Lake Wylie Today, Spring 2012

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LakeWylie today Spring 2012 | Issue 1

Spring is in the air

Opportunities abound in Lake Wylie and surrounding areas to appreciate the beauty of spring

Take time for brunch

Area restaurants offer unique creations for this mid-morning meal

Chamber Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce news and information

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Our View

It’s springtime and Lake Wylie is blooming Photo/Diana Grubenhoff

By Susan Bromfield, President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

I

t is my pleasure to present the spring 2012 issue of Lake Wylie Today. It is always an adventure to contribute as a local editor, writer, photographer and advisor, and to help develop the story ideas for each issue. This issue began last fall with a page of notes written to frame the ideas for doing the spring magazine. Since then, things have exploded and are happening all around us. Plans are under way all over the community to renovate, invest, expand, grow and launch new businesses and projects. We are solidly into 2012 already — where does the time go? And as I work on this issue, it is evident that Lake Wylie is heading for a stand-out, dynamic year. This issue of Lake Wylie Today is packed with information and is a great reflection of what’s going on our community, which is a lot! We invite you to pour a cup of coffee or glass of wine and sit down and read this issue. Get ready to be amazed! One of the exciting things you’ll read about in this issue is the Catawba Lands Conservancy and its partnership with Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to extend the Carolina Thread Trail along the shores of Lake Wylie by Seven Oaks Bridge. The Thread Trail is designed to create trails all over the region to enable people to hike, bike and generally explore the natural beauty of our region. Did you know we have an internationally known jewelry designer right here in Lake Wylie? David Wysor, known for his beautiful silver and gold accented jewelry, has located his design studio and retail store at Lake Wylie Plaza. Read all about it in this issue.

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The Development Update section this issue is chocked full with information about all that is going on at Lake Wylie with business expansions, new openings and major investments. All of this activity is a great start for a dynamic year ahead at Lake Wylie. Within our Shoreline feature, you’ll learn about the new, year-long King of the Lake fishing tournament series. Lake Wylie Bait and Tackle, a sponsor of the tournament, has helped enhance fishing events across the lake. Also within Shoreline, you’ll learn about how you can get involved in Adopt-a-Stream to help preserve our beautiful waterways. The Garden Party section features Glencairn Gardens in Rock Hill, which is absolutely beautiful in the springtime with its colorful blossoms and lush green areas great for picnicking and walking. In anticipation of this year’s Lake Wylie Home and Garden Tour April 28, we are offering a sneak peek of several homes and gardens on the circuit. Presented by the Lake WylieClover Republican Women’s Club, this event is an opportunity to have an insider’s view of lake living at Lake Wylie. Proceeds of the April 28 tour will help fund a scholarship for a Clover High School student. Roving Palette within this issue focuses on brunch and features several places here in Lake Wylie, as well as in nearby York, that offer tasty and unique creations for this often festive and social meal. As always, Mailbag is an eclectic collection

of photos and items of interest from the Lake Wylie area and community. Don’t forget to send us your latest news for consideration! Email us at lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com to submit your photos and story ideas. Our local writers and seasonal topics and feature stories capture the local flavor of our quarterly community magazine. Lake Wylie Today is a collaboration of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and SC Biz News. Together, we have the goal of publishing a beautiful, full-color magazine that helps to promote Lake Wylie and its businesses, real estate, area attractions and events. Issues are seasonal and focus on a theme. The spring issue is published during the first quarter of the year and focuses on being “Healthy, Wealthy and Wise.” It features tips on healthy living, financial security and more. The summer issue focuses on “Summer Fun.” The fall is the “Green” issue, with a focus on the environment. Winter is the “Holiday” issue and features activities, attractions, parties and winter stories. It looks like we are off to a great start for 2012 with so many things happening all over the area. Lake Wylie is a great place to visit, live and work. It is a pleasure to work every day to promote our beautiful area and its many attractions. LW

Did you know? • Did you know that Lake Wylie had 180% growth in population since 2010, according to the 2010 U.S. Census? • Did you know that Lake Wylie was the only community in South Carolina that had positive growth statistics in 2010 and 2011? • Did you know that more than 30,000 vehicles per day travel on Highway 49 through Lake Wylie? • Did you know YMCA Camp Thunderbird has approximately 30,000 visitors and participants each year? • Did you know that Lake Wylie has among the highest per capita income in South Carolina? Want to know more? Visit www.lakewyliesc.com.

Contents

LakeWylie today

www.LakeWylieToday.com Published by SC Biz News

Spring 2012

Director of Business Development - Mark Wright mwright@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3143

2 Our View

Andy Owens - Managing Editor aowens@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3141

6 Mailbag

Senior Copy Editor - Beverly Morgan bmorgan@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3115 Creative Director - Ryan Wilcox production1@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3117

14 Shoreline

A new tournament series will crown a ‘King of the Lake’

Art Director - Kevin Greene kgreene@scbiznews.com • 864.235.5677 Senior Graphic Designer - Jane Mattingly production2@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118

18 Roving Palate

Advertising Sales - Jane DuBois Coulter jane@lakewylietoday.com • 704.287.8668

Brunch — the eggs are “Benedict,” the toast is “French” and the orange juice might have a splash of Champagne

Circulation and Event Manager - Kathy Allen kallen@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3113 Circulation, Event and Business Coordinator Kim McManus kmcmanus@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3116

26 Garden Party

From the Lake Wylie Tour of Homes & Gardens to Glencairn Gardens, spring is in the air

CEO and Group Publisher - Grady Johnson gjohnson@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3103

34 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise

Contributing Editors Susan Bromfield President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce susan@lakewyliesc.com • 803.831.2827

Vice President of Sales - Steve Fields sfields@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3110

Local experts offer tips for taking stock and making change

Jane DuBois Coulter jane@lakewylietoday.com • 704.287.8668

40 Catawba Lands Conservancy

Project Manager - Allison Cooke Oliverius

Building connections by preserving land

Contributing Writers Susan Bromfield, Jane DuBois Coulter, Jeffrey Cushing, Rachel Gilmore, Dianne Kehler, Mike Kimbro, Marcia Moyer, Arthur Murray, Allison Cooke Oliverius, J.D. Rinehart Jr., Joseph Silva, Jan Todd

44 Faces

Renowned jewelry designer David Wysor calls Lake Wylie home

47 Development Update

Spotligh t The mag

azine of

53 Spotlight

Wylie Cha

mber of

Commer ce

The magazine of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Joan Brom

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

Cover and Table of Contents photos by Jan Todd 4

the Lake

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2012

receives an award

for her many

years of service

with the Lake

CMC-S teele Cre Uncompro misin Spring

The entire contents of this publication are copyright by SC Biz News with all rights reserved. Any reproduction or use of the content within this publication without permission is prohibited.

Corporate & Consumer Publishing Division

Wylie Cham ber of Comm erce.

g Excellenc

Contributing Photographers Susan Bromfield, Kelly Basinger, Jane DuBois Coulter, Diana Grubenhoff, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, Point of View Photography, Jim Stadnyck, Ed Stewart, Jan Todd

ek

e. Commitm ent to Care . 2012 | www.Lak eWylieTo day.

com

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389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 843.849.3100 • Fax: 843.849.3122 www.scbiznews.com

Mailbag Did you just catch a fish? Celebrate your 50th wedding anniversary? Are you participating in a charity event or community fundraiser? Where did you go on your last family outing? Whether you just celebrated a major milestone or are gearing up to give back, part of our goal with Lake Wylie Today is to provide a platform for our community to share what’s happening in the community through stories and photos. We want to celebrate with you, laugh with you and build memories with you. See page 13 for information on how to submit photos and stories.

2011 Holiday Boat Parade winner Brad and Shannon Thomas of Belmont, N.C., secured first place in the parade with their “Christmas Train.” It was complete with lights synchronized to train-themed tunes. (Photos/Jan Todd)

Sweet Repeat updates storefront Sweet Repeat recently updated its storefront in Lake Wylie Plaza. Included in the update is a sprucedup entryway that is staged each week with furniture and other items that are for sale. Sweet Repeat is operated by volunteers and the proceeds from items purchased at the store are donated to charitable organizations and causes.

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Children participating in an after school program in Kenya wear Lake Wylie T-shirts. The shirts were donated to the Kenya Orphanage Project, which was founded by Monique Boekhout in 2002 to help fund and provide basic needs for children at an orphanage in Kenya. KOP’s mission has evolved and it now focuses on providing for the education of orphaned children. Boekhout submitted these pictures, which were taken by her children who traveled to Kenya to volunteer during a recent school break.

Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Mailbag

Celebrate Spring at T-Bones! 2012 Grand Opening Deck Party

The T-Bones Deck opens March 16th

St. Patrick’s Day Party Saturday March 17th Spring/Summer Hours begin March 16th!

Sunday – Thursday 11am – 10pm Friday – Saturday 11am – 11pm

Volunteers Norma Wood and Irene Emery decorate the Christmas tree at the Chamber.

3990 Hwy 49 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803.831.0170 www.tbonesonthelake.com

Chamber Chairman Charles Wood of Kodiak Mini Storage, Kitty Muccigrosso of Lake Wylie Pilot and Kathy Colclature of Clover Community Bank load toys collected for the Clover Area Assistance Center.

Charlie Bromfield, Melanie McClure, Linda Armfield and Dwayne McClure join Sen. Harvey Peeler (right) at a Constituent Drop-in held at the Chamber visitor center last fall.

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Emma gets ⁄,043 more Sunday breakfasts with dad after his surgery at Piedmont’s Heart & Vascular Center.

Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com www.pmcheart.com

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Mailbag

Majestic flight Allan Gregory was on his way to work early one February morning when he saw this bald eagle perched along Lake Wylie Road. Gregory just had to take a picture of this majestic eagle.

ML Ford & Sons, Inc. Furniture Since 1890

215 N. Main St Clover, SC 29710 803-222-9171 Monday - Friday 9-6, Saturday 9-4

Ken and Carrie Reiter of Supply Vision. Ken has provided website development and support pro bono for the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce for more than a decade.

Chamber board member and photographer Diana Grubenhoff (center) joins Dr. Steve Hannon and Dr. Stephanie Hannon at the grand opening of Hannon Orthodontics – Lake Wylie.

Are you a shutterbug? Consider joining the Carolina Nature Photographer’s Association. The group welcomes members of all skill levels and goes on monthly outings around the Carolinas. Benefits of membership include education, techniques, sharing ideas, contests and more. For more information, please visit www.cnpa.org.

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F BY OR O SA W L N E ER

Waterfront Home in River Hills Plantation

24 Sunrise Point Road | Lake Wylie, SC 29710 Beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath waterfront home in River Hills Plantation in Lake Wylie, SC. Visit www.24sunrisepointroad.com to see video of this beautiful home and for more information Showings by appointment only. Call 704.641.8827 to schedule your appointment today! Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Mailbag

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Mailbag Clover Choraliers The Clover Choraliers will hold a Candlelight Concert March 31 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will be held at the Gastonia First Presbyterian Church, located at 1621 East Garrison Blvd. in Gastonia. The Clover Choraliers is a championship SATB choir at Clover High School. It has more than 100 members. Tickets for the concert are $10 and the show traditionally sells out. You may order tickets online at www.cloverchoraliers.com. Jimmy Todd, a freshman at Clemson University and graduate of Clover High School, has secured a summer internship with Student Painters, an organization that employs college students as managers, salespeople and painters to help fund their college expenses. Student Painters trains these young entrepreneurs to manage their own business, hire other students, estimate jobs, and present quality customer service and satisfaction. Jimmy will be managing a team of student painters in the Clover, York and Lake Wylie areas. Does your house, porch or deck need sprucing up this summer? www.toddstudentpainters.com

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s annual plant sale Get your garden ready for spring at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s plant sale April 14-15. Flowers, herbs, ornamentals and hard-to-find garden accessories will be offered by various vendors during this two-day event. Visit www.dsbg.org for details.

