANTS Concord Cove 23 Crossroads Pub 23 John’s Family Restaurant 23 Q2U BBQ 23
EDITOR/DESIGNER Catherine Muccigrosso news@lakewyliepilot.com CONTRIBUTORS Jennifer Becknell Susan Bromfield Dan Ciccone Susan Doyle Paula Lalli John Marks Dr. Marc Sosne PHOTOS BY Michelle Grose Mike Laughlin Dan Lefebvre John Marks Catherine Muccigrosso Daniel Plassman Jim Stratakos SPECIAL PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS (photos submitted by Lake Wylie Pilot readers for People, Places & Things and Fishing & Boating submissions)
Wendy Koeck [14] Karl Smith [36] Ellie Carnes [44] Chris Rosanova [44] Joey Goodson [46] ADVERTISING STAFF Kristin Alley kalley@lakewyliepilot.com
BUYING OR SELLING
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Serving your real estate needs in Lake Wylie, Clover, Fort Mill,York, Rock Hill, Charlotte & Belmont Areas
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Welcome to Lake Wylie, SC - The Perfect Setting n behalf of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, it is a pleasure to welcome you to this beautiful area — the perfect setting. It is one of the fastest growing areas in York County and one of the most prosperous in the region. Nestled on the northwest shore of 13,433-acre Lake Wylie, it is ideally situated for both work and play. The leisure and excitement of lakeside living, small-town atmosphere and convenient proximity to a metropolitan city make Lake Wylie the perfect setting for home and business. The quality of life and productive involvement of residents establish a dynamic business environment. The Lake Wylie community offers a wide range of housing options. Elegant lakeside living, cozy wooded neighborhoods and spacious condominiums add to the feeling of a year-round resort. The Lake Wylie community has the additional advantage of an excellent educational system. The schools are among the best in the state, employing highly-qualified and dedicated teachers, building outstanding learning facilities and providing students with effective resources and advanced equipment. Recreation is an integral part of the Lake Wylie lifestyle. With 325 miles of shoreline, the lake is ideal for boating, fishing, water skiing and sailing. The mild climate, yet wonderfully distinct, seasonal changes not only enhance the area's beauty, but also afford yearround enjoyment of golf, tennis and bicycling. Community events include the “Lights on the Lake,” annual holiday boat parade held each year in December, the Fourth of July spectacular fireworks display and the Splash Dash 10K, 5K and walk held each June at Camp Thunderbird and River Hills Plantation. Lake Wylie is located 12 miles from Charlotte, one of the nation's fastest growing commercial and financial centers, which offers theater, operas, symphonies, museums, fine dining and a variety of shopping areas. For sports lovers, the NFL Carolina Panthers play at Bank of America Stadium in the center city. The Charlotte Knights, a minor league baseball team, play at Knights Stadium, in Fort Mill, which is just a 15-minute drive from Lake Wylie. The Charlotte Bobcats play basketball minutes away. Lake Wylie truly is a “Hidden Treasure” and is a vibrant and thriving community where geography, people and economic vitality have created a distinctive lifestyle. The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center located at 264 Latitude Lane has created an inviting atmosphere to welcome visitors to the area. A full assortment of brochures and information is available there. We hope that this “Gateway” magazine gives you some idea of why so many new families are making Lake Wylie their home. Visit lakewyliesc.com to learn more about Lake Wylie. Again, on behalf of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and our community, we welcome you to Lake Wylie, the perfect setting. Susan Bromfield is president of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce.
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Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and seasonally, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. 6 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
5
$ 00
Frugal Blinds and Shutters fru-gal / adj. / reflecting quality and value in the expenditure of resources
The Perfect Setting For Fun & Relaxation
DETAILED AREA MAPS AVAILABLE A new Lake Wylie map with 2,000 updates from the last map printed in 2001 highlights local businesses and area attractions bordering the lake. Susan Bromfield, president of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and map sponsor, says, “This map may be the only map that accurately covers the border areas of York County and the Charlotte area in detail and with accuracy.” The map unfolds from a pocket size 4-by-9 inches to 36-by-40 inches. The map costs $5 and is available at Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, 264 Latitude Lane, suite 101, Lake Wylie, and at local businesses. For more information, call 803-831-2827.
In-Home Service • Free Estimates • All Custom Hand Made • Plantation Shutters • Wood, Faux Wood and Aluminum Blinds • Cellular Shades • Woven Woods • Bamboo • Grass Cloth • Roller Shades • Roman Shades 18 year Lake Wylie Resident
704-576-2643 • 803-831-0758 www.frugalblinds.biz
A Relationship You Can Trust
NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 7
LAKE WYLIE AND VICINITY Marinas on Lake Wylie 1
Charlotte Yacht Club 704-588-2314
2
Emerald Point Marina
3
Harbortowne Marina & Ship Store 704-825-5050
1
1
4
The Yachtsman
5
Terry’s Marina 704-588-0418
6
Long Cove Marina & Yacht Club 704-588-1467
Lake Wylie Marina
7
803- 831-2101
2
2
3
Camp Thunderbird Marina
8
704-716-4100
River Hills Marina
9
803-831-1802 10
Pier 49
11
Red Fez Shrine
12 13 14
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★
5 16
6
4 8
704-588-0574
Catawba Yacht Club Commodore Yacht Club 803-831-7314
Tega Cay Marina 803-548-3715
15
7
704-588-5464
Lake Club Marina 803-324-2232
Tailrace Marina
803-324-2232 not on map, in Mount Holly
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5
9
10
Lake Wylie Access Areas
11
1
Allen Fishing Area
2 South Point Boat Landing
12
3
Copperhead Access
4
Buster Boyd Bridge Access
5
McDowell Park
6
Big Allison Creek Access
7
Indian Ground Access
8
Windjammer Park
9
Tega Cay Beach and Swim Club
10 Nivens Creek Access 11 Pitcairn Cove Beach Park 12 Ebenezer Park Access 13 Fort Mill Access
13
6
★
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7
9 14 11 10
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Lake Wylie Visitor Center
About Lake Wylie
The Lake Wylie Dam is located on the southern end of the lake.
Making the lake
The first dam built in 1904 on Lake Wylie supported the Catawba Hydro Station.
10 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
Lake Wylie, the oldest lake on the Catawba River, was created in 1904 by a dam near Fort Mill. The dam was rebuilt and the lake enlarged in 1924 with its surface expanding to 13,443 acres and 325 miles of shoreline. Full pond elevation at Lake Wylie is approximately 569.4 feet. The lake is named for Dr. W. Gil Wylie, who organized the Catawba Power Co., the predecessor of Duke Energy, which currently manages the lake. In addition to supporting Wylie Hydroelectric Station, Lake Wylie also supports Allen Steam Station and Catawba Nuclear Station with cooling water and provides water supply for Belmont and Rock Hill, which provides for York County, too.
Interesting facts “Lake Wylie is a ‘hidden jewel’ in South Carolina, but Lake Wylie is also a ‘precious jewel’ to South Carolina,” said S.C. Sen. Harvey Peeler. “You enjoy 325 miles of shoreline — this is the one figure that has not changed. But many other figures have changed over the last several years.” Here are the facts about Lake Wylie:
Population
The Lake Wylie community Founders • Lake Wylie was created in 1904 and originally was a 688acre pond. • The present-day dam, built in 1924, raised the lake to 13,443 acres and 325 miles of shoreline. • James Buchanan ‘Buck’ Duke bought Catawba Power Co. and formed Southern Power Co. in 1905. • Lake Wylie used to be James Duke called Catawba Lake. In 1960, James Duke renamed the lake for one of the utility founders, Dr. W. Gil Wylie. • Lake Wylie sits at the border of York, Mecklenburg and Gaston counties, and the lake itself is the dividing line between North and South Carolina. • Elevations in the Lake Wylie W. Gil Wylie area range from 570 feet above sea level to 961 feet above sea level at Ferguson's Mountain. • Duke Energy, the largest employer in the Lake Wylie area, is also the leading energy company located in the Americas with an affiliated real estate operation. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUKE. • A 1999 Duke Power survey showed Wylie saw an estimated 2 million visitors annually, some repeats.
When people talk about the “town” of Lake Wylie, they’re talking about the stretch of unincorporated area in York County with homes and businesses along S.C. 49 between Buster Boyd Bridge and the Five Points area at S.C. 49, 274, 55 and Lake Wylie Road. Lake Wylie is actually part of greater Clover, sharing the 29710 ZIP code. Lake Wylie is a thriving community with a friendly, smalltown atmosphere, but with easy access to the big city of Charlotte. Based on U.S. Census projected populations, the Lake Wylie area — a five-mile radius of the Buster Boyd Bridge — is expected to grow from 22,800 residents in 2000 to 34,000-plus by 2015, making it one of the fastest-growing regions in the Piedmont. Lake Wylie’s first neighborhood, River Hills Plantation on S.C. 49, was built in 1977. The gated community on 884 acres is now surrounded by several neighborhood developments including Lake Wylie Woods, The Landing, Forest Oaks and Autumn Cove, with more under development and many homes interspersed on the lake or with a lake view. Business has boomed along the stretch of S.C. 49 to include a plethora of dining options, gas stations, two grocery stores, automotive services and car sales, more churches and even a coffeehouse and places to shop. Lake Wylie Plaza offers a discount store, restaurants, beauty shop, sports center, insurance agent, post office, library and fine jewelry store. A 52-acre, $30 million project along S.C. 49 between the Bi-Lo shopping center and Mill Pond Road called Shoppes at the Landing will be a mixed-use development of commercial units and upscale residential living. Mill Creek Commons at highways 49, 274 and 557 (referred to as Three Points) is the future home of a super Walmart scheduled to open in fall 2010 and currently houses Lowe’s Home Improvement, Walgreen’s, Wachovia and McDonald’s.
The 1990 census showed 2,720 people lived in the Lake Wylie area. The Catawba Planning Commission projects that by 2012 there will be 35,000 people in this area. The Department of Transportation says 30,000 cars travel through Lake Wylie every day on S.C. 49. Median age is 51.4; South Carolina’s median age is 35.4.
Education • 1990, 84 percent earned high school diplomas. • 2007, that percentage is 98 percent, compared to 76 percent of South Carolinians with high school diplomas; 50 percent of residents have bachelor’s degrees; 11 percent have graduate degrees.
Place of birth In 1990, only 7.2 percent of Lake Wylie residents were born in South Carolina. By the 2000 census, 12.1 percent were born and bred Sandlappers.
Median household income 1990 — $64,626 2005 — $80,500 compared to 2005 median household income in South Carolina of $39,316.
Average value of house/condo 1990 — $211,300 2000 — $250,900 2007 — $301,000 In 2000, the average value of homes and condos in South Carolina was $113,100; In 2007, Lake Wylie’s was $250,900.
NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 11
Our towns on the lake Tega Cay is a peninsula city on Lake Wylie. Incorporated in 1982, the once-gated community was established in 1970 when a developer purchased 1,600 acres, 20 miles south of uptown Charlotte, and built homes with a Polynesian architectural theme. In fact, Tega Cay’s name means “beautiful peninsula.” About 4,300 residents call the city with a motto of “The Good Life” home. The city boasts an award-winning 27-hole golf course, marina, public boat launch, beach and inland parks, a junior Olympic swimming pool, miles of walking trails, a beach house, clubhouse, community center, athletic fields, tennis courts and more. Tega Cay also has a thriving business community in Stonecrest, anchored by Walmart, which opened in early 2008. The median income for a household in Tega Cay is $80,227, and the median income for a family is $82,926. More info: City Hall administrative offices, 120 Shoreline Pkwy.; 803-548-3512; tegacaysc.org
12 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
Belmont is located in Gaston County, N.C., and is a peninsula city on the northern tip of Lake Wylie, covering 8.1 square miles, convenient to Interstates 85 and 485. Dutch settlers built a fort here in the 1750s, and now the city’s population is almost 9,000. Along with big businesses including a Walmart Supercenter, the historic downtown is thriving with new and long-time businesses including Belmont Food & Beverage, Cherub’s Cafe, Sammy’s Pub, Old Stone Steakhouse, unique boutiques and more. Other highlights of Belmont include Stowe Park, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and South Point Access Area boat launch. Belmont Cultural and Heritage Learning Center also opened last year with historical displays and is home to the Belmont Historical Society. Inspired by its Catholic heritage, Belmont Abbey College is a private liberal arts college. The campus is home to the college, the monastery and the Abbey Basilica. More info: City Hall, 115 N. Main St.; 704825-5586; cityofbelmont.org
Lower Steele Creek is a growing community on the lake in southwest Mecklenburg County, with a portion of the community in Charlotte city limits. Steele Creek, likely founded in the late 1600s by Scotch-Irish immigrants, is known as the area along N.C. 49 between Interstate 485 and the Buster Boyd Bridge. Area highlights include McDowell Nature Preserve, Copperhead Island, Carowinds amusement park and a 15,000-square-foot library. Large new developments include Ayrsley Center, at N.C. 49 and I-485, which brings the area its first movie theater in the commercial and residential development, and RiverGate Shopping Center, at N.C. 49 and 160, with The Home Depot and Target as anchors. Census population puts Steele Creek at 25,282, covering 47 square miles, including the lower area. There also are many medical offices and a health plex that opened in November 2009. More info: Steele Creek Residents Association, P.O. Box 38628, Charlotte, NC 28278; steelecreekresidents.org
www.sloanfinancial.net
Your ONE-STOP Financial Services Center
Investments 401(k) Rollovers Retirement Strategies Full Service Tax Office Bookkeeping Services Mortgage Reduction Program
Home & Auto Insurance Life Insurance Estate Planning Long-Term Care Insurance Medicare Supplements Debt Reduction Program
1474 Hwy 55 East, Suite 500, Clover, SC 29710 803.222.2892 or 1.800.298.2892 toll free Securities offered through Madison Avenue Securities, Inc. (”MAS”) member FINRA & SIPC. MAS is not affiliated with Sloan Financial Group, LLC and its affiliated companies: Preservation Financial, Inc.; Metrolina Tax Service, Inc.; and Metrolina Insurance.
NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 13
Moving in What housing slump? Despite the economic slump, Lake Wylie area real estate is improving. According to market activity trends from the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association, the growing signs of a stronger home buying landscape are more than just seasonal. Reports show the number of home closings up 13.7 percent in March 2010 compared to March 2009. The average sales price and listing price, in March for example, increased more than 3 percent from 2010. “First quarter started out strong, with March statistics showing the third consecutive year-over-year gain in closings,” said Lyn Kessie, association president. Pending contracts on residential homes are up 23.2 percent from March 2009, and property time on the market from list to close is down almost nine days from February. Realtors say people move here for a lot of different reasons -- the lake, the schools, being so close to the airport, being close to Uptown. We’re kind of in an ideal location. Lake Wylie properties are typically priced from $89,900 to $4.4 million. Steele Creek also ranks much higher than the rest of York County or Gaston County in average home price. Realtors say it’s not one thing that sells Lake Wylie to buyers, but a combination of the lake, marinas, golf courses and the like. Realtors say the most listings on their boards come in the $200,000 price range, while sales are strongest just below that figure. According to househuntnews.com, River Hills homes average $220,000 for a three-bedroom. Average home price at The Palisades development is $550,000 with average time on the market 90 to 120 days, while The Sanctuary average home price is listed as $300,000, with 30 to 60 days on the market. Tega Cay, Fort Mill and Rock Hill all rank among 10 South Carolina communities at the next highest level of 95 to 100 percent received, while southwest Charlotte ranks behind only three North Carolina markets with that same figure. The Lake Wylie area housing includes gated communities, familyoriented neighborhoods, condos, town homes, apartments and Lake Wylie Retirement and Assisted Living Community.
Area Realtors
Look for our advertisers on pages 5, 9 and 13.
• Allen Tate Realtors 1000 Village Harbor Drive Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-1185 • First Properties of the Carolinas Inc. Corporate Office One Executive Court Lake Wylie, SC 29710 800-545-3342 Tega Cay Office 2222 Tega Cay Road Tega Cay, SC 29708 800-462-6705 Charlotte office 11040 S. Tryon St., Ste. 202 Charlotte, NC 28273 704-248-3500 14 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
•Lane Realty 4609 Charlotte Hwy., Ste.3, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-1113 803-802-2020 •Rinehart Realty Corp. 264 Latitude Lane Suite 103 Lake Wylie, SC 803-831-7570 Lake Center Fort Mill, SC 803-548-9797
Fire tax district at work Lake Wylie’s special fire tax district voted in by residents in 2009 is being put to work. For the first time, the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department has paid personnel. Four previous volunteers now work 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, giving the station increased protection along with volunteer service nights and weekends. The hirings went into effect March 1, 2010. Fire Chief Don Love is one of the four hired along with assistant chief David Long, Lt. Scott Boyd and firefighter Albert Krashner. Paid daytime staff was one of the department’s main goals for instituting the special fire tax district that won voter approval May 2, 2009, to supplement the more than 50-member volunteer protection in a business and residential growth area. The tax based on a scale of $9.20 per year for a $100,000 home, with different rates for businesses and manufacturing facilities - increases the budget from $97,000 in 2008 to more than $540,000. The tax bills began being sent out late last year. Other costs in the new budget include a future ladder truck, new fire station and payments on Bethel Station No. 3 and an existing tanker. Other costs include Social Security, workman’s compensation, bookkeeping and a new skid unit and foam injector for the department grass truck. The paid hours give firefighters more time for maintenance, as well as providing time for additional work such as reading about fire safety to school children, Long said. “We’ve been reorganizing, checking equipment on the truck, making sure everything’s right with the uniforms,” he said. Love said the schedule may change and some part-time help may be added. “Eventually we’ll split it up and have two come in earlier and two come in later,” he said. Beginning in 1966, Bethel Fire Department covers 61 square miles and protects more than 20,000 residents and 300 businesses in Lake Wylie and Clover. Membership includes more than 50 active, lifetime and probationary members with service ranging from more than 40 years to a few months. For Long, the newest addition means a variety of changes for Bethel, the biggest one being better fire service. “It’s a quicker response time,” he said. For more information about the department or to volunteer, call 803-831-7988 or visit bethelvfd.com.
Taxes As an unincorporated area of York County, Lake Wylie residents pay county taxes, and tax rates vary by municipalities. Taxes may include school district, property, fire tax district and more. All property classified as a primary residence is taxed at 4 percent. These properties are not subject to school operating taxes. A hospitality tax of 2 percent is applied in unincorporated areas of York County on sales of prepared food and beverages sold in eating and drinking establishments. State law requires the money be spent on tourism. The sales and use tax program in York County adds 1 percent to goods purchased in the county for road improvement, approved by voters, for Pennies for Progress.
Tidbits • Within the past year, the state of North Carolina and York County banned smoking in public places. However, some municipalities, including nearby Clover, allow business owners to decide. • While North Carolina and counties Mecklenburg and Gaston allow alcohol sales on Sunday, except certain municipalities such as Mount Holly, York County allows Sunday alcohol sales in restaurants and pubs only. • Buster Boyd Bridge, named after a local farmer who pushed for connecting South Carolina and North Carolina, was built in 1923. • The climate in the Lake Wylie area is moderate, with an average temperature of 62 degrees. • Cold weather is rare. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 42 degrees. Snow is light and infrequent, occurring December through March. • Summers are comfortably warm. July averages 79 degrees. The frost-free season averages 230 days from mid-March through mid-November.
LOCAL WEATHER: Average January low temperature, 28.6 F; Average July high temperature, 89.3 F NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 15
A new group for homeowners ake Wylie Civic Association Inc. was founded and organized during late 2008. The Lake Wylie Civic Association meets monthly at the offices of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce. LWCA was formed to provide a forum to explore and communicate issues and opportunities and to encourage cooperation and collaboration among neighborhoods to make a positive difference in the Lake Wylie community. Seven Lake Wylie homeowner’s associations make up the core of the LWCA membership. The group formed under the leadership of local residents Don Long and Matt Cullen. The charter members of the LWCA include the Autumn Cove HOA, Autumn Cove Townhomes HOA, Bethelfields HOA, Forest Oaks HOA, Patrick Place HOA, The Landing HOA, and the River Hills Community Association. The Allison Creek HOA remains a potential Charter Member. All the Charter Members are members of the Board of Directors of the LWCA. The activities of the LWCA fit primarily into five categories: Planning, Government Relations, Environment, Education and Public Services. Early efforts and issues addressed during 2008 and 2009 included lending support to several issues and efforts important to the Lake Wylie community. To that end, the LWCA membership supported the election of a Lake Wylie resident to an at-large seat on the Clover School Board. Lake Wylie resident Melanie Wood Wilson was elected to that position. LWCA members also backed Sunday alcohol sales to benefit the local economy, support free choice and encourage new restaurant development. Lake Wylie area voters supported Sunday sales by a wide margin, helping to pass the issue countywide. In May 2009, the LWCA supported the creation of a Special Fire Tax District to improve the availability and effectiveness of local fire protection. The proposal passed and now results in additional firemen and fire fighting equipment and in reduced insurance premiums for businesses and homeowners. LWCA is planning to add new members, to encourage neighborhood group participation where HOAs may not exist and to enhance the ability of the LWCA to provide a common and substantive voice for the Lake Wylie community on issues of mutual importance and concern. The 2010 Census is important to the Lake Wylie community. It will provide the basis to an exploration of the pros and cons of incorporation and of improved representation of Lake Wylie on the school board, the County Council and the S.C. State Legislature. During 2010, some of the other topics and issues being considered are support of the extension of the Pennies for Progress Program of road improvements that will be on the ballot in 2010; possible expansion of the Adopt-A-Highway Program throughout the Lake Wylie area; participation in the newly adopted Adopt-A-Stream-Or-Cove Program; and the identification of possible other environmental and beautification efforts that can help enhance the appearance of the Lake Wylie community. Also, since 2010 is an election year for local members of the County Council and School Board, there will be opportunities for the LWCA to provide informational forums regarding the candidates and the issues to be faced. E-mail LakeWylieChamber@yahoo.com and reference the LWCA in the subject line for more information.
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S.C. Rep. Herb Kirsh is seeking another two-year term in the state House. The Clover Democrat has represented District 47, which includes parts of Lake Wylie, for 31 years, making him the longest-serving legislator in South Carolina. Kirsh was first elected in 1979. A retired businessman, Kirsh chairs the Invitations and Memorial Resolutions committee and sits on the Ways and Means Committee.
Representing Lake Wylie As an unincorporated area of York County, which covers 685 square miles, Lake Wylie’s governing body is York County Council. The county was established in 1785 and is run by a seven-person council and county manager. Lake Wylie has one representative. Phone: 803-684-851 Online: yorkcountygov.com/council/ S.C. Senate •Harvey Peeler, Dist. 14 Address: 213 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, SC, 29201 Phone: 803-212-6430 •Wes Hayes, Dist. 15 Address: 205 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, SC, 29201 Phone: 803-212-6410
S.C. House of Representatives •Herb Kirsh, Dist. 47 Address: 503A Blatt Bldg., Columbia, SC, 29201 Phone: 803-734-3071 •Ralph Norman, Dist. 48 Address: 404A Blatt Bldg., Columbia, SC, 29211 Phone: 803-212-6888
York County Council •Tom Smith, Dist. 2 Address: 938 Timber Creek Dr., York, SC, 29745 Phone: 803-631-4110 (The general election will be held Nov. 2, 2010.) 16 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
Driver’s License
Utilities
Numbers to know
ELECTRICITY • Duke Energy, a Fortune 500 company with more than 2 million customers in the Carolinas. 800-777-9898. If they do not service your area, call Energy United at 704-8920278 or Union Power Cooperative at 704-289-3145. • York Electric Co-op serves areas Duke Energy does not. Call 803-684-4248.
NATURAL GAS • York County Natural Gas Authority serves all of York County. 803-329-5255 • Piedmont Natural Gas in Charlotte serves customers in North Carolina. 704-525-3882
CABLE • Time Warner serves North Carolina residents near Lake Wylie. 704-377-9600 • Comporium Communications serves Lake Wylie and the Fort Mill Township area, including Tega Cay. 803-548-9011, 803631-1014
WATER/SEWER/TRASH • Weekly trash pickups inside Tega Cay city limits. Contact Tega Cay City Hall at 803-5483512. • Carolina Water Service Inc., a private utility, serves the water needs of the Lake Wylie area, as well as the RiverPointe community off Highway 49 in North Carolina. 800-367-4314 or 704-5257990 • D&D Sanitation, 803-2223862. • Tega Cay Water Service, Inc. provides water and sewer to Tega Cay. 803-548-0821 • York County Public Waterworks provides water and sewer service to area residents along Carowinds Boulevard, Gold Hill Road, Pleasant Road and part of Highway 160. 803-6283210,for water and sewer service. • Select Sanitation, 3324 Shopton Road, Charlotte, provides commercial and residential service for Lake Wylie area residents. 704-588-4571 • Signature Waste Systems Inc., 660 Westinghouse Blvd., Charlotte, provides commercial and residential service for Lake Wylie and Fort Mill areas. 704-714-9400; signaturewaste.com • For water and sewer service in the Charlotte area, call Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities at 704-336-2211.
