CSD Band Marches in Rose Parade & Visits Disneyland Volunteer Legacy at Crossroads
New Era in Community Care







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CSD Band Marches in Rose Parade & Visits Disneyland Volunteer Legacy at Crossroads







By Susan Bromfield President, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce
Spring 2026 is now upon us, reminding us of the renewal only possible with warmer, more inviting and beautiful weather. At Lake Wylie we are blessed to enjoy natural beauty and recreational opportunities all around. Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, pickleball, golf, walking or any outdoor activity you can enjoy it locally.
The secret has been out for many years as more and more newcomers move to the area to invest in their futures by buying homes and opening businesses locally. Growth is healthy and drives the economy. More residents mean more customers and more opportunities for business. Growth also brings challenges, especially if not guided and planned with needed infrastructure, traffic planning, added schools and a practical approach to plan commerce areas. York County has adopted the Lake Wylie Small Area Plan with zoning and requirements to help guide the coming and future growth. Many investors and developers have identified and purchased available land, and many new commercial and residential projects are in progress.
I recall a time when people complained that they had to take time off work to get a car repaired in a neighboring community or the need to make an appointment weeks in advance for an oil change or to get new tires. Those days are long gone as locals can get an oil change or new tires or even buy a new battery locally about anytime they want. Daytime, evening, and weekends! There was a time that we had no local medical practice so a trip to the doctor was a trip to a neighboring town. Now we have urgent care and a CaroMont Health Facility that has expanded the range so locals can easily access healthcare at Lake Wylie. We have Physical Therapy options at Lake Wylie rather than needing to drive to Pineville or Gastonia as was the case about 25 years ago. There was just one dental practice for many years and no vision care at all. And who can remember when most businesses were closed on Sundays and no way could you buy a bottle of wine or six-pack of beer at the grocery store. Things have changed and are continuing to change. and quickly. Some things are good and some growth presents challenges and problem solving. Like
all things we embrace the good and deal with the not so good to work to make things better as a community. Look in every direction of Lake Wylie and there are new commercial projects, business expansion and neighborhoods being planned and built. It’s springtime and the economy continues to blossom and grow. We can complain about the traffic and other challenges, or we can continue to appreciate the beauty and opportunity that is all around us and work to make our community nice for all. Lake Wylie Field Day Park has blossomed into a wonderful gathering place for the community and its youth. Land is being preserved for the community to enjoy hiking and gathering spots. Clover School District is addressing the needs of growth and future by building a new high school and elementary school as well as adapting existing schools to accommodate the ever-growing number of students moving into the district.
The new businesses, medical services, fitness centers, a new assisted living community, new apartment community have created and added new jobs locally. At Five Points, WestLake Village, a retail development, will have a new Harris Teeter and HT Fuel, dental practice, nail spa, restaurants, Chase Bank, and other businesses. Money is being invested locally, jobs created, local shopping opportunities expanded and economic development equals money reinvested back into the community. Jobs, businesses, and economic prosperity are vital for a healthy community to prosper and grow. Lake Wylie continues to blossom, and springtime brings a time of renewal as the community grows.
The spring issue of Lake Wylie Today highlights stories about the Clover School District Band marching in the Rose Parade and at Disneyland and the memories made for a lifetime, the ever-popular trend of pickleball and how it brings folks together, the hydroponics program at Clover High School, the areas Farm to Table opportunities at local restaurants, and a variety of stories that highlight health, wellness and springtime in our area. We invite you to sit back with a cup of tea or your favorite beverage and enjoy reading the spring issue of Lake Wylie Today.