Submissions for the Mailbag section are on a first come, first served basis. Lake Wylie Today welcomes all events, stories and photos about your family, neighborhood and businesses. Please e-mail high-resolution photos along with a 75-word description to info@lakewylietoday.com.

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Photo/Susan Bromfield

Shoreline Want to help clean up streams, coves or mark storm drains? Here’s how it works: Adopt-a-Stream/Cove

Take pride in Lake Wylie

and participate in Adopt-a-Stream

A

s we’ve said many times, Lake Wylie is a great place to live, work and visit. Our area has experienced phenomenal growth in its number of full-time residents in the last decade, and our population swells each summer with a bevy of vacationers. Keeping our lake, coves and streams beautiful and healthy takes work and we believe that we should all strive to “leave no trace.” This means that on a daily basis, we should pick up after ourselves wherever we go. Thanks to the support of so many volunteers, the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce has built a strong partnership with York County’s Adopt-a-Stream, Adopt-a-Cove and Storm Drain Marking programs. The programs help keep Lake Wylie’s waterways litter free, increases awareness of the watershed, monitors the health of our streams and last

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but not least, boosts community pride. Storm drains are the drains that you see at street corners or low points in the street or parking lot. They are meant to transport stormwater – water from rain, snow, sleet or hail that flows across the pavement. Stormwater either seeps into the ground or it flows into storm drains. These drains are connected to an underground series of pipes that discharge directly into streams and creeks. The concern is that as stormwater travels across the ground, it can pick up pollutants and carry them directly to the nearest creek or stream. Stormwater is not treated. Whatever goes into a storm drain is discharged directly into our creeks, streams, rivers and lakes. That’s why it’s important to mark the storm drains so people are cognizant of the risks of pouring something down the drain they shouldn’t. LW

All you need to do is sign up a group of volunteers and complete two stream or cove clean-ups per year. York County will provide supplies needed for the clean-up such as gloves, safety vests, bags and even pick up all your bagged trash. 1. Pick an area of a stream or cove that you wish to adopt and pick a coordinator from your group. 2. Call the local Adopt-a-Stream office 803-6848571 or visit www.yorkcountygov.org/tyler and complete the Adopt-a-Stream application. 3. Receive approval from York County and your coordinator will attend a brief informal training session. 4. Complete two clean-up events per year.

Storm Drain Marking 1. Pick an area where you would like to mark storm drains (ie. business parking lots, neighborhood etc.) 2. Determine the number of storm drains to be marked. 3. Contact York County Environmental Compliance Outreach Coordinator or complete the Storm Drain Marking Application at www.yorkcountygov.org/tyler to get approval. Your team’s coordinator will attend a brief informal training session and receive all supplies needed such as markers, adhesive and safety vests. 4. Mark your drains and mark the location of your drains on a map provided to you by York County. For more information, call Jennifer Culver, York County Environmental Compliance Outreach Coordinator at 803-684-8571 or email her at engineering@yorkcountygov.com. You may also visit York County Environmental Compliance website at www.yorkcountygov.com/tyler

Shoreline

Contestants in the first tournament in the King of the Lake series wait for the signal to blast off during a chilly January morning on Lake Wylie. (Photo/Kelly Basinger)

New bass tournament series will crown the

‘King of the Lake’ By Allison Cooke Oliverius

M

any may stake their claim as the best bass fisherman on Lake Wylie. But come this fall, the first official “King of the Lake” will be crowned. A new bass tournament series, created by Mike Stone, with assistance from title sponsor Lake Wylie Bait and Tackle, pits pros against weekend anglers. During the series, which requires one man per boat (instead of two), contestants will fish in all seasons in variety of conditions: hot, cold, night and day. “I’ve fished the lake for 20-something years and I’ve always had people ask, ‘Who’s

the best fisherman all year?’” Stone said. “There was really no way to tell because it depends on the season. So I thought it would be good to create a tournament trail to actually see with point standings who does the best all year long, and at the end of the year crown the King of the Lake.” In addition to being crowned “King,” the winner of this year-long tournament will walk away with $5,000 and a big plaque. “What we did is set tournaments up in the winter, then pre-spawn, post-spawn — after they’ve laid their eggs and moved back off the beds and started feeding again,” Stone said. “Then nighttime in summer when

they’re out in deep water. Then fall.” “We pretty much fish rain, shine, sleet or snow. If you can get your boat to the ramp, we’re pretty much fishing,” Stone said.

So far, so good

With one tournament under the belt at press time, Jason Quinn topped the leader board with 200 points. In the Jan. 28 tournament, he brought in five fish totaling 17.46 pounds. He also caught the biggest fish at 4.24 pounds. Hunter Hicks was second with 199 points and Mike Brehm was third with 198 points. But all that could change in the next few months. As Stone says, it’s not about who wins

Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Shoreline

At the end of this six-tournament series, one lucky boater will be named King of the Lake. (Photo/Kelly Basinger)

King of the Lake Sponsors Lake Wylie Bait and Tackle Keith Hawthorne Ford of Belmont Q2U Barbecue Anglerschannel.com CS Motorsports Clear Site Industrial DSS General Contractor The Great Outdoors Green Boat and Motor

Tournament dates Jan. 28 March 3 April 21 May 26 July 14 (Night) Oct. 6 Oct. 20 (Championship)

the most, it’s about who’s most consistent. Quinn grew up on the lake and now is now a professional angler. He fishes the Bass Master Elite series out of a Legend boat with a Murray motor, and he’s sponsored by Evan Williams Bourbon. Quinn said because he fishes pro tournaments, he’s gone a lot, so fishing in this series — and potentially being crowned King of the Lake — means a lot. “This tournament is a real good format because you get to fish by yourself and in all kinds of environments,” Quinn said. “There’s some of the toughest competition in the area because some of these guys fish on the lake every day and they know it really well. It’s a good event and it would be special to win because I cut my teeth on this lake.”

Details, details

This tournament is like no other on the lake in that it requires one man per boat. Most other tournaments allow fishermen to have a non-boater on board — the person who navigates the

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boat around the lake and helps net the fish. “In this tournament, it’s every man for himself,” Stone said. “I’ll be honest with you. I lost a fish that probably cost me the (winter) tournament. If I’d had someone on board, he

Jason Quinn won first place and biggest fish in the first tournament in the King of the Lake series. (Photo/Kelly Basinger)

Shoreline would have netted it for me and I wouldn’t have lost it. All these things come into factor when you’re on your own.” Registration is $150 per tournament. You can register in advance, the night before or the morning of (with a late fee). Blast off is always at Buster Boyd Landing. Morning tournaments begin at safe light and weigh-in is at 3 p.m. Blast off for the night tournament is at 7 p.m. and weigh-in is at 2 a.m. There are six tournaments in the series. Everyone is rated on a points system and gets to drop their worst tournament to level the playing field. After the Oct. 6 tournament, the top five point finishers will fish in the championship Oct. 20.

The payout for each tournament depends on the number of boaters. So for the first tournament, payout was $1,100 for first place, $650 for second and a pot of $220 was collected and awarded for the biggest fish. Both Basinger and Stone say they’ve received a lot of positive feedback about the tournament and people are excited to see who will be crowned king. “The truth is, we’re blessed to live in this area and we have so many good anglers —

pros and locals — and we’re going to see how they stack up against each other,” Stone said. “Lake Wylie gets a ton of fishing pressure. Probably per acre, it’s one of the heaviest fished lakes in the state. It gets a lot of pressure, but it’s amazing what it keeps producing year after year. It’s a great lake to fish and a great lake for a tournament.” For more information, visit lakewyliebaitandtackle.com and click on the King of the Lake tab. LW

The rig that’s in hot water

There’s a rig that’s pretty hot right now and controversial, too. The Umbrella rig, also called the Alabama rig, is counted as one hook, but in reality, it has five arms on which you can hook bait. This offers an obvious advantage, whether you’re fishing with live bait or not. (The King of the Lake tournament does not allow live bait.) “It’s dominating fishing right now and I’m sure it’s what was won on Jan. 28,” Stone said. “Normally, with a crank or spinner, you have one bait and one hook, but this way, you have five at one time. It’s pretty controversial and some states and some series have banned it. We have not banned it from our tournament.”

Truth and fish tales

“A bass fishermen? If his lips are moving, he’s telling you a lie,” Stone said laughing. That’s why Kelly Basinger at Lake Wylie Bait and Tackle is keeping everybody honest and informed. Basinger manages the tournament, including blast off and weigh-in, and she posts the leaderboard after each tournament on lakewyliebaitandtackle.com. She also keeps information updated on LWBT’s Facebook page. Basinger said 23 boats entered in the Jan. 28 tournament and that more are expected for future tournaments. She said anglers knew they could drop one tournament, so they might have decided to miss the first one altogether. And now that the cold weather and threat of snow is pretty much out of the way, she expects the field to increase.

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Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Roving Palate

Take time for

brunch Story and photos by Jan Todd

The eggs are “Benedict,” the toast is “French” and the orange juice might have a splash of Champagne!

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Jasmine CafĂŠ & Gift Shop is located in a historic building constructed in the early 1800s. It has been beautifully restored and is a wonderful place to spend a leisurely meal with friends. (Photo/Jan Todd)

MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO PARK YOUR BOAT...

W

hen your mother told you to eat three square meals a day, she probably didn’t mention “brunch.� Brunch is a bit out of the ordinary, a special occasion dining experience meant to be enjoyed at leisure. It’s a social meal, one to be relished with friends and delightful conversation. It’s a mix of breakfast and lunch, with a bit of pizzazz thrown in. The eggs are “Benedict,� the toast is “French� and the orange juice might have a splash of Champagne!

Jasmine CafĂŠ

• Boat Slips • Olympic Size Pool • Campgrounds

• Private Beach • Picnic Areas & Grills • Private Parties

• Fishing Pier • Restrooms • Hot Showers

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Our search for brunch in York County takes us first to Jasmine CafĂŠ in downtown York. Simply driving down the main street makes you want to slow your fast-paced life down a notch to enjoy the view of beautiful historic homes, quaint restaurants and shops seeping with small-town charm. The building Jasmine CafĂŠ calls home on North Congress Street was built in 1804. Owner Linda Ellington purchased the building six years ago and restored this historic treasure to accommodate a full-service restaurant on the first floor and living quarters above.

The Jasmine cranapple salad is a fresh and healthy choice for brunch. (Photo/Jan Todd) With several intimate dining rooms and a coffee counter, Jasmine CafĂŠ can accommodate groups of up to 65 people. “People come here from all over,â€? Ellington said. “Gaffney, Charlotte, Rock Hill, Gastonia. They love the quaintness of downtown York.â€? Ellington’s gentle demeanor and gracious hospitality contribute greatly to the warm and welcoming atmosphere at the cafĂŠ.

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Roving Palate Open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day, Jasmine Café specializes in brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. It’s a popular place for bridal showers, Red Hat Society meetings, book clubs and birthday parties. “We’ve done tea parties for 13-year-old girls all the way up to 90th birthday parties,” Ellington said. “We’re not usually open for dinner, but will do dinner parties and special events anytime. We can customize the menu to whatever people want.” Popular menu items for brunch include homemade chicken salad, quiche of the day, the Jasmine cranapple salad, fruit plates and other selections. The baked potato salad, a side item available with sandwiches and other entrees, is a customer favorite. “That’s one of the things that keep people coming back,” Ellington said. The full coffee bar provides espresso drinks, as well as ice cream and frozen creations. A tempting dessert menu includes chocolate decadence, cheesecakes, key lime pie and gourmet cookies. The full menu is available online at www.jasminecafesc.com. The restaurant and gift shop, located at 8 N. Congress St. in York, are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 803-684-4999 for more information.