Call 911 for emergencies POLICE • York County Sheriff’s Office, 803-628-3056 • Gaston County Police, 704-866-3300 • Gaston County Sheriff’s Dept., 704-869-6800 • Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Dept., 704-336-2543 • Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department-Steele Creek, 704-336-7800 • Tega Cay Police, 803-548-0340 • Clover Police, 803-222-9494 • Belmont Police, 704-825-3792 • Fort Mill Police, 803-547-2022
FIRE • • • • • • • •
Fire Reporting and Burning, 800-756-2876 Bethel Volunteer Fire Dept., 803-831-7988 Tega Cay Volunteer Fire Dept., 803-548-4321 Belmont Fire Dept., 704-825-0502 Southpoint Fire Dept., Belmont, 704-825-3166 Steele Creek Volunteer Fire Dept., office@steelecreek-vfd.com Charlotte Fire Station No. 26, 704-588-6752 Charlotte Fire Station No. 37, 704-432-3954
RESCUE • • • • • •
Lake Wylie/River Hills EMS, 803-831-9888 MEDIC (Mecklenburg County EMS), 704-943-6000 Tega Cay Rescue Squad, 803-548-4321 Gaston County EMS, 704-866-3300 S.C. Poison Control Center, 800-222-1222 Carolinas Poison Center, Charlotte emergency: 800-222-1222 Administrative: 704-395-3795
GOVERNMENT • • • • • • • • •
York County Manager, 803-684-8511 Mecklenburg County Manager, 704-336-2472 Gaston County Manager, 704-866-3100 Tega Cay City Hall, 803-548-3512 Belmont City Hall, 704- 825-5586 S.C. DMV/S.C. Highway Dept., 803-909-7161 N.C. DMV, 919-715-7000 U.S. Post Office — Lake Wylie, 803-831-1311 U.S. Post Office — Charlotte, Fort Mill, Clover, and all others, 800-275-8777
NEWSPAPER • Lake Wylie Pilot, 803-831-8166
Libraries •Lake Wylie Public Library 185 Blucher Circle, Lake Wylie 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday 803-831-7774 •Fort Mill Public Library 1818 Second Baxter Crossing, Fort Mill 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday- Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday 803-547-4114 •Clover Public Library 107 Knox St., Clover 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday 803-222-3474 •Steele Creek Library 13620 Steele Creek Road, Charlotte 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday 704-588-4345 •Belmont Public Library 111 North Central Ave. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday 704-825-5426
County offices York COUNTY OFFICES York York County Auditor P.O. Box 116 York, SC 29745 803-684-8528, 803-6848501 yorkcountygov.com Mecklenburg Tax Collector 700 E. Stonewall St. Charlotte, NC 28202 704-336-4600 payments.officialpayments.com/mecklenburg/ Gaston Tax Office 128 W. Main Ave. Gastonia, NC 29052 704-866-3158 co.gaston.nc.us
South Carolina If you are at least 17 years old and have held a beginner's permit for 180 days, you are eligible for a regular S.C. driver's license. Learner’s permit may be acquired at age 15. To receive an original driver’s license in South Carolina, you must bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residency and insurance information. You must pass the vision and road skills tests. If you surrender a valid license from another state, you may use a valid driver's license from your former state for up to 90 days. A South Carolina license is valid for five years and must be renewed by your birthday in the fifth year. Offices •305 Hands Mill Road, Rock Hill, SC 803-329-6332 •York County Complex, 1070 Heckle Blvd., Rock Hill 803-909-7161 S.C. DMV In Columbia: 800-442-1368, scdmvonline.com
North Carolina You must be 18 years of age or older to apply for a driver’s license. A learner’s permit may be acquired at age 15. To receive an original driver’s license in North Carolina, you must bring at least two acceptable forms of identification — one with your full name and at least one form of identification must include your date of birth. You must complete and pass the written, sign and vision tests. If you surrender a valid license from another state, the road test requirement is at the discretion of the examiner. Proof of residency and liability insurance on your vehicle are required in addition to a Social Security card. Offices •785 W. Charlotte Ave., Mount Holly, NC 704-827-9486 •201-A W. Arrowood Road, Charlotte, NC 704-527-2562, 704-527-2563 N.C. DMV In Raleigh: 919-715-7000, ncdot.org/dmv
Register to vote • York County residents can pick up a voter application form at any local library, City Hall or the Department of Motor Vehicles. Mail completed applications to: Voter Registrations and Elections, 13 S. Congress St., York SC 29745. 803-909-7194 • In Charlotte, register to vote at Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, 741 Kenilworth Ave., Suite 202; at any public library, social services agencies and driver’s license offices. 704-336-2133 • In Gaston County, register at 810 W. Mauney Ave., Gastonia, at any public library, social services agencies and driver’s license offices. 704- 8644852
NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 17
Event settings
River Hills Country Club
Media In 2006, The McClatchy Co. — parent company of Lake Wylie Pilot, The Herald, Enquirer-Herald and Fort Mill Times — purchased then No. 2 publisher Knight Ridder, including The Charlotte Observer, for $4.5 billion, making it the third largest newspaper company in the U.S.
On the South Carolina side of the lake is River Hills Country Club. Built in 1971, the club underwent a $1.7 million renovation completed in 2007. Included are a $300,000 stonework front, exercise and wellness facility, additional tees at the driving range and a water fountain feature at the main entrance. Additions include a new wine cellar, large fireplace in the lounge, water feature and 1,200-square-foot fitness center. On the golf course, a new drainage system was installed. The sand installed in the new bunkers is the same type used at Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters. The chef offers sophisticated and contemporary food presentation, and serves a 100 percent made-from-scratch menu. The club has a cap at 900 total members, with a golf cap at 450 members. The club is the gathering place for many social club luncheons and dinner meetings, as well as wedding receptions. The LPGA announced plans in early 2009 to hold a 2011 tournament here. For more information, visit riverhillscc.org.
Lake Wylie Pilot Your award-winning community newspaper publishes weekly on Tuesdays, serving 11,200 readers in Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, lower Steele Creek, Belmont and parts of Clover, since 2002. Previously called Lake Wylie Magazine, the newspaper launched in 1984. Location: 8 Executive Court (First Properties Building on S.C. 49) Lake Wylie, SC 29710 Phone: 803-831-8166 Fax: 803-831-0660 Online: lakewyliepilot.com Subscribe: Annual subscriptions cost $21, or 50 cents at rack locations. Call 803-329-4044 and tell them you want the Lake Wylie Pilot. E-mail editorial: news@lakewyliepilot.com E-mail advertising: advertising@lakewyliepilot.com Daily newspapers •The Herald, 132 W. Main St., Rock Hill. 803- 329-4000; heraldonline.com •Charlotte Observer 803-532-5350; charlotte.com
18 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
Red Fez Shriners Club The Red Fez Shrine Club on the North Carolina side of the main channel of Lake Wylie is the perfect wedding or celebration location with beautiful sunsets. Built in 1928 and the oldest Shrine Club in North America, it remains a viable place for event hosting and club activities, especially since undergoing renovations completed in 2009. The 7,500-square-foot club offers a vast view of the lake with interior highlights including marble counters and a 24-inch granite, Lshaped bar along with hardwood floors, Those changes should help the club. Annually, many groups use the Red Fez Club for functions including company picnics, weddings and civic group meetings. Groups that meet regularly include Lake Wylie Covekeepers. For more information, visit redfezshrineclub.com.
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Bustling business Room for big business Lake Wylie is expected to see doors to a new Walmart Supercenter, which is a new prototype design, open in October 2010 at Mill Creek Commons where Lowe’s Home Improvement was the first to open in fall 2008. The store could hire about 325 employees, store officials say. Potential employees may apply at nearby Walmart stores or online at walmart.com/careers. The 77acre shopping plaza includes McDonald’s, Walgreen’s and Wachovia bank, with 10 total outparcel spaces. The new jobs are a boost for local economy. The hirings are good news to go along with other signs that area business is improving. Siemens Energy announced a $135 million investment to expand its Steele Creek plant to produce gas turbines by fall 2011. In the next five years, said Siemens CEO Peter Loscher, the company will grow to 1,800 Charlotte jobs with 1,000 being new positions. Eventually all Siemens 60-Hertz gas turbines will be produced locally. In January 2009, lithium battery maker Celgard announced it would expand its Steele Creek site and begin work on a new site in Concord, N.C. The expansion, by 2012, should create more than 200 jobs in North Carolina and an additional 1,000 jobs for the company’s contractors and suppliers.Celgard’s success even led to a visit from President Barack Obama.
Space for smaller business Lake Wylie also has other options for businesses large and small, including locations at Lake Wylie Plaza, Landing Station, The Anchor, Shoppes at the Landing, plus Lake Wylie Professional Center at 548 Nautical Drive, off S.C. 49 in Lake Wylie. The two-story, 16,000-square-foot business center welcomed its first five businesses in May 2009 to what builder Doug McSpadden calls upscale office space at the heart of Lake Wylie. McSpadden’s business, McSpadden Custom Homes, was the first group to move in from its former home in Gaston County. Joining the company are Glaza Chiropractic, Bordeaux & Bordeaux CPAs, Lake Wylie Eye and Focus Physical Therapy and Fitness. The doubled size with a conference room at Bordeaux & Bordeaux could lead to seminars or other options, Donna Bordeaux said. For more information about Lake Wylie Professional Center, call 704-825-7324 or visit mcspaddenhomes.com. The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce office tripled in size when it moved to the Lake Wylie Business Centre in the fall 2008 from its long-time location at Executive Court. With a mission to help grow small businesses, the chamber purchased the adjoining 1,750-square-feet of office space to form the Lake Wylie Small Business Center. Leases are short- and long-term and allow the chamber flexibility if it needs to expand and occupy more space in the next 10 or 20 years. Along with six furnished offices, including desks and wireless Internet access, the center includes a conference room. For more information on the center, call 803-831-2827. 20 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
Your chambers of commerce •Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce President Susan Bromfield 264 Latitude Lane, Suite 101, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 Postal Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5233, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 Phone: 803-831-2827 E-mail: info@lakewyliesc.com lakewyliesc.org •Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce Serving Belmont, Cramerton, Lowell, McAdenville, Mount Holly, Stanley President Ted Hall ted.hall@belmontchamber.com 32 N. Main St., Suite 110 Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-5307 montcrossareachamber.com •York County Regional Chamber of Commerce Serving Fort Mill, Rock Hill and Tega Cay President Rob Youngblood ryoungblood@yorkcountychamber.com 116 E. Main St., Rock Hill, SC 29730 803-324-7500 yorkcountychamber.com •Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce President Jackie Robinson sccloverchamber@aol.com 118 Bethel St., P.O. Box 162, Clover, SC 29710 803-222-3312 803-627-4619 cloverchamber.org •Gaston Chamber of Commerce President John Kimbrell john@gastonchamber.com Gastonia, NC 28053 704-864-2621 gastonchamber.com •Charlotte Chamber of Commerce President Bob Morgan bmorgan@charlottechamber.com 330 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 704-378-1300 charlottechamber.com NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 21
Let’s eat Options for all appetites Lake Wylie has dining options to satisfy any appetite, including sandwiches, meat and veggies, Asian, steaks, pubs, seafood, ice cream, coffee, hot dogs, Italian, barbecue, Mexican and more. Just over the Buster Boyd Bridge is T-Bones on the Lake, known for its filet tips and bleu cheese appetizer, as well as steaks, great sit-down meals overlooking the lake, including a large deck and outdoor bar, and its indoor colorful Parrothead bar. It’s family-friendly and the only place in South Carolina where boaters can dock for a meal. Just up the road in Lake Wylie Plaza, you’ll find Lake Wylie’s Italian eatery, Rey Azteca Mexican restaurant and award-winning South Carolina barbecue masters’ Q-2-U’s BBQ Pit. Further up the road on the right is Cafe 49, serving homemade-style meals, including Southern dishes and veggie-meat meals, and there’s a full bar and outdoor seating, too. Cafe 49 also serves breakfast. Across the street in Plantation Square is Sasaki Japanese steak house, where chefs cook the meals right in front of you. If you’re craving seafood, try Fat Cats Oyster Bar. And, don’t miss Wylie Gators across the street, where you can actually bite into alligator dishes or try upstate New York-style pizza. Just a little farther up the highway on the left is River Hills Community Church, serving a free soup lunch and good fellowship every Wednesday. Needing caffeine? Next to Bojangle’s, hit Lake Wylie’s Dilworth Coffeehouse on the left at Rivers Edge Pavilion, which offers muffins, bagels or egg white sandwich for breakfast and a sweet treat of Gastonia, N.C.’s, Tony’s Ice Cream. Nearby in Village Harbor is Christopher’s Bar and Grill, with everything from its famous “When Pigs Fly” appetizer to wraps, steaks, burgers - everything in American cuisine. At Shoppes at the Landing, Strickland’s Frozen Custard offers its creamy treat and hot dogs. There’s also Papa John’s, and opening this year will be Jersey Mike’s sub shop. Near Bi-Lo is a top 100 Chinese restaurant in the country, Panda Hut, and Domino’s pizza. In the Food Lion shopping center, still along S.C. 49, is Subway and Best China serving Asian cuisine. Keeping along S.C. 49, don’t miss Warren’s Grill, home of the mammoth club sandwich and more open for lunch. Now, if you stay straight onto S.C. 557 toward Oakridge Middle School, McDonald’s is on the right in Mill Creek Shopping Center and just across from Lowe’s Home Improvement is Lake Wylie’s oldest restaurant and icon, The River Rat, for fine dining meals in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. If you’re looking for more fine dining in the area, head south on S.C. 274 to find Concord Cove, serving lunch and dinners. The chef knows the ingredients for perfect dishes you’ll come back for time and time again. Off the beaten path is Steve Cooper’s Coop, a neighborhood-style bar with burger baskets, wings and famous for it’s “everything” pizza. As for the North Carolina side of Lake Wylie, there’s everything from fast-food to barbecue and New York-style pizza, as well as American fare at Crossroads Pub near Bi-Lo at N.C. 49 and N.C. 160 and home cookin’ at John’s Family Restaurant on Westinghouse Boulevard. 22 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
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Homemade Desserts
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2002 Westinghouse Blvd. 704-588-6613 • Fax 704-588-8806
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A few highlights from our menu: Blackened Oysters “Rockefeller” Baked Stuffed Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms New York Steak Au Poivre Duck a L’ Orange Pork Chop “Emiliana” Lobster Tail Shrimp and Grits Pecan Crusted Trout Open Mon.-Sat. for lunch and dinner • Saturday Mimosa brunch Open 9AM
5303 Concord Road • Lake Wylie, SC www.TheConcordCove.com • 803.831.1036 NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 23
Contact us for a free informational DVD and Color Brochure
Our schools Adding up to excellent Clover School District's 2009-2010 school year welcomed more than 800 students to Oakridge Middle School in Lake Wylie on Oakridge Road. Will Largen, formerly principal at Crowders Creek Middle School, is principal. Crowders Creek opened as an elementary school only, with Milicent Dickey remaining as principal. OMS offers seventh- and eighthgraders opportunities to compete on 18 school teams, with extras like health, keyboarding and dance. One of the biggest draws for parents is the layout of the new $36 million, 180,000-square-foot school with a capacity for 1,100 students, including three self-sustaining wings complete with 12 classrooms, labs, lockers, conference rooms and an assistant principal office. “It's huge, but it's really three smaller schools in one,” Largen said. CSD also changed its elementary, middle, junior high and high school format. Clover began the 20092010 year with elementary grades K-5, middle grades 6-8 and high school grades 9-12. In doing so, the district also opened a new elementary school, Larne Elementary. The new middle and elementary schools were funded by a 2006 bond referendum. The school property includes athletic facilities and amenities that, when not used for school functions, may be used for civic purposes. The district general fund operates on a budget, as of 2008, of just more than $54 million and 932 teachers instruct 6,511 students, with an annual average teacher salary of $48,951 — more than $3,000 higher than the state average. For more information on the district, visit clover2.k12.sc.us. Even though budget shortfalls at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools pushed back several new schools in Steele Creek, residents could see more openings in the coming years. The district already passed bonds to build a $17 million, 39-classroom elementary school at The Palisades and an $8.57 million renovation to the stadium, track and field at Olympic High School. The district hopes to have the new school ready by August 2011, which would relieve Winget Park and Lake Wylie elementary schools. The Olympic improvements include a 4,000-seat stadium, field house, concession stand and restrooms, new track and artificial field turf. Recently completed projects include Berewick Elementary School and River Gate Elementary School. For more information, visit cms.k12.nc.us.