Lake Wylie TODAY
Published by SCBIZ
Editor
Robin Gibson
Contributing Editor
Susan Brom eld, President Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce
Advertising Sales
Jane DuBois
Contributing Writers
Susan Brom eld
Wendy Dimitri
Jane DuBois
Steve Hicks
Matthew Mugavero
Contributing Photographers
Wendy Dimitri, Jan Todd, Five Blossoms Farm, Brian Rozar, Laurey Glenn, Rusty Williams, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, Dana Sipper -- Sipper Photography, River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS, Piedmont Medical Center, Emma Anne Photography, Sam's Homegrown at Moses Farmstead, Rotary Club of Lake Wylie, Alexander Saks, Jon Matthews, Luxe Pickleball, Field Day Park, River Hills Country Club, Clover High School Bands of Clover, Glaza Chiropractic Center








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River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club
Bicycle Chair Rick Thomas said the club delivered 32 brand-new bikes to charitable organizations during the 2025 Christmas season, including Rock Hill’s WRHI Radio station toy drive and Tender Hearts Ministry of York, S.C. Thomas, a former competitive cyclist, has led the committee for more than 12 years. He
said the club distributes more than 70 bikes each year, both new and refurbished, and in sizes for adults and children, to various non-profit organizations including the Clover Area Assistance Center and Title I elementary schools in the Clover School District.
The program is supported by an annual grant from Walmart in Lake Wylie and by community residents throughout the area
who donate used bicycles at Anchor Storage in Lake Wyle. Volunteers, including some members of the River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club, refurbish the donated bikes. Thomas said the giveaway brings joy and smiles to local children and families. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to ensure that every child has the chance to experience the joy of riding,” he said. LW





Southern Pine Lake is Clover’s newest luxury community, where serene natural beauty meets refined living. Nestled in the heart of York County, this exclusive enclave o ers 36+ homesites, each over one acre, designed to provide privacy, space, and an exceptional lifestyle.
• Oversized homesites — all over 1 acre (priced between $150,000-$180,000)
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• Minutes from Clover’s downtown, major thoroughfares, the Charlotte airport and Uptown Charlotte
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We are thrilled to announce the Superior Award recipients, and it is with great pleasure that we recognize Sunflower Springs of Lake Wylie as Impact Senior Living’s Community of the Year, along with Executive Director Lesley Donovan, as Impact Senior Living Executive Director of the Year!
The winners were revealed at the SR Companies 2026 Conference, hosted at the Omni Amelia Island Resort in Amelia Island, Florida. The Superior Awards celebrate outstanding leadership and excellence across SR Companies, and Sunflower Springs of Lake Wylie exemplifies both.
Under Lesley’s leadership, Sunflower

Springs of Lake Wylie has set a high standard through strong operations, dedicated team members and a deep commitment to resident care. The community’s recognition as Community of the Year reflects a culture of consistency, compassion, and accountability, while Lesley’s Executive Director of the Year award highlights her steady leadership and positive impact.
“Lesley’s leadership has made a clear difference at Sunflower Springs of Lake Wylie,” said Don Bishop, CEO of SR Companies.
“The success of this community is a direct reflection of her commitment to excellence and the strong team she leads.”
Join us in celebrating Sunflower Springs of Lake Wylie and Lesley Donovan for their outstanding achievements and well-earned recognition! LW
More than 500 children, parents and grandparents attended the annual Pancake Breakfast with on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2026, at Camp Thunderbird in Lake Wylie. Kids enjoyed several activities during their visit with Santa, including balloon twister, face painting, a ball toss, photo opportunities and a Santa sleigh.
River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club First Vice President Kevin Nauman, chair of the Pancake Breakfast, said the event has been held annually since 2013 and raises funds to support many nonprofit organizations throughout the Clover, S.C., area with help from more than two dozen local business sponsors. According to Nauman, this year’s turning was the event’s largest to date. LW











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River Hills Country Club has released a selection of photos from last year’s summer camps as it opens registration for its 2026 youth programming. The club will again offer its popular Tennis Camp along with a multisport Sports Camp, which features tennis, golf and swimming.
Designed for children ages 6 to 13, the camps are scheduled throughout June and July and are designed to provide a blend of structured instruction, recreation and outdoor activities. Families may register by contacting Assistant Racquet Pro Anamaria Kiszner-Luca at akisznerluca@riverhillscc.org or 803-831-1493. LW



























































It takes a village to pull off the annual fireworks show at Lake Wylie each year.
This year’s Fireworks show will be on Saturday, the 4th of July 2026!
We all enjoy the fireworks each year. Since Lake Wylie Community Fireworks Display is funded solely through donations, your support of this wonderful event is really needed for the event to continue. In order to insure the 2026 Lake Wylie Fireworks show can be scheduled, Please send your contribution in any amount now to:
Camp Thunderbird Fireworks Fund One Thunderbird Lane Lake Wylie, SC 29710 Or Venmo@ Camp Thunderbird Fireworks
Thanks very much for your support!


