Gateway 2009

Gatewayto the Carolinas

THE 2009 NEWCOMER’S GUIDE

Living at Lake Wylie About the lake • Moving in • Our schools • Business • Things to do • A caring community

What’s insideWelcome 6A little bit about our townNew visitor’s center info

About Lake Wylie 10-13HistoryMapFacts and tidbitsOur towns

Moving In 14-16It’s hot living at the lakeRealtors listingHooking up utilitiesNumbers to knowTax informationDriver’s license infoRegister to voteUnique communities

Local Resources, Leader 18Meet out York County councilmanLocal mediaLibraries

Our schools 20-22More schools, new systemOur schoolsClover School District board membersPrivate schools

Lure of the lake 24-28Access areasFishingBoatingWatching our watersLake clubsVolunteer on the lake

To your health 30,32Healthplex emergency care moving inOur providers careGetting medical attentionMeet our first respondersHospital listingPet care

Getting down to business 34-36New professional centers and more comingLocal chambersSmall Business Centre infoLet’s go shopping

Things to do 40-41Annual calendar of eventsArea attractions

A caring community 42-43VolunteerTheater and entertainmentClubs

Be a sport 44-45Sports for every seasonLocal leaguesGolf courses

The first Buster Boyd Bridge was built in 1923, creating thefirst shortcut so local residents didn’t have to go around thelake to get to the other side. According to “York CountyYesterday and Today” (written by John Wilkerson of Lake Wylieand available at the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce),“After the dedication, Capt. Elliott White Springs of Fort Millflew his plane under the bridge. Springs was a World War I fly-ing ace and became one of York County’s prominent citizensas owner of Springs Industries. The bridge was rebuilt in1961 and widened to four lanes in 2003.”

BRIDGING THE CAROLINAS

“Gateway to the Carolinas:The Information Guide to the Lake

Wylie area” is an annual publication ofthe Lake Wylie Pilot, 8 Executive Court,

Lake Wylie, SC 29710Phone: (803) 831-8166Fax: (803) 831-0660

Online: lakewyliepilot.com

It is distributed in May and is availableat local chambers of commerce,

real estate agencies and many otherlocations. If you have informationappropriate for this publication or

would like to make changes,please contact us.

Gatewayto the Carolinas

DESIGNERCatherine [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSJohn Marks

Susan Bromfield

PHOTOGRAPHERSJim Stratakos (including cover)

John MarksMike LaughlinSusan DoyleAndy Burriss

SPECIAL PHOTO CONTRIBUTORSLake Wylie Chamber of CommerceGreg Reid, Clover School District

(photos submitted by Lake Wylie Pilotreaders for People, Places & Things and

Fishing & Boating submissions)

John Killian [3]Becky Sandefur [12]Chris Elder [14]Bob Daily [24-25]

Cary Vanden Broecke [26]Jim Wells [28]

Michael Cozza [44]

ADVERTISING STAFFKristin Alley

[email protected]

NEWCOMER’S GUIDE

ANIMAL SERVICESBethel Total Bond Veterinary Hospital 33Grooming Naturally 17Steele Creek Animal Hospital 33

ATTORNEYSF. Craig Wilkerson 7

AUTOMOTIVE CARELake Wylie Auto Care 19

BOATING/MARINASTega Cay Marina 29

BUSINESS SERVICESInternational Agency 37Lake Wylie Tax Service & Bookkeeping 29

CHILD CAREPine Grove Baptist Church 23

CLOTHING/CONSIGNMENTCarolina Cuties 7

DOCK CONSTRUCTION/ REPAIRClawson’s Pile Driving 29Dockmasters 48 (Back cover)

EDUCATIONGaston Day School 22Palisades Episcopal School 23Pinegrove Baptist Church 23

ENTERTAINMENT/CLUBSRoadhouse 39

FINANCIAL SERVICESBank of America/Tom Griffin 36Edward Jones/Alan Gregory 7Sloan Financial Group LLC 47

GIFTS/PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTSMonogram Fever 17

HAIR CAREClassic Salon 7Great Clips 22

HOME FURNISHINGS & INTERIORDiana’s Blinds & DesignsRock Hill Mattress

HOME REPAIR/RESTORATIONRemedics Restoration 37

INSURANCEInternational Agency 37Allstate/Mike Short 17State Farm Insurance/Jay Killen 19Sloan Financial Group LLC 46

MORTGAGES/LOANSBank of America/Tom Griffin 36Capital South Funding 39

MEDICAL/DENTAL/HEALTH SERVICESACE : A Caring Environment Massage Therapy 31Carolina Family Dental 31Charlotte Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat 31Lake Wylie Family Chiropractic 31Lifestyle Physical Therapy 16

REAL ESTATE &DEVELOPMENTAllen Tate Realtors/Jennifer Douse 9Allen Tate Realtors/Lou Hanson 17Allen Tate Realtors/Melanie Wilson 6Allen Tate Realtors/Roz Bailey 5Coldwell Banker United Realtors 9First Properties of the Carolinas/Jill Alcala 17First Properties of the Carolinas/Debra Holloman 17Heron Cove 6McSpadden Custom Homes 2

RESTAURANTS/FOODDilworth Coffeehouse 7The River Rat Restaurant & Bar 39The Seasonal Chef 43

STORAGE SERVICESAnchor Self Storage 7

TAX SERVICESInternational Agency 37Lake Wylie Tax Service & Bookkeeping 29Sloan Financial Group LLC 47

WORSHIPGood Samaritan 47Kingsway Baptist Church 47Pinegrove Baptist Church 23

Our advertisersLet them know you saw them in Gateway.

8 GATEWAY TO THE CAROLINAS

On behalf of the Lake Wylie Chamber ofCommerce, it is a pleasure to welcome youto this beautiful area.Lake Wylie is “The Perfect Setting.” It is

one of the fastest growing areas in YorkCounty and one of the most prosperous inthe region. Nestled on the northwest shoreof 13,433-acre Lake Wylie, it is ideally situ-ated for both work and play.The leisure and excitement of lakeside liv-

ing, small town atmosphere and convenientproximity to a metropolitan city make LakeWylie the perfect setting for home and busi-ness. The quality of life and productiveinvolvement of residents establish a dynam-ic business environment.The Lake Wylie community offers a wide

range of housing options. Elegant lakesideliving, cozy wooded neighborhoods and spa-cious condominiums add to the feeling of ayearround resort.The Lake Wylie community has the addi-

tional advantage of an excellent educationalsystem. The schools are among the best inthe state, employing highly qualified and

dedicated teachers, buildingoutstanding learning facilitiesand providing students witheffective resources andadvanced equipment.

Recreation is an integralpart of the Lake Wylie

lifestyle. With 325 miles of shoreline, thelake is ideal for boating, fishing, water skiingand sailing. The mild climate, yet wonderfullydistinct, seasonal changes not only enhancethe area’s beauty, but also afford yearroundenjoyment of golf, tennis and bicycling.Community events include the Lights on

the Lake annual holiday boat parade heldeach year in December, the Fourth of Julyspectacular fireworks display and the SplashDash 10K, 5K and walk held each June atCamp Thunderbird and River Hills Plantation.Lake Wylie is located 12 miles from

Charlotte, one of the nation’s fastest-grow-ing commercial and financial centers, whichoffers theater, operas, symphonies, muse-ums, fine dining and a variety of shoppingareas.

For sports lovers, the NFL CarolinaPanthers play at Bank of America Stadiumin the center city. The Charlotte Knights, aminor league baseball team, play at KnightsStadium, in Fort Mill, which is just a 15-minute drive from Lake Wylie. The CharlotteBobcats play basketball minutes away.Lake Wylie is truly a “Hidden Treasure”

and is a vibrant and thriving communitywhere geography, people and economic vital-ity have created a distinctive lifestyle.The new Lake Wylie Chamber of

Commerce Visitor Center located at 264Latitude Lane opened in November 2007and has created an inviting atmosphere towelcome visitors to the area. A full assort-ment of brochures and information is avail-able there.We hope this “Gateway” magazine gives

you some idea of why so many new familiesare making Lake Wylie their home. Visitlakewyliesc.com to learn more about LakeWylie.Susan Bromfield is president of the Lake

Wylie Chamber of Commerce.

Welcome Wagon

Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and seasonally, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

Welcome to Lake Wylie, SC — The Perfect Setting

NEWCOMER’S GUIDE 9

Tidbits• Lake Wylie was createdin 1904 and originallywas a 688-acre pond.• The present-day dam,built in 1924, raised thelake to 13.443 acres and325 miles of shoreline.

• JamesBuchanan‘Buck’ DukeboughtCatawba PowerCo. and formedSouthern PowerCo. in 1905.• Lake Wylieused to becalled CatawbaLake. In 1960,James Dukerenamed thelake for one ofthe utilityfounders, Dr. W.Gil Wylie.• Lake Wyliesits at the bor-

der of York,Mecklenburg and Gastoncounties, and the lakeitself is the dividing linebetween North andSouth Carolina.• Elevations in the LakeWylie area range from570 feet above sea levelto 961 feet above sealevel at Ferguson'sMountain.• Duke Energy, thelargest employer in theLake Wylie area, is alsothe leading energy com-pany located in theAmericas with an affiliat-ed real estate operation.Headquartered inCharlotte, N.C., DukeEnergy is a Fortune 500company traded on theNew York StockExchange under the sym-bol DUKE.• A 1999 Duke Powersurvey showed Wylie sawan estimated 2 millionvisitors, some repeats.

About Lake Wylie

James Duke

W. Gil Wylie

The current Lake Wylie Dam was rebuilt in 1924.

Lake Wylie, the oldest lake on the Catawba River, was created in 1904by a dam near Fort Mill, S.C. The dam was rebuilt and the lake enlarged in1924 with its surface expanding to 13,443 acres and 325 miles of shore-line. Full pond elevation at Lake Wylie is approximately 569.4 feet.The lake is named for Dr. W. Gil Wylie, who organized the Catawba Power

Co., the predecessor of Duke Energy, which currently manages the lake.In addition to supporting Wylie Hydroelectric Station, Lake Wylie also

supports Allen Steam Station and Catawba Nuclear Station with coolingwater and provides water supply for Belmont and Rock Hill, which providesfor York County, too.

Making the lakeThe first dam built in 1904 on Lake Wylie supported the Catawba Hydro Station.

LAKEWYLIE

AND VICINITYMarinas on Lake Wylie

Charlotte Yacht Club704-588-2314

Emerald Point Marina

Harbortowne Marina& Ship Store704-825-5050

The Yachtsman

Terry’s Marina704-588-0418

Long Cove Marina & Yacht Club704-588-1467

Lake Wylie Marina803- 831-2101

Camp ThunderbirdMarina704-716-4100

River Hills Marina803-831-1802

Pier 49704-588-5464

Red Fez Shrine704-588-0574

Catawba Yacht Club

Commodore Yacht Club803-831-7314

Tega Cay Marina803-548-3715

Lake Club Marina803-324-2232

Lake Wylie Access AreasAllen Fishing Area

South Point Boat Landing

Copperhead Access

Buster Boyd Bridge Access

McDowell Park

Big Allison Creek Access

Indian Ground Access

Windjammer Park

Tega Cay Beachand Swim Club

Nivens Creek Access

Pitcairn Cove Beach Park

Ebenezer Park Access

Fort Mill Access

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�Lake Wylie Visitor Center

When people talk about the “town” of Lake Wylie, they’re talking aboutthe stretch of unincorporated area in York County with homes and busi-nesses along S.C. 49 between Buster Boyd Bridge and the Five Pointsarea at S.C. 49, 274, 55 and Lake Wylie Road. Lake Wylie is actuallypart of greater Clover, sharing the 29710 ZIP code.Lake Wylie is a thriving community with a friendly, small-town atmos-

phere, but with easy access to the big city of Charlotte.Based on U.S. Census projected populations, the Lake Wylie area —

a five-mile radius of the Buster Boyd Bridge — is expected to grow from22,800 residents in 2000 to 34,000-plus by 2015, making it one of thefastest-growing regions in the Piedmont.Lake Wylie’s first neighborhood, River Hills Plantation on S.C. 49, was

built in 1977. The gated community on 884 acres is now surrounded byseveral neighborhood developments including Lake Wylie Woods, TheLanding, Forest Oaks and Autumn Cove, with more under development andmany homes interspersed on the lake or with a lake view.Business has boomed along the stretch of S.C. 49 to include a plethora

of dining options, gas stations, two grocery stores, automotive services andcar sales, more churches and even a coffeehouse and places to shop.

Lake Wylie Plaza offers a discount store, restaurants, beautyshop, sports center, insurance agent, post office, library and finejewelry store.A 52-acre, $30 million project along S.C. 49 between the Bi-Loshopping center and Mill Pond Road called Shoppes at theLanding will create a mixed-use development of commercialunits and upscale residential living.Mill Creek Commons at highways 49, 274 and 557 (referred toas Three Points) is the future home of a super Wal-Mart and cur-rently houses Lowe’s Home Improvement, and soonWalgreen’s, banking and more.

The Lake Wylie community“Lake Wylie is a ‘hidden

jewel’ in South Carolina, butLake Wylie is also a ‘preciousjewel’ to South Carolina,” saidS.C. Sen. Harvey Peeler. “Youenjoy 325 miles of shoreline— this is the one figure thathas not changed. But manyother figures have changedover the last several years.”Here are the facts about LakeWylie:

PopulationThe 1990 census showed

2,720 people lived in the LakeWylie area. The CatawbaPlanning Commission projectsthat by 2012 there will be35,000 people in this area.The Department ofTransportation says 30,000cars travel through Lake Wylieevery day on S.C. 49.