Take time to relax in the beautiful setting of Concord Cove, where the food is fabulous. and the staff is gracious. (Photo/Jan Todd)

A tasty selection of homemade desserts at The Garden Café in York. (Photo/Jan Todd)

The Garden Café

Down the road a few blocks on Liberty Street, you’ll find the Garden Café. With its large dining room, wedding facilities and gift shop, the Garden Café has served guests from York County and surrounding areas for more than 16 years. Teeming with personality, the restaurant is full of quirky décor acquired and designed by owner Teresa James, a native of Lake Wylie. “I’m a recycler,” James explained, as she pointed out a table made out of an old door. An antique tub graces the garden, filled to overflowing with colorful bottles. The gift shop features such locally crafted items as old window frames converted into glass art displays, and James’ own handmade jewelry. Browsing through the gift shop and grounds is sure to spark lively brunch conversation, making the Garden Café an ideal spot to enjoy a leisurely mid-day meal with friends. Spinach quiche, grilled salmon and asparagus salad, and a crispy chicken bagel are some of the fresh menu offerings to delight the palate. The restaurant has a reputation for excellent food and fun. Patron Dianne Schultz said, “It reminds me of some of the places I used to go to when I lived in New York. Live music, a unique atmosphere and really great food.” Spend a few minutes talking with James, though, and you’ll know you’re not in New York City. Her down-to-earth manner and love of local lore are pure Carolinian, and it’s no wonder

Friends can gather around the fire pit on chillly mornings at the Garden Café. (Photo/Jan Todd)

Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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The gracious staff The Jasmine CafĂŠ extend a hospitable welcome to diners. Pictured left to right: Teresa Dixon, owner Linda Ellington, Beth Neiger and Ashlee Bryant). (Photo/Jan Todd)

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Roving Palate that people drive from miles away to visit the Garden CafĂŠ. In fact, the restaurant was featured in Southern Living magazine a few years ago, and also earned a spot in the “Top 40 Restaurants of South Carolina,â€? named by one of the state’s magazines. “I’m not a bragger,â€? James said laughing. In fact, the articles featuring James hang in a dark corner next to the restrooms. It’s just as well, because the excellent food, service and overall experience speak for themselves. Open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch, 11 a.m.2:30 p.m., and Thursday-Saturday for dinner, 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m., the Garden CafĂŠ is located at 307 W. Liberty St. in York. There is live music on the weekends, with outdoor fire pit and covered porches to enjoy the night air. For reservations or special events, call 803-684-7019 or visit www. thegardencafeyorksc.net.

Concord Cove

Located more than 10 miles from downtown York, but still carrying a York address, is Concord Cove. Tucked away on the Concord Road peninsula of Lake Wylie, Concord Cove is just five miles from the community of Lake Wylie. Its reputation for fine food and friendly service has made it a favorite spot for special occasions or casual dining. Concord Cove has a dedicated brunch menu on Saturdays, featuring such offerings as grilled French toast stuffed with mascarpone cheese, shrimp and grits, and the “Os-so Omelet,â€? given the name because it’s “oh so good.â€? This threeegg omelet, laden with bacon, sausage, peppers, onion and mixed cheeses, is certainly not for the delicate appetite. Home-style eggs and fluffy pancakes are available for those who want traditional breakfast fare, and country-style steak and veal liver and onion plates are a couple of the heartier choices on the brunch menu. Mimosas are available for just $3 during brunch hours. The interior of the restaurant is reminiscent of an Italian bistro, with European village murals and oil paintings transporting you to a place where meals are not rushed, food is pleasing to the eye and taste buds, and dining is meant to be a pleasurable experience to savor. With three cozy dining rooms, the cafĂŠ is designed well to serve bridal brunches, clubs and dinner parties. It’s a special place to take out-of-town guests on a lazy Saturday morning, as well! Concord Cove is located at 5303 Concord Road. Dinner hours are Monday-Saturday 5 p.m.10 p.m., lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and Saturday brunch 9 a.m.-2 .p.m. All lunch menu items are also available during Saturday’s brunch. Call 803-831-1036 for reservations or visit www. theconcordcove.com. LW

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Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Roving Palate

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Salute!

Prost! ! é t n a s e r t vo

Cheers! Wine is good … and good for you! By Jeffrey Cushing

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ou’ve probably heard before that wine is good for your health. According to an article in Food and Wine, there are at least eight benefits of drinking wine. It says that — in moderation, of course — wine promotes longevity, reduces heart attack risk, lowers risk of heart disease, reduces risk of Type 2 diabetes, lowers risk of stroke, cuts risk of cataracts, cuts risk of colon cancer and slows brain decline. The key, whether you drink red or white, is moderation. The Mayo Clinic defines moderate drinking as an average of two glasses (5 ounces each) a day for men and one glass (5 ounces) a day for women. If you are new to wine, here’s a little background about how it’s made, as well as a few suggestions for several delicious wines that won’t break the bank. Part of the real pleasure in wine drinking is the great variety of flavors and styles available. There are an unlimited number of possibilities for processing the juice from grapes and then taking that juice and blending it to make a bottle of wine. In the United States, for a wine to labeled a particular varietal (e.g., Chardonnay), only 75% of the wine in the

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2012

Roving Palate bottle must come from that grape. This gives a winemaker a lot of freedom to explore the blending of juices from other grapes into the designated varietal to achieve a style and taste they desire. As we explore wines, we can think about all the factors that will create flavor in the final wine. The winemaker first considers where the grapes are grown. This includes the soil composition, the climate, the various grape growing techniques, watering and fertilizing policies, and sunlight exposure. The next step is to decide when and how to pick the grapes. Winemakers will make the decision on when to pick the grapes depending on their desired levels of sugar and acidity. Next there are various methods to extract the juice. The old stomping with your feet method is long gone. Instead, different types of machines gently press the juice from the grapes. The juice is then fermented, which requires yeast. The wine maker may choose from a wide variety of yeast strains that will impart different styles and flavors to the wine. The fermentation process for most wines takes place in a stainless steel tanks. The winery may choose to ferment and/or age the wine in oak barrels. One popular process, called malolactic fermentation, is used by wineries. The process lessens the acidity of the juice and increases its “buttery” feel in the

Jeffrey Cushing has been in the wine business for more than 25 years. The Village Cellar: 4078 S.C. Highway 49, Lake Wylie. 803-831-9527. http://thevillagecellar.net. mouth. Wineries often take the same juice and put it through a variety of fermentation and aging techniques to create different styles of the varietal, for both experimentation and blending purposes. The final step in the winemaking process is the blend. The winemaker must decide what other grapes to blend in and in what proportion. Perhaps the winemaker will use a percentage of juice that was aged in oak barrels and blend it with some non-oaked juice. Or he may choose to blend some juice that went through malolactic fermentation. In this way, each winery creates their unique signature wines within a varietal category. If you’re new to wine, or just feel like exploring a few new wines, here are a few suggestions. In the affordable wine category, Crane Lake winery produces inexpensive straightforward fruity wines that are very drinkable and are at prices that make it a great party wine as well. The one and half litre category is dominated these days by two brands, Barefoot made by Gallo and Woodbridge under the Robert Mondavi label. Both under $10, the Woodbridge offers a little drier more gutsy style. The Barefoot is fruity, easy drinking and especially works well with a crowd of new or inexperienced wine drinkers. For an affordable quality wine in the $10 to $15 retail price range, there is a big variety in styles and tastes. If you prefer merlot or cabernet, the brand 14 Hands from Washington offers good solid flavor. Or try a California cabernet that offers consistent quality such as Archstone, Silver Palm or Joel Gott. If you want to leave the U.S., consider a Spanish tempranillo, a French Rhone, or an Argentinean malbec. If you prefer white wines, try a non-oaked chardonnay or a pinot gris from Oregon. Salute! Prost! À votre santé! Cheers! To your health! LW

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Garden Party

Sneak peek

2012 Lake Wylie Tour H of Homes and Gardens From gorgeous gardens to antique automobiles, this tour has it all By Jan Todd

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2012

The annual home and garden tour features some of the area’s finest homes. (Photo provided)

ave you ever wished you could take a peek inside some of the finer homes on Lake Wylie? The chance to make your wish come true is approaching, as the 27th Annual Tour of Homes and Gardens, coordinated by the Clover & Lake Wylie Republican Women’s Club, is scheduled for scheduled April 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year, six homes will be on tour, two with extensive gardens. As a bonus, some of the homes will have antique and classic cars on display. Previously, the tour only featured homes within River Hills, but in 2011 the tour expanded to include homes and gardens in the surrounding areas. The 2012 tour includes waterfront homes in Mason’s Crossing, River Hills, The Coves and Mariner’s Watch (near the Red Fez Club on Lake Wylie). Proceeds from admission tickets benefit the Faye Burgman Scholarship Fund, which is grant-

Homes and gardens on the tour are chosen on the basis of unique architectural features, landscaping and hardscape design, as well as collections of interest. (Photos provided by Ethel Webb)

ed to a Clover High School senior based on merit and need. Here’s a sneak peek at a few of the homes and gardens featured on the tour. This year, organizer Ethel Webb is excited to feature the waterfront home of Brian Syphard in River Hills. Brian owns Syphard Construction and has some very imaginative and innovative features in his personal home. “He has a very unique home, extensively remodeled after he purchased it two years ago,” Webb explained. “Outdoors, there are waterfalls, lots of fountains, and a koi pond. Brian has even designed a path where his guests can walk on water!”

Also on the tour in River Hills is the home of Randy and Laura Moore. This home is a real winner. The contractor that performed renovations on the home last fall received an award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. A covered porch contains a beautiful outdoor living area that overlooks the lake. The Moores, who have young children, have incorporated the interests and hobbies of their son and daughter into the design and decor of the home. The home of Mark and Elaine Creasser, owners of Tile Collection in Pineville, will be on display in Mariner’s Watch on the Charlotte side of

Lake Wylie. This prime location on the water has one of the best long-range views of Lake Wylie, and the outdoor living areas are outstanding. Custom tile and granite is used extensively throughout the home. Car buffs will enjoy perusing the antique car exhibit that is planned for the walkway to the lakeside gazebo. Homes are chosen for the tour on the basis of unique architectural features, landscaping and hardscape design, and collections of interest. Volunteers serve as “docents” and provide fascinating background stories and insights on the artifacts and features of the homes during the tour. LW

Spring Fall 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Garden Party

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2012 Lake Wylie Tour of Homes and Gardens Want to Go?

The 2012 Lake Wylie Tour of Homes and Gardens is scheduled for April 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets purchased by April 18 are offered at an early bird rate of $15 each. They can be purchased at The Cleaners in Lake Wylie, or by sending a check to CLWRW and self-addressed stamped envelope to Ethel Webb, 5300 Mason’s Ferry Road, Lake Wylie SC 29710. After April 18, tickets are $20. Tickets may be purchased the day of the tour at the River Hills main gate or at any of the homes on tour.