26 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
Welcome from CSD Dear Community Members, As superintendent of the Clover School District, I would like to extend a welcome to new members of our community. The Clover School District has the reputation of being one of the best in the state, and we strive to keep our standards high. We are fortunate to have a community that cares about our students and faculty, and this is reflected in and out of the classroom. Our faculty is committed to continuous improvement, and because of this, the district continues to improve on state and national tests. The SAT and ACT scores from Clover High School seniors ranked in the top of the state and surpassed state and national averages in 2009. Our schools continue to test above state standards in all content areas and in all grades. Although federal standards to achieve yearly growth rise each year, CSD has more schools reaching this goal than ever before. There also continues to be an upward trend in End of Course tests and High School Assessment Program test passing rates. It is the goal of CSD to not be complacent with our progress, but to continuously work to achieve more for our students and their futures. Our district emphasizes the implementation of technology in ways that engage students and prepare them for the 21st century. I am always amazed at the creativity and dedication demonstrated by our teachers and instructional staff. Like our students, our staff continues to further their education in order to stay abreast of technological trends in education. We are fortunate to have added two state-of-theart schools to our district for the 2009-2010 school year. Both Larne Elementary, named after Clover's sister city in Northern Ireland, and Oakridge Middle School have contributed greatly to our community. Despite the difficult economy, Clover School District maintains a steady course. Because our school board has been cautious in the budgeting process, Clover is weathering the challenge. We continue to provide the best education for our students. We strive to be at the top academically in the state, as well as provide a safe and healthy environment for students. Our district also plans to be a service for our community and hopes to facilitate community involvement and cooperation in our district's programs. We owe a lot to our community and appreciate the support we continue to receive. Dr. Marc Sosne is superintendent for Clover School District.
NEWCOMER始S GUIDE 27
✦ Gold Hill Elementary
Clover School District clover2.k12.sc.us Superintendent Dr. Marc Sosne 604 Bethel St. Clover, SC 29710 803-810-8000
✦ Clover High Principal Dr. Tommy Schmolze Grades 9-12 1625 Hwy. 55 E. Clover, SC 29710 803-222-4591 1,827 enrollment clover2.k12.sc.us/chs
Learning at the lake
✦ South Point High Principal Gary Ford Grades 9-12 906 South Point Road Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-3351 gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/southpoint
✦ Crowders Creek Elementary Principal Millicent Dickey 5515 Charlotte Highway Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-2434 (PK-2) 803-831-1339 (3-5) 970 enrollment clover2.k12.sc.us/cce
✦ Forestview High ✦ Lake Wylie Elementary Principal Angel Oliphant Grades K-5 13620 Erwin Road Charlotte, NC 28273 980-343-3680 Hours: 8:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m. pages.cms.k12.nc.us/lake
✦ Griggs Road Elementary
✦ River Gate Elementary
Principal Kenda Cook Grades Pre-K-5 100 Griggs Road Clover, SC 29710 803-222-5777 566 enrollment clover2.k12.sc.us/griggs
Principal Acquanetta Edmond Grades K-5 15340 Smith Road Charlotte, NC 28273 980-344-1000 Hours: 8:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m. pages.cms.k12.nc.us/rivergate
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter Gorman 701 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28202 980-343-3000 cms.k12.nc.us
✦ Olympic Community of Schools Grades: 9-12 4301 Sandy Porter Road Charlotte, NC 28273 980-343-1403 Hours: 7:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
✦ Steele Creek Elementary Principal Gina Smith O’Hare Grades K-5 4100 Gallant Lane, Rt. 2 Charlotte, NC 28273 980-343-3810 Hours: 7:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. pages.cms.k12.nc.us/steelecreek
✦ Winget Park Elementary Principal Paul Williams Grades K-5 12235 Winget Road Charlotte, NC 28278 980-343-1063 Hours: 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. pages.cms.k12.nc.us/wingetpark
✦ Kennedy Middle Principal Alicia Springs 4000 Gallant Lane Charlotte, NC 28273 980-343-5540 Hours: 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.
✦ Southwest Middle Principal Dr. Valerie Williams Grades 6-8 13624 Steele Creek Road Charlotte, NC 28273 980-343-5006 Hours: 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. pages.cms.k12.nc.us/southwest
✦ Berewick Elementary Principal Cheryl Turner Grades K-5 5910 Dixie River Road Charlotte, NC 28278 Hours: 7:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. pages.cms.k12.nc.us/berewick
28 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
Principal Travis Howard Grades K-5 2346 Pleasant Road Fort Mill, SC 29708 pkes.fort-mill.k12.sc.us
Superintendent Reeves McGlohon 943 Osceola St. Gastonia, NC 28054 704-866-6100 gaston.k12.nc.us
Principal Will Largen Grades 6-8 5650 Hwy. 557 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-631-8000 790 enrollment clover2.k12.sc.us/oms
Principal Tom Guinane Grades Pre-K-5 6000 Hwy. 55 E. Clover, SC 29710 803-831-7816 394 enrollment clover2.k12.sc.us/bethel
✦ Pleasant Knoll Elementary
Gaston County Schools
✦ Oakridge Middle
✦ Bethel Elementary
Principal Terry Brewer Grades K-5 1000 Dave Gibson Blvd. Tega Cay, SC 29708 Hours: 7:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. ghes.fort-mill.k12.sc.us
Fort Mill School District fort-mill.k12.sc.us Superintendent Dr. Keith Callicutt 120 E. Elliot St. Fort Mill, SC 29715 803-548-2527 fort-mill.k12.sc.us
✦ Fort Mill High Principal Dee Christopher Grades 9-12 225 Munn Road Fort Mill, SC 29715 803-548-1900 fmhs.fort-mill.k12.sc.us
✦ Gold Hill Middle Principal Tommy Johnston Grades 6-8 1025 Dave Gibson Blvd. Tega Cay, SC 29708 Hours: 8:20 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ghms.fort-mill.k12.sc.us
Principal Audrey Devine Grades 9-12 5545 Union Road Gastonia, NC 28056 704-861-2625 gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/forestview
✦ Belmont Middle Principal Mark Schultz Grades 6-8 110 N. Central Ave. Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-9619 gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/belmontmiddle
✦ Belmont Central Elementary Principal Sara Moore Grades Pre-K-5 310 Eagle Road Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-8479 gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/belmontcentral
✦ Catawba Heights Elementary Principal Phyllis Whitworth Grades Pre-K-5 101 Ivey St. Belmont, NC 28012 704-827-3221 gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/cheights
✦ New Hope Elementary Principal Allen Lewis Jr. Grades Pre-K-5 137 Stowe Road Gastonia, NC 28056 704-824-1617 gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/newhope
✦ North Belmont Elementary Principal Chris Germain Grades Pre-K-5 210 School St. Belmont, NC 28012 704-827-4043 gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/nbelmont
✦ Page Primary Principal Mark Fisher Grades Pre-K-1 215 Ewing Dr. Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-2614 gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/page
✦ W.A. Bess Elementary Principal Laura Dixon Grades Pre-K-5 4340 Beaty Road Gastonia, NC 28056 704-866-6075 gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/bess
Private schools close to home Pine Grove Christian Academy
Journey Montessori Academy
5415 Hwy. 557 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-2015 pinegrovebaptist.org
13902 York Road Charlotte, NC 28278 704-960-9885 journeymontessori.org
Lake Pointe Academy
Gaston Day School
3168 Hands Mill Hwy. Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-631-5253 lakepointeacademy.com
2001 Gaston Day School Road Gastonia, NC 28056 704-864-7744 gastonday.org
Walnut Grove Christian Academy
Primrose School of Lake Wylie
13925 Erwin Road Charlotte, NC 28273 704-583-5499 walnutgrovechristianschool.org
3960 W. Arrowood Road Charlotte, NC 28273 704-926-4955 primroselakewylie.com
Palisades Episcopal School 13120 Grand Palisades Pkwy. Charlotte, NC 28278 704-583-1825 pescharlotte.org
iculum. rr u c e th is f o ro p The based on the ® culum is ced Learning curri on, Our proven Balan childhood educati rly d standards for ea No an . rch ols ea ho Sc res t e es ros lat Prim delivered across all im. In cla s thi ke and is consistently ma n ca n school organizatio in every other national pre bring learning to life ers ch tea ate ion ss addition, our pa y. classroom every da
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Primrose School of Lake Wylie 3960 W. Arrowood Road, Charlotte, NC 28273
704.926.4955
www.primroselakewylie.com
Each Primrose School is privately owned and operated. Primrose Schools, Balanced Learning, and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2010 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.
NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 29
To your health Healthplex emergency center opens The Steele Creek and Lake Wylie community saw a new health care addition open in 2009. Carolinas HealthCare System opened CMC-Steele Creek to patients on 17 acres at 13560 Steelecroft Pkwy. The first of five planned “healthplex” facilities, it features a free-standing emergency department and other medical services, including a full-service diagnostic imaging center, laboratory services and medical offices for physicians such as Mecklenburg Medical Group, Charlotte Pediatric Clinic and Piedmont GYN/OB. “We know it's going to save lives in this community,” said Debra Eident, director of the new facility. The healthcare pavilion offers everything a hospital emergency room would, and can keep patients up to 24 hours. It's the fourth free-standing emergency department in North Carolina, and the first in the south Charlotte region. Eident expects admissions not only from Steele Creek, but also Lake Wylie, Gaston County, Tega Cay and Fort Mill. “A health-care pavilion is much more than an urgent care center, and can be thought of as a hospital without beds,” said Chris Hummer, president of CMC-Pineville. The 22,500-square-foot facility includes a helipad and a CT scanner with the latest technology able to scan patients weighing up to 600 pounds. CMCSteele Creek also offers community touches, including local artwork and a community room for public meetings with a capacity of 65 guests, as well as a community care coordinator available to answer questions. A retail pharmacy is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. According to Carolinas HealthCare statistics, only 7 percent of emergency care visits result in admitted patients, meaning the company expects most of the Steele Creek community – which grew by 70 percent from 2000 to 2007 – to be adequately served by the healthplex concept “We want this to be a place the public will really enjoy being if they have to come in for emergency care,” Eident said. “We know it's a really stressful time for people.” The $20 million healthplex is part of a growing trend of similar facilities planned for outlying regions near the main Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. As construction completes on those similar facilities, it is possible they too might feature helipads as an extension of care into numerous communities. 704-512-5500; cmc-steelecreek.org
Getting medical attention Nobody wants to travel far when they aren’t feeling well. In Lake Wylie, luckily, nobody needs to. Within a few-mile stretch of Highway 49 on either side of Buster Boyd Bridge, just about every type of medical and wellness service exists. In Lake Wylie, CaroMont Family Medicine is at Village Harbor, just across the highway from Lake Wylie Business Centre, which includes Lake Wylie Family Chiropractic and Carolina Family Dentistry at Lake Wylie. Beside the center sits Lake Wylie Professional Center, home to Glaza Chiropractic, Focus Physical Therapy and Fitness and Lake Wylie Eye. On the North Carolina side of Buster Boyd are more options. At CMC-Steele Creek healthplex is Charlotte Pediatric Clinic, Mecklenburg Medical Group and Piedmont GYN/OB. South Point Business Park on Winds Crossing Drive is home to Steele Creek 30 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
Physical Therapy & Balance Center, ProHealth & Wellness Chiropractic, Kenneth Brown Family Dentistry, Forever Young Salon and Spa, Gregory Gell Endodontist and Hair Club. Across N.C. 49 at Steele Creek Business Park are Tommy Kakouras Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Queen City Foot & Ankle, Dover Orthodontics, Young & Polite Children’s Dentistry and Lake Wylie Express Care. Steelecroft Parkway, also facing the highway, houses Steele Creek Pediatric Dentistry and Steelecroft Dental, as well as Presbyterian Medical Plaza including Presbyterian Imaging Center, Ballantyne Pediatric Associates, Carmel OB/GYN and Presbyterian Rehabilitation Center. And, for anyone still needing a little help, the area also boasts several fitness centers including Sportscenter, Anytime Fitness and River Hills Country Club Fitness Center — all on the South Carolina side.