On April 18, 2026, the grounds of Camp Thunderbird will once again host paddlers and our community united in a singular mission: to combat Alzheimer’s disease. Now entering its fourth year, the Paddle for the Cure – The Race to Beat Alzheimer’s has grown from a local Rotary initiative into a Lake Wylie tradition.
This year’s event gains additional momentum through the support of our Title Sponsor QTS Data Centers. We appreciate their commitment to helping us find a cure for Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease affects families everywhere, and Lake Wylie is no exception. Over the past three years, Paddle for the Cure has

raised more than $64,000 for the Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust (CART), a fund dedicated exclusively to pioneering Alzheimer’s research.
The event blends athletic challenge with heartfelt purpose. Participants range from competitive paddlers to families honoring loved ones, as well as newcomers eager to contribute – reminding us that every stroke makes a difference.


QTS Data Centers: Championing the Cause as Title Sponsor
QTS Data Centers is renowned for powering the digital world, but their leadership in community service is equally notable. As Title Sponsor, QTS provides not only financial backing but also visibility, volunteer support and a genuine passion for the mission.
This year’s Paddle for the Cure promises an unparalleled experience:
• Competitive and recreational paddle races accommodating all skill levels, including a 10K, 5Ks and a 2K youth paddle for ages 12–17.
• A large silent auction with contributions from Lake Wylie-area businesses and community members.
• Sponsor showcases highlighting local businesses and their community impact.
• Live music and celebrations throughout the day.
With over 300 community members and paddlers anticipated, the event continues to flourish as a regional highlight that blends outdoor
adventure with a profound purpose.
Every dollar raised goes directly to research — free from overhead or administrative deductions. CART’s model is distinctive, and its impact is significant. Breakthroughs in early detection, treatment pathways and prevention strategies all stem from research efforts funded by this event.
Paddle for the Cure – The Race to Beat Alzheimer’s is more than a race. It stands as a beacon of hope, a tribute to loved ones and a testament to the power of community-driven change.
Whether you paddle, sponsor, volunteer or cheer from the shoreline, your involvement propels the mission forward. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are currently available at www.paddleforthecurelw.com
With QTS Data Centers as our Title Sponsor, the 4th Annual Paddle for the Cure is positioned to make its greatest impact yet. Together, we paddle for the cure — and together, we race toward a future free of Alzheimer’s disease. LW


The Rotary Club of Lake Wylie in partnership with Papa Doc’s Shore Club is setting sail this year with its Memorial Day Boat Parade and Raffle on May 25. This festive event offers a chance to honor fallen service members while uniting the community for a patriotic waterfront celebration. Boaters are encouraged to deck their vessels in red, white and blue and join the lineup at 4 p.m. at Papa Docs. After the parade, excitement will continue with a high stakes raffle with a grand prize of $5,000. Proceeds from the raffle support the Rotary Club of Lake Wylie’s service initiatives which include hunger relief, education support and youth programs. LW

merica's Boating Club of the Catawba sponsored its fourth Children's Outing at Camp Thunderbird on Sept. 6, 2025. Each year, we continue to grow the number of underserved families who attend our event. The children, and grown-ups, enjoy a fun-filled day of activities by the lake. We are incredibly grateful for our Sponsors and Volunteers! One of the greatest outcomes from this event is the community organizations pulling together to give these kids an experience of a lifetime. LW















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On December 6th, 2025, America’s Boating Club of the Catawba held their Second Annual Children’s Holiday Party at