2012 Lake Wylie Tour of Homes and Gardens

Please note: The homes and gardens listed below will only be open to ticket holders on April 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • 5300 Masons Ferry Road Home of Ken and Ethel Webb

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• 84 Turtle Lane Home of Brian Syphard • 23 Turtle Lane (gardens only) Jay and Nancy Moore • 50 Water Thrush Road Home of Randy and Laura Moore • 16300 Mariner’s Watch Court Home of Matthew and Crystal Creasser • 4651 Water Oak Drive Home of Nancy Fogt and Tracey Bridges • 4648 Water Oak Drive Home of Kema and Steve Salata

Garden Party

‘Something’s

always blooming’

Visitors enjoy the Cascade Fountain and tiered ponds at Glencairn Garden in Rock Hill. (Photo provided)

Glencairn Garden is beautiful in every season

as Glencairn Garden’s present-day garden specialist, she is now well-versed in the property’s history and evolution. And her appreciation for the garden is apparent when she gives tours to garden clubs, tourists, as well as brides looking By Allison Cooke Oliverius for the perfect setting in which to be married. “This place was just meant to be,” Neely said. ibby Neely grew up on Charlotte Avenue in Rock Hill and her daily routine meant she went down Crest Street sev- A little history eral times a day, right by what is now known The Biggers first called their six-acre propas Glencairn Garden. The property was then erty Deer Park, for the wildlife present, includowned by Dr. David Bigger and his wife Hazel, ing turkeys and deer. In 1928, the Biggers were and for many years it was surrounded by a thick given a gift of azaleas, which thrived on the natural fence. property and inspired the Biggers to become Neely admits that for a long time she didn’t avid gardeners. They constructed a greenhouse know what was behind that natural fence, but and nursery where they cultivated azaleas and

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camellias. By 1940, the number of azaleas on the property had grown to about 12,000 and the Biggers had changed the name from Deer Park to Glencairn Garden, a nod to their love of gardening and David Bigger’s ancestral home. The gardens still had a thick natural fence around it, but each spring, when the azaleas were in full bloom, Hazel Bigger would open the gate and those interested could pay 25 cents to come in and tour the vast gardens. “People didn’t mind paying. They just wanted to see the azaleas,” Neely said. “Dr. Bigger died in 1951 and Mrs. Bigger and her gardener tried to keep it up,” Neely said. “But our mayor at the time, John Harden, approached Mrs. Bigger and asked her if

Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Garden Party she would like to sell the property to city. The city would maintain it and she could live in the house as long as she wanted. Mrs. Biggers agreed to sell Glencairn to the city for $30,000, but she passed away shortly after the transaction went through. “The Biggers didn’t have any children; no family to pass it to. So it was meant to be. That’s when the fence came down and Robert Marvin, a wellknown landscape architect, created a master plan.� Much of this master plan has been completed and the garden celebrated its 50th an-

niversary in 2008. The newly expanded 11-acre garden includes a Veterans Garden, showcase gardens, tiered fountains, ponds, boardwalks, a performance stage and beautiful flower-filled walkways. The Bigger’s house has been carefully refurbished and is surrounded by two showcase gardens containing seasonal flowers. The house now serves as a welcome center for visitors, as well as the administrative office for the ComeSee-Me festival and as an office for the York County Master Gardeners.

The Veterans Garden. (Photo provided)

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Each spring, Glencairn Gardens in Rock Hill is prime real estate. From late March to mid-April, the 11-acre garden is bursting with blooms, including pansies, daffodils, peonies, azaleas, viburnums, pink and white dogwoods, redbuds, saucer magnolias, Chinese fringe trees, water iris, flowering cherry (Yoshino and Kwanzan) and Japanese apricot trees, just to name a few. But in addition to the springtime blooms, part of the master plan was to create a year-round botanical experience at the garden. “Something’s always blooming,� Neely said. Its garden seasons feature azaleas in the spring, crepe myrtles in the summer, as well as fall and winter blooming camellias. (Please see the sidebar on garden seasons for additional information.) As a public park, Glencairn Garden also hosts many community activities year-round ranging from festivals to gardening seminars to days volunteers can come in and help with the garden. It’s also the birthplace of Rock Hill’s Come-SeeMe festival, which this year takes place April 1221. It’s also the home of Bloomfest, a new event scheduled for May 19 where visitors can purchase plants as well as garden-related art. (Check the garden’s calendar of events online for the latest information on events and programs.)

‘I love it all’

For Neely, discovering Glencairn Garden has been a wonderful experience. And sharing it with so many visitors is fun for her. “My favorite spot? I do have a lot of them,� Neely said laughing. “I love the meadow area. It’s a tiered grassy area and the three ponds are full of water iris and water lilies. There are usually herons down there and egrets. It’s a wonderful place. I also

Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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love the Shade and Water Garden, which is part of the original garden. It’s just so peaceful. And then I love …” she said laughing and trailing off. “I told you. I have a lot of favorite spots. I love it all.” Discover Glencairn Gardens for yourself. It is located at 725 Crest St. in Rock Hill. It is open daily from dawn until dusk. Admission is free. 803-3295620. www.rockhillrocks.com. Peak bloom period is from the last week of March through mid-April. Handicap access is available. LW

What is a cairn?

Dr. David Bigger first named his property Deer Garden, because of the vast number of deer. He later renamed it Glencairn Garden for his ancestral home. A cairn is a group of stones that have been placed on top of one another to form a mound. A cairn is often built to mark a grave or in memory of a loved one. It’s also often built by climbers to mark their success in reaching the top of a mountain. Cairns also can be used to mark a path on land, and as visual marker on land for those traveling by boat. Libby Neely, Glencairn’s garden specialist, is inspired to build a cairn at Glencairn Garden one day; perhaps somewhere on the property where it’s difficult for plants to grow.

Garden seasons

Spring (March – May) features thousands of azaleas in many varieties. Pansies, candy tuft, wisteria and periwinkle greet birds and butterflies. Double file viburnum is nestled beneath lace canopies of pink and white dogwoods. Redbuds, peonies, saucer magnolia trees, and flowering yoshino and kwanzan cherry trees complete the scene. Summer (June – August) offers bright blooms of crepe myrtles. Day lilies, hundreds of annuals and a variety of hostas emerge from the shelter of large magnificent pine trees. Walking trails are trimmed with liriope flower. Fall (September – November) finds glorious sasanquas in perfect bloom and hardwood trees and pansies ablaze with color. Winter (December – February) is brightened by the beauty and charm of camellias and scented with the aroma of winter honeysuckle. The mild climate also welcomes daffodils and Lenten roses. Source: City of Rock Hill

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Garden Party

Annual Come-See-Me Festival kicks off April 12 See-Me, will feature daily entertainment Monday to Thursday. Entertainers include The Old Fogies, Truck Stop Preachers, Reckless, Pleasant Ridge Baptist Gospel Choir, The Leslie Thompson Trio, Ansel Couch and Broadway Night at Glencairn.

Tuesday April 17, Glencairn Garden will also host KidFit at 12 p.m., with a special appearance by Sir Purr from the Carolina Panthers. The 2012 festival will be held April 12-21. Visit comeseeme.org for more info. LW

T

he Come-See-Me Festival was first held in 1962 as a community project to invite visitors, relatives and friends to see Rock Hill during its most beautiful season. It started as a weekend event and has expanded to 10 days. The festival was the idea of its first chairman, C. H. “Ickey� Albright, former Rock Hill Mayor and state senator, and was nurtured by nationally-acclaimed illustrator Vernon Grant, a Rock Hill resident who created Rice Krispies’ celebrated gnomes, “Snap, Crackle and Pop.� The festival’s mascot “Glen the Frog� also was created by Grant, who designed more than 30 different Glens. A logo representing each new festival is selected yearly. A central focus of the festival has always been the historic, award-winning Glencairn Garden, created by Dr. David A. Bigger. Azaleas, camellias, dogwood, wisteria and a variety of flowers and trees are all on show to celebrate spring. The Come-See-Me Festival is considered the largest, all-volunteer festival in South Carolina and attracts more than 100,000 participants and visitors every year. The festival has been ranked in the South’s Top 20 Spring Festivals for numerous years and has been featured in Southern Living Magazine. The Come-See-Me Festival was created as a family event. During the 10-day festival, residents and visitors enjoy live entertainment, the annual parade, Beach Bash, Moonlight Jazz, Mayor’s Frog Jump as well as the Tailgate Party and Fireworks Extravaganza. One of the new events for this year is the Healthy Kids Zone, to be held on April 21 at the Giordana Velodrome at the River Park Outdoor Center. Kids age 12 and under can win prizes by completing the many different fun and wacky activities. There will even be a tricycle race for children ages 2 to 6. Glencairn Garden, the birthplace of Come-

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Feature

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2012

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y now, we’ve all heard about 2012 being the year of the dragon. In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes power and determination, and the year of the dragon is believed to bring success and happiness. Along those lines, we were thinking that with the dragon behind us, it’s time to stop just hoping for change and actually make things happen, right? That’s why, within this Healthy, Wealthy and Wise article we asked local experts to offer tips and tools to help readers first take stock of their health, home and finances and then take real steps to make change. We hope these articles provide you with the powerful knowledge to set goals and use the tools available to you. Then, it will be up to you to be determined enough to make things happen. Here’s to your success and happiness in 2012.

Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Feature

The many benefits of exercise By Rachel Gilmore

F

inding the right exercise program is so important and the key to success is making sure the activity is something you enjoy. Too many people don’t exercise simply because they do not enjoy it. One way to

make it fun is to ask a friend to be your workout buddy. Together, you can join a group exercise program where you will be more likely to stick with it, meet other like-minded individuals and ultimately enjoy your workout. Whether you work out in a group or oneon-one with a personal trainer, make sure that your instructor/trainer is knowledgeable and

$&( Massage Therapy At ACE: A Caring Environment Massage our goal is healing and wellness of a whole body nature. We work with your body to achieve relaxation and an improved physical and mental state. Specializing in Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, and our signature “50/50” Swedish/Deep Tissue Combination that many clients request by name!

Certified MyoKinesthetic Massage Therapist Call Jeani today to find out more about the MyoKinesthetic System that alleviates pain and increases range of motion! Voted Lake Wylie’s Best Massage Therapist three out of five years!

Gift certificates available. Jeani Rogers

7 Executive Court Lake Wylie, SC 29710 980-522-2877 www.ace-massagetherapy.com

Massage Therapist

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www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2012

Rachel Gilmore Wellness Ridge NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Certified IMPACT Instructor and Wellness Coach 704-819-3054 www.wellnessridge.com committed to helping you get the results you want to achieve. Committing to an exercise program does take time and energy, but the benefits of exercising are so great that once you find something you really enjoy you will begin to say, “I can’t wait to work out.” One thing you should be sure to include in your workout is strength training and here’s why: • By strength training, you’ll lose 40% more fat. Research performed on dieters who didn’t strength train revealed that, on average, 75% of their weight loss is from fat, while 25% is from muscle. You may think that losing muscle mass is a good thing, simply because you’ve lost weight. But losing muscle mass doesn’t improve your reflection in the mirror, and without muscle mass, you’re more likely to gain back the flab you lost. However, if you weight train as you diet, you’ll protect your hard-earned muscle and burn more fat. • You’ll handle stress better. • You’ll build stronger bones. • Your heart will be healthier. • You’ll be happier. • You’ll be more productive. • You’ll live longer. Finally, it’s true that working out and taking care of your mind, body and spirit is an act of self-love, but those around you will benefit as well. The more you take care of yourself and love yourself, the healthier and happier you’ll be … and you’ll have more to offer those at home, at work and in your community. LW

Get healthy inside and out By Mike Kimbro

E

xperts agree that maintaining a healthy body weight extends far beyond appearance. Today, more than 67% of adults in the United States are significantly overweight. Of a greater concern is the rate at which children and teens are affected by this problem. Doctors, nurses, and health and wellness professionals agree that the best way to avoid becoming a statistic is to maintain a healthy body weight and composition. The entire body pays a hefty price for being overweight. Blood vessels become greatly strained, forcing the heart to work beyond normal capacity. Joints of the hips, knees, spine and ankles endure more forceful cartilage-deteriorating impact. As the body loses its ability to use blood sugar effectively, insulin-producing cells become stressed, damaged and may fail. When a person’s weight rises to dangerous levels, so may their LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure, all of which can contribute to heart disease. The heart is clearly the celebrity of the human body. We hear about it in songs, see it represented in cinema and have come to know it as the universal symbol for love. The heart is one of the hardest working organs in the body. On average, a healthy human heart beats more than 100,000 times per day. It rests only slightly each night while we sleep. Its primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, and in the process provide the oxygen and nutrients we need to live. Like any hard-working machine, the heart requires a unique combination of attention, respect and maintenance. Vitamins 4 Less offers a wide selection of natural products to help you stay healthy and fit inside and out. We believe in providing the best natural products for the entire body. LW

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Expires May 15, 2012

Mike Kimbro Vitamins 4 Less 131 Evergreen Road Suite 105 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 www.vit4less.com

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It’s time for your home’s annual checkup By Dianne Kehler

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his exceptionally warm winter has provided an opportunity to visit spaces in and around your home. A couple of observations that we have made that may be of benefit to your physical well being, as well as the general health of your home. Attics and crawlspaces are shelters and often homes for a variety of creatures that find refuge from the cold. Bats are a common problem in attics. Check all vents in the attic for this very productive creature. Bats can create sizable mounds of waste in and around the gable vent. This is very toxic and should be removed by a professional. Attics and crawlspaces both need to be checked for any signs of water intrusion that can cause mold and wood rot. With the majority of homes that have the furnace and duct work in the attic or crawlspace, the bacteria or spores produced in these areas can be carried throughout the home. Clogged dryer vents are a common cause of household fires and worn out dryers. Have your vent professionally cleaned periodically, as lint is some cases completely block this pipe.