Median age is 51.4 ; SouthCarolina’s median age is 35.4.

Education• 1990, 84 percent earnedhigh school diplomas.• 2007, that percentage is 98percent, compared to 76 per-cent of South Carolinians withhigh school diplomas50 percent of residents havebachelor’s degrees; 11 per-cent have graduate degrees.

Place of birthIn 1990, only 7.2 percent ofLake Wylie residents wereborn in South Carolina. By the2000 census, 12.1 percentwere born and bredSandlappers.

Median householdincome1990 — $64,6262005 — $80,500 comparedto 2005 median householdincome in South Carolina of$39,316.

Average valueof house/condo1990 — $211,3002000 — $250,9002007 — $301,000

In 2000, the average value ofhomes and condos in SouthCarolina was $113,100; In2007, Lake Wylie’s was$250,900.

EmploymentLake Wylie’s unemploymentrate is 0.5 percent. In October2007, South Carolina’sunemployment rate was 5.8percent; the national rate was4.7 percent.

Tidbits• Buster Boyd Bridge, named after alocal farmer who pushed for connect-ing South Carolina and NorthCarolina, was built in 1923.Climate• The climate in the Lake Wylie areais moderate, with an average temper-ature of 62 degrees.• Cold weather is rare. January is thecoldest month with an average tem-perature of 42 degrees. Snow is lightand infrequent, occurring fromDecember through March.• Summers are comfortably warm.July averages 79 degrees. The frost-free season averages 230 days frommid-March through mid-November.

Interesting facts

DETAILED AREA MAPS AVAILABLEA new Lake Wylie map with 2,000 updates from the lastmap printed in 2001 highlights local businesses and areaattractions bordering the lake. Susan Bromfield, president ofthe Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and map sponsor,says “This map may be the only map that accurately coversthe border areas of York County and the Charlotte area indetail and with accuracy.” The map unfolds from a pocketsize 4-by-9 inches to 36-by-40 inches. The map costs $5 andis available at Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce/VisitorCenter, 264 Latitude Lane, suite 101, Lake Wylie, and atlocal businesses. For more information, call 803-831-2827.



Our towns on the lakeTega Cay is a peninsula city on Lake Wylie.Incorporated in 1982, the once-gated commu-nity was established in 1970 when a develop-er purchased 1,600 acres, 20 miles south ofuptown Charlotte, and built homes with aPolynesian architectural theme. In fact, TegaCay’s name means “beautiful peninsula.”About 4,300 residents call the city with a

motto of “The Good Life” home. The cityboasts an award-winning 27-hole golfcourse, marina, public boat launch, beachand inland parks, a junior Olympic swimmingpool, miles of walking trails, a beach house,clubhouse, community center, athletic fields,tennis courts and more.

Tega Cay also has a thriving businesscommunity in Stonecrest, anchored by Wal-Mart, which opened in early 2008.The median income for a household in

Tega Cay is $80,227, and the medianincome for a family is $82,926.More info: City Hall administrative offices,

120 Shoreline Pkwy.; 803-548-3512; tega-caysc.org

Belmont is located in Gaston County, N.C.,and is a peninsula city on the northern tip ofLake Wylie, covering 8.1 square miles, con-venient to Interstates 85 and 485. Dutchsettlers built a fort here in the 1750s, andnow the city’s population is almost 9,000.Along with big businesses including a Wal-

Mart Supercenter, the historic downtown isthriving with new and long-time businessesincluding Belmont Food & Beverage, Cherub’sCafe, Sammy’s Pub, Old Stone Steakhouse,unique boutiques and more. Other highlightsof Belmont include Stowe Park Daniel StoweBotanical Garden, and South Point AccessArea boat launch. Belmont Cultural andHeritage Learning Center also opened lastyear with historical displays and is home tothe Belmont Historical Society.Inspired by its Catholic heritage, Belmont

Abbey College is a private liberal arts college.The campus is home to the college, themonastery and the Abbey Basilica.More info: City Hall, 115 N. Main St.; 704-

825-5586; cityofbelmont.org

Lower Steele Creek is a growing com-munity on the lake in southwestMecklenburg County, with a portion of thecommunity in Charlotte city limits. SteeleCreek, likely founded in the late 1600s byScotch-Irish immigrants, is known as thearea along N.C. 49 between Interstate 485and the Buster Boyd Bridge.Area highlights include McDowell Nature

Preserve, Copperhead Island, Carowindsamusement park, and a 15,000-square-footlibrary. Large new developments include AyrsleyCenter, at N.C. 49 and I-485,which brings thearea its first movie theater in the commercialand residential development, and RiverGateShopping Center, at N.C. 49 and 160,with TheHome Depot and Target as anchors. Censuspopulation puts Steele Creek at 25,282, cover-ing 47 square miles, including the lower area.There also are many medical offices and ahealth plex opening mid- to late-2009.More info: Steele Creek Residents

Association, P.O. Box 38628, Charlotte, NC28278; steelecreekresidents.org


Moving in

Not only is Lake Wylie area real estate as hot as it has ever been, but statis-tics show it may be as hot here as anywhere in the Carolinas.Led by larger lot areas such as River Hills in Lake Wylie and The Palisades

and The Sanctuary in Steele Creek, the housing market has seen unprecedent-ed growth in number of homes sold, asking price received and rapid marketturnover.Real estate agents say the natural setting and spacious lots draws buyers to

the 30-plus year old homes in the gated River Hills community despite newhomes being built throughout the area. From 2001 to 2005, an average of 50homes per year were sold in River Hills with an average market listing of 131days. In 2006, 73 homes were sold with an average of 88 days on the market.According to househuntnews.com, River Hills homes average $220,000 for a

three-bedroom. Average home price at The Palisades development is $550,000with average time on the market 90 to 120 days, while The Sanctuary averagehome price is listed as $300,00 with 30 to 60 days on the market.Tega Cay, Fort Mill and Rock Hill all rank among 10 South Carolina communi-

ties at the next highest level of 95 to 100 percent received, while southwestCharlotte ranks behind only three North Carolina markets with that same figure.Despite a slow economy, area improvements such as the widening of N.C. 49

and increased commercial and retail property in the area contribute to the area’sgrowing appeal, Realtors say. Even in the traditionally slower months for selling,new buyers continue to come.“This area is attracting people from all over because of our fabulous lake

lifestyle, great schools and a recent decrease in property tax,” one local Realtorsaid. “It’s a great time to be a part of the Lake Wylie and Tega Cay communities.”

• Allen Tate Realtors1000 Village Harbor DriveLake Wylie, SC 29710803-831-1185• Carter HaystonReal Estate3205 Palmetto PlaceFort Mill, SC 29708803-547-9713• Century 21 First Choice206 Rockmont DriveFort Mill, SC 29708803-548-3551• Century 21Palmetto Homes508 Bethel St.Clover, SC 29710803-222-5464• First Propertiesof the Carolinas Inc.Corporate OfficeOne Executive CourtLake Wylie, SC 29710800-545-3342Tega Cay Office2222 Tega Cay RoadTega Cay, SC 29708800-462-6705Charlotte office11040 S. Tryon St.,Ste. 202Charlotte, NC 28273704-248-3500• Joyce Presley Realty1481 Gold Hill RoadFort Mill, SC 29708803-547-4004•Lane Realty4609 Charlotte Hwy.,Ste.3,Lake Wylie, SC 29710803-831-1113• May Green Properties6121 Charlotte Hwy.York, SC 29745803-631-4110•Queen City Real EstateGroup3131 Hwy. 21Fort Mill, SC 29708803-802-2020•REMAX757 Stockbridge DriveFort Mill, SC 29708704-488-7177•REMAX Executive Realty6842 Marrison Blvd.Charlotte, NC 28211704-351-9633•Rinehart Realty Corp.264 Latitude LanceSuite 103Lake Wylie, SCLake CenterFort Mill, SC803-548-9797•Stiles Realty5400 Hwy. 55 E.Clover, SC803-831-8181

Jump in and get settled in

LOCAL WEATHER: Average January low temperature, 28.6 F; Average July high temperature, 89.3 F

Area Realtors


Numbers to knowELECTRICITY• Duke Energy, a Fortune500 company with more than2 million customers in theCarolinas. 800-777-9898. Ifthey do not service your area,call Energy United at 704-892-0278 or Union PowerCooperative at 704-289-3145.• York Electric Co-op servesareas Duke Energy does not.Call 803-684-4248.

NATURAL GAS• York County Natural GasAuthority serves all of YorkCounty. 803-329-5255• Piedmont Natural Gas inCharlotte serves customers inNorth Carolina. 704-525-3882

CABLE• Time Warner serves NorthCarolina residents near LakeWylie. 704-377-9600• ComporiumCommunications servesLake Wylie and the Fort MillTownship area, includingTega Cay. 803-548-9011

WATER/SEWER/TRASH• Weekly trash pickupsinside Tega Cay city limits.Contact Tega Cay City Hallat 803-548-3512.• Carolina Water ServiceInc., a private utility, servesthe water needs of the LakeWylie area, as well as theRiverPointe community offHighway 49 in NorthCarolina. 800-367-4314 or704-525-7990• D&D Sanitation, 803-222-3862.• Tega Cay Water Service,Inc. provides water andsewer to Tega Cay. 803-548-0821• York County PublicWaterworks provides waterand sewer service to arearesidents along CarowindsBoulevard, Gold Hill Road,Pleasant Road and part ofHighway 160. 803-628-3210,for water and sewer service.• Select Sanitation, 3324Shopton Road, Charlotte,provides commercial andresidential service for LakeWylie area residents. (704)588-4571• Signature Waste SystemsInc., 660 WestinghouseBlvd., Charlotte, providescommercial and residentialservice for Lake Wylie andFort Mill areas. 704-714-9400; signaturewaste.com• For water and sewer serv-ice in the Charlotte area,call Charlotte-MecklenburgUtilities at 704-336-2211.

Utilities

COUNTYOFFICES

YorkYork County AuditorP.O. Box 116York, SC 29745803-684-8528, 803-684-8501yorkcountygov.com

MecklenburgTax Collector700 E. Stonewall St.Charlotte, NC 28202704-336-4600payments.official-pay-ments.com/mecklenburg/

GastonTax Office128 W. Main Ave.Gastonia, NC 29052704-866-3158co.gaston.nc.us

Taxes

Driver’s License

Register to vote

As an unincorporated area of York County,Lake Wylie residents pay county taxes, andtax rates vary by municipalities. Taxes mayinclude school district, property, fire tax dis-trict and more.All property tax classified as a primary

residence is taxed at 4 percent. These prop-erties are not subject to school operatingtaxes.A hospitality tax of 2 percent is applied in

unincorporated areas of York County onsales of prepared food and beverages soldin eating and drinking establishments. Statelaw requires the money be spent on tourism.The sales and use tax program in York

County adds 1 percent to goods purchasedin the county for road improvement,approved by voters, for Pennies forProgress.

You must be 18 years of age orolder to apply for a driver’s license Alearner’s permit may be acquired atage 15. To receive an original driverlicense in North Carolina, you mustbring at least two acceptable forms ofidentification — one with your fullname and at least one form of identifi-cation must include your date of birth.You must complete and pass the writ-ten, sign and vision tests. If you sur-render a valid license from anotherstate, the road test requirement is atthe discretion of the Examiner. Proofof residency and liability insurance onyour vehicle are required in addition toa Social Security card.Offices•785 W. Charlotte Ave., Mount Holly, NC704-827-9486•201-A W. Arrowood Road, Charlotte, NC704-527-2562, 704-527-2563N.C. DMVIn Raleigh: 919-715-7000,ncdot.org/dmv

North Carolina

If you are at least 17 years old andhave held a beginner's permit for 180days, you are eligible for a regular SCDriver's License. Learner’s permit maybe acquired at age 15. To receive anoriginal driver’s license in SouthCarolina, you must bring your birthcertificate, social security card, proofof residency and insurance informa-tion. You must pass the vision androad skills tests. If you surrender avalid license from another state, youmay use a valid driver's license fromyour former state for up to 90 days. ASouth Carolina license is valid for fiveyears and must be renewed by yourbirthday in the fifth year.Offices•305 Hands Mill Road, Rock Hill, SC803-329-6332•York County Complex, 1070 HeckleBlvd., Rock Hill803-909-7161S.C. DMVIn Columbia: 800-442-1368, scdmvon-line.com

South CarolinaPOLICE• York County Sheriff’s Office, 803-628-3056• Gaston County Police, 704-866-3300• Gaston County Sheriff’s Dept., 704-869-6800• Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Dept., 704-336-2543• Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department-Steele Creek, 704-336-7800• Tega Cay Police, 803-548-0340• Clover Police, 803-222-9494• Belmont Police, 704-825-3792• Fort Mill Police, 803-547-2022FIRE• Fire Reporting and Burning, 800-756-2876• Bethel Volunteer Fire Dept., 803-831-7988• Tega Cay Volunteer Fire Dept., 803-548-4321• Clover Fire Dept., 803-222-3220• Belmont Fire Dept., 704-825-0502• Southpoint Fire Dept., Belmont, 704-825-3166• Steele Creek Volunteer Fire Dept., [email protected]• Charlotte Fire Station No. 26, 704-588-6752• Charlotte Fire Station No. 37, 704-432-3954• Fort Mill Volunteer Fire Dept., 803-547-5511• Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Dept., 803-548-5600• Riverview Volunteer Fire Dept., 803-547-5921RESCUE• Lake Wylie/River Hills EMS, 803-831-9888• MEDIC (Mecklenburg County EMS), 704-943-6000• Tega Cay Rescue Squad, 803-548-4321• Gaston County EMS, 704-866-3300• S.C. Poison Control Center, 800-222-1222• Carolinas Poison Center, Charlotte emergency: 800-222-1222/