The best-kept secret in physical wellness: Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy | Sports Medicine
For a physician referral, call 803-329-1234.
Quality care for: • Orthopedic Injuries, Sprains & Strains • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation • Relief from Chronic & Acute Pain • Balance & Fall Prevention • Golf & Tennis Rehab • Pediatrics (Ages 3 & up) • Licensed Massage Therapy Richard Biggers, PT, CSCS
no prescription needed most insurance accepted
Focus PTF.com 803-746-7800 Lake Wylie
COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATIONS
Powerful Medicine, Made Personal. www.piedmontmedicalcenter.com
Welcome to our Family We are a dedicated home care agency providing non-medical nursing care in the comfort of your own home. Being cared for at home is an ideal situation for most elderly or disabled people who need assistance with activities of daily living.
• No trips to the pharmacy • No waiting in long lines • No paperwork to fill out • Ordering quick and easy • South Carolina Medicaid • Tri-care Insurance
Prestige Home Health Services and Diabetic Supplies, LLC. 6 Executive Court, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 888.831.6778 Office 704.501.6998 Cell http://prestigehomehealthandservices.info
THOMAS N. STALL, D.M.D. STACY L. BLACKMON, D.D.S. C. ANDREW SNELL, D.D.S. Our experienced doctors, and caring staff are totally dedicated to your family’s dental health. Services Include: • Cerec crowns/onlays • Comprehensive Preventative Care (completed in one visit) • Partial & Full Dentures • Cosmetic Bonding & Veneers • Non-surgical Periodontal • Invisalign Gum Treatments • Crowns & Bridges • Various Whitening Systems • Implants • Extractions • Vizilite Oral Cancer Screening
Lake Wylie Family Dentistry PA 1100 Village Harbor Dr. Lake Wylie, SC 29710
803.831.8856 Mon.- Thurs 8am-5pm • Friday 8-2 NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 31
To your rescue The only squad in York County to offer a no-charge service is here for you. The River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS started serving the Bethel/Lake Wylie area in 1980. The all-volunteer squad has about 50 members, including two full-time paramedics. The unit provides 24/7 Advanced Life Support in the 25-square-mile lake area surrounding River Hills Plantation in Lake Wylie, where the headquarters and training center are located just off S.C. 49 at the gated community’s entrance. Transport is available to six major medical centers. Along with being the only squad in York County to offer all services free of charge, volunteers provide a “first-class” experience and work with state-of-the-art equipment thanks to community donations, the squad’s sole source of funding. More volunteers are always needed as the number of calls grows. The average call volume reaches 900 to 1,000 calls a year. River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS is dependent on donations. The mailing address is 4 Heritage Drive, Lake Wylie, SC 29710. For more information about the River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS or to donate, call 803-831-9888 or visit riverhillsems.com.
More about your first responders •Provides CPR training to Lake Wylie residents. •Provides community education and public displays at churches, day cares and schools. •Has responded to 12,520 calls since its inception. •Training is continuous - four hours per month for all, plus four hours each month for EMTs. •Paramedics are certified in Advanced Life Support, pre-hospital trauma life support, pediatric advanced life support and 12-lead EKG monitoring. •Back-up ambulance responds to additional second call 85 percent of the time.
Conveniently Serving the Lake Wylie Community
Piedmont Family Practice at Tega Cay 547-5447 Piedmont Internal Medicine at Baxter Village 802-2424 Piedmont Urgent Care Center at Baxter Village 396-8100 Piedmont Internal Medicine and Family Practice at York 818-5995
www.PMCPhysicianNetwork.com 32 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
“When it comes to your eyecare needs, Our Focus is On You”.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Most Vision Insurance Accepted
40% OFF a second pair of glasses Offer expires 8/1/10. Not valid with any other offer.
439 Channel Road, #103 Lake Wylie SC 29710
803-746-7711 www.lakewylieeye.com
Pet care
Veterinarians • TotalBond Veterinary Hospital 125 Forest Oak Drive, Lake Wylie 803-831-1318 • Steele Creek Animal Hospital, 9729 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 704-588-4400
Pet adoptions • Animal Adoption League Pets featured every week in the Lake Wylie Pilot. AAL is a nonprofit organization that offers veterinary care, foster homes and an adoption outlet for adoptable animals. Based in York County and serves the greater Charlotte metro area.
To foster a pet, volunteer or donate, visit mynextpet.com or email mynextpet@yahoo.com. • York County Humane Society 2036 Carolina Place, Fort Mill, SC 803-802-0902 • York County Animal Control 713 Justice Blvd, York, SC 803-628-3190 yorkcountygov.com • Gaston Humane Society 114 Sherrill Road, Gastonia, NC 704-824-8990 • Humane Society of Charlotte 2700 Toomey Ave., Charlotte 704-494-7715 humanesocietyofcharlotte.org
LAKE WYLIE • TEGA CAY • ROCK HILL • PINEVILLE
The Standard of Veterinary Excellence
“We Care for Your Pets as if They Were Our Own” Animal Hospital
Exams & Vaccinations Therapeutic and Surgical Laser Complete Medical Work-Ups X-ray & Lab Services Bathing and Grooming Boarding
Dental Clinic
Dental Cleanings Root Canals Crowns Oral Surgery & Extractions Digital X-rays Orthodontics
Katherine E. Queck, DVM Fellow, Academy of Veterinary Dentistry
Marguerite F. Gleason, DVM Jay M. Chambers, DVM Trenna L. ManWarren, DVM
Mon.-Fri. 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM • Sat. 8 AM - 12 Noon
www.carolinasanimalhospital.com
704-588-9788
13331 York Center Dr., Suite A • Charlotte NC 28273 NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 33
Things to do Annual Calendar • Mid-Atlantic Boat Show in Charlotte.
Summer Celebration in Stowe Park featuring rides, food and movies the last weekend of the month. 704-825-8191; cityofbelmont.org
MARCH
AUGUST
• “Go Fly A Kite Day,” Belmont Parks and Recreation Department, Belmont Central Elementary School.
• Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s Celebrate Spring! Plant & Craft Festival, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490; dsbg.org
• Tega Cay Area Council Barefoot Beach Bash at the Tega Cay Beach Club Pool. • Summerfest, hosted by the city of York, The Greater York Chamber of Commerce and Comporium, in downtown York. • Gaston Hospice Poker Run stretching 100-miles through three counties, ends at The Knothole in Lake Wylie.
MAY
SEPTEMBER
• Garibaldifest, Stowe Park, Belmont.
• Justin Mychals and Friends Child Cancer Benefit at T-Bones on the Lake.
FEBRUARY
APRIL
JUNE • Tega Cay Taste of the Town, Tega Cay Golf Club. 803-548-8020 • Lake Wylie Shag Club and Red Fez Shrine Club Beach Blast at the Red Fez Shrine Club on the shores of Lake Wylie. Proceeds benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children. 704504-5364, 803-547-4823 • Splash Dash at Lake Wylie, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce event, 10K and 5K race and walk through River Hills Plantation. 803-8312827; lakewyliesc.com • Clover Scottish Games and Scotch-Irish Festival, Feis Chlobhair, at Clover Memorial Stadium, Clover, sponsored by the Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce and the town of Clover. 803-222-3312. • Belmont begins its series, Movies in the Park, sponsored by city of Belmont Parks & Recreation, at Stowe Park. Free
JULY • Lake Wylie Fourth of July celebration on the lake with fireworks. • Tega Cay July 4 celebration on land and water with parades • City of Belmont Parks & Recreation hosts a three-day
34 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
OCTOBER • River Sweep, Lake Wylie’s version of the national Big Sweep program. • Belmont Fall Festival at Stowe Park. The citywide festival features arts and crafts, merchandise, displays and food booths, as well as stage entertainment and a full children’s area with activities. • Scarowinds, the Carolinas’ largest Halloween event, returns on weekends through October, daring guests to step into a night of terror at Carowinds. • Tega Cay’s Fall Festival
NOVEMBER • River Hills Lions Club annual charity Christmas tree sale begins the last week of the month at the River Hills and Camp Thunderbird entrance.
DECEMBER • Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights display. • Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce’s Lights on the Lake Holiday Boat Parade departs at dusk from T-Bones on the Lake.
Shopping
Plaza Fiesta RiverGate
The largest shopping center near Lake Wylie is RiverGate in Steele Creek at N.C. 49 and N.C. 160 West. Here is a list of some of the tenants provided by Childress Klein Properties: ALLTEL Apricot Acres Art Space Studio Aveda Salon Bath & Body Works Best Buy Books-A-Million Charlotte Fitness Equipment Dress Barn GNC Hallmark Home Depot
Kay Jewelers Marshalls Mattress Firm OfficeMax Old Navy Omega Sports PETsMART Rack Room Shoes rue21 SuperTarget The Pearl Earring The Wine Shop
TRADER MARC’S: An indoor, air conditioned 318,000square-foot flea market and farmer's market started by the Pettus family of Lake Wylie at 2200 Carolina Place Drive in Fort Mill. Hours: noon-8 p.m. Fridays; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. Parking and admission are free. 803-396-3800; tradermarcs.com
PLAZA FIESTA: The surging Hispanic market in the Carolinas has invigorated Fort Mill's Crossroads Mall into what owners hope will be a popular ethnic shopping destination across the region. Plaza Fiesta Carolinas on Carowinds Boulevard includes mainstream retailers and specialty shops. The $12 million project turned the 250,000-square-foot mall into Plaza Fiesta, a revised version of a similar mall in Atlanta that has a Latin marketplace ambiance. It draws customers from across the region, including from places such as Columbia, Greenville and Raleigh, N.C. NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 35
&Places to go MUSEUMS • Belmont Historical Society’s Cultural and Heritage Learning Center, 40 Catawba St., Belmont — -Located in Belmont's second oldest house, the R.L. Stowe family home built in 1899. 704-825-4848; belmontnchs.org • Museum of York County, 4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill — The museum includes a collection of more than 200 fullymounted African animals complemented by a collection of African cultural artifacts. Shows in the Settlemyre Planetarium use state-of-the-art visual equipment, slides and special effects on the weekends, and the museum also is home to the Vernon Grant Gallery, devoted to the creator of the Rice Krispies® characters Snap!Crackle!Pop! There are changing exhibits in science, history, natural history and the arts. Plus, there’s a .7-mile nature trail with native trees, shrubbery and wildflowers. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. 803-329-2121 • Historic Brattonsville, 1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells —The living history village and Revolutionary War battlefield features 29 historic structures and programs chronicling the Central Piedmont development from the 1750s through the 1840s. The 775-acre village was a key film location for the Mel Gibson film, “The Patriot.” Includes the Walt Schrader Trails, 8 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Living history activities are held on Saturdays MarchNovember. Open 10 a.m- 5 p.m. MondaySaturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 803-6842327 • The Schiele Museum of History & Planetarium, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia, N.C. — The museum offers opportunities for families and visitors of all ages to see the region's rocks and minerals, hills and rivers, plants and animals with fresh wonder. You also can learn what connects this to all the past and present residents of the Carolinas' Piedmont. There also are many workshops offered throughout the year. 704-866-6900; schielemuseum.org • Carolinas Aviation Museum, 4108 Minuteman Way, Charlotte, N.C. (CharlotteDouglas International Airport) — Founded in 1991, the museum is operated by Carolinas Historic Aviation Commission dedicated to preserving the aviation heritage of North and South Carolina. Houses more than 45 major aircraft, and a wealth of other artifacts, as well as one of the largest aviation-related libraries in the country. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. 704-359-8442; carolinasaviation.org
MOVIES/MUSIC • AYRSLEY GRAND CINEMAS 14, 9110 Kings Parade Blvd., Charlotte — Complete with 14 cinemas ranging from 80 seats to 400 seats in the town of Ayrsley, about 10 minutes from the Buster Boyd Bridge. 980AYRSLEY; ayrsleycinemas.com 36 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
• Belmont Drive-In, 314 McAdenville Road, Belmont — Built in 1946, this outdoor theater shows the newest movie releases equipped with Dolby stereo as moviegoers dial in the station on their car radios. The drive-in holds 300 cars on four acres. 704825 6044; belmontdrivein.20megsfree.com • Sylvia Theater, 27 N. Congress St., York — Brings in national acts, as well as showcasing local musicians running the gamut of musical genres. Also shows movies Thursday-Sunday and is available for private parties. Opened 2001 after renovating the 1904 Sylvia Hotel. 803-684-5590; sylviatheater.com
GARDEN • Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont — More than 110 acres of themed gardens, meadows and woodland walking trails. When completed, DSBG will be the largest of its kind in North America with 450 acres along the banks of Lake Wylie. It was named one of the nation’s “20 Great Gardens” by HGTV. The garden hosts events throughout the year including its signature plant sales in the spring and fall and holiday extravaganzas such as Fourth of July and concerts. DSBG is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 704-825-4490; dsbg.org
AMUSEMENT • Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte (operated by Cedar Fair LP) — The 105-acre theme and water park straddles the North Carolina-South Carolina state line owned by Cedar Fair. The park features more than 50 state-of-the-art rides, shows and movie-themed experiences for all ages.The Paladium amphitheater seats 13,000 for concerts and special events from spring through fall. Call 803-548-5300 or 800-888-4FUN; carowinds.com
CAMPING/RECREATION • McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road, near Buster Boyd Bridge in North Carolina — Features 13 RV, 10 primitive and 26 "drive-to" sites. There are six rent-a-tent sites with 9-by-12 campsites maintained by Mecklenburg County. RV sites have electrical and water hook-ups and a sewer dump station. Call 704-583-1284 for reservations or 704-588-0697 for park information • Ebenezer Park, on the lower half of Lake Wylie at 4490 Boatshore Road, off Mount Gallant, Rock Hill — Offers 26 acres with camping, swimming, fishing, boating and picnics. Open year-round. 803-366-6620 • Long Cove Marina & Yacht Club — Offers a 200-foot beach for about 20 to 25 tents and 30 RV camp sites. There are fullservice facilities for campers with electric and water hookups for campers. One hitch to camping at Long Cove is you either need to be a club member, friend or be interviewed in order to be able to camp out. 704588-1467
The arts and entertainment
Take a hike Nanny’s Mountain
York County’s famous monadnock — a rocky hill not far from S.C. 49 in Lake Wylie jutting from the surrounding plain — is now a public park. Existing trails have been restored, and there is a pavilion, wildlife outlook and picnic tables. Park hourse: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. November-March and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. AprilOctober. Call it Nanny's Mountain or Ferguson's Mountain, this local lump is a remnant of the Appalachian Mountains that hasn't eroded into the surrounding Carolina clay. That rock is loaded with iron ore, which is why Nanny's Mountain became important in the late 1700s. Col. William "Billy" Hill built an iron works there, first making pots, pans and plowshares, then switching to cannonballs and swords during the Revolutionary War. Nanny's Mountain was named for Hill's wife. In June 1780, after the fall of Charleston, British troops burned the ironworks and Col. Hill's home while he and his men were away. Hill later fought in the Battle of King's Mountain. But it's also been called Ferguson's Mountain, named for the family who owned it a century later. Perry Ferguson bought nearly 500 acres, including the two-mile circular mountain, in the 1870s. Back then, the area was known as Bandana, S.C., with its own post office and general store. Legal description of the Ferguson property dated July 8, 1887, show John Culp sold the land for $3.75 an acre. York County bought the land in 1997 for more than $203,000. •Walkers Branch Greenway Trail and Steele Creek Community Trail, off N.C. 49 at RiverGate shopping center — Open behind RiverGate Shopping Center. When complete, the trails will stretch 50 miles and connect neighborhoods, parks, schools, shopping centers and employment areas throughout Steele Creek. •Riverside Park and Greenway, 49 acres at Riverside Drive and Eight Avenue in Cramerton, NC, near the South Fork River — Walking trails, canoe launch, a fishing pier, picnic shelter, benches and grills. •Anne Springs Close Greenway, Rt 21 bypass & business, Fort Mill — The 2,300-acre greenway is rich in natural and cultural resources. Natural resources include more
than 190 species of wildflowers, and a great diversity of birds and other interesting wildlife. The greenway contains the 28-acre Lake Haigler, as well as four other fishing ponds, mixed-hardwood forests, prairies, Steele Creek and vistas that are truly breathtaking. 803-547-1000, leroysprings.com •The Nation Ford Greenway — A planned 31-mile loop trail covering much of Fort Mill and the eastern edge of Rock Hill. When complete, the trail will connect Rock Hill's trail system to the one in Mecklenburg County and Steele Creek. The greenway also will connect Baxter, the Catawba River and the proposed public waterfront park at Tega Cay.