Replace the dryer vent cap outside as they often deteriorate with time. A valuable device for preserving hot and cold air, depending on the season, is an insulated tent that can be placed over the attic access door or fold-down attic stairs. Installing a gable fan with an automatic humidistat can reduce the heat buildup in your attic. This will reduce operating time for your air conditioning system. As always, check the condition of caulk around doors and windows, as well as weather stripping. You also need to drain/ clean your hot water tank, check the fireplace for cracks or drafts, as well as perform a maintenance check of your furnace and clean air ducts. General home maintenance is always prudent. LW

Dianne Kehler Remedics Restoration Carolinas 3348 Highway 51 North Fort Mill, SC 29715 803-802-5385 dkehler@remedics.com

Finding your natural balance By Marcia Moyer

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t is exciting to see a shift toward natural health taking place. You’ve probably heard some of the “buzz words” that are becoming common place, including: organic, green, cage free, grass-fed and all-natural. Many think of these things as “new” paths toward heath. However, natural healing arts have been around much longer than our Western medical approach to health care. Natural health care practitioners believe in natural healing. This belief includes the concept that the body can heal itself of just about anything. This healing is best accom-

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plished when the body is clear of toxins and is given proper nutrition, rest, mental outlook and natural stimulation. Chiropractic care, massage therapy, reflexology and acupuncture are some of the modern therapies of stimulation. Acupuncture is an ancient healing art that was founded in China thousands of years ago. During the 20th century, B.C., Chinese physicians began to understand the pulse, blood and qi (pronounced “chee,” sometimes referred to as energy), which is thought to be the life force in the body. There are 12 main meridians or channels where the qi flows. Chinese medicine is based on balance. If the body is properly balanced, then opti-

Feature

It’s time to consider your insurance needs Joseph Silva Personal Financial Representative Allstate Insurance – The David Vickers Agency 4937 Charlotte Highway, Suite 104 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-8958 www.allstate.com/davidrvickers

couples well into their 60s and 70s, or even older, looking to buy life insurance for the first time. This is inevitably a costly decision that can lead to outrageous premiums for couples living mostly on a fixed income. Factors leading to these elevated premiums include, but are not limited to cancer, stroke, diabetes and heart attack. And for older Americans, these

are common issues that plague their life insurance premiums. There is no quick fix or magic product on the market that can mend these issues, but younger generations can take notice of what’s happening and choose to address the need for life insurance before your personal health has a negative impact on your risk for the insurance company. LW

Visit our new website : ddavidfinejewelry.com

By Joseph Silva

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e live in a time where most people believe that death will almost never catch up with them. For example, most people that I come across feel that they will pass in their sleep well into their 90s. I call this the “invincibility complex.” Sadly, this is not the case. Our demise is unforeseen and will be different for all of us. This thinking has led to many problems for people looking to get life insurance later in life. I work in an industry that is responsible for insuring people’s lives. It is constantly cast in a negative light for various reasons. In fact, I personally feel that it is a morbid product to sell. With that being said, it is an essential product for every demographic in the country. Time and time again, I am approached by mum health is achieved. The body’s qi can become blocked. If there is either too much or not enough qi in different parts of the body, then symptoms or pain can occur. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin stainless steel needles at specific points in the body. The needles are usually left in place 10-40 minutes. There purpose is to restore the proper flow of qi in the body. LW

Dr. Marcia N. Moyers 244 Latitude Lane Suite 104 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-6500 www.DocMarcia.com

Lake Wylie Designer Jewelry… Right from the Designer

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Feature

g n i d l i u B s n o i t c conneby g n i v r e pres d lan

ervancy and s n o C s d n a Catawba L partner n e d r a G l a e Botanic Daniel Stow ake Wylie L d n u o r a nd to protect la n Todd

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and to e to nature ecting peopl n n co onserC of s al d on go atawba Lan C e th s, ith the comm d n dla e Botaninatural woo Daniel Stow h it w ll fa preserve our st la Consera partnership is allows the Th e. rv vancy formed se re aks P corporate the Seven O Wylie and in te e ea ak cr L to to t n en . The pary adjace cal Gard Thread Trail acres directl a 77 in t ol ec ar ot C e pr into th est side of vancy to ical Garden ted on the w an ca ot lo B , e ip th sh of er partn ch Road, portions through the on Pole Bran a ed in as h ol rc ar C pu d th rest along and Sou cel of lan d wooded fo nects North te n ec co ot at pr th of ge the brid er of 2.3 miles a natural buff will provide Lake Wylie. the shores of

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The Carolina Thread Trail system strives to connect people to nature and provide natural recreation areas. 40

www.LakeWylieToday.com | Spring 2012

If you’re not familiar with the Carolina Thread Trail, it is a network of trails, blueways and conservation corridors that will eventually link together 15 counties in North and South Carolina. Launched in 2007, it is the goal of the Thread Trail to connect people to nature and preserve our natural woodlands, rivers and open spaces. The trail, which will be completed in phases during the next 20 years, will include many established trails and parks. In addition, new trails will be blazed to connect and enhance this network of nature. Hikers, bikers and paddlers will be able to go from one trail to the next once this project is completed.

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125 Forest Oaks Dr. • Lake Wylie Dr. Jodi Werfal Dr. Cory Ellis Bring this ad in for $10.00 off an annual wellness exam People will be able to enjoy the trails during all seasons, observing the cycles of forest life.

Blazing the Thread Trail

Currently in York County, several established trails are already part of the Thread Trail: Blue Star Trail (located in Fort Mill, beginning at ASC Greenway’s Dairy Barn), Manchester Meadows in Rock Hill (a 70-acre park on Mt. Gallant Road near Dave Lyle Boulevard), the Baxter Village Trail and the Nation Ford Greenway Trail (adjacent to the Springfield neighborhood in Fort Mill). Planned additions to the trail network include destinations on the Catawba Indian Reservation, the Catawba Cultural Center, Kings Mountain State Park and areas along the Catawba River. Nearby in Gaston County, Cramerton’s Riverside Greenway and the Catawba Creek Greenway are a couple of the participating trail systems. Along the shores of Lake Wylie, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and the Seven Oaks Preserve are the most recent areas to be incorporated into the system. These 77 acres, now owned by the CLC, will serve as an important wildlife corridor and will provide a natural filter for water draining into Lake Wylie, a major drinking water source for area communities.

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New trails for the Carolina Thread Trail system will be blazed along the shoreline of Lake Wylie, providing area residents an opportunity for recreation and enjoying the outdoors.

Trail clearing along the Seven Oaks Preserve will begin in early 2012 and is slated for completion within the next year. There will be two primary access points to the Thread Trail around DSBG. One is a parking area that will be located on New Hope Road, just south of the Garden entrance. The second is through the back part of the DSBG parking lot where the Persimmon Trail is located. In addition, the Garden will be creating two access trails to the waterfront Thread Trail and together they’ll create a circular loop through the back

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of the Garden. Kara Newport, executive serve Daniel Stowe’s vision of providing wadirector of the Daniel Stowe Botani- terfront access to the community, well beyond cal Garden, explained that there will be what the Garden could do alone.” “free” and “paid space” designated on the Garden’s property, and trail access Preserving land and connecting will be on the “free” portion. people with nature “The Catawba Lands Conservancy is the local This map of the Carolina land trust for our region,” said Tom Okel, execuThread Trail, provided by the tive director for the CLC. “With our expertise and Catawba Lands Conservancy, resources, we protect more than 10,000 acres, and illustrates the Thread Trail are the leading agency for the Carolina Thread in the Lake Wylie/Belmont area. Trail in our region.” He added, “The acquisition of the Daniel Stowe property exemplifies two of the The Garden’s long-term plan includes ex- CLC’s four part focus: improvement of water qualpansion towards the lake, and DSBG has retained ity, preservation of farmland, protection of wildlife a 5 acre peninsula with lake access. In working habitats, and connecting people to nature. By prowith the CLC, the Garden has granted the Thread viding a natural buffer to Lake Wylie, water quality Trail a right of way access across this peninsula. will be protected. And the inclusion of the land in “As the Garden develops and designs this the Carolina Thread trail will give people around area into a public garden space, a fluid access Lake Wylie an opportunity to enjoy nature.” way will be created, hopefully in the form of Okel went on to explain, “The Conservancy a pedestrian bridge where Thread Trail visi- isn’t anti-development. We work with a numtors can get a great vista of the Garden below,” ber of real estate agents and developers on Newport said. “We are thrilled with the part- our board, because we want growth to be in a nership with the Catawba Lands Conservancy thoughtful way. We focus on how to create and and the Thread Trail. This project helps to pre- enhance development in a way that is environ-

mentally sound. The right type of development will attract new people to the area and make it better for everyone.� The CLC uses a large workforce of volunteers in their efforts, and Lake Wylie residents are encouraged to get involved. Volunteers are used for office work as well as out in the field where they take baseline inventories of plants and wildlife, clear and mark trails, identify invasive plants and clean up areas. Some of the volunteer work requires training and CLC hosts classes to teach volunteers how to identify plant and animal species, and how to build trails that do not damage the environment. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden also has a large group of volunteers. “The Garden and the Lands Conservancy hope that this partnership will help expand and grow our collective core of volunteers. We plan to work together on all phases of the project,� Newport said. Want to volunteer? Visit www.DSBG.org or www.CatawbaLands.org. LW

A record-breaking year Since the beginning of 2011, Catawba Lands Conservancy permanently protected 10 new properties totaling 1,623 acres in five counties within the greater Charlotte region. That acreage is equivalent to approximately 2.5 square miles or 1,623 football fields. The number of properties conserved and the total number of acres for 2011 represent the highest year-end totals to date since CLC was founded in 1991. Over the past 20 years, CLC has made a significant impact on conservation within the region. CLC currently protects a total of 160 properties and conserves 12,356 acres of land for public benefit, helping to make our region greener and healthier, and improving our quality of life. Through easements, land donations or purchases, CLC conserves land through perpetuity for local farms, clean water, wildlife habitat and connections to nature via The Thread. Source: Catawba Lands Conservancy

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Faces

Hidden

gem

Tucked away in quaint Lake Wylie Plaza, renowned jewelry designer David Wysor designs, makes and sells his silver and gold creations By Arthur Murray

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here’s David Wysor the man and David Wysor the brand. And then there’s D David Fine Jewelry. All three are now, for the most part, based in Lake Wylie, a place that’s not only close to home for David Wysor, who grew up in Belmont, it’s also a source of inspiration. Wysor says setting up shop and setting down roots in Lake Wylie has brought him personal and professional happiness. He says he’s enjoying this, the latest leg of a journey that’s taken him halfway around the world and back again.