Administrative: 704-395-3795GOVERNMENT• York County Manager, 803-684-8511• York County Voter Registration, 803-684-1242• Mecklenburg County Manager, 704-336-2472• Mecklenburg County Voter Registration, 704-336-2133• Gaston County Manager, 704-866-3100• Tega Cay City Hall, 803-548-3512• Belmont City Hall, 704- 825-5586• Clover Town Hall, 803-222-9495• S.C. DMV/S.C. Highway Dept., 803- 909-7161• N.C. DMV, 919-715-7000• U.S. Post Office — Lake Wylie, 803-831-1311• U.S. Post Office — Charlotte, Fort Mill, Clover, and all others, 800-275-8777NEWSPAPER• Lake Wylie Pilot, (803) 831-8166

• York County residents can pick up avoter application form at any locallibrary, City Hall or the Department ofMotor Vehicles. Mail completed appli-cations to: Voter Registrations andElections, 13 S. Congress St., YorkSC 29745. 803-909-7194• In Charlotte, register to vote atMecklenburg County Board ofElections, 741 Kenilworth Ave., Suite202; at any public library, social serv-ices agencies and driver’s licenseoffices. 704-336-2133• In Gaston County, register at 810 W.Mauney Ave., Gastonia, at any publiclibrary, social services agencies anddriver’s license offices. 704- 864-4852


The Palisades in Steele Creek is notonly host to Championships at ThePalisades every year bringing retired pro-fessional tennis players such as PeteSampras and John McEnroe to LakeWylie, but is now home to The Ranch.The new equestrian community in

The Palisades recently opened with aworld-class riding facility. The PalisadesEquestrian Center features 20 barnstalls, paddocks, pastures, gallopingtrails, boarding services and training.“This facility offers a full complement

of equestrian programs in a setting thatis unparalleled,” said Jim Medall, presi-dent of Palisades developer RheinMedall Communities.The center on Youngblood Road West

is open to the public for training, les-sons and boarding, with horse boardingapplications being accepted.“We have heard from many people

who want to board their horses here,including carriage horses and SpanishPaso Finos,” said Caitlin Fletcher, facili-ty manager.Fletcher, certified in horsemanship,

training, barn management and equinenutrition and care, even has internation-al competitor Ivy LeDonne on board foreventing training, while Fletcher will

teach beginner and intermediate equi-tation and hunter jumper lessons.“The barn is beautiful, and we will

have one of the best equestrian pro-grams in the region,” Fletcher said.

The center also provides an after-school riding program for students atPalisades Episcopal School.The center boasts galloping trails for

conditioning that wind through TheRanch, offering residents there a fullview of cross country jumping. Naturalwood obstacles of varying sizes and dif-ficulty levels will be placed along thetrail similar to jumps a horse mightcome across in competition.The facility, however, is open to all

sorts of horses with varying trainingneeds.“We are open to all disciplines,”

Fletcher said.The Ranch also is open for guests to

peruse the facilities.Mark Baldwin, executive vice presi-

dent of the Charlotte HomebuildersAssociation, has called The Palisades a“unique place in the Charlotte area.”For more information about The

Ranch and Palisades EquestrianCenter, call 704-533-0591 or visit thep-alisades.info.

Unique Communities

New equestrian center to be ‘best in region’ About The RanchAddress: 19104Youngblood RoadWestSize: 8,000 squarefeetStalls: 20, each 12-by-12 feetFeatures: Office,lounge, tack room,storage facilities,bathing facilities, pas-tures, paddocks, com-munity ring, gallopingtracksAcreage: Just lessthan five acres, minuscommunity ring andgalloping tracksLength: 2,250 linearfeet at present for thegalloping tracks, withan additional 3,500linear feet plannedPublic Use: Allowed,given that non-resi-dents apply for a uselicense from the cen-terPrograms: Beginner andintermediate lessons,horsemanship, dres-sage, hunter jumper,eventing training, use ofgalloping tracks, fullhorse care, riding ofboarded horses



Your award-winning community newspaper, publishesweekly on Tuesdays, serving 11,200 readers in LakeWylie, Tega Cay, lower Steele Creek, Belmont and parts ofClover, since 2002. Previously called Lake WylieMagazine, the newspaper launched in 1984.Location: 8 Executive Court (First Properties Building onS.C. 49) Lake Wylie, SC 29710 Phone: 803-831-8166Fax: 803-831-0660Online: lakewyliepilot.comSubscribe: Annual subscriptions cost $21, call 803-329-4044 and tell them you want the Lake Wylie Pilot.E-mail editorial:news@lakewyliepilotE-mail advertising:[email protected]

In 2006, The McClatchy Co. — parent company of LakeWylie Pilot, The Herald, Enquirer-Herald and Fort MillTimes — purchased then No. 2 publisher Knight Ridder,including The Charlotte Observer, for $4.5 billion, makingit the third largest newspaper company in the U.S.

Local leaders and resources

Media

Lake Wylie Pilot

Daily newspapers•The Herald, 132 W. Main St., Rock Hill. 803- 329-4000; heraldonline.com•Charlotte Observer 803-532-5350; charlotte.com

As an unincorporated areaof York County, which covers685 square miles, LakeWylie’s governing body is YorkCounty Council. The countywas established in 1785 andis run by a seven-personcouncil and county manager.Phone: 803-684-851Online: yorkcounty-gov.com/council/

Lake Wylie, in District 2, hasone representative on council,Tom Smith, owner of May GreenProperties, right. He is servinghis second term, and also rep-resents the Clover area.He can be reached at

803-631-4110 [email protected].

RepresentingLake Wylie

•Lake Wylie Public Library185 Blucher Circle, Lake Wylie10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday803-831-7774•Fort Mill Public Library1818 Second Baxter Crossing,Fort Mill10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday- Thursday10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday803-547-4114•Clover Public Library107 Knox St., Clover10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday803-222-3474•Steele Creek Library13620 Steele Creek Road,Charlotte9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday704-588-4345•Belmont Public Library111 North Central Ave.10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday,Thursday and Friday10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday704-825-5426

Libraries

Tom Smith, a father of four, little league coach and land developer,has seen what he calls the Clover/Bethel/Lake Wylie communitychange dramatically in the two decades since he moved into the areaand the seven years since he started his business.Using his development experience, Smith helped with the 1997

Pennies for Progress program in identifying county roads for improve-ment. He also served on a committee that helped develop a compre-hensive land-use plan for the county.The success of a community relies on local leaders in important

roles such as planning, development and engineering, Smith says.The only reason Smith considered running for council was a problemhe saw in past councils using outside consultants to form criticalcounty policy. Someone needed to stand up for local workers and resi-dents, Smith says.“I never wanted to be a county commissioner,” he said. “I never

wanted to be political, seeing as I hate that word.”The community needs more than more houses or businesses,

Smith said. It needs places for new schools, park and recreation facili-ties and perhaps even a county complex.Smith’s goal for his two-year term on council is simple — to

address issues that most affect York County residents in a way thatworks best for everyone involved. He plans to hold annual town hallmeetings. The meetings are just one way of letting the communityknow that he wants to listen and respond.Another way is by sitting in his office as he often does — with the

door open.


A new configuration changing the Clover SchoolDistrict, where Lake Wylie area students attend, beginsin fall 2009 with a key piece to that puzzle located inLake Wylie.Oakridge Middle School, located on Oakridge Road

and S.C. 557 just west of Bethel Fire Station No. 1,will instruct students in grades 6-8 on the eastern sideof the district. Oakridge serves students coming fromCrowders Creek, Bethel and Griggs Road elementaryschools, while Clover Middle School will be fed byBethany, Kinard and the newest elementary school,Larne.Before the 2009-10 school year, the district used a

four-school approach combining elementary, middle,junior high and high school. Now, grades K-5 will beelementary, followed by 6-8 at middle and 9-12 in highschool.Oakridge, which cost $36 million, spans 180,000

square feet and should serve 700 to 750 studentswhen it opens. The building is about 85 percent LEADcertified, and built on budget, according to schoolfinance officer Ken Love.“This is huge,” said Lake Wylie resident and school

board member Melanie Wood Wilson during a tour early

in 2009. “It just doesn’t look that big from the outside.”The school property includes athletic facilities and

amenities that, when not used for school functions,may be used for civic purposes.Oakridge will be led by Crowders Creek Middle

School principal Will Largen, who moves over to takethe same post at Oakridge. The school also will be thefirst of 11 Clover schools — including Larne whichopens at the same time — to have an official mascotother than Blue Eagle.“We had a contest with the kids to pick the name,”

Largen said. “‘Eagles’ was the number one choice. Isaid we couldn’t just have the same as the otherschools, so we changed it a little to Golden Eagles.”School colors will be maroon and gold.Prior to Oakridge and Larne, the Clover School

District had more than 1,000,000 square feet ofschool space on 540 acres. The district general fundoperates on a budget, as of 2008, of just more than$54 million. 932 teachers instruct 6,511 students,with an annual average teacher salary of $48,951—more than $3,000 higher than the state average.For more information on the district, visit

clover2.k12.sc.us.

Our schools

More schools, new system

Learning at the lake

Clover School Districtclover2.k12.sc.usSuperintendent Dr. Marc Sosne604 Bethel St.Clover, SC 29710803-810-8000

� Clover HighPrincipal Dr. Tommy SchmolzeGrades 9-121625 Hwy. 55 E.Clover, SC 29710803-222-45911760 enrollmentclover2.k12.sc.us/chs

� Oakridge MiddlePrincipal Will Largen5350 Hwy. 557Lake Wylie, SC 29710Grades 6-8

� Crowders Creek ElementaryPrincipal Millicent Dickey5515 Charlotte HighwayLake Wylie, SC 29710803-831-2434

� Bethel ElementaryPrincipal Tom GuinaneGrades Pre-K to 46000 Hwy. 55 E.Clover, SC 29710803-831-7816530 enrollmentclover2.k12.sc.us/bethel

� Griggs Road ElementaryPrincipal Pam CatoGrades Pre-K-4100 Griggs RoadClover, SC 29710803-222-5777463 enrollmentclover2.k12.sc.us/griggs

See school board members listed onpage 22.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg SchoolsSuperintendent Dr. Peter Gorman701 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.Charlotte, NC 28202980-343-3000cms.k12.nc.us

� Olympic Community ofSchoolsGrades: 9-124301 Sandy Porter RoadCharlotte, NC 28273980-343-1403Hours: 7:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m.1,845 enrollment

� Southwest MiddlePrincipal Dr. Valerie WilliamsGrades 6-813624 Steele Creek RoadCharlotte, NC 28273980-343-5006Hours: 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

1,193 enrollmentpages.cms.k12.nc.us/southwest

� Dixie River Road ElementaryPrincipal Cheryl TurnerGrades K-55910 Dixie River RoadCharlotte, NC 28278Hours: 7:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m.pages.cms.k12.nc.us/dixieriverroad(opening 2009, helping to ease crowd-ing at Steele Creek Elementary)

� Youngblood ElementaryPrincipal Acquanetta EdmondGrades K-515340 Smith RoadCharlotte, NC 28273Hours: 8:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m.(opening 2009)

� Lake Wylie ElementaryPrincipal Kimberly Odom (interim)Grades K-513620 Erwin RoadCharlotte, NC 28273980-343-3680Hours: 8:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m.983 enrollmentpages.cms.k12.nc.us/lake

� Steele Creek ElementaryPrincipal Gina Smith O-HareGrades K-54100 Gallant Lane, Rt. 2Charlotte, NC 28273980-343-3810Hours: 7:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m.1,156 enrollmentpages.cms.k12.nc.us/steelecreek

� Winget Park ElementaryPrincipal Carol BarbourGrades K-512235 Winget RoadCharlotte, NC 28278980-343-1063Hours: 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m.1057 enrollmentpages.cms.k12.nc.us/wingetpark

*Both Dixie River Road ElementarySchool and Youngblood ElementarySchool were in the process of selectingofficial school names as of press time.