Water activities U.S. WHITEWATER CENTER, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214 — The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is a nonprofit outdoor recreation and adventure sports facility. Alongside mountain biking and running trails, a climbing center, Mega Zip line, and challenge course, the Center's unique feature is a multiple-channel, customized whitewater river for rafting and canoe/kayak enthusiasts of all abilities. The USNWC is only 15 minutes from Uptown Charlotte and provides nearly 400 acres of woodlands along the scenic Catawba River. Families, employee groups, weekend warriors, and Olympic-caliber athletes share this world-class sports and training center. The USNWC is proud to be a U.S. Olympic Training Site. 704-391-3900; usnwc.org
Catawba River Expeditions is a family-owned and operated company — The Catawba River Canoe and Kayak Trail begins at the Lake Wylie Dam area in Fort Mill, SC. (Just south of Charlotte, NC and 1 hour north of Columbia, SC.) The river travels through Rock Hill on it's way south, and provides 29.7 miles of floating fun before the takeout at the SC Hwy. 9 bridge. This trail includes the beautiful Landsford Canal State Park where the annual Spider Lily Festival is held each Spring, the Catawba Indian Reservation and River Park. The water ranges from deep to shallow, calm to perky, and has tons of boulders just right for a picnic, nap or sunbathing. The shallow areas are perfect for wading and fishing, or just playing around. 803-327-9335; catawbakayaking@aol.com, catawba-riverexpeditions.com
• Arts Council of Rock Hill and York County, 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill. Sponsors the Arts Alive summer camp, an annual blues festival and other events. 803328-2220. 803-328-2787; yorkcountyarts.org • Belmont Community Theatre, Belmont Abbey College, 100 Belmont-Mount Holly Road, Belmont, NC. Since 1883, the Abbey Players have performed for Belmont Abbey College and the surrounding community. They opened the Belmont Community Theatre in 1990 and perform plays, comedies, musicals and an annual Shakespeare series. 704461-6787, 888-222-0110 • Fort Mill Community Playhouse produces five shows a year including a dinner theater performance. 803-548-8102; fortmillplayhouse.org • McCelvey Center, 212 E. Jefferson St., York, SC, is a 564seat theater. Hosts performers from around the world. 803-6843948; CHMuseums.org • NarroWay Productions, 3327 Highway 51 N., Fort Mill, SC 29715-8348 offers professional dinner theater and musicals with Christian themes. 803.802.2300, 704.831.8893. narroway.net • North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, includes Belk Theatre and Booth Playhouse, and is home to the Charlotte Symphony, North Carolina Dance Theatre, Opera Carolina, Charlotte Repertory Theatre, Charlotte Choral Society and the Carolinas Concert Association. 704-3721000; blumenthalcenter.org, carolinatix.org • Sylvia Theater, 27 N. Congress St., York, SC, singer/songwriter showcase and performance venue, plus movies. 803-684-5590; sylviatheater.com • Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 707 Pavilion Blvd., Charlotte, an open-air pavilion featuring top concert acts. 704-549-5555; livenation.com/venue/verizon-wirelessamphitheatre-charlotte-tickets/ • Yorkville Players, York, community theater performs at McCelvey Center. 803-980-7412; yorkvilleplayers.com • Yorkville Artists Guild, York, meets monthly March - November at McCelvey. Sponsors August Open Art Competition during Summerfest, and a November Dinner/Auction fundraiser. 803328-6747
NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 37
A Caring Community Get involved Clover Area Assistance Center, 1130 S.C. 55 E., Clover, is a nonprofit collaborative agency that responds to needy individuals living within Clover School District boundaries. The center, established in 1999, assists more than 2,400 clients and 3,000 children younger than age 18, thanks to the dedication of more than 115 volunteers who work Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Urgent needs are met with food, financial assistance, health services and special needs, and through advocacy and referrals to other organizations. CAAC preventative programs work to increase self sufficiency. CAAC also provides a variety of Living Basics classes to help clients with basic budgeting, resume preparation, job interview preparation, computer training and partnership with Tri County Education and Work Keys Program. CAAC is a collaborative effort of churches, schools, businesses, civic clubs and individuals. CAAC was formed through the combination of services of Good Neighbor Pantry founded in the 1980s and the services of River Hills Lions Club and River Hills Community Church. Through the years, the Lions, church and Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce have been very supportive. Donations also come from All Saints Catholic Church in Lake Wylie and area stores including Food Lion and Bi-Lo. Throughout the year, CAAC food drives are supported by area Scouts, students, organizations and businesses. Through the cooperation of an area physician and dentists Drs. Stacy Blackmon and Vanessa Vargas, both of Lake Wylie, CAAC provides health and dental care. CAAC is governed by a 12-member volunteer board of directors. The day-to-day operations are managed by Janie Davis, executive director, and Dona Van Leer, operations member. For more information or to volunteer, call 803-222-4837.
38 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
Volunteer • God’s Kitchen — It started out as a soup kitchen, and God's Kitchen now delivers hot, home-cooked meals five days a week to more than 100 people in Clover. Volunteers may help prepare meals 9 a.m.-Monday-Friday and/or deliver plates beginning at 11:30 a.m. 803-222-0711 • Helping Hands — River Hills Lions Club. If you need help with rides to the doctor or need someone to sit with your loved one while you run errands, please contact Lion Bob Meeker 704831-1542. 803-8311542. Calls for service come in from a week in advance to the day before. Helping Hands operates within River Hills. riverhillslions.org/helping-handspost/ • The Kenya Orphanage Project — Supports projects for children in Nairobi, Kenya. Formed by Monique Boekhout of River Hills, president of the board. Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 5234, Lake Wylie, SC 29710. 803-746-5133; kenyaorphanageproject.or g. Contact Monique at boekhout@comporium.net. • Bethel/Lake Wylie Volunteer Fire Department — 5600 Hwy. 557, Lake Wylie. Volunteers needed. Fire chief: Don Love. 803831-7988 • Palmetto Pregnancy Center — 6393 Lake Wylie Road, Lake Wylie, open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays. Opened in late 2003, it served 222 clients in 2009. Donated items are needed including gently-used clothing and other baby items. 24-hour hot line: 803631-0111 • River Hills/Lake Wylie Emergency Squad — 4 Heritage Drive, Lake Wylie. The group trains drivers and pays for EMT schooling. Call non-emergency number 803-831988
Clubs CIVIC
Roaring to help community One Lake Wylie group accounts for a lion’s share of public service to its community. “The River Hills Lions have been a real hand and glove partner with the community,” said Lion Ken Sanford. Since its inception in 1975, the Lions charitable donations have totalled more than $1.5 million. Supported efforts include blind and deaf education, juvenile diabetes research and volunteer fire and rescue service funding, among others. This year the club charity budget nears $105,000. Along with annual giving to groups like the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department and River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS, the club is responsible for many onetime contributions to its community. Gerry Orlick, who heads the anniversary planning committee, lists many efforts including replacement of all stop signs in River Hills and donations of 10 bullet-proof vests to the York County Sheriff’s Office, the flagpole at the River Hills entrance and a citizens band radio base station for the main gate. The group also sponsored a baseball team and managed construction of the athletic field behind the River Hills Administration Building. Longer-term contributions include 25 years of publishing and distributing the River Hills Telephone Directory, decades of charity Christmas tree sales and the foundation of an organization that – since combining with the River Hills Community Church-founded Clover Caring Center in 1999 – would become the Clover Area Assistance Center.
“It would be a very different outcome without their support, both with providing food and help for all that we do,” said Dona Van Leer, operations manager for CAAC and immediate past president of the River Hills Lions Club. This year, like many before it, the River Hills club tops all others in South Carolina in membership. River Hills counts about 160 members, said president George Gessner, compared to the next closest in Spartanburg at about 135. “What’s amazing, really, is the amount of time and effort people put into it, but also the dedication,” Gessner said of his club. Many in River Hills are former company executives, Gessner said, which lends a wealth of knowledge and experience. Yet Lions willingly perform all sorts of duties, he said, including about 80 Lions who sell ads for the River Hills telephone directory. That annual effort alone can raise $60,00-$65,000 for charity. Some Lions spend almost all their volunteer hours with efforts like Helping Hands, running errands and providing home services for people needing them within River Hills. Others show up each year selling Christmas trees, or mentoring middle school students. “This could not have been possible without the generosity of the residents of this community – past and present,” said Lion Gerry Orlick. “Without the public support, we would be unable to achieve this success.” For more about the club, call 803-631-3543 or 831-8227.
Lake Wylie Lioness/Lions Bev Jones 803-831-0343 Lake Wylie Rotary Club 803-831-2894 Tega Cay Lioness 803-548-3559 Tega Cay Lions Betsy Helms 803-548-1834 Karen Kurentine 803-396-8421 Clover-Lake Wylie Republican Women’s Club Blanche Bryant, president 803-831-7497 Democratic Women of Lake Wylie 803-831-2000 Clover Optimists Ashby or Josie Skinnell 803-684-2008 Soaring Eagles Junior Optimist Club of Clover 803-684-6702 Clover Jaycees Annette Adams 803-222-3227 Clover Rotary Club 803-831-2894 rotary.org
GARDEN River Hills Garden Club Doris Murphy 803-831-9914
DANCE Ballroom Dance Club Joyce Wright 803-547-4575 Lake Wylie Shag Club 803-548-1745
MILITARY VFW Post 6732 Clover/ Lake Wylie 704-813-2748 American Legion Belmont 704-825-9022
SOCIAL GROUPS River Hills Newcomers Becky Beckham 803-831-5071 Red Hat Society — Lake Wylie chapter Sandi Fallowes 803-831-5093 Nation Ford Chapter — Daughters of the American Revolution Jacci Wagner 803-396-0634 Tega Cay Vintage Club Beryl Tatta 803-548-7452
NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 39
Golf courses
Be a sport Something for every season Lake Wylie area residents score big when it comes to sports. Spectators can watch pro football and basketball and minor league hockey in Charlotte, minor league baseball in Fort Mill or check out college action at Winthrop University in Rock Hill. For those who want to play, Lake Wylie now has its own league for youth, Lake Wylie Athletic Association. There are other recreation leagues in Lake Wylie, Steele Creek, Tega Cay, Clover and Belmont. From fantastic swim team rivalries to tennis and golf tournaments, there’s something for children and adults to do. There also are water sports on the lake, including the former national champs Carolina Kayak Polo Club, as well as Carolina Show Ski Team and South Town Riders wakeboard team. Not far away in Charlotte is the National Whitewater Center (usnwc.org) giving daredevils the chance to weather the rapids or check out U.S. Olympians and hopefuls as they race. One of the biggest events drawing crowds to the Lake Wylie area is September’s Championships at the Palisades tennis tournament in Steele Creek (photo right of Kraft Kids Day with retired pro Mikael Pernfors). This retired men’s tennis pro circuit brings legends including John McEnroe, Pete Sampras and Jim Courier back to the court. For ticket information, call 877-322-8499 or visit championsseriestennis.com. For animal athletes and their humans, check out the Piedmont Kennel Club, 13607 Choate Circle, Steele Creek, at pkc.org or call 704-588-7253. For more four-legged action, there are rodeos held throughout the year at B&B Arena in Clover, or take in world-class equestrian riding at the Charlotte Jumper Classic in Charlotte or the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase in Waxhaw, N.C., both held in April.