David Wysor (Photo provided)

Wysor was born in 1951 in Bluefield, W.Va., but grew up Belmont, just west of Charlotte. His mother was a secretary, while his father worked for an industrial laundry in Gastonia. He attended East Carolina University, where he initially studied art. “It’s almost ironic,â€? he says. “I got concerned about being able to make a living as an artist, so I changed to a history major because I thought there would be better employment prospects.â€? He got his bachelor’s degree in 1973 and planned to travel before settling down. “I ended up in New Orleans and started working in the oil fields,â€? Wysor says, noting that this was during a recession. “The money was good, but I had a bit of wanderlust in my blood.â€? The wanderlust took him first to Cairo, Egypt, where he continued to work in industry. He stayed for about 1½ years before heading to Singapore. “That’s where I broke my leg,â€? Wysor says. “The company sent me back to New Orleans for an operation. My oil field construction career was over.â€? But during his rehabilitation in the French Quarter, he stumbled upon another career.

Faces “I met a guy who was making jewelry and he was just starting to sell to Saks Fifth Avenue,� Wysor says. “I volunteered to help.� It was an offer that changed his future. “I discovered that I really liked making jewelry, and I was good at it,� he says. “I learned from him a few fundamental things, but a lot of people in my business are self-taught.� Wysor bought a half-interest in the business and within a year, the business was selling jewelry to 40 Saks stores, Tiffany’s and Marshall Fields.

But then the wanderlust hit again. Wysor moved to Philadelphia in 1986 to really learn the jewelry-making craft. “There’s a jewelry district in Philadelphia, with lots of shops on a few blocks,� he says. It’s the oldest diamond district in the country and the second-largest, ranking only behind New York. “I visited the shops and tried to learn as much as I could.� He did more than just learn. “I started doing contract work for the jewelers in Philadelphia,� Wysor says, noting that author

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Faces Malcolm Gladwell, in his book Outliers, says that to get good at anything, you must spend 10,000 hours doing it. “It’s like everything else, you have to practice,” he says, noting that he spent about 21 years in Philadelphia. “I don’t know if I spent 10,000 hours, though.” He wound up establishing his business downtown, converting a former printing

plant into a 3,500-square-foot studio in 2001. “I had this big loft space,” Wysor says. “It was really beautiful, with nine-foot windows and 18-foot ceilings.” He was happy in Philadelphia and established a national brand. But he was still a small-town guy at heart and opportunity soon knocked again. “The city bought my building (in 2007) to expand the convention center downtown,” Wysor says. “They sort of made an offer to relocate me, and I was getting tired of city life. I needed some-

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thing a little less city-ish. By this time I was in my 50s, and my attitudes had changed.” Wysor hadn’t decided where he’d go until he felt the pull of his family, who lobbied hard for him to return to the greater Charlotte area. He ended up in Lake Wylie, where he opened a small shop that he says is part showroom and part studio. “It really has fulfilled my needs to find a place where I’m more relaxed,” Wysor says. “I like the quiet lifestyle, and I like the weather — it’s more conducive to creating things.” Another difference is that he’s separated the businesses. “I have a national brand sold around the country and I have a local store.” The local store is D David Fine Jewelry, while the brand is David Wysor. “The D doesn’t mean anything at all,” he explains. “I wanted a name that was alliterative, fun to say or easy to say, so I put that in there.” He says he’s used a lot of tactics to attract customers, including putting a billboard up on N.C. 49 out in front of the plaza. “It’s funny,” he says. “One time I had a customer come in and he was surprised. He said, ‘I thought this was a store carrying David Wysor. I didn’t know you were here.’” It was an enlightening experience, showing him the breadth of his work. “When you’re a national brand — and I’m a second-tier national brand — you never really know how many people actually recognize your name. This showed that at least I was reaching some number of people.” Wysor’s signature collection of bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings includes the use of sterling silver with 18-carat gold accents and colored stones. He recently decided to expand the collection and makes some pieces that are all gold and some that are all silver, including some items at lower price points. “That’s one thing living in Lake Wylie has allowed me to (do), concentrate more on design,” he says. The price range for his David Wysor pieces starts at $150 and goes up to $3,000. “But there are more pieces in the less-than-$1,000 range, and we’ve added a lot of new pieces under $300.” As for the future, he’s still transferring his base of operations to the South, “Just continuing with my career.” But he has a goal: “I want to become a local destination for design.” When he’s not designing, he spends time in the showroom, always with a purpose. “We need to know what’s working and what’s not working. We make pieces we like, but until you see a customer pick it up and try it on, you just don’t know. That’s very valuable time.” LW

Development Update

Lake Wylie

embracing the year of the

dragon

By Susan Bromfield, President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce • Photos by Diana Grubenhoff

Hannon Orthodontics celebrated the opening of its new Lake Wylie location at Rivers Edge Pavilion with grand opening luncheon and ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 2. The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and community welcomed Dr. Steve, Suzie and Dr. Stephanie Hannon and their staff at this event.

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elcome to 2012, the year of empowerment! Fasten your seatbelts, because the days ahead are all about accelerated risk-taking and breaking through outmoded paradigms. It is the year of the dragon! In Chinese culture, the dragon is thought to be strong, powerful and even lucky. At Lake Wylie, the breakthrough has al-

ready begun. The 25-year-old shopping center, Waterside Marketplace, was purchased by the York Development Group of Charlotte and is being transformed into an upbeat family entertainment and activity area. The center will be renamed Lakeside West. The redevelopment will feature a new YMCA, which is expected to open this April.

A new bowling alley, Lake Wylie Bowl and Jump, is expected to open in late August in the 27,000-square-foot anchor space. It will include 16 bowling alleys, a family-friendly entertainment center and a children’s jumping area for birthday parties. Plans also include an area with a number of TVs for watching all the big games, as well as a sports bar with light fare such as sandwiches, burgers, nachos and light meals. Live music and karaoke will also be featured. An Asian Fusion restaurant is slated to occupy the former Uncle Lui’s. Lakeside West plans include more restaurants, a physical therapist, a hair and nail salon and other new businesses that have not yet been named. While the new color scheme is much brighter than the former gray façade, the new lively colors are breathing life into Lakeside West. A grassy landscaped area of the property will also be created for public green space with picnic tables and benches overlooking the lake. A new QuikTrip is being built on Highway 49 in front of Lakeside West. QuikTrip is a modern convenience store and gas station with more than 600 stores throughout the U.S. It has entered the Charlotte regional market and selected Lake Wylie for one of its locations. QuikTrip will have a coffee bar with a barista, fresh-made sandwiches and a variety of convenience items. Over at Lake Wylie Plaza, award-winning Q-2-U BBQ and Catering is expanding. It is doubling its space to accommodate a growing

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Development Update

In River Hills, the River Hills Country Club is investing into its future by refurbishing all of the greens on the entire 18-hole golf course. The renovation will begin in June and last through August. The course, with its fabulous new greens and natural beauty, will reopen in September. The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Golf Tournament Oct. 11. It will be one of the first events to be held on the new greens. River Hills Community Church added a new covered entrance to the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall for easy access in every climate. It also is a nice addition for those attending weddings and funerals, and it’s a nice drop-off location that is convenient to additional parking. The new entrance includes updated architecture with rock pillars. In summer of 2011, River Hills Community Association enhanced the beauty of River Hills’ main entrance with redesigned paving and landscaping. Rockwork has been added to various areas of River Hills with a variety of updates during the past few years.

number of customers. Also in the Plaza, Sweet Repeat has updated its space, adding display cases and creating an entrance and reception area for the resale store. The entryway is furnished and staged each week with items that are for sale. Sweet Repeat is operated by volunteers and the proceeds from items purchased at the store are donated to charitable organizations and causes. Sweet Repeat is one of the most successful “recycling” projects in the area. These developments are on the heels of The Estate Boys’ expansion in 2011, also in Lake Wylie Plaza. Lake Wylie Bait and Tackle, located on Highway 49 by Blucher Circle, has already expanded after just one year in business. It has added an area for archery target practice. Lake Wylie Bait and Tackle has also worked to launch some new fishing tournaments including the winter series and Lake Wylie King of the Lake. King of the Lake is a new year-long

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1

2

3

1. Villas at Marlin Bay is more than doubling its size by adding four new buildings with 96 new luxury apartments. 2. Allan Gregory, owner of KA Gregory Wealth Management, opened his new business at Lake Wylie Business Centre in December. 3. Lake Wylie Pharmacy, located on Latitude Lane in Shops at the Landing opened in January 2012. It is owned by long-time Lake Wylie pharmacist, Larry Meek. series designed for one-man teams to fish in all seasons and conditions. The series began in January and runs until October, when the first King of the Lake will be crowned. The Village of Lake Wylie apartment community is undergoing renovations to its outdoor recreational areas and is completely refurbishing and redecorating its clubhouse. This 396-unit gated complex offers a nice lakeside lifestyle. Kodiak Mini Storage purchased a truck for local moving. New in 2012, Kodiak is offering the use of the truck at no charge to those who rent a storage space. This offer makes it easy to move holiday décor and unused items at the home or office to a convenient climatecontrolled storage facility. Menieke Muffler and Auto bought land along Highway 49 near Village Harbor and Evergreen Road and is looking for a local franchisee. Waffle House is slated to build a Lake Wylie

location in the same vicinity along Highway 49. Larry Meek, the community’s pharmacist for the past 24 years at CVS and Revco has opened his own pharmacy, Lake Wylie Pharmacy, located at Shops at the Landing at 221 Latitude Lane near the Chamber Visitor Center and the Lake Wylie Postal Substation. It has a drive-through window for convenience. Lake Wylie Pharmacy offers personalized service and delivery services to customers in the Lake Wylie area. Also at Shops at the Landing, plans are under way to have a new ladies shoe store and a Mexican restaurant. Plans for several other projects are in the development stage, so watch for details of those plans in future issues of Lake Wylie Today. Lake Wylie’s newest apartment community, Villas at Marlin Bay, located on Crowders Creek is more than doubling its size by adding four more buildings containing 96 apartments.