Fort Mill SchoolDistrictfort-mill.k12.sc.usSuperintendent Dr. Keith Callicutt120 E. Elliot St.Fort Mill, SC 29715803-548-2527

� Fort Mill HighPrincipal Dee ChristopherGrades 9-12225 Munn RoadFort Mill, SC 29715803-548-1900

� Gold Hill MiddlePrincipal Tommy JohnstonGrades 6-81025 Dave Gibson Blvd.Tega Cay, SC 29708Hours: 8:20 a.m.-3:30 p.m.ghms.fort-mill.k12.sc.us

� Gold Hill ElementaryPrincipal Terry BrewerGrades K-51000 Dave Gibson Blvd.Tega Cay, SC 29708Hours: 7:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m.ghes.fort-mill.k12.sc.us

� Pleasant Knoll Elementaryopening in 2009 on east side of 160)

Gaston CountySchoolsSuperintendent Reeves McGlohon943 Osceola St.Gastonia, NC 28054704-866-6100gaston.k12.nc.us

� South Point HighPrincipal Gary FordGrades 9-12

906 South Point RoadBelmont, NC 28012704-825-3351gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/southpoint

� Forestview HighPrincipal Robert CarpenterGrades 9-125545 Union RoadGastonia, NC 28056704-861-2625gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/forestview

� Belmont MiddlePrincipal Audrey DevineGrades 6-8110 N. Central Ave.Belmont, NC 28012704-825-9619gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/belmontmiddle

� Belmont Central Elementary

Principal Sara MooreGrades Pre-K-5310 Eagle RoadBelmont, NC 28012704-825-8479gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/belmontcentral

� Catawba HeightsElementaryPrincipal Pamela WilliamsGrades Pre-K-5101 Ivey St.Belmont, NC 28012704-827-3221gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/catawbaheights

� New Hope ElementaryPrincipal Allen Lewis Jr.Grades Pre-K-5137 Stowe RoadGastonia, NC 28056704-824-1617gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/newhope

� North Belmont ElementaryPrincipal Chris GermainGrades Pre-K-5210 School St.Belmont, NC 28012704-827-4043gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/northbelmont

� J.B Page PrimaryPrincipal Mark FisherGrades Pre-K-1215 Ewing Dr.Belmont, NC 28012704-825-2614gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/page

� W.A. Bess ElementaryPrincipal Tim DuBoisGrades Pre-K-54340 Beaty RoadGastonia, NC 28056704-866-6075gaston.k12.nc.us/schools/bess


Pine Grove ChristianAcademy5415 Hwy. 557Lake Wylie, SC 29710803-831-2015pinegrovebaptist.org

Lake Pointe Academy3168 Hands Mill Hwy.Lake Wylie, SC 29710803-631-5253lakepointeacademy.com

Walnut Grove ChristianAcademy13925 Erwin RoadCharlotte, NC 28273704-583-5499walnutgrovechristianschool.org

Palisades EpiscopalSchool13120 Grand Palisades Pkwy.Charlotte, NC 28278704-583-1825pescharlotte.org

Journey MontessoriAcademy13902 York RoadCharlotte, NC 28278704-960-9885journeymontessori.org

Gaston Day School2001 Gaston Day School RoadGastonia, NC 28056704-864-7744gastonday.org

Private schools close to home

Franklin Pendleton, Chairman110 Jamestowne Circle, CloverBusiness Phone: 803-222-3026Seat 4Term Expires: 2012

Joe Gordon, Vice Chairman119 Hillcrest Ave., CloverHome Phone: 803-222-7982Seat 1Term Expires: 2010

Kathy Cantrell, Secretary11 Shipmaster Court, Lake WylieBusiness Phone: 803-222-3312Seat 5Term Expires: 2010

Bob Magee4435 River Oaks Road, CloverPhone: 803- 831-2955Cell: 704-651-5955Seat 2Term Expires: [email protected]

Mack McCarter, Legislative Liaison1461 Paul Boyd Road, CloverHome Phone: 803-222-1251At-Large SeatTerm Expires: 2010

Melanie Wilson19 Shipmaster Court, Lake WylieHome Phone: 803-831-2484Cell Phone: 704-906-1973At-Large SeatTerm Expires: [email protected]

Jack Grier, Clover LEAFPO Box 1011, CloverCell Phone: 803-627-0778Seat 3Term Expires: [email protected]

Clover school board

Tom DeFrancisco and his sister, Jessica, ofLake Wylie took leading roles in Gaston DaySchool’s production of ‘Annie.’


� Allen Fishing Area,Gaston County, NC• 21 acres• 1,919 feet of shoreline• 29 paved parking spaces• 1,919 feet of shore for fishing

� Allison Creek Access Area,York County, SC• 113 acres• 3,930 feet of shoreline• 4 concrete boat ramps• 2 floating loading piers• 90 paved parking spaces for trailers• 1 handicapped-accessible fishingpier• 15 parking spaces for cars

� Buster Boyd Access Area,York County, SC• 4 acres• 662 feet of shoreline• 4 concrete boat ramps• 2 floating loading piers• 115 paved parking spaces for trail-ers• 51 paved parking spaces

� Copperhead Island Access Area,Mecklenburg County, NCLeased to Mecklenburg CountyParks and Recreation Department704-588-5224• 25 acres• 3,225 feet of shoreline• 4 concrete boat ramps• 3 floating loading piers• 72 paved parking spaces for trail-ers• 25 paved spaces for cars• 1 volleyball court• 1 picnic shelter• 2 restroom facilities• 2 fishing piers (1 handicappedaccessible)• 14 tent campsites• 2 overlooks• 1 mile of trail

• 1 entrance station� Ebenezer Access Area,York County, SCLeased to the York County Parks andRecreation Department803-366-6620• 26 acres• 1,374 feet of shoreline• 3 concrete boat ramps• 1 floating loading pier; 4 slips• 70 paved parking spaces for trail-ers• 160 paved spaces for cars• 17 picnic tables• 5 picnic shelters with 13 tables• 2 restroom facilities• 71 campsites with hookups• 1 swimming area• 1 bathhouse with concessions/

change room• 1 ranger residence• 1 maintenance facility• 1 entrance station

� Fort Mill Access Area,York County, SC• 45 acres below the hydro station• 481 feet of shoreline• 1 concrete boat ramp• 20 gravel parking spaces

� Nivens Creek Access Area,York County, SC• 23 acres• 447 feet of shoreline• 2 concrete boat ramps• 1 floating loading pier• 32 paved parking spaces

� Southpoint Access Area,Gaston County, NC• 70 acres• 3,410 feet of shoreline• 6 concrete boat ramps• 3 floating loading piers• 165 paved parking spaces

CITY OF TEGA CAY� Windjammer Park,York County, SC• swimming access• picnic sites• playground equipment• 1 beach area• 1 gazebo• sandy area to beach boats

� Pitcairn Park,York County, SC• 2 boat launches• covered picnic area• playground equipment• fishing docks• horseshoe pits• picnic sites

� Tega Cay Beach and Swim ClubYork County, SC• beach access with sand volleyball• fishing dock• playground equipment• walking trails• picnic sites

MECKLENBURGCOUNTY PARKS�McDowell Nature Preserve,Mecklenburg County, NCOperated by Mecklenburg CountyParks and Recreation Department704-588-5224; parkandrec.com• 952 acres• 5 beach areas• 1 information booth• 1 nature center• 1 office complex• 1 police boathouse• 210 paved parking spaces• 1 playground• 14 restroom units• 1 picnic shelter

the lure of the lake

Access Areas

See map on page 11 for locations

How To Check Lake Levels 800-829-LAKE (5253); duke-energy.com

Duke Energy provides six boat access areas (with one leased to Mecklenburg County and one toYork County), one bank fishing area and one boat access area below the dam in cooperation withthe North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the South Carolina Department of NaturalResources. Since portions of this lake lie in both North and South Carolina, fishermen are advisedto obtain proper licenses.


Hang a sign up on the door, Gone Fishin’

If you like bass fishing then you’re inthe right place! Lake Wylie has a greatpopulation of largemouths. Their pri-mary food sources are threadfin shadand crawfish. You won’t likely catch adouble-digit fish here, but you shouldhave plenty of action. Here are somebasic seasonal pattern guidelines toget you started.Winter: (Dec-Feb)The fish are more lethargic for the

most part and are suspended inmany cases around pods of bait-fish. Find the bait and the basswon’t be far behind. Fish suspend-ing Jerkbaits off main lake points orslowly retrieve small flat-sidedcrankbaits around rocky shorelines.More actively feeding fish can befound in the warmer waters of theSouth Fork River thanks to the dis-charge of the Allen Steam Station.Spring: (Mar & Apr)As the fish prepare to spawn (lay

eggs) they feed heavily-making thisa great time to fish. The fish arealso in the best shape and heaviestthey will be all year. Concentrateyour efforts on secondary pointsnear spawning coves; a carolinarigged lizard works great. A spinner-bait retrieved slowly around woodcover or on points can produce bet-ter quality fish.Summer: (May-Sep)As the waters continue to warm

and the fish finish their spawning,the topwater bite kicks into fullswing. You should key on rockymain lake points with a Zara Spookor Pop-R early in the morning.During the daylight hours the fishcan be caught on humps and pointsnear the river channel.Fall: (Oct-Nov)The fish become fairly active feed-

ing on bait in or near the creek chan-nels; again find the baitfish and thebass will be close by. As the watertemperatures begin to fall-there canbe a good jig bite around LakeWylie’s many boat docks as well.Rusty White, top left photo during

career day at Crowders Creek MiddleSchool, is a professional fishermanand full-time guide on the Catawbachain of lakes. He also writes amonthly column for the Lake WyliePilot and The Herald. VisitfishingwithRusty.com.

According to the S.C.Department of NaturalResources Web site, fishingtrends on Lake Wylie are:

Largemouth bass: Excellent,casting bass jigs and medium-running crankbaits along pointsclose to the bottom.

Striped Bass: Good, usingspoons and bucktails behind theLake Wylie dam.

White Bass: Good, castingsmall bucktails and spoons.

Crappie: Excellent, usingsmall minnows and jigs aroundriprap, docks and brush tops in3 to 8 feet of water. Limitsreported caught.

Catfish: Good, using variousbaits on the bottom. Averagecatch of 2-lb. fish reported.

Shellcracker: Good, using red-worms and crickets on the bot-tom.

Bream: Good, using earth-worms and crickets around thebanks.Visit dnr.sc.gov for weeklyupdates.

Looking for bass

What you’ll catch

Licensed to fishFishing regulations depend on which side of the lake you’re on, so check out the North Carolina

Wildlife Commission and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources before heading out.Near Buster Boyd Bridge:�In South Carolina, anglers may buy licenses for $10 at Pendleton’s Sporting Goods on S.C. 49

near Five Points. State residents may buy a 14-day license for $5. The price for non-residents is$35 for an annual license and $11 for seven days. Call 803-631-5410.

�In North Carolina, anglers may get a license at Grab N Go at 13920 York Road (N.C. 49). Thestore sells annual licenses to N.C. residents for $15. Call 704-587-0045.

Cary Vanden Broecke of Steele Creek has quite the fish tale to tell.Vanden Broecke, 32, of Steele Creek is an avid catfish angler who oftencatches fish weighing up to 20 pounds or more. But he’s never reeled inanything like what the lake yielded in September 2008. “From whateveryone that I’ve talked to is saying, it’s sort of an unofficial lakerecord,” Vanden Broecke said. “No one’s ever heard of anything biggercoming out of the lake.” Fishing near Allen Steam Station on the north-ern end of Lake Wylie, he brought in what he and his fishing partnerMatthew Barrett of Rock Hill weighed in as a 64-pound blue catfish.After snapping a few pictures, they let the fish go.


Trolling the waters

Rent a boat

Boater registration

TEGA CAY MARINApontoon boats803-548-3715LIGHT-N-UP HOUSEBOAT CHARTERSPrivate outings, parties, wedding receptionsand more704-393-8882, 813-8033PIER 50 RENTALSWave runners and more937-479-4287PIER 88 YACHT CLUBPontoon boats803-831-0088WYLIE BOAT RENTALSWaverunners, pontoon boats803-370-2628Wylieboatrentals.comNC FLATWATER OUTFITTERSCanoes, kayaks, including tandem, and per-sonal flotation devices are available, as wellas storage. Rentals cost $5 an hour, or $40for an entire month.704-914-7484ncflatwateroutfitters.com

�SOUTH CAROLINA:South Carolina Department ofNatural Resources Boat Titlingand Registration Office, 803-734-3857 ordnr.sc.gov/boating/faqs.html

�NORTH CAROLINA:North Carolina Wildlife ResourcesCommission has wildlife licenseand vessel service agentsthroughout Gaston andMecklenburg counties.Visitwww.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_01_license. htm for locations andphone numbers. Or call NCWC at800-NC-VESSEL

North CarolinaNo person under age 14 can operate a personal water-

craft. Age 14-16 must have a boater education certificate,or be physically accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.

•Personal watercraft riders must wear personal flota-tion devices at all times. A safety kill switch lanyard mustbe attached to the operator, and personal watercraft arenot allowed operation between sunset and sunrise.

•Children 13 years and younger must wear a personalflotation device at all times on the water.

•At least one properly functioning personal flotationdevice must be on board a vessel for each person riding.

•Operation of any vessel, or use of water skis or other toweddevices, is not allowed while “under the influence of an impair-ing substance.” A blood alcohol level of .08 or greater is notallowed.

•Watercraft entering, leaving or passing within 50yards of a state-owned or controlled boating and fishingaccess area must do so at "no-wake" speed.

•Vessels should operate at “no-wake” speed whenpassing within 100 feet of a law enforcement vesselflashing blue lights unless the vessel is in a narrow chan-nel, where the distance requirement is 50 feet.

•Towing is prohibited between one hour after sunsetand one hour before sunrise, or any other time unless thevessel is equipped with a rear vision mirror, there is anobserver on the vessel in addition to the operator or theperson being towed wears a personal flotation device.

•Placing, throwing, depositing or discharging litter, rawsewage, bottles, cans, papers or other liquid or solidmaterials rendering the water “unsightly, noxious or other-wise unwholesome” and detrimental to public health orwelfare results in a misdemeanor offense.

•Boating safety courses are not required, but “highlyrecommended” for operating vessels.

•All navigational markers and buoys should beobserved. For a list of meanings, visit ncwildlife.org.

South Carolina•Vessels may not be operated in excess of idle speed

within 50 feet of an anchored vessel, wharf, pier, dock, ora person in the water.

•All boats must have a U.S. Coast Guard approvedwearable type personal flotation device for each personon board or being towed. Each PFD must be in good con-dition, readily available and the proper size for the intend-ed wearer.

•Boats 16 feet in length or longer must carry a Type IVthrowable flotation device.

•Any person under 12 years of age must wear a U.S.Coast Guard approved personal flotation device when onboard a class “A” (less than 16 feet long) boat.

•Navigation lights must be on between official sunsetand sunrise.