40 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
• Fort Mill Golf Club, 101 Country Club Drive, Fort Mill: A traditional, tree-lined layout that’s just a chip shot from historic downtown Fort Mill. Golf course architect Donald Ross designed the front nine; George Cobb completed the back nine in 1959. In 2008, the entire facility was renovated by rebuilding the greens and going to MiniVerde bermuda grass. All tees and bunkers were reconstructed, and the clubhouse received a facelift. The renovation was supervised by Hilton Head architect, Clyde Johnston. Semi-private. 803-547-2044; leroysprings.com • The Palisades Country Club, 13704 Grand Palisades Pkwy., Charlotte: The 18-hole course features 6,797 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, ASGCA, the golf course opened in 2004. An approach shot golf course with small, protected greens. Private.704-504-0099; thepalisadescc.com • River Hills Country Club, Lake Wylie: Beautiful, challenging 18hole championship golf course with newly renovated bunkers and driving range. Two practice greens and chipping bunker. Golf Associations and Junior Golf for the entire family. A tree-lined, parkland-style course snuggled up to the shores of Lake Wylie, River Hills possesses a mix of straight holes, doglegs and holes with movement in the land. A major, multiyear tree-cutting program enhanced conditions throughout the Willard Byrd designed course. Private. 803-831-2126; riverhillscountryclub.com • Tega Cay Golf Club: 1 Molokai Drive, Tega Cay. A 27-hole facility recently upgraded with a new, modern nine (Grande View), a spacious clubhouse, an outdoor event pavilion and practice range. It is owned by the city of Tega Cay and managed by Pinnacle Golf Association. Reminiscent of a mountain course. Semi-Private. 803-3240300; tegacaygolfclub.com
Lake Wylie Athletic Association Lake Wylie Athletic Association was started to fill a void in the Lake Wylie area — no organized sports programs for children. LWAA set out to create a local Little League program. Bryan Armstrong, a locally active volunteer, and Jack Sugameli, who had been involved in the administration and coaching of Little League programs for 12 years, including the creation of six chartered Little Leagues, began recruiting volunteers to start the venture. LWAA built a new official-sized baseball field at Crowders Creek Elementary School. With the support of Clover School District, then-Principal Will Largen, and donations from Barnes Grading and CK Contracting, the field was completed for opening day 2009. LWAA volunteers also set to work on the two Bethel School fields. Coach Van Dyke from Clover High School came out to help LWAA coaches get started. The first baseball season was a success. LWAA also began the process of starting a Pop Warner program, the largest and oldest youth football program in the country. LWAA entered the fall season with football, cheerleading, soccer and baseball programs. LWAA currently offers spring and fall soccer, baseball and softball, as well as Pop Warner. The success of LWAA has impacted neighbors, as 2010 has shown the addition of Newport and Lancaster joining Little League Baseball, and Clover beginning a Pop Warner Association. LWAA is actively looking for properties to develop into playing fields. With more than 1,000 children participating in the many programs, the need for space is becoming critical. LWAA relies on volunteers and donations. LWAA is a 501(c)3 corporation and maintains no paid positions. Many volunteers have no children involved, and help in everything from umpiring games to administration. LWAA runs criminal background checks on all volunteers, provides training for coaches to make them more effective teachers, and is affiliated with the best and biggest national organizations that offer structure for the children.
Rec leagues • Lake Wylie Athletic Association Serving Bethel and Lake Wylie communities 803-389-8176 board@lwsports.org lwsports.org •Belmont Parks & Recreation Department J. Paul Ford Recreation Center 37 E. Woodrow Ave., Belmont, N.C. 704-825-8191 belmontparksandrec.com • Clover Parks and Recreation 256 Community Park Drive, Clover 803-222-9493 cloversc.info/portal/departments/recreation.htm • Contagious Faith Sports and Recreation River Hills Community Church 104 Hamilton's Ferry Road, Lake Wylie 803-831-1615 • Steele Creek Athletic Association 13530 Choate Circle, Charlotte scaasports.com • Tega Cay Parks and Recreation 4220 Beach Club Lane, Tega Cay Youth/Adult Sports 803-548-3516 Tega Cay Beach & Swim Center 803-548-3787 tegacayrec.com
More ways to play Driving ranges
Miniature Golf
• The Range, 1818 Gold Hill Road, Fort Mill, (next to McHale’s) 803-548-4663 • Golf Masters Training and Teaching Facility, 5241 Charlotte Hwy., Lake Wylie, 704-747-8926
•Leatherman Golf, 5845 S. Tryon St, Charlotte: 18-hole miniature golf course. 704-527-1123; leathermangolf.com •Adventure Landing,2600 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, N.C. 704-866-4242; adventurelanding.com/gastonia •Purple Planet 3-D Mini Golf,6325 W. Franklin Blvd., Belmont, N.C. 704-829-6455; purpleplanetminigolf.com; thehauntedmillnc.com
Let’s play Local groups • SouthTown Riders skateboard, wakeboard Head wakeboard instructor: Danny Tolentino 704-207-1486 southtownriders.com • Mid Carolina Tennis Association mail@midcarolinatennis.org mid-carolinatennis.org
Local Leagues • Lake Wylie Women’s Bowling League Meets at Striker's in Rock Hill Joan Barnes, 803-831-7272 jodibar@aol.com • Swim teams •Lake Wylie Landing Gators/ Palisades Piranhas Tina Rulevich, president thelandingonlakewylie.com •River Hills Sharks Joan Epping, coach 803-831-8060 •Tega Cay Breakers Cindy Vanbuskirk, coach 803-548-6260 tegacaybreakers.com
Minor Leagues • Charlotte Knights Minor league baseball team, a Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Knights Stadium, 2280 Deerfield Drive, Fort Mill. 803-548-8050; charlotteknights.com • Charlotte Checkers East Coast Hockey League. 212 S. Tryon St., suite 575, Charlotte. The Checkers play 36 home games Arena: Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St., in the heart of uptown. gocheckers.com
Pro Leagues • Carolina Panthers National Football League. 800 S. Mint St., Charlotte. Bank of America Stadium, uptown Charlotte. Switchboard: 704-358-7000 Tickets: 704-358-7800 carolinapanthers.com • Charlotte Bobcats National Basketball Association. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St., Charlotte. Tickets:704-BOBCATS; nba.com/bobcats/
Dance • Carolina Dance Academy 13902 York Road, Charlotte, 703-631-3743; 112 Columbia St., Clover. 803-222-5062; danceatcda.com • Belmont School of Ballet 116 S. Main St., Belmont. 704829-7929; belmontballet.com • Center Stage Dance Academy, 2030 Gold Hill Road, Fort Mill. 803-547-7551 NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 41
the lure of the lake
Dan Lefebvre sees Lake Wylie a little differently than many folks. Lefebvre, 70, rolls out of bed before sun up and waits to capture breathtaking scenes through his high-powered camera lens. Luckily, the man who hopes to raise awareness about the fragile natural world has shared his views of more than two years worth of work in a 70-page, 12-by-11 coffee table book, “Lake Wylie: Shadow and Light,” published in August 2009. The Rock Hill native withstood months of cold and heat in a 12-foot jon boat, up to 60 mph wind and even moments hanging out beyond the bow of 22-foot sailboat churning at full speed - all for the sake of the shot. The photos cover Lake Wylie Dam up to Tega Cay and River Hills and back, capturing deep green reflection shots, uncooperative egrets, seasonal colors and more. “I had a vision of this lake, and I wanted to share it with people as I see it,” Lefebvre said. “Most people see this lake at 12 o'clock in the afternoon on a Sunday. I wanted people to see there’s a whole different feel early in the mornings or late at night. I like to think I captured it the way most people don’t see it.” His wife, Judy, admires Dan’s eye for photography. “I look at it and I don’t see anything,” she said. “I don’t see what he sees.” His companion along for all those boat rides was his best friend Sally, his chocolate lab. Lefebvre said he and Sally “counted our days on the lake in beautiful sunrises and sunsets.” Three days following the last picture, 12-year-old Sally died. A reader posted this comment online at blurb.com where the book is available for purchase: “Dan Lefebvre has captured the beauty of Lake Wylie along with his best friend, Sally, as the two of them spend quality time together. Dan's photography makes me want to visit this serene idyllic location and relax and watch the clouds, along with a good book and glass of cold lemonade. Oh yes, and my best friend also, Teddy.” Yet even the photographer with 35 years’ experience, whose past work includes a small studio and photo illustrations for national magazines, misses seeing some things, including the impact his project would have on a Westminister Christian School freshman and teenage granddaughter, Haley Setzer. “I just wanted to do it for fun,” Setzer said. “It took about a year and a half. We just kind of did a collage of old photos.” In putting together his own story of Lake Wylie, Lefebvre began helping his granddaughter see her own hometown of Rock Hill in a new way. The pair grew closer as Lefebvre taught Setzer what he knows about taking pictures. She published her own 40-page collection of images from Rock Hill called “Rock Hill, SC: Yesterday and Today.” Still, even Lefebvre’s book show a little bit of lake history with trees now gone and lower water levels because of a more than two-year drought. “Some of these shots, the area I got these pictures the shorelines are just crumbling,” he said. “Some of them aren’t even there anymore. Part of my goal was to preserve it the way it looks now. If that gets people interested in trying to preserve their lake, that would be great.” Want the book? “Lake Wylie: Shadow and Light” by Dan Lefebvre is available online at blurb.com. The hard-cover book costs $74.95. Lefebvre can be reached at danjudysc@aol.com.
Gone Fishin’ Looking for bass If you like bass fishing then you’re in the right place! Lake Wylie has a great population of largemouths. Their primary food sources are threadfin shad and crawfish. You won’t likely catch a double-digit fish here, but you should have plenty of action. Here are some basic seasonal pattern guidelines to get you started. Winter: (December-February) The fish are more lethargic for the most part and are suspended in many cases around pods of baitfish. Find the bait and the bass won’t be far behind. Fish suspending Jerkbaits off main lake points or slowly retrieve small flat-sided crankbaits around rocky shorelines. More actively feeding fish can be found in the warmer waters of the South Fork River thanks to the discharge of the Allen Steam Station. Spring: (March-April) As the fish prepare to spawn (lay eggs) they feed heavily-making this a great time to fish. The fish are also in the best shape and heaviest they will be all year. Concentrate your efforts on secondary points near spawning coves; a carolina rigged lizard works great. A spinnerbait retrieved slowly around wood cover or on points can produce better quality fish. Summer: (May-September) As the waters continue to warm and the fish finish their spawning, the topwater bite kicks into full swing. You should key on rocky main lake points with a Zara Spook or Pop-R early in the morning. During the daylight hours the fish can be caught on humps and points near the river channel. Fall: (October-November) The fish become fairly active feeding on bait in or near the creek channels; again find the baitfish and the bass will be close by. As the water temperatures begin to fall-there can be a good jig bite around Lake Wylie’s many boat docks as well. Rusty White is a professional fisherman and full-time guide on the Catawba chain of lakes. He writes a monthly column for the Lake Wylie Pilot and The Herald. Visit FishingWithRusty.com.
What you’ll catch
Licensed to fish
According to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Web site, fishing trends on Lake Wylie are: Largemouth bass: Excellent, casting bass jigs and mediumrunning crankbaits along points close to the bottom. Striped Bass: Good, using spoons and bucktails behind the Lake Wylie dam. White Bass: Good, casting small bucktails and spoons. Crappie: Excellent, using small minnows and jigs around riprap, docks and brush tops in 3 to 8 feet of water. Limits reported caught. Catfish: Good, using various baits on the bottom. Average catch of 2-lb. fish reported. Shellcracker: Good, using redworms and crickets on the bottom. Bream: Good, using earthworms and crickets around the banks. Visit dnr.sc.gov for weekly updates.
Fishing regulations depend on which side of the lake you’re on, so check out the North Carolina Wildlife Commission and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources before heading out. Near Buster Boyd Bridge: ✦ In South Carolina, anglers may buy licenses for $10 at Pendleton’s Sporting Goods on S.C. 49 near Five Points. State residents may buy a 14-day license for $5. The price for non-residents is $35 for an annual license and $11 for seven days. Call 803-6315410. ✦ In North Carolina, anglers may get a license at Grab N Go at 13920 York Road (N.C. 49). The store sells annual licenses to N.C. residents for $15. Call 704-587-0045.