Development Update The new apartments will feature premium upgrades with hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances and water views. In less than two years, it became 100% occupied and is now expanding to meet the growing demand for apartment living by the lake. Fred Caldwell Chevrolet in Clover is expanding and building a new showroom in 2012. Last year, Fred Caldwell Chevrolet doubled the size of its service department. Fred Caldwell Chevrolet celebrated Chevrolet’s 100th anniversary by hosting the Business After Hours in November with the Lake Wylie and Clover chambers of commerce. Clover School District has expanded its Technology Center at Clover High School by building a $13.5 million expansion that will include vocational training. The expansion will allow growth of existing programs and the addition of new classes. The addition of more technological classes, college credit classes and job training will allow more students to take advantage of these opportunities in their community at the high school. Southern Trust Mortgage, a subsidiary of Middleburg Bank of Virginia, has made its first expansion into York County at 105 Stone

Fred Caldwell, owner of Fred Caldwell Chevrolet in Clover, announced in November his dealership is expanding. A new showroom will be built to compliment the recent expansion of the service department last year. Harbor Drive on Highway 160 in Fort Mill/ Tega Cay. Tom Griffin is the branch manager and assistant vice president for this full-service mortgage company. Billy Williams is senior loan officer. Tom was formerly with Bank of

America Home Loans for 11 years and is a Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce board member. He also is a long-time participant in the Lake Wylie community. Hannon Orthodontics recently opened its

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Development Update newest location at Lake Wylie at Rivers Edge Pavilion. A ribbon cutting and grand opening luncheon was held on Feb. 2. Dr. Steve Hannon, his wife Susie and their daughter Dr. Stephanie Hannon, along with staff members, welcomed the chamber and community to their new facility. In turn, the Chamber welcomed them to the Lake Wylie Chamber and community. Hannon Orthodontics serves children and adults. The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce is proud to be the premiere business organiza-

tion that promotes this area and its businesses. It works every day to support the Lake Wylie area to be dynamic, prosperous and thriving, and for Lake Wylie to stand out in the state and region. The LWCC is expecting a stand out, dynamic year for the chamber and community in this Year of the Dragon. With this strong and powerful start to the year, the LWCC is expecting 2012 will prove to be a special year that will bring new and expanding businesses, new job opportunities and prosperity to the Lake Wylie area. LW

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Lake Wylie Business Centre, located on Latitude Lane and home of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, will be expanding in 2012. With phase 1 of the Business Centre nearly sold out, the Jackson Corp. — owned by Leonard and Jay Jackson, developers of Lake Wylie Business Centre — have announced plans to begin phase 2 in 2012. Two new buildings totaling 14,000 square feet will be built at the rear of the complex. These buildings will be perfect for medical and/or professional offices and can be built to specifications. Space reservations are being taken. LWBC is the newest office condo project in the area. When complete, it will be a $20 million economic development project that has made it possible for small businesses to invest and own their own location in Lake Wylie. Other businesses located at Lake Wylie Business Centre include Allan Gregory, formerly of Edward Jones-Lake Wylie, who has launched K.A. Gregory Wealth Management. Revel Salon and Color Studio opened in 2011 and is already making plans to expand its services in 2012. Last summer, Rinehart Realty expanded its team of realtors when it welcomed several veteran realtors that had been at FPOTC and River Hills Realty. Dr. Vanessa Vargas, owner of Carolina Family Dentistry at Lake Wylie, also expanded her practice in 2011. TheraCare, based in Gastonia, established its second location at Lake Wylie Business Centre. The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce’s Business Center, located within Lake Wylie Business Centre, is 100% occupied and is home to nine businesses. In addition, the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce has referred businesses to rent and purchase locations all over the Lake Wylie area.

Development Update

Development

Outlook By J.D. Rinehart Jr., Owner/Broker, Rinehart Realty Corp.

Opportunity abounds in 2012

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am an optimist – a real estate optimist and a local market optimist. Yes, there are local challenges to our real estate market and there are state and federal challenges to our economy returning from a terrible recession. However, I am incredibly optimistic about York County, S.C., and our return to a vibrant and successful real estate market. The reason for my positive outlook is that real estate values and transaction volume is cyclical. Yes, the real estate market runs in

cycles. Almost all of these cycles run seven to 10 years, however, there are longer cycles such as the one we have just come out of that was about 17 years in length. If real estate is cyclical, then our local market is at the beginning of the optimistic phase of the cycle where our location, our quality of life, low interest rates and the perceived value of our real estate compared to other parts of the country is the driving factor. We buy real estate as a place to live, a place to raise a family or have one visit, a place to grow a garden, a place to drink a cup

Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Development Update of tea or coffee in the morning and a place to sleep. Locally, 2011 was still a difficult year for about nine of the 12 months. Three months during 2011 were good enough to force the total year’s statistics to show a slightly better year than 2010 in our local market. Now, why will 2012 be better? Let’s start with interest rates and the consumer’s view of urgency. While much attention is given to the Federal Reserve Bank’s decision to keep

interest rates low until 2014, that decision has no effect and no correlation to the interest rates on home mortgages. Our mortgage interest rates are determined based on the bond market, the overall economy and are long-term rates. Thus, the buyers that watch the real estate market and are looking for opportunity now are realizing that now is the time to take advantage of the low interest rates (i.e. 3.91% on a 30-year fixed – as of writing this article) and prices that

have adjusted down to a perceived bottom in many areas. These lower interest rates and the perception of a “bottom” of the market has sparked interest and showings on properties above $400,000 with a significant increase in activity in the price range above $750,000. For most sellers in that price range, any showing would be great and remember that going from one to two showings a month is a 100% increase! Statistics are a funny thing! This increase is good news as these properties have a much better potential of going to closing due to the fact that the mortgage market requires a significant down payment to close and the buyer should have provided “proof of funds” to the lender prior to getting the pre-approval letter for the offer they submit.

Location, price and condition

When a closing occurs in the $400,000plus price range, it typically “frees up” a home in the price range below that one – ideally in the $150,000 to $300,000 price range. This price range is quicker moving and has more demand and lower inventory right now, so that gets the market moving. These are really good trends, although we will likely see many “ups and downs” in statistics this year. So, what does this mean for the Lake Wylie real estate market? Let’s start by saying the market is not dead. While many areas have seen low showings and have seen prices falling, there are still transactions closing. In our entire market for 2011, there were upward of 3,000 units closed — just a tick above 2010 numbers. To compare how that volume might stack up, it is similar to the 2002 and 2003 markets, which at the time were some of the best years our local market had ever seen. But that does not answer the most asked question of all: “What will make my house sell?” While location is incredibly important, your home is where it is and you cannot move its location. Thus, you have to compete in this market on two very important fronts: first, price and second, condition of property. The winner in both categories is the one that attracts the buyer’s offer. Make sure you are working with a professional realtor that can advise you on both! I wish you a profitable and productive 2012. LW

J.D. Rinehart Jr. is the CEO/President of Rinehart Realty and was the 2010 President of the S.C. Realtors Association.

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Spotlight The magazine of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

ser ard for her many years of Joan Brom receives an aw

Chamber of Commerce. vice with the Lake Wylie

CMC-Steele Creek Uncompromising Excellence. Commitment to Care. Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight

Annual Spring Appreciation Luncheon and Fashion Show Wednesday, April 25, 2012 • River Hills Country Club Celebrate spring with your guests at the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Appreciation Day Luncheon and Fashion Show. This year’s event, sponsored by Bank of York, Lake Wylie Business Centre and Watson Insurance, will be held Wednesday, April 25 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at River Hills Country Club. The luncheon includes a fashion show featuring styles by Alta of Rock Hill and River Hills Pro Shop modeled by local female and male residents and business people. There will be music and lots of attractive door prizes. The Spring Appreciation Day Luncheon is an ideal way for businesses

Last year, Allan Gregory modeled a light blue seersucker suit.

Jennifer Williams of Wells Fargo wore an asymetrical top perfect for spring.

The Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show, held each year at River Hills Country Club, always draws a large crowd.

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to entertain or thank clients, customers, staff and/or vendors. A corporate table for eight is $325 and includes a table sign with the company’s name, priority seating at the luncheon and acknowledgement in pre- and postevent publicity. Individual table seats are also available at $25 per person. Since the luncheon is a very popular event in the Lake Wylie community, guests are encouraged to reserve a spot without delay. To make reservations now, or for more information, call Susan Bromfield or Johan Peers at the Chamber at 803-831-2827 or send an email to lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com.

Jay Rinehart modeled the perfect spring accessory for men and women — ­ a wide-brimmed hat!

Elizabeth Hartley gets into the spirit of the fashion show.

Spotlight

Joan Brom honored at the Annual Gala

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce 2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Charles Wood – Chairman KODIAK MINI STORAGE Ed Stewart – Past Chairman M.L. FORD & SONS Don Long – 1st Vice Chairman river hills community associatioN Fred Wetherell – 2nd Vice Chairman STERLING SOURCE, INC. Donna Bordeaux – Secretary BORDEAUX & BORDEAUX, CPAs, PA Michaelyn Sherrill – Treasurer WINGFOOT RESIDENTIAL Myron Boloyan, Esq. HASELDEN, OWEN, BOLOYAN & CORSON, LLC Susan Bryant RINEHART REALTY Fred Caldwell FRED CALDWELL CHEVROLET

Joan Brom receives a plaque and bouquet of flowers in honor of her many years of service with the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce.

Wood told the group how she was steady, stable and a common sense board member who was always willing to help. She served on the executive board and as chairman of the committee that chose the Business Person and Citizen of the Year for more than 12 years. She is sincere, fair and balanced with her leadership style and has been a tremendous asset to the chamber and with its long-term goals to secure a permanent location in the community. On behalf of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Comspecial recognition was given to Joan merce, the chairmen representing her 18 years of Brom at this year’s annual gala for her service and Susan Bromfield, Joan was presented a many years of service on the Lake Wylie beautiful plaque that read: Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She was honored by Charles Wood, chairman of the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, along TO JOAN BROM with several former chairmen who held the position during the last 18 years. Those in attendance IN GRATEFUL APPRECIATION FOR YOUR included Ed Stewart, Charlie Bromfield, Andy DEDICATED & DEVOTED Kane, Peggy Upchurch-Long and Don Long, as SERVICE AS A BOARD MEMBER well as Chamber president Susan Bromfield. Joan was president of PHP Locker Co., one of WE LOVE & THANK YOU! the largest locker companies in the nation, and has served on the chamber board nearly 18 years. Wood surprised Joan when he called the chamSusan then presented Joan with a beautiful bouber’s past chairmen, along with Susan Bromfield, to quet of flowers. The love was felt throughout the honor her. room by all in attendance.

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Tom Griffin SOUTHERN TRUST MORTGAGE Allan Gregory KA GREGORY WEALTH MANAGEMENT Diana Grubenhoff LONG COVE MARINA Leonard Jackson LAKE WYLIE BUSINESS CENTRE Andy Kane CATAWBA LANDS CONSERVANCY David Mathein T-BONES ON THE LAKE Paige McCarter CLOVER COMMUNITY BANK Susan Bromfield, President P.O. Box 5233 264 Latitude Lane, Suite 101 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803.831.2827, Fax: 803.831.2460 lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com www.lakewyliesc.com

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

Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight

Hannon Orthodontics – Lake Wylie Feb. 2, 2012 • Grand Opening Luncheon and Ribbon Cutting Photos by Diana Grubenhoff

Lisa and Brian Hall III of M.L. Ford and Sons dropped by to welcome the Hannons to Lake Wylie.

Britta and Bernie Drahola of Drahola Technologies of Lake Wylie and Germany at Hannon Orthodontics’ grand opening.

A lovely lunch and beautiful desserts were provided.

Jamie Westmoreland of Bank of York, Pam Horeck of Pathfinder Planning and Fred Wetherell of Sterling Source enjoy the grand opening luncheon. Dr. Steve Hannon and his daughter Dr. Stephani Hannon Orthodontics e Hannon at their new Lake Wylie practice. Top: The ribbon cutting ceremony was held Feb. 2 at Hannon Orthodontics’ new Lake Wylie office at Rivers Edge Pavilion. Bottom: The Hannon Orthodontic family and staff at the ribbon cutting.

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Spotlight

Business After Hours Nov. 17, 2011• Fred Caldwell Chevrolet Sponsored by Fred Caldwell Chevrolet Photos by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Nancy Snyder, along with Barbara Matheson of Covenant Alternative Heath Care and Gwen Thompson of Clover Community Bank at BAH.

Susan Lukowski of Lake Wylie Travel and her husband Ed at the November BAH.

Ann and Bud Rother pose for the camera. Bud is a volunteer at the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.

The team at Fred Caldwell Chevrolet celebrate Chevrolet’s 100th anniversary.

Chamber members listen to Fred Caldwell announce plans for the expansion.

Melanie Wilson and Kathy Weeks of Allen Tate Realty enjoy the event.

Fred Caldwell announces plans for the expansion of his dealership and reveals the renderings of the new showroom to be built in 2012.

Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight

Annual Holiday Gala Dec. 6, 2011 • River Hills Country Club Sponsored by: T-Bones on the Lake, Lake Wylie Business Centre, York County Natural Gas, Duke Energy, S.C. Rep. Ralph Norman, Watson Insurance, Fred Caldwell Chevrolet and River Hills Country Club Photos by Point of View Photography

Gene and Lisa McCarthy at the holiday gala. Lisa is a long-time volunteer at the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce.

Fred and Vickie Caldwell of Fred Caldwell Chevrolet. Fred was 2010 Business Person of the Year. He is a chamber board member and sponsor of the gala.

Elaine Norman sings with The Classics and crosses off singing with a band from her “bucket list.”

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Jim and Mari Heckle of York County Natural Gas, a sponsor of the gala.

Dr. Alfred Jackson and his wife Stephanie of Jackson Orthodontics in Steele Creek enjoy the festivities.

Spotlight

Beckie Oxford and Leonard Jackson of Lake Wylie Business Centre, a premier sponsor of the gala and chamber board member.

Blanche and Sheriff Bruce Bryant at this year’s holiday gala.

Amy and John Burton, owners of Revel Salon and Color Studio at Lake Wylie Business Centre, at the holiday gala.

Jennifer and Bruce Henderson, York County District 2 Councilman, attend this year’s gala.

Elaine and S.C. Rep. Ralph Norman. Rep. Norman was a sponsor of the gala and was honored as 2011 Citizen of the Year.

Buddy Thomas of T-Bones on the Lake has been a premier sponsor of the gala for more than a dozen years. Buddy and Jeanie Bastone enjoyed the event.

Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

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2011 Business Person of the Year

his year’s Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year award was proudly presented to Doug McSpadden. Doug was raised in Gastonia, N.C. His family’s Christian values and the character development he learned as an Eagle Scout were major influences in his young life. Doug was an honor graduate in 1983 from the University of Tennessee’s School of Architecture. Doug is a custom homebuilder with more than 25 years of custom homebuilding and professional real estate experience. He was one of the first certified green builders in this area, having graduated from the first Advanced Green Building Professional class at the International Builder Show in early 2011. He stays current with building trends

and networks with other builders who are industry leaders. He meets twice a year with some of the most qualified builders in the country, including the National Association of Home Builders Pacesetter 20 Club, which is a group of 20 elite custom homebuilders throughout the United States. Doug thrives on production and getting things done. He lives by the motto, “Work hard. Play hard,” and thrives on customer satisfaction. “We don’t just build houses, we build relationships. It is the relationship that builds customer satisfaction,” he says. Doug also is very athletic and enjoys all sorts of outdoor activities. Doug built Lake Wylie Professional Center located at the corner of Channel Road and Nautical Drive. It is home to Glaza Chiropractic Center, Lake Wylie Eye, Miller Orthodontics, Focus Phys-

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce 2011 Citizen of the Year

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his year’s Citizen of the Year is S.C. Rep. Ralph Norman. Rep. Norman has demonstrated his leadership, commitment and citizenship throughout York County and the state of South Carolina. He has served as president of the United Way, Board of Realtors, Chamber of Commerce and many other civic and professional organizations. He has received many honors including the Order of the Palmetto. Rep. Norman has become a friend of the Lake Wylie community as its elected state representative. He is responsive and a supporter of the many Lake Wylie groups, charities and efforts. He is known for his conservative and practical approach to solving problems. He has taken a leadership role with the recent and ongoing water rate and service situation in the Lake Wylie area. He is a strong advocate of the River Hills – Lake Wylie Emergency Squad and he maintains open and frequent communications with the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce. Rep. Norman is married to Elaine and has four children and six grandchildren. He operates his

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ical Therapy and Fitness, Bordeaux and Bordeaux CPAs. The Center also is home to McSpadden Custom Homes, of course. He and his wife, Laurie, have lived in the Lake Wylie area since 1987. They have two sons, Harrison and Connor. Congratulations to Doug McSpadden, the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year.

Thank You to our annual Holiday Gala sponsors! Premier Sponsors Lake Wylie Business Centre T-Bones on the Lake

Gold Sponsors River Hills Country Club York County Natural Gas

Silver Sponsors family development business. He was elected to represent District 48, which includes Lake Wylie. It is with pleasure that the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce presented the 2011 Lake Wylie Citizen of the Year award to S.C. Rep. Ralph Norman.

Fred Caldwell Chevrolet S.C. Rep. Ralph Norman Watson Insurance

Award Sponsor Duke Energy

Spotlight Welcome New Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Members Oct. 31, 2011-Jan. 31, 2012 Businesses: Brigmon’s Construction Services LLC Eric Brigmon 384 Battery Circle Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-818-1941 eric.brigmon@gmail.com www.brigmonsconstuctionservices.vpweb.com Handyman, home repairs, construction

Drahola Technologies Inc Bernd Drahola 3359 Kingshire Way Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-619-9777 Bernie.drahola@drahola-technologies.com www.drahola-technologies.com Geographical information systems Software development

Jersey Mike’s Bill and Nicole Ross 604 Nautical Dr. #101 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-0912 803-831-0915(f) ross.williams@yahoo.com www.jerseymikes.com Restaurant

K.A. Gregory Wealth Management Allan Gregory 244 Latitude Lane, Suite 105 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-462-4400 855-805-2412(f) allan@gregorywealthmanagment.com Wealth management

Revel Salon and Color Studio Amy A. Burton 252 Latitude Lane, Suite 104 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-9394 amyaburton@att.net www.revelsalonandcolorstudio.com Full-service salon specializing in color

Crystal Carr, of Classic Salon, Carol Crouse and Jon Kinston of Edward Jones at Rivers Edge Pavilion dropped by to welcome their new neighbors, Hannon Orthodontics at the grand opening in February.

Rainbow International of York County Darrin Mahan 168 Highway 274 P.O. Box 218 Clover, SC 29710 803-656-5055 803-656-5056(f) dmahan02@gmail.com www.rainbowintl.com/yorkcounty Water and fire loss mitigation Mold remediation Sue and Dr. Tom Stall, of Lake Wylie Family Dentistry, drop by Hannon Orthodontics for its grand opening luncheon and Ribbon cutting.

Renewing Members Investing in our Lake Wylie Community Renewing Members Oct. 26, 2011 – Jan. 31, 2012 Businesses: AAA-Carolinas Allstate-David Vickers Agency Bi-Lo- Lake Wylie Blend, Inc. Clover Area Assistance Center Comporium-Long Distance Concord Cove D&D Sanitation Edward Jones Energy Smart Homes Fred Caldwell Chevrolet Hale Caregivers

Joyce Presley Realty Lakeside Insurance and Consulting Lake Wylie Athletic Association Lake Wylie Business Centre Lake Wylie Family Chiropractic Lake Wylie Marina Lake Wylie Marine Commission Lake Wylie Tax Services & Bookkeeping Lake Wylie Today Lake Wylie Travel Mary Kay McSpadden Custom Homes Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Pathfinder Planning

Remax- The Altieri Team River Hills Community Association South Forty Farm Sterling Source Total Bond Veterinary Hospitals Vitamins 4 Less Wylie Boat Rentals

Individuals: Walter Hein Andy Kane Jim McDowell R. Stan Over Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Spring Appreciation Day Luncheon Sponsored by Bank of York, Lake Wylie Business Centre and Watson Insurance

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Noon to 1:30 p.m. River Hills Country Club

Featuring Fashion show by Alta of Rock Hill and River Hills Pro Shop featuring local models.

Music Door Prizes | Lots of Fun! The Spring Appreciation Day Luncheon offers a great opportunity for businesses to entertain or thank clients, staff and/or vendors.

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Spotlight

Get the Edge in Business

Member Benefits and Discounts Bordeaux & Bordeaux CPAs The certified public accounts at Bordeaux & Bordeaux will provide a complimentary business consultation for all new members. Located at 548 Nautical Drive, Suite #202 in Lake Wylie.

Watson Insurance of the Carolinas Chamber members may receive a 5-12% discount on auto-owners insurance (home, life, car and business) through Watson Insurance. Join the Chamber group coverage to take advantage of this membership benefit. For information, call the Chamber at 803-831-2827.

Haselden, Owen, Boloyan and Corson LLC Offering complimentary legal consultation for Chamber members. Get started in business on the right foot. Call 803-831-2738.

Lakeside Insurance & Consulting LLC Let the pros take your info and goals and then shop the market for health, life, homeowners, auto and commercial insurance in the Carolinas. Determine the top three to four choices that meet your needs. Complimentary market analysis for chamber members. HSAs and affordable group benefits also available. Save money today. 704-408-8363

ComPro Business Services ComPro takes care of your business while you take care of business. Offering small business accounting, payroll and quarterly tax service at reasonable rates. Complimentary consultation. 704-588-1040

Small Business Development Center Complimentary service for developing small businesses. Located at the Thurmond Business Center at Winthrop University. 803-323-2283

Premier Financial Solutions Long-term care from Great American Life Insurance Co., offering discounted rates to Lake Wylie Chamber members. Contact David Brantley at 704-678-1535, 803-831-2823 or david0102@comporium.net.

York Tech York Tech is set to offer classes at Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Small Business Center in computer skills, geneology and marketing for small businesses. Classes must have a minimum of five participants. Call the Chamber with your group info. 803-831-2827

Lake Wylie Business Centre Office space at affordable prices in professional business center. Lease purchase or sale. Chamber members will receive preview and courtesy discount. Call Leonard Jackson at 803-924-0312.

River Hills Golf Course in the spring. (Photo/Ed Stewart) Spring 2012 | www.LakeWylieToday.com

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Spotlight Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Upcoming Activities

Business After Hours Thursday, March 15, 2012 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by: Clover Community Bank and Lake Wylie Liquors Held at: Clover Community Bank, Lake Wylie Business After Hours Thursday, April 19, 2012 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by: McSpadden Custom Homes, Bordeaux & Bordeaux CPAs, PFS, Focus Physical Therapy, Glaza Chiropractic, Lake Wylie Professional Center, Lake Wylie Eye, Miller Orthodontics Held at: Lake Wylie Professional Center

Nautical Drive, Lake Wylie Spring Appreciation Luncheon and Fashion Show Wednesday, April 25, 2012 Noon to 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by: Bank of York and Watson Insurance Held at: River Hills Country Club Business After Hours Thursday, May 17, 2012 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by and held at Kodiak Mini Storage Highway 49 at Bonum Road, Lake Wylie

Lake Wylie Splash Dash 5K/10K Run and 5K Walk Presented by: CMC- Steele Creek Saturday, June 9, 2012, 8 a.m. Held at: Camp Thunderbird and River Hills Lake Wylie Business After Hours Thursday, June 14, 2012 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by: River Hills Marina, T-Bones on the Lake, Pier 88, Q-2-U- Catering, Lake Wylie Business Centre, Whippoorwill Carriage Tours and Sea Tow Held at: River Hills Marina Pavilion River Hills, Lake Wylie

Save the Date! Splash Dash, the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce’s 10K/5K race/walk presented by CMC-Steele Creek, will take place Saturday June 9, 2012. Registration is at 7 a.m. at Camp Thunderbird.

2011 Lake Wylie Boat Parade Winners 1st Place: Brad Thomas “The Christmas Train” 2nd Place: Sid Smith “Wylie Sleigh” 3rd Place: Chris Kropec “Frosty and Mickey are Coming to Town”

CMC-Steele Creek Uncompromising Excellence. Commitment to Care.

The race and walk begin at 8 a.m. and wind through River Hills, finishing at Camp Thunderbird. Advance reservations are $20 for the run and $10 for the walk. Visit www.lakewyliesc.com for more information.

To register online, please visit www.queencitytiming.com. 64

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Thank You to our Boat Parade Sponsors! T-Bones on the Lake Light-N-Up Houseboat Bi-Lo – Lake Wylie

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