•All boats less than 39.4 feet must carry an efficientsound producing device. Every vessel from 39.4 to 65.6feet must carry a whistle and a bell.

•Each person on a personal watercraft must wear aU.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device.

•A personal watercraft may not be operated betweensunset and sunrise and must be equipped with a self-cir-cling or lanyard-type engine cutoff switch.

•When operating a personal watercraft, one may notoperate in a manner so as to leave the water completelywhile crossing (jumping) the wake of another vessel with-in 200 feet of the vessel creating the wake.

•Boat operators under age 16 must complete a boat-ing course approved by the SCDNR to operate a boat orpersonal watercraft with a 15 h.p. motor or greater,unless accompanied by an adult age eighteen years orolder.

•It is illegal for any vessel to discharge in a NoDischarge Zone. Lake Wylie is one of six states with NoDischarge Zones.

Rules on the water

Boating Courses•The Lake Wylie Flotilla of the U.S.

Coast Guard Auxiliary. 704-575-6939; e-mail [email protected].

•The Catawba Power Squadron is achapter of the U.S. Power Squadron. 803-802-4351; e-mail [email protected]

•The North Carolina Wildlife ResourcesCommission offers free boating coursesin Mecklenburg and Gaston countiesthroughout the year. 704-655-7324

•Lighthouse Marine Service offerssafe boating and personal watercraftlicense classes. 704-587-7054; lmser-vice.orgOnline coursesboat-ed.com, boatsafe.com, boatus.org

Here are a few basic rules to know in both states when boating:


CATAWBA RIVERKEEPER FOUNDATIONThe Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation

is dedicated to preserving, protectingand restoring the ecosystem of theCatawba Basin’s rivers, lakes andcreeks — including Lake Wylie. Througheducation, enforcement and coordinat-ed efforts, the Riverkeeper Foundationis committed to assuring a watchful bal-ance of community and environmentalneeds for generations to come. 704-679-9494; catawbariverkeeper.org

Serving the Catawba RiverkeeperFoundation are:

Riverkeeper David Merryman, whoinvestigates reports of pollution throughon-site inspections and water qualitytesting and notifying the appropriateauthorities of violations.

Executive Director Rick Gaskins,focus on fundraising, membership andbusiness issues.

Lake Wylie Lakekeeper Ellen Goff,oversees work of Covekeepers,spokesperson

Lake Wylie Covekeepers volunteersare trained to test water quality, look forpolluted areas and notify appropriateenforcement agencies. 803-802-5368CATAWBA/WATEREE RIVER BASINADVISORY COMMISSION

The Catawba/Wateree River BasinAdvisory Commission is a bi-state com-mission, made up of 15 members fromNorth and South Carolina, includingelected state representatives, and busi-ness and environmental leaders alongthe Catawba chain. The commissionmeets quarterly.

LAKE WYLIE MARINE COMMISSIONThe Lake Wylie Marine Commission

consists of seven commissionersappointed by York County Council,

Mecklenburg County Commission andGaston County Commission. Each coun-ty has two commissioners with a thirdcommission position rotating from coun-ty to county. Commissioners servethree- and four-year terms. The MarineCommission works to improve safetyand environmental issues on Lake Wylieand develop legislation to regulate boat-ing, fishing and other lake activities.Jurisdiction extends to 1,000 feetbeyond the full-pond level. The MarineCommission has the authority to passregulations affecting the use of LakeWylie. lakewyliemarinecommission.comU.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

The United States Coast GuardAuxiliary was established by Congressin 1939 to assist the Coast Guard inpromoting boating safety. Membersreceive training to be a functional partof Coast Guard Forces. Auxiliaristsassist the Coast Guard in non-lawenforcement programs such as publiceducation, vessel safety checks, safetypatrols, search and rescue, maritimesecurity and environmental protection.Every year, the Coast Guard Auxiliaryholds boating safety classes in theLake Wylie area; see page 27.N.C. WILDLIFE RESOURCESCOMMISSION

The N.C. Wildlife ResourcesCommission is dedicated to the conser-vation and management of the state'sfish and wildlife resources. It regulatesstate hunting and fishing, and WRC offi-cers patrol Lake Wylie. ncwildlife.comS.C. DEPARTMENT OFNATURAL RESOURCES

The South Carolina Department ofNatural Resources is the advocate forand steward of the state's naturalresources; develops and implements

policies and programs for the conserva-tion, management, utilization and pro-tection of the state's natural resources.It regulates state hunting and fishing,and DNR officers patrol Lake Wylie.dnr.state.sc.usCHARLOTTE POWER SQUADRON

The Charlotte Power Squadron is anonprofit fraternal organization with amission to promote high standards ofseamanship, navigation and safe boat-ing for all. Several times a year, CPSschedules boating safety courses, seepage 27. The Boating Course, BoatSmart and Jet Smart courses areapproved for certification to operatepersonal watercraft by persons 12 to16 years of age in accord with variouslaws governing Lake Wylie.usps.org/localusps/charlotte/CATAWBA SAIL ANDPOWER SQUADRON

The Catawba Sail and PowerSquadron is a unit of the United StatesPower Squadron, which is a nonprofit,educational organization dedicated tomaking boating safer and more enjoy-able by teaching classes in seaman-ship, navigation and other related sub-jects. The CSPS offers boating safetycourses, see page 27, as well as largevariety of advanced courses for itsmembers. http://cpsd27.tripod.com/OTHER GROUPS

Lake Wylie also is patrolled by theCharlotte-Mecklenburg Police, Tega CayPolice, Belmont Police, the York CountySheriff’s Office and York CountyEmergency Preparedness. BecauseLake Wylie lies in both states, the U.S.Coast Guard also occasionally patrolsthe lake. All law enforcement officershave lakewide jurisdiction.

Watching our waters

Lake clubs•Carolina Ski Show TeamBecky Fox704-201-8552Russ Frase803-548-4820•PontoonersBeryl Hawkins803-831-2795•Catawba Rowing ClubNancy Smith, rowing [email protected]•River Hills Marina Club Inc.Charles Wood, [email protected]•River Hills Yacht ClubMike Kelly, [email protected]•Tega Cay Angler’s ClubDavid Siegel, [email protected]•Palisades Boat ClubPrivate [email protected]

Volunteer•U.S. Coast GuardAuxiliary: The uniformedcivilian volunteer compo-nent of the United StatesCoast Guard seeks volun-teers interested in servingthe Lake Wylie community.Individuals who want tocontribute their talents inthe areas of Web design,information technology,public affairs and otheradministrative roles alsoare needed. 704-814-9104or visit cgalakewylie.org.•York County EmergencyResponse Team: Based outNewport Fire DepartmentStation 3, needs volunteerdivers and surface support.Divers must have basicopen water diving certifica-tion. Surface supportneeds include setting updiving equipment and moni-toring divers. 803-371-7861•Water Watcher: Help LakeWylie Covekeepers protectthe health and water quali-ty of Lake Wylie. 803-389-3871


Healthplex emergency care moving in2009 could bring area health care to an entirely new level

— like, say, 1,000 feet.Carolinas HealthCare System hopes to bring a helipad, or a

helicopter landing area, to its emergency care facility at N.C.160 and 49 in Steele Creek. The facility, known as CMC-Steele Creek, should be open sometime during summer2009.Charlotte planners approved the latest CMC-Steele Creek

plan, which would not bring a helicopter full-time but wouldallow the uptown Charlotte-based CMC helicopter to reach thelake area quicker.Kevin McCarthy, spokesman for Carolinas HealthCare, said

the original plans for the 16.3-acre medical complex sitecalled for physician offices and other basic medical services.The helipad concept came following changes calling for22,500-square-foot healthplex, complete with 24-hour emer-gency care and a host of services including 64-slice CT scan,x-ray, ultrasound, observation beds and laboratory services.“As our plans evolved into creating a 24-hour freestanding

emergency department we felt like it would be a good addi-tion to the site,” McCarthy said. “It made sense.”Carolinas HealthCare has three helicopters in use — one in

Charlotte and one each in upstate South Carolina and inupper North Carolina. The Charlotte helicopter likely would beused most often, transporting patients as needed from theSteele Creek healthplex to Charlotte for care.“We rely on the first responders on the ground to determine

whether they think someone is critical enough to warrant

using it,” McCarthy said. “If it’s not an immediate, life-threat-ening situation we would most likely be able to transportsomeone downtown using our ambulances.”The helipad will be located on the southern edge of the

property, located on the southwest corner of N.C. 160 and 49west of RiverGate. The helipad would be located beside agreenway donation and buffer.McCarthy anticipates the rezoning process to be a fairly

simple one. The area already is zoned for its healthplex use,with the facility set to be complete by late summer. Even ininitial plans for the 24-hour emergency care component, citystaff and the health care system discussed a helipad use,McCarthy said. In fact, he said, it was city zoning staff thatrequested Carolinas HealthCare submit an application for theproject.The $20 million healthplex is one of a growing trend of sim-

ilar facilities planned for outlying regions near the mainCarolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. As construction com-pletes on those similar facilities, it is possible they too mightfeature helipads as an extension of care into numerous com-munities.“That would be our hope,” McCarthy said. “Bringing emer-

gency care to the outlying areas may require certain servicesfor ill people to be brought to the main hospital for particularcare.”CMC-Steele Creek, a 22,500-square foot healthplex located

at 13460 Steelecroft Pkwy., should be complete by late sum-mer. For more, visit cmc-steelecreekorg.

To your healthCARING PROVIDERS: Some people choose medical caregivers

on a simple scale — finding a doctor who cares. As a communi-ty, Lake Wylie would score pretty well by those standards.

Several area doctors not only serve a growing population ofpaid patients, but also donate time and services to help oth-ers throughout the Clover and Lake Wylie communities. LikeDr. Stacy Blackmon of Lake Wylie Family Dentistry, named the2005 Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year,who began a free dental clinic through the Clover AreaAssistance Center four years ago.

Since then, countless Thursday evenings have been spent bya dental chair performing everything from routine cleanings toroot canals. Through CAAC, Blackmon now knows countless“wonderful people, who for whatever reason can’t afford dentalcare.”

“Sometimes just giving them routine care can make the differ-ence in something like them being confident enough to sing in thechurch choir, or even to help them in getting a job,” Blackmon said.

When Dr. Vanessa Vargas came to Lake Wylie in fall 2008opening Carolina Family Dentistry, she, too, took to publicservice. Vargas continued work from previous places ofemployment, working with schools on Wednesdays and Fridaysserving children on Medicaid.

And dental services are not the only ones. Dr. SteveMiszkiewicz and Dr. Steve Brown, both of CaroMont FamilyMedicine in Lake Wylie, volunteer their efforts with Clover AreaAssistance Center to provide medical care for families. Partlybecause of that work, which now operates in Clover and LakeWylie one night a week each, Miskiewicz also has been namedCitizen of the Year by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce.


Getting medical attention

To your rescue

Nobody wants to travel far when they aren’t feeling well. In LakeWylie, luckily, nobody needs to. Within a few mile stretch of Highway49 on either side of Buster Boyd Bridge, just about every type ofmedical and wellness service sits within reach.In Lake Wylie, CaroMont Family Medicine and TheraCare operate

on Village Harbor Drive, just across the highway from Lake WylieBusiness Centre that includes Lake Wylie Family Chiropractic andCarolina Family Dentistry at Lake Wylie. Just beside that centersits Lake Wylie Professional Center, home to Glaza Chiropractic,Focus Physical Therapy and Fitness, and opening in summer2009, Lake Wylie Eye.On the North Carolina side of Buster Boyd, even more options

await. South Point Business Park on Winds Crossing Drive is hometo Steele Creek Physical Therapy & Balance Center, ProHealth &Wellness Chiropractic, Kenneth Brown Family Dentistry, ForeverYoung Salon and Spa, Gregory Gell Endodontist and Hair Club.Directly across N.C. 49 at Steele Creek Business Park are Tommy

Kakouras Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Queen City Foot & Ankle, DoverOrthodontics, Young & Polite Children’s Dentistry and Lake Wylie ExpressCare.Steelecroft Parkway, also facing the highway, houses Steele

Creek Pediatric Dentistry and Steelecroft Dental, as well asPresbyterian Medical Plaza including Presbyterian Imaging Center,Ballantyne Pediatric Associates, Carmel OB/GYN and PresbyterianRehabilititaion Center.And all of those options do not even include Carolinas Medical

Center — Steele Creek, a 22,500-square-foot healthplex on 17acres at intersection of N.C. 49 and 160 expected to open August2009. CMC—Steele Creek offering a 24-hour emergency room(soon to include a helicopter landing pad) along with numerousphysician and specialty services.And, for anyone still needing a little help, the area also boasts sev-

eral fitness centers including Sportscenter, Anytime Fitness and RiverHills Country Club Fitness Center — all on the South Carolina side.

The only squad in York County to offer a no-charge service is here for you.The River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS started serving the Bethel/Lake Wylie area in 1980. The

all-volunteer squad has about 50 members, including two full-time paramedics.The unit provides 24/7 Advanced Life Support in the 25-square--mile lake area surrounding

River Hills Plantation in Lake Wylie, where the headquarters and training center are located justoff S.C. 49 at the gated community’s entrance. Transport is available to six major medical cen-ters.Along with being the only squad in York County to offer all services free of charge, volun-

teers provide a “first-class” experience and work with state-of-the-art equipment thanks tocommunity donations, the squad’s sole source of funding.More volunteers are always needed as the number of calls grows. The average call volume

reaches 900 to 1,000 calls a year.River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS also is dependent on donations. The mailing address is 4

Heritage Drive, Lake Wylie, SC 29710.For more information about the River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS or to donate, call 803-831-

9888 or visit riverhillsems.com.