How To Check Lake Levels 800-829-LAKE (5253); duke-energy.com 44 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
Access Areas ✦ Allen Fishing Area, Gaston County, NC • 21 acres • 1,919 feet of shoreline • 29 paved parking spaces • 1,919 feet of shore for fishing
✦ Allison Creek Access Area, York County, SC • 113 acres • 3,930 feet of shoreline • 4 concrete boat ramps • 2 floating loading piers • 90 paved parking spaces for trailers • 1 handicapped-accessible fishing pier • 15 parking spaces for cars ✦ Buster Boyd Access Area, York County, SC • 4 acres • 662 feet of shoreline • 4 concrete boat ramps • 2 floating loading piers • 115 paved parking spaces for trailers • 51 paved parking spaces
✦ Copperhead Island Access Area, Mecklenburg County, NC Leased to Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department 704-588-5224 • 25 acres • 3,225 feet of shoreline
• 4 concrete boat ramps • 3 floating loading piers • 72 paved parking spaces for trailers • 25 paved spaces for cars • 1 volleyball court • 1 picnic shelter • 2 restroom facilities • 2 fishing piers (1 handicapped accessible) • 14 tent campsites • 2 overlooks • 1 mile of trail • 1 entrance station ✦ Ebenezer Access Area, York County, SC Leased to the York County Parks and Recreation Department 803-366-6620 • 26 acres • 1,374 feet of shoreline • 3 concrete boat ramps • 1 floating loading pier; 4 slips • 70 paved parking spaces for trailers • 160 paved spaces for cars • 17 picnic tables • 5 picnic shelters with 13 tables • 2 restroom facilities • 71 campsites with hookups • 1 swimming area • 1 bathhouse with concessions/ change room • 1 ranger residence • 1 maintenance facility • 1 entrance station
✦ Pitcairn Park, ✦ Fort Mill Access Area, York County, SC • 45 acres below the hydro station • 481 feet of shoreline • 1 concrete boat ramp • 20 gravel parking spaces
✦ Nivens Creek Access Area, York County, SC • 23 acres • 447 feet of shoreline • 2 concrete boat ramps • 1 floating loading pier • 32 paved parking spaces ✦ Southpoint Access Area, Gaston County, NC • 70 acres • 3,410 feet of shoreline • 6 concrete boat ramps • 3 floating loading piers • 165 paved parking spaces
CITY OF TEGA CAY
✦ Windjammer Park, York County, SC • swimming access • picnic sites • playground equipment • 1 beach area • 1 gazebo • sandy area to beach boats
York County, SC • 2 boat launches • covered picnic area • playground equipment • fishing docks • horseshoe pits • picnic sites
✦ Tega Cay Beach and Swim Club York County, SC • beach access with sand volleyball • fishing dock • playground equipment • walking trails • picnic sites MECKLENBURG COUNTY PARKS ✦McDowell Nature Preserve, Mecklenburg County, NC Operated by Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department 704-588-5224; parkandrec.com • 952 acres • 5 beach areas • 1 information booth • 1 nature center • 1 office complex • 1 police boathouse • 210 paved parking spaces • 1 playground • 14 restroom units • 1 picnic shelter See map on page 8 for locations
NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 45
Lake clubs •Carolina Ski Show Team Russ Frase 803-548-4820 carolinashowski.com •Catawba Rowing Club Jay Kilkenny jaykilkenney@aol.com Nancy Teaff nancy.teaff@integramed.com eteamz.com/CatawbaYacht ClubRowing; catawbayc.org •River Hills Marina Club Inc. marinabusctr@comporium.net •River Hills Yacht Club RHYachtClub@gmail.com •Tega Cay Angler’s Club David Siegel, president fishtegacay.ning.com tegacayanglers@yahoo.com •The Carolina Boat Club Members have unlimited access to a variety of boats. Memberships are available to the public. Located at the Pier 49 Marina at the Buster Boyd Bridge, 1.5 miles south of The Palisades. 704-6158596; thecarolinaboatclub@hqmarine.com
Volunteer •U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: The uniformed civilian volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard seeks volunteers interested in serving the Lake Wylie community. Individuals who want to contribute their talents in the areas of Web design, information technology, public affairs and other administrative roles also are needed. 704-8149104; cgalakewylie.org •York County Emergency Response Team: Based out of Newport Fire Department Station 3, needs volunteer divers and surface support. Divers must have basic open water diving certification. Surface support needs include setting up diving equipment and monitoring divers. Donations accepted. 803-371-7861 •Water Watcher: Help Lake Wylie Covekeepers protect the health and water quality of Lake Wylie. 803-3893871; catawbariverkeeper.org and search “lake wylie.” 46 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS
Watching our waters CATAWBA RIVERKEEPER FOUNDATION The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation is dedicated to preserving, protecting and restoring the ecosystem of the Catawba Basin’s rivers, lakes and creeks — including Lake Wylie. Through education, enforcement and coordinated efforts, the Riverkeeper Foundation is committed to assuring a watchful balance of community and environmental needs for generations to come. 704679-9494; catawbariverkeeper.org Serving the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation are: Riverkeeper David Merryman, who investigates reports of pollution through on-site inspections and water quality testing and notifying the appropriate authorities of violations. Executive Director Rick Gaskins, focus on fundraising, membership and business issues. Lake Wylie Lakekeeper Ellen Goff, oversees work of Covekeepers, spokesperson Lake Wylie Covekeepers volunteers are trained to test water quality, look for polluted areas and notify appropriate enforcement agencies. Meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Lake Wylie Public Library. 803-8025368 To report a pollution violation, call 1888-679-9494. CATAWBA/WATEREE RIVER BASIN ADVISORY COMMISSION The Catawba/Wateree River Basin Advisory Commission is a bi-state commission, made up of 15 members from North and South Carolina, including elected state representatives, and business and environmental leaders along the Catawba chain. The commission meets quarterly.
LAKE WYLIE MARINE COMMISSION The Lake Wylie Marine Commission was federally established. It is made up of seven commissioners appointed by York County Council, Mecklenburg County Commission and Gaston County Commission. Commissioners serve three- and four-year terms. The Marine Commission works to improve safety and environmental issues on Lake Wylie and develop legislation to regulate boating, fishing and other lake activities. Jurisdiction extends to 1,000 feet beyond the full-pond level. The Marine Commission has the authority to pass regulations affecting the use of Lake Wylie. The commission meets the fourth Monday of the month rotating county locations. lakewyliemarinecommission.com U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by Congress in 1939 to assist the Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. Members receive training to be a functional part of Coast Guard Forces. Auxiliarists assist the Coast Guard in non-law enforcement programs such as public education, vessel safety checks, safety patrols, search and rescue, maritime security and environmental protection. Every year, the Coast Guard Auxiliary holds boating safety classes in the Lake Wylie area. cgalakewylie.org N.C. WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is dedicated to the conservation and management of the state's fish and wildlife resources. It regulates state hunting and fishing, and WRC officers patrol Lake Wylie. ncwildlife.com S.C. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES The South Carolina Department of
Natural Resources is the advocate for and steward of the state's natural resources; develops and implements policies and programs for the conservation, management, utilization and protection of the state's natural resources. It regulates state hunting and fishing, and DNR officers patrol Lake Wylie. dnr.state.sc.us CHARLOTTE POWER SQUADRON The Charlotte Power Squadron is a nonprofit fraternal organization with a mission to promote high standards of seamanship, navigation and safe boating for all. Several times a year, CPS schedules boating safety courses. The Boating Course, Boat Smart and Jet Smart courses are approved for certification to operate personal watercraft by persons 12 to 16 years of age in accord with various laws governing Lake Wylie. usps.org/localusps/charlotte/ CATAWBA SAIL AND POWER SQUADRON The Catawba Sail and Power Squadron is a unit of the United States Power Squadron, which is a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and other related subjects. The CSPS offers boating safety courses, as well as large variety of advanced courses for its members. catawbasps.org OTHER GROUPS Lake Wylie also is patrolled by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, Tega Cay Police, Belmont Police, the York County Sheriff’s Office and York County Emergency Preparedness. Because Lake Wylie lies in both states, the U.S. Coast Guard also occasionally patrols the lake. All law enforcement officers have lakewide jurisdiction. A lake law enforcement facility officially opened May 7, 2010, in York County.
Boater registration ✦ SOUTH CAROLINA:
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Boat Titling and Registration Office, 866-7143611, 803-734-3857; dnr.sc.gov/licensing ✦ NORTH CAROLINA:
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has wildlife license and vessel service agents throughout Gaston and Mecklenburg counties. 919-7070398, 800-NC-VESSEL; ncwildlife.org/license
Rent a boat
Rules on the water Here are a few basic rules to know in both states when boating: North Carolina •Anyone driving a boat age 25 or younger is required to take a certified safe boating course. •No person under age 14 can operate a personal watercraft. Age 14-16 must have a boater education certificate, or be physically accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. •Personal watercraft riders must wear personal flotation devices at all times. A safety kill switch lanyard must be attached to the operator, and personal watercraft are not allowed operation between sunset and sunrise. •Children 13 years and younger must wear a personal flotation device at all times on the water. •At least one properly functioning personal flotation device must be on board a vessel for each person riding. •Operation of any vessel, or use of water skis or other towed devices, is not allowed while “under the influence of an impairing substance.” A blood alcohol level of .08 or greater is not allowed. •Watercraft entering, leaving or passing within 50 yards of a state-owned or controlled boating and fishing access area must do so at "no-wake" speed. •Vessels should operate at “no-wake” speed when passing within 100 feet of a law enforcement vessel flashing blue lights unless the vessel is in a narrow channel, where the distance requirement is 50 feet. •Towing is prohibited between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise, or any other time unless the vessel is equipped with a rear vision mirror, there is an observer on the vessel in addition to the operator or the person being towed wears a personal flotation device. •Placing, throwing, depositing or discharging litter, raw sewage, bottles, cans, papers or other liquid or solid materials rendering the water “unsightly, noxious or otherwise unwholesome” and detrimental to public health or welfare results in a misdemeanor offense. •Boating safety courses are not required, but “high-
ly recommended” for operating vessels. •All navigational markers and buoys should be observed. For a list of meanings, visit ncwildlife.org. South Carolina •Vessels may not be operated in excess of idle speed within 50 feet of an anchored vessel, wharf, pier, dock, or a person in the water. •All boats must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable type personal flotation device for each person on board or being towed. Each PFD must be in good condition, readily available and the proper size for the intended wearer. •Boats 16 feet in length or longer must carry a Type IV throwable flotation device. •Any person under 12 years of age must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device when on board a class “A” (less than 16 feet long) boat. •Navigation lights must be on between official sunset and sunrise. •All boats less than 39.4 feet must carry an efficient sound producing device. Every vessel from 39.4 to 65.6 feet must carry a whistle and a bell. •Each person on a personal watercraft must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. •A personal watercraft may not be operated between sunset and sunrise and must be equipped with a self-circling or lanyard-type engine cutoff switch. •When operating a personal watercraft, one may not operate in a manner so as to leave the water completely while crossing (jumping) the wake of another vessel within 200 feet of the vessel creating the wake. •Boat operators under age 16 must complete a boating course approved by the SCDNR to operate a boat or personal watercraft with a 15 h.p. motor or greater, unless accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older. •It is illegal for any vessel to discharge in a No Discharge Zone. Lake Wylie is one of six states with No Discharge Zones.
CAROLINA BOAT RENTALS Pontoon and Jet Skis 704-614-2118 Dannys3773@aol.com TEGA CAY MARINA Pontoon boats 888-820-9329 LIGHT-N-UP HOUSEBOAT CHARTERS Pier 49 Marina, 1630 York Road, Charlotte, NC. Private outings, parties, wedding receptions and more. 704-813-8033; captainnan@lightnuphouseboatcharters.com PIER 88 YACHT CLUB River Hills Marina Pontoon boats 803-831-0088 WYLIE BOAT RENTALS Waverunners, pontoon boats (pet friendly) 803-370-2628; fun@wylieboatrentals.com; Wylieboatrentals.com NC FLATWATER OUTFITTERS Tailrace Marina across from US National Whitewater Center, NC. Canoes, kayaks, including tandem, and personal flotation devices, as well as storage. 704-827-0000; klaus@ncflatwateroutfitters.com; ncflatwateroutfitters.com
Boating Courses •The Lake Wylie Flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. 704-575-6939; cgalakdwylie.org •The Catawba Sail & Power Squadron is a chapter of the U.S. Power Squadron. 803-802-4351; catawbasps.org •The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission offers free boating courses in Mecklenburg and Gaston counties throughout the year. 704-655-7324; ncpaws.org •Lighthouse Marine Service offers safe boating and personal watercraft license classes. 704-587-7054; lmservice.org Online courses boat-ed.com, boatsafe.com, boatus.org
NEWCOMERʼS GUIDE 47
Lake Wylie’s Premier Waterfront Contractor Specializing in Custom Design based on your lifestyle and lakefront activity.
Docks • Piers • Parts • Boat Lifts
Visit our office just 6 miles South of Buster Boyd Bridge on Hwy. 49 5850 Charlotte Hwy. • Lake Wylie, SC 29710
803-831-1633
www.dockmastersonline.com Perry Johnston
Serving NC & SC since 1987 Licensed & Fully Insured
“We are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality.”