More about yourfirst responders•Provides CPR training to LakeWylie residents.•Provides community educationand public displays at churches,day cares and schools.•Has responded to 12,520 callssince its inception.•Training is continuous - fourhours per month for all, plus fourhours each month for EMTs.•Paramedics are certified inAdvanced Life Support, pre-hospi-tal trauma life support, pediatricadvanced life support and 12-leadEKG monitoring.•Back-up ambulance responds toadditional second call 85 percentof the time.


Pet careHospitals

•Carolinas Medical Center1000 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte,NC, 704-355-2000carolinashealthcare.org• Carolinas MedicalCenter—Pineville, 10628Park Road, Charlotte, 704-667-1000carolinashealthcare.org• Carolinas Rehabilitation—Mount Holly, 275 BeattyDrive, Belmont, NC, 704-822-2550. CarolinasRehabilitation-Mount Holly isa 40-bed inpatient facilitythat opened in October2007 to serve the needs ofpatients in the westernPiedmont region. With theaddition of this facility,Carolinas HealthCareSystem manages 119 reha-bilitation beds, making theSystem the largest providerof rehab services in theentire Southeast.• Gaston Memorial Hospital2525 Court Drive, Gastonia,NC, 704-834-2000caromont.org• Levine Children's Hospital1000 Blythe Blvd., Charlotte,NC, 704-381-2000. LevineChildren's Hospital, located

on the campus of CMC, isthe largest children's hospi-tal between Washington,D.C. and Atlanta. The240,000-foot hospitalopened in 2007 and ishome to the region's onlydedicated children's emer-gency department operating24 hours a day, seven daysa week. With more board-cer-tified physicians, in morepediatric specialties, thanany other hospital in theregion, Levine Children'sHospital provides a level ofcare unparalleled in ourregion.• Piedmont Medical Center222 S. Herlong Ave., RockHill, SC, 803-329-1234piedmontmedicalcenter.com• Presbyterian Hospital200 Hawthorne Lane,Charlotte, 704-384-4000;presbyterian.org• Presbyterian HospitalMatthews1500 Township Pkwy.,Matthews, NC, 704-384-6500; presbyterian.org• PresbyterianOrthopeaedic Hospital,1901 Randolph Road,Charlotte NC, 704-316-2000presbyterian.org

Veterinarians

• TotalBond Veterinary Hospital125 Forest Oak Drive, Lake Wylie, 803-831-1318• Steele Creek Animal Hospital, 9729 S. TryonSt., Charlotte, NC, 704-588-4400

Pet Stores• PetSmartRiverGate Shopping CenterSteele Creek, NC 28273704-587-1198• Chirp ‘n Chatter721 Crossroads Plaza, Fort Mill, near Tega Cay803-802-6677

Pet adoptions• York County Humane Society2036 Carolina Place,Fort Mill, SC 29708803-802-0902• Gaston Humane Society114 Sherrill RoadGastonia, NC704-824-8990• Humane Society of Charlotte2700 Toomey Ave.Charlotte, NC 28203704-377-0534• Animal Adoption [email protected]

Lynn Sherrill of Lake Wylie rides herhorse, Retro, to work along S.C. 49.


The coming months promise even more dining andshopping options in Lake Wylie, thanks to upcomingadditions at the 77-acre Mill Creek Commons at S.C.557 and 274, anchored by Lowe’s Home Improvement,which opened in fall 2008 and Wal-Mart, scheduled toopen in 2010.David Neikamp, director of retail development for prop-

erty owner Crescent Resources, said branches ofWachovia and Bank of America will join the project, whichin all features 10 outparcel spaces surrounding a com-pleted Lowe’s and a future Wal-Mart. Provident

Community Bank also has purchased property at MillCreek Commons.Other named outparcel tenants include McDonald’s

(moving from its location at Waterside Market Place) andWalgreens, scheduled to open summer 2009. The latestlist of businesses fills half the outparcel tenant list, whileCrescent focuses on filling the other half, mainly, withdining options.“We have a couple of restaurants looking at the other

outparcels,” Niekamp said. “That’s a great location that’sgoing to be a hub and a regional draw for that area.”

... and keeping busy at Lake Wylie

Still growing ...

Getting down to business

Lake Wylie Professional Center opens for business at 548 Nautical Drive at Shoppes at theLanding, off S.C. 49 in Lake Wylie. The two story, 16,000-square-foot business center welcomedits first five businesses in May 2009 to what builder Doug McSpadden calls upscale officespace at the heart of Lake Wylie, and tenants agree.“This is just awesome,” said Dr. Al Glaza, in his new office about a week. “People come in and

say it must be upscale hour. It’s hard to believe there’s something like this in Lake Wylie.”McSpadden’s business, McSpadden Custom Homes, was the first group to move in from its

former home in Gaston County. Joining the company are Glaza Chiropractic, Bordeaux &Bordeaux CPAs, Lake Wylie Eye and Focus Physical Therapy and Fitness.The doubled size with a conference room at Bordeaux & Bordeaux could lead to seminars or

other options, Donna Bordeaux said.For more information about Lake Wylie Professional Center, call 704-825-7324 or visit

mcspaddenhomes.com.

� Lake Wylie Chamber ofCommercePresident Susan Bromfield264 Latitude Lane, suite 101Lake Wylie, SC 29710803-831-2827lakewyliesc.com

� Montcross Area (Belmont)Chamber of CommercePresident Ted Hall32 N. Main St.Belmont, NC 28012704-825-5307montcrossareachamber.com

� York County RegionalChamber of CommercePresident Rob Youngblood116 E. Main St.Rock Hill, SC 29730803-324-7500yorkcountychamber.com

� Greater Clover Chamber ofCommerce118 Bethel St.Clover, SC 29710803-222-3312cloverchamber.org

� Gaston Chamber of CommercePresident Elyse Cochran601 W. Franklin Blvd.Gastonia, NC 28053704-864-2621gastonchamber.com

� Charlotte Chamber ofCommercePresident Bob Morgan330 S. Tryon St.Charlotte, NC 28202704-378-1300charlottechamber.com

� Lake Wylie Friends in BusinessPresident Allan Gregory553 Pole Branch RoadLake Wylie, SC 29710803-831-5344lakewyliebusiness.com

While national news tells of hard times for the business community,groups around Lake Wylie are finding new ways to keep vibrant andactive.

In Lake Wylie, business remains “pretty stable” despite the economy, said LakeWylie Chamber of Commerce President Susan Bromfield. At the same time, thechamber recently began a “green initiative” to support and promote sustainablebusiness practices among members. Within the past few years the chamberapplied for and added a visitor center to promote Lake Wylie, and a myriad ofannual events supported by the chamber include a July 4 fireworks show,Riversweep, a spring Splash Dash run and a holiday boat parade.In Belmont, a change in the past couple of years joined the Belmont Chamber

of Commerce with groups in nearby Cramerton, Lowell, McAdenville, Mount Hollyand Stanley to create the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce, named for the1,100-acre mega development expected to change the face of eastern GastonCounty.Even before the change, the Belmont group began a two-year stretch where

membership jumped by almost 200 percent. And while chamber president TedHall admits the economic crisis has been tough on Gaston County, people contin-ue looking for new homes almost daily, and he believes his group is poised for aquick turnaround.“There’s reason for optimism,” he said.

Chamber Connectionsyour local

Start networking

FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS: The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce office tripled in size when it moved to the LakeWylie Business Centre in the fall 2008 from its long-time location at Executive Court. With a mission to help grow smallbusinesses, the chamber purchased the adjoining 1,750-square-feet of office space to form the Lake Wylie SmallBusiness Center. Leases are short- and long-term and allow the chamber flexibility if it needs to expand and occupymore space in the next 10 or 20 years. Along with six furnished offices, including desks and wireless Internet access, thecenter includes a conference room. For more information on the center, call 803-831-2827.



ShoppingLet’s go

The largest shopping center near Lake Wylie is currently RiverGatein Steele Creek at N.C. 49 and N.C. 160 West. Here is a list ofsome of the current tenants provided by Childress Klein Properties:

ALLTEL 704-295-4984Apricot Acres704-587-1011Art Space Studio704-504-9310Aveda Salon 704-588-8004Bath & Body Works704-588-1179Best Buy704-587-1760Books-A-Million704-583-1280

Charlotte Fitness Equipment704-504-3524Dress Barn704-588-3183GNC 704-587-3226Hallmark 704-583-9559Home Depot704-504-9836Kay Jewelers704-583-4455Marshalls 704-588-8388Mattress Firm704-583-5808OfficeMax 704-588-1667

Old Navy 704-504-9168Omega Sports704-583-6111PETsMART704-587-1198Rack Room Shoes704-504-0239\rue21 704-587-3638SuperTarget704-583-2601The Pearl Earring704-588-8614The Wine Shop704-831-9000

PLAZA FIESTA: The surging Hispanic marketin the Carolinas has invigorated Fort Mill'snear-dormant Crossroads Mall into what own-ers hope will be a popular ethnic shoppingdestination across the region. Plaza FiestaCarolinas on Carowinds Boulevard includesmainstream retailers and specialty shops.The $12 million project turned the 250,000-square-foot mall into Plaza Fiesta, a revisedversion of a similar mall in Atlanta that has aLatin marketplace ambiance. It draws cus-tomers from across the region, including fromplaces such as Columbia, Greenville andRaleigh, N.C.

Tega Cay’s 203,000-square-footWal-Mart opened last year atthe Stonecrest developmentoff S.C. 160 W.

Plaza Fiesta

RiverGate


Shriners club shinesThe Red Fez Shrine Club on the North

Carolina side of the main channel of LakeWylie is the perfect wedding or celebrationlocation with beautiful sunsets and now, acompletely updated look.“It’s completely different,” said club vice

president Tommy Clinard, a member morethan 25 years. “If you stand back here now,you can see better than you ever have.”What began as the replacement of faulty

floorboards quickly became a more compli-cated task for the 150-member club. The7,500-square foot club didn’t add space,but instead focused on addition by subtrac-tion. Two interior walls were removed, offer-ing a vast view of the lake from front door tothe wall of windows on the east side of thebuilding. Two new openings also were creat-ed accessing the kitchen and stairwell.Renovations include marble counters and

a 24-inch granite, L-shaped bar along withhardwood floors, composite siding andsmoke-eating ceiling fans for the bar area.Structural improvements also were includ-

ed, like new steel beams for support. Those

changes should help the club, built in 1928and the oldest Shrine Club in NorthAmerica, remain a viable place for eventhosting and club activities, Clinard said.Many of the club features before renova-

tions were original, while a few constructionprojects took place in the years following. Asmall fire in 1985 brought changes, as wellas a corner addition following HurricaneHugo in 1989. Now, though, everything fromwindows, walls and ceiling space are energyefficient and up to 2009 building standards.The latest project completed in March

2009 may be the single biggest renovationin club history.Annually, many groups use the Red Fez

Club for functions including company pic-nics, weddings and civic group meetings.Groups that meet regularly include LakeWylie Covekeepers.“This building is a symbol of the lake,”

said Chris Sherwood, club president. “Thenew memories start here.”For more information, visit

redfezshrineclub.com.

Unique settings

On the South Carolina side of thelake is River Hills Country Club, whichunderwent a $1.7 million renovationcompleted in 2007.The club, last renovated in 1995, was

built in 1971. Included are a $300,000stonework front, new exercise and well-ness facility, additional tees at the driv-ing range and a water fountain featureat the main entrance.“It’s just sort of keeping up with the

times,” said Michael Bummel, assistantgeneral manager.Additions include a new wine cellar,

large fireplace in the lounge, water featureand 1,200-square-foot fitness center.On the golf course, a new drainage

system was installed. The sandinstalled in the new bunkers is thesame type used at Augusta NationalGolf Club, home of the Masters.The new fitness center, though, is a

first for the club and has become verypopular.The glass enclosed area overlooking

the pool and outdoor patio is gearedtoward young families and emptynesters of all ages, the two main demo-graphics of club members.The chef promises a sophisticated

and contemporary food presentation,and serves a 100 percent made-from-scratch menu.The club has a cap at 900 total mem-

bers, with a golf cap at 450 members.The club is the gathering place for

many social club luncheons and dinnermeetings, as well as wedding receptions.For more information, visit riverhillscc.org.

At the country club


FEBRUARY• Mid-Atlantic Boat Show in Charlotte.

MARCH• “Go Fly A Kite Day,” Belmont Parks andRecreation Department, Belmont CentralElementary School.

APRIL• Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s CelebrateSpring! Plant & Craft Festival, 6500 S. New HopeRoad, Belmont. 704-825-4490; dsbg.org

MAY• Garibaldifest, Stowe Park, Belmont.

JUNE• Tega Cay Taste of the Town, Tega Cay Golf Club.803-548-8020• Lake Wylie Shag Club and Red Fez Shrine ClubBeach Blast at the Red Fez Shrine Club on theshores of Lake Wylie. Proceeds benefit theShriners Hospital for Children. 704-504-5364,803-547-4823• Splash Dash at Lake Wylie, Lake Wylie Chamberof Commerce event, 10K and 5K race and walkthrough River Hills Plantation. 803-831-2827;lakewyliesc.com

• Clover Scottish Games and Scotch-Irish Festival,Feis Chlobhair, at Clover Memorial Stadium,Clover, sponsored by the Greater Clover Chamberof Commerce and the town of Clover. 803-222-3312.• Belmont begins its series, Movies in the Park,sponsored by city of Belmont Parks & Recreation,at Stowe Park. Free

JULY• Lake Wylie Fourth of July celebration on the lakewith fireworks.• Tega Cay July 4 celebration on land and waterwith parades• City of Belmont Parks & Recreation hosts athree-day Summer Celebration in Stowe Park fea-turing rides, food and movies the last weekend ofthe month. 704-825-8191; cityofbelmont.org

AUGUST• Tega Cay Area Council Barefoot Beach Bash atthe Tega Cay Beach Club Pool.• Summerfest, hosted by the city of York, TheGreater York Chamber of Commerce andComporium, in downtown York.• Gaston Hospice Poker Run stretching 100-milesthrough three counties, ends at The Knothole inLake Wylie.

SEPTEMBER• Justin Mychals and Friends Child Cancer Benefitat T-Bones on the Lake.

OCTOBER• River Sweep, Lake Wylie’s version of the nation-al Big Sweep program.• Belmont Fall Festival at Stowe Park. The city-wide festival features arts and crafts, merchan-dise, displays and food booths, as well as stageentertainment and a full children’s area with activ-ities.• Scarowinds, the Carolinas’ largest Halloweenevent, returns on weekends through October dar-ing guests to step into a night of terror atCarowinds.• Tega Cay’s Fall Festival

NOVEMBER• River Hills Lions Club annual charity Christmastree sale begins the last week of the month at theRiver Hills and Camp Thunderbird entrance.

DECEMBER• Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights dis-play.• Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce’s Lights onthe Lake Holiday Boat Parade departs at duskfrom T-Bones on the Lake.

Annual Calendar

Things to do


MUSEUMS• Belmont Historical Society’sCultural and Heritage LearningCenter, 40 Catawba St., Belmont — Anew museum in Belmont’s secondoldest house, the R.L. Stowe familyhome built in 1899. 704-825-4848• Museum of York County, 4621 Mt.Gallant Road, Rock Hill —The muse-um includes a collection of more than200 fully-mounted African animalscomplemented by a collection ofAfrican cultural artifacts. Shows in theSettlemyre Planetarium use state-of-the-art visual equipment, slides andspecial effects on the weekends, andthe museum also is home to theVernon Grant Gallery, devoted to thecreator of the Rice Krispies®charac-ters Snap!Crackle!Pop! There also arechanging exhibits in science, history,natural history and the arts. Plus,there’s a .7-mile nature trail toexplore native trees, shrubbery andwildflowers. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m.Sunday. 803-329-2121• Historic Brattonsville, 1444Brattonsville Road, McConnells —Theliving history village and RevolutionaryWar battlefield features 29 historicstructures and programs chroniclingthe Central Piedmont developmentfrom the 1750s through the 1840s.The 775-acre village was a key filmlocation for the Mel Gibson film, “ThePatriot.” Includes the Walt SchraderTrails, 8 miles of hiking, biking andhorseback riding trails. Living historyactivities are held on SaturdaysMarch-November. Open 10 a.m- 5p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 1 to 5p.m. Sunday. 803-684-2327• The Schiele Museum of History &Planetarium, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd.,Gastonia, N.C. — offers opportunitiesfor families and visitors of all ages tosee the region's rocks and minerals,hills and rivers, plants and animalswith fresh wonder. You also can learnwhat connects this to all the past andpresent residents of the Carolinas'Piedmont. Museum families also havebeen able to meet Smoky Bear, travelto prehistoric campsites, paint a fishand discover what walking through theNASA International Space Stationmight be like. There also are manyworkshops offered throughout theyear. 704-866-6900; schielemuse-um.org• Carolinas Aviation Museum, 4108Minuteman Way, Charlotte, N.C.(Charlotte-Douglas International Airport)— Founded in 1991, the museum isoperated by Carolinas Historic AviationCommission dedicated to preservingthe aviation heritage of North andSouth Carolina. Houses more than 45major aircraft, and a wealth of other

artifacts, as well as one of the largestaviation-related libraries in the country.Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturdayand 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. 704-359-8442; carolinasaviation.org

MOVIES/MUSIC• AYRSLEY GRAND CINEMAS 14,9110 Kings Parade Blvd., Charlotte —Complete with 14 cinemas rangingfrom 80 seats to 400 seats in thetown of Ayrsley, about 10 minutesfrom the Buster Boyd Bridge. 980-AYRSLEY; ayrsleycinemas.com• Belmont Drive-In, 314 McAdenvilleRoad, Belmont — Built in 1946, thisoutdoor theater shows the newestmovie releases equipped with Dolbystereo as moviegoers dial in the sta-tion on their car radios. Admissionprice is $8 per carload, unless the filmcompany requires an admission-per-person charge. The box office opens at7 p.m., and the film begins at duskFriday-Sunday. The drive-in holds 300cars on four acres. 704- 825 6044;belmontdrivein.20megsfree.com• Sylvia Theater, 27 N. Congress St.,York — Brings in national acts, aswell as showcasing local musiciansrunning the gamut of musical genres.Also shows movies Thursday-Sundayand is available for private parties.Opened 2001 after renovating the1904 Sylvia Hotel. 803-684-5590;sylviatheater.com

GARDEN• Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden,6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont —more than 110 acres of themed gar-dens, meadows and woodland walkingtrails. When completed, DSBG will bethe largest of its kind in North Americawith 450 acres along the banks ofLake Wylie. It was named one of thenation’s “20 Great Gardens” by HGTV.The garden hosts events throughoutthe year including its signature plantsales in the spring and fall and holidayextravaganzas such as Fourth of Julyand concerts. DSBG is open sevendays a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.704-825-4490; dsbg.org

AMUSEMENT• Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd.,Charlotte (operated by Cedar Fair LP)— The 105-acre theme and water parkstraddles the North Carolina-SouthCarolina state line owned by Cedar

Fair. The park features more than 50state-of-the-art rides, shows and movie-themed experiences for all ages.ThePaladium amphitheater seats 13,000for concerts and special events fromspring through fall. Call 803-548-5300or 800-888-4FUN; carowinds.com

CAMPING/RECREATION• McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222York Road, near Buster Boyd Bridgein North Carolina, features 13 RV, 10primitive and 26 "drive-to" sites.There are six rent-a-tent sites with 9-by-12 campsites maintained byMecklenburg County. RV sites haveelectrical and water hook-ups and asewer dump station. Call 704-583-1284 for reservations or 704-588-0697 for park information• Ebenezer Park, on the lower half ofLake Wylie at 4490 Boatshore Road,off Mount Gallant, Rock Hill, offers 26acres with camping, swimming, fish-ing, boating and picnics. Open year-round. 803-366-6620• Long Cove Marina & Yacht Cluboffers a 200-foot beach for about 20to 25 tents and 30 RV camp sites.There are full-service facilities forcampers with electric and waterhookups for campers. One hitch tocamping at Long Cove is you eitherneed to be a club member, friend orbe interviewed in order to be able tocamp out. 704-588-1467

York County’s famous monadnock — a rocky hillnot far from S.C. 49 in Lake Wylie jutting from thesurrounding plain — is now a public park. Existingtrails are being restored as work is under way tobuild a parking area, educational pavilion and sev-eral wildlife outlooks.Call it Nanny's Mountain or Ferguson's

Mountain, this local lump is a remnant of theAppalachian Mountains that hasn't eroded intothe surrounding Carolina clay. That rock is loadedwith iron ore, which is why Nanny's Mountainbecame important in the late 1700s. Col. William"Billy" Hill built an iron works there, first makingpots, pans and plowshares, then switching to can-nonballs and swords during the Revolutionary War.

Nanny's Mountain was named for Hill's wife.In June 1780, after the fall of Charleston, British

troops burned the ironworks and Col. Hill's homewhile he and his men were away. Hill later foughtin the Battle of King's Mountain.But it's also been called Ferguson's Mountain,

named for the family who owned it a century later.Perry Ferguson bought nearly 500 acres, includ-

ing the 2-mile circular mountain, in the 1870s.Back then, the area was known as Bandana, S.C.,with its own post office and general store. Legaldescription of the Ferguson property dated July 8,1887, show John Culp sold the land for $3.75 anacre. York County bought the land in 1997 formore than $203,000.

The big rock, Nanny’s Mountain

Places to go

• Clover Area AssistanceCenter — 1130 S.C. 55 E.,Clover. A nonprofit agency thathelps meet urgent needs offood, financial assistance,health services and specialneed items. Donations may besent to P.O. Box 521, Clover,SC 29710. Volunteers alwaysneeded. 803-222-4837• God’s Kitchen — Startingout as a soup kitchen, God’sKitchen now delivers hot,home-cooked meals five daysa week to more than 100 peo-ple in Clover. Volunteers mayhelp prepare meals 9 a.m.-Monday-Friday and/or deliverplates beginning at 11:30a.m. 803-222-0711• Helping Hands — Runthrough River Hills Lions Club,the program offers seniorservices such as driving todoctor’s appointments, sittingwith seniors or helping outaround the home on an as-needed basis. Calls for serv-ice come in from a week inadvance to the day before.Helping Hands operates withinRiver Hills. 803-831-1542;riverhillslions.com• The Kenya OrphanageProject — Supports construc-tion and operation of theJubilee Children's Center inNairobi, Kenya. Formed byMonique Boekhout of Riverhills, president of the board.Office located at ExecutiveCourts, First Properties of theCarolinas, S.C. 49. Donationsmay be mailed to P.O. Box5234, Lake Wylie, SC 29710.803-746-5133; kenyaorphan-ageproject.org• Bethel/Lake WylieVolunteer Fire Department —5600 Hwy. 557, Lake Wylie.Volunteers and donationsneeded. Fire chief is DonLove. 803-831-7988• River Hills/Lake WylieEmergency Squad — 4Heritage Drive, Lake Wylie.Volunteer drivers and EMTsfor weeknight/weekend driversand weekday EMTs. The grouptrains drivers and pays forEMT schooling. Volunteers areexpected to work an averageof one 12-hour shift per week.Call non-emergency number803-831-9888.

Get involved

A Caring Community

The power of oneNever underestimate the heart of someone

who’s been there.Or, at least, of someone like 90-year-old Bob

Meeker of River Hills.Someone whose own time ofneed came and went, butwhose resolve to see othersthrough similar situationsnever did.“People helped me so much

when my wife died, I wantedto reciprocate,” Meeker said.Still active as anyone two

decades his junior — minus, perhaps, the dailyafternoon nap — Meeker still competes on thecommunity tennis courts and tends to the samehouse he first called home 32 years ago. TheMinneapolis, Minn., native also serves with theRiver Hills Lions Club, a member more than threedecades.And while the Lion motto, “We Serve,” fits

Meeker that entire time, many in his communityknow Meeker best for the service he took upshortly after his wife, Gretchen, died a dozen yearsago.“It’s basically helping people,” said Bob Daily,

former club president, of the Helping Hands effort.“It certainly fits into the motto of the club.”If a church ran the Helping Hands program,

they’d call it a ministry. To Meeker, it’s a communityservice, one that mirrors the generosity shown himall those years ago. Sometimes Meeker sits with asenior while a family member runs errands.Sometimes he drives for someone who can’t, orhelps around the house for someone who can’t.“It’s very important,” said Gerry Orlick, former

Lions Club president and current regional chair-man for the state. “It’s one of those things youtake for granted until you need it, but when youneed it it’s very valuable to you.”Meeker’s schedule often includes driving some-

one to the doctor, finding a walker for someone fol-lowing a fall and helping a widow with financialinformation.“They’re completely lost, and they’re in a bad

position when they lose a spouse,” Meeker said.With an understanding of such situations only

experience can bring, Meeker gladly assists withlife insurance statements, social security checks

and income tax information. After all, Meeker wellremembers how much help he needed, from keep-ing up his home to more basic needs.“I’m not a cook,” he said.Sandy Decker, a Lions board member, also

knows how important Helping Hands can be. Theprogram, began as a standing committee by BillHeflin in 1987, served Decker after a bad fall 20years ago, driving her to and from therapy ses-sions. After Meeker took over, Decker receivedhelp both with her grandmother and her husband’smother while both were living in River Hills.“Bob used to drive my mother-in-law to doctor’s

appointments all the time, and they were close tothe same age,” Decker said. “He really is a goodman. He is so willing to help and he’s always in agood mood.”Similar stories are not hard to find in River Hills,

Orlick said. Especially with a senior population, fullof people needing more assistance with eachpassing year.“People see River Hills and they think of the

fancy homes, but there are people here who arereally struggling,” Orlick said.To hear Meeker tell it, though, the Helping

Hands program is not as selfless as it seems.“The best part is meeting the people,” he said.

“I found a lot of places I didn’t know before. A lotof doctors.”Despite meeting people in times of poor health

or emotional impasse, Meeker sees his River Hillsneighbors as family. With a daughter and grand-daughter in Chicago and a brother in Tennessee,the closest family he has are neighbors withinwalking distance, or sometimes a short drive tothe doctor.Still, Meeker — who does get some help from

another resident who wants to remain anonymous— hopes others in his community might find thesame satisfaction in serving he has.“I’m looking for some help,” Meeker said, “on

an as-needed basis.”Volunteers should expect a rewarding experi-

ence, even a chance to meet new people or findnew places. Not a bad way to spend time,Meeker said, even if the job comes withoutinsight into how a man outliving his mother bythree decades and his father by two did it, howhe keeps so active and, for many, inspiring. If hehas a secret, Meeker isn’t sharing it. “Just goodluck,” he said.

Volunteer



Being part of the community

• Arts Council of Rock Hill and YorkCounty, 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill. Sponsorsthe Arts Alive summer camp and an annualAutumn Blues Festival: Harvest of the Arts.Arts and entertainment hot line 803-328-2220. 803-328-2787; rockhillarts.org• Belmont Community Theatre, 100Belmont-Mount Holly Road, Belmont. Since1883, the Abbey Players have performed forBelmont Abbey College and the surroundingcommunity. They opened the BelmontCommunity Theatre in 1990 and performplays, comedies, musicals and an annualShakespeare series. 704-825-6787• Clover Community Theatre, generally per-forms at Clover Middle School, 320 ClintonAve., Clover. 803-493-0591; [email protected]; geocities.com/clovercom-munitytheatre.• CTK Community Theater at Christ the KingLutheran Church, N.C. 49, Steele Creek,offers musicals and other plays severaltimes a year. Children and adults welcomeas actors, directors, designers. 704-587-0073• Fort Mill Community Playhouse producesthree shows a year including a dinner theaterperformance. 803-548-8102; fortmillplay-house.org

• McCelvey Center, 212 E. Jefferson St.,York, is a 564-seat theater. Hosts performersfrom around the world. 803-684-3948;CHMuseums.org* Home to Yorkville Players, community the-ater. 803-980-7412; yorkvilleplayers.com* Yorkville Artists Guild, meet month atMcCelvey. (803) 328-6747• NarroWay Productions, Regent Park, FortMill, S.C., offers professional dinner theaterand musicals with Christian themes. 803-802-2300; narroway.net• North Carolina Blumenthal PerformingArts Center, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte,includes Belk Theatre and Booth Playhouse,and is home to the Charlotte Symphony,North Carolina Dance Theatre, OperaCarolina, Charlotte Repertory Theatre,Charlotte Choral Society and the CarolinasConcert Association. 704-372-1000; blumen-thalcenter.org, carolinatix.org• Sylvia Theater, 27 N. Congress St., York,singer/songwriter showcase and perform-ance venue, plus movies. 803-684-5590;sylviatheater.com• Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 707Pavilion Blvd., Charlotte, an open-air pavilionfeaturing top concert acts. 704-549-5555;livenation.com

Clubs

The arts and entertainment

CIVICLake Wylie Lioness/LionsBev Jones803-831-0343River Hills LionsDona Van Leer803-631-3543Sandy Decker803-831-8227Tega Cay Lioness803-548-3559Tega Cay LionsBetsy Helms803-548-1834Karen Kurentine803-396-8421Clover-Lake Wylie RepublicanWomen’s ClubBlanche Bryant, president803-831-7497Democratic Womenof Lake Wylie803-831-2000Clover OptimistsAshby or Josie Skinnell803-684-2008Soaring Eagles Junior Optimist Clubof Clover803-684-6702Clover JayceesAnnette Adams803-222-3227Clover Rotary Club803-831-2894rotary.org

GARDENRiver Hills Garden ClubDoris Murphy803-831-9914

DANCEBallroom Dance ClubJoyce Wright803-547-4575

Lake Wylie Shag Club803-5481745

MILITARYAmerican Legion202 Park Drive, Belmont704-825-9022

SOCIAL GROUPSRiver Hills NewcomersBecky Beckham803-831-5071Red Hat Society —Lake Wylie chapterSandi Fallowes803-831-5093Nation Ford Chapter — Daughtersof the American RevolutionJacci Wagner803-396-0634Tega Cay Vintage ClubBeryl Tatta803-548-7452


Be a sport

Something for every season

Lake Wylie area residents score big when it comes to sports. Spectators can watchpro football and basketball and minor league hockey in Charlotte, minor league base-ball in Fort Mill or check out college action at Winthrop University in Rock Hill.For those who want to play, Lake Wylie now has it’s own league for youth, Lake Wylie

Athletic Association. There are other recreation leagues in Lake Wylie, Steele Creek,Tega Cay, Clover and Belmont. From fantastic swim team rivalries to tennis and golftournaments, there’s something for children and adults to do.There’s also water sports on the lake, including the former national champs Carolina

Kayak Polo Club, as well as Carolina Show Ski Team and South Town Riders wakeboardteam. Not far away in Charlotte is the National Whitewater Center (usnwc.org) givingdaredevils the chance to weather the rapids or check out U.S. Olympians and hopefulsrace.One of the biggest events drawing crowds to the Lake Wylie area is September’s four-

day Championships at the Palisades tennis tournament in Steele Creek. This retiredmen’s tennis pro circuit brings legends including John McEnroe, Pete Sampras and JimCourier back to the court. For ticket information, call 877-322-8499 or visit champi-onsseriestennis.com.For animal athletes and their humans, check out the Piedmont Kennel Club, 13607

Choate Circle, Steele Creek, at pkc.org or call 704-588-7253. For more four-leggedaction, there are rodeos held throughout the year at B&B Arena in Clover, or take inworld-class equestrian riding at the Charlotte Jumper Classic in Charlotte or theQueen’s Cup Steeplechase in Waxhaw, N.C., both held in April.


• Fort Mill Golf Club: A traditional,tree lined layout that’s just a chipshot from historic downtown Fort Mill.Legendary golf course architectDonald Ross designed the front ninejust before his death in 1948; GeorgeCobb completed the back nine in the1970s. Both nines are relatively flat,eminently walkable and totally enjoy-able. 803-547-2044;leroysprings.com• The Palisades Country Club:Palisades is an upscale, Nicklausdesign that opened in December2004. The course and accompanyingdevelopment are located on theCharlotte side of the Buster BoydBridge. An approach shot golf coursewith small, protected greens,Palisades plays much harder than its6,800 yards let on. 704-504-0099;thepalisadescc.com• Regent Park Golf Club: RegentPark set the gold standard for high-end daily fee courses upon openingin 1995. The Ron Garl design is avisual stunner, replete with large,penal bunkers, and behemoth puttingsurfaces that range from slightlyundulating to semi-sadistic. Regent’s26-acre, lighted practice facility iseasily among the best in theCharlotte metro area. 803-547-1300;regentparkgolfclub.com• River Hills Country Club: A treelined, parkland style course snuggledup to the shores of Lake Wylie, RiverHills possesses an outstanding mixof straight holes, doglegs and holeswith lots of movement in the land. Amajor, multi-year tree cutting programenhanced conditions throughout theWillard Byrd designed course. 803-831-2126; riverhillscountryclub.com• Springfield Golf Club: This ClydeJohnston designed course just north

of Fort Mill is modern, muscular(more than 6,900 yards) and featuresone of the best finishing stretches(holes 16-18) in the area. Its sharplyrolling layout penalizes errantapproach shots but is a driver’sdelight. A grass tee driving rangelocated just behind the clubhouse isconvenient and well-maintained. 803-548-3318; playspringfield.com• Tega Cay Golf Club: A 27-hole facil-ity recently upgraded with a new, mod-ern nine (Grande View), a spaciousclubhouse, an outdoor event pavilionand a gravity-defying practice range. Itis owned by the city of Tega Cay andmanaged by Pinnacle GolfAssociation. All three nines featureelevation changes reminiscent of amountain course. The Pines nine andCove nine renovated. Waterford GolfClub is opening adjacent to the clubhouse. 803-324-0300; tegacaygolf-club.com• Waterford Golf Club: Former U.S.Open champ and stalwart ChampionsTour player Hale Irwin carved this6,913-yard track from the banks ofthe Catawba River. The 548-yard par5 second hole — a slight double dog-leg on the banks of the river — isone of the best three-shottersaround. The course’s big, bentgrassgreens are typically in top shape.704-882-5858; charlottegolf.com

Driving ranges• The Range, 1818 Gold Hill Road,Fort Mill, (next to McHale’s) 803-548-4663• Golf Masters Training andTeaching Facility, 5241 CharlotteHwy., Lake Wylie, 704-747-8926

Let’s playRec leagues

Take a hike

Golf courses

Local groups• SouthTown Ridersskateboard, wakeboard704-225-3648• Tega Cay Tennis Association803-548-5556• Olympic Wrestling ClubMeets November-March704-351-0193• Mid Carolina TennisAssociationKim Ozman803-325-4022; geoci-ties.com/tennisycta/index.html

Local Leagues• Lake Wylie Women’s BowlingLeagueMeets at Striker’s in Rock HillJoan Barnes, 803-831-7272• Swim LeaguesRiver Hills SharksJoan Epping, coach 803-831-8060Tega Cay BreakersCindy Vanbuskirk, coach 803-548-6260The LandingGators,thelandingonlakewylie.com• Adult tennis teamsUSTA Mixed Doubles adult tennis803-222-7792;[email protected] Leagues• Charlotte KnightsMinor league baseball team, aTriple-A affiliate of the ChicagoWhite Sox. Knights Stadium,2280 Deerfield Drive, Fort Mill.803-548-8050; charlot-teknights.com• Charlotte CheckersEast Coast Hockey League. 212S. Tryon St., suite 575, Charlotte.Games played at Bobcats Arena.704-342-4423; gocheckers.com

Pro Leagues• Carolina PanthersNational Football League. Bank ofAmerica Stadium, uptownCharlotte. 704-522-6500; caroli-napanthers.com• Charlotte BobcatsNational Basketball Association.704-BOBCATS;nba.com/bobcats/

Dance• Carolina Dance Academy,13902 York Road, Charlotte, and112 Columbia St., Clover, 704-583-1354; danceatcda.com• Belmont School of Ballet, 116S. Main St., Belmont, 704-829-7929; belmontballet.com• Center Stage Dance Academy,2030 Gold Hill Road, Fort Mill,803- 547-7551

• Lake Wylie Athletic AssociationJack Sugameli803-831-9298; lwasports.org• Belmont Parks & RecreationDepartmentJ. Paul Ford Recreation Center37 E. Woodrow Ave., Belmont 704-825-8191belmontparksandrec.com• Clover Parks and Recreation256 Community Park Drive, Clover803-222-9493cloversc.info/portal/departments/-recreation.htm• Contagious Faith Sports andRecreationRiver Hills Community Church104 Hamilton's Ferry Road (offS.C. 49), Lake Wylie803-831-1615• Steele Creek AthleticAssociation13530 Choate Circle, Charlottescaasports.com• Tega Cay Parks and RecreationTega Cay Beach & Swim Centerr4220 Beach Club Lane, Tega Caytegacayrec.com

•The Nation Ford Greenway, aplanned 31-mile loop trail cover-ing much of Fort Mill and theeastern edge of Rock Hill. Whencomplete, the trail will connectRock Hill's trail system to the onein Mecklenburg County and SteeleCreek. The greenway also will con-nect Baxter, the Catawba Riverand the proposed public water-front park at Tega Cay.•Walkers Branch Greenway Trailand Steele Creek CommunityTrail, off N.C. 49 at RiverGateshopping center, is open behindRivergate Shopping Center. Whencomplete, the trails will stretch 50miles and connect neighbor-hoods, parks, schools, shoppingcenters and employment areasthroughout Steele Creek.New waterfront parks•Riverside Park and Greenway,49 acres at Riverside Drive andEight Avenue in Cramerton, NC,near the South Fork River, willhave walking trails, canoe launch,a fishing pier, picnic shelter,benches and grills.•A park is planned for sevenacres in Belmont along theCatawba River between the riverand East Catawba Street (N.C. 7)will become a new city park.


In 1958, the nearest Baptist church was in Gastonia,N.C., and folks went swimming in Catawba Lake, not LakeWylie.History has been made ever since at Pine Grove Baptist

Church.“This area has more potential than any area I’ve ever

seen. And with this new development coming, it’s really fix-ing to go crazy,” said church pastor Jerry Bryant.Pine Grove opened its doors 50 years ago. Originally

known as Bethel Baptist Mission, Pine Grove Baptist start-ed when 13 members of Sandy Plains Baptist Church inGastonia held their first service at 3 p.m. March 16, 1958,in the auditorium of the Bethel Consolidated School build-ing.Since then, meetings have been held in a three-room

wooden house, the Bethel Gin at Three Points and the cur-rent church site east of Three Points on S.C. 557.“There wasn’t anything here when this church was built,”

Bryant said. “Of course, there’s Bethel Presbyterian, whichis more than 100 years old.”Milestones line the history of the church, from bringing

Sandy Plains congregation member Bill C. Hoffman tobecome the first pastor on July 13, 1958, to the letterreceived from Sandy Plains on Aug. 10, 1958, telling thefellowship that 52 charter members made up BethelBaptist Mission.The men of the church constructed and dedicated the

first church building that seated 150 people at the currentsite in 1959. The new sanctuary, still used today, came

along in 1967 and seats 350.“We really feel compelled to reach out to families,”

Bryant said of church services, including divorce care andministries for children and senior adults.A vision that began in the 1970s for a Christian school

now has 180 children with preschool, afterschool and 4Kthrough first grade. Future plans include possibly buildingan addition to house 250 children in preschool, and alsoadd a K-12 Christian school.“You look back on it over the years, you see what

progress and what dedication it took to get to this point,"said church member Joerine Millen.Jeanette Almond is one of the 52 charter members. Her

95-year-old mother, Gladys Deal, is the oldest living chartermember. For Almond, the same reason she began attend-ing Pine Grove is the reason she has stuck with it all theseyears.“I just enjoy the people, and it’s close to home,” she

said.Almond raised three boys in the church and is grateful for

the instruction they received.Almond always will love Pine Grove, even if it has

changed since she began there.“There’s so many new people there now, I don’t know

many of them,” she said.When Pine Grove began, it came from churchgoers who

wanted a church closer to home."When I found Pine Grove, I found a home," Millen said.

"And that's what it's been."

Keeping the faith

Our oldest Baptist church

The Rev. Jerry Bryant of Pine Grove Baptist Church, standing at the pulpit,holds a photo of the church founders.

Documents

Gateway 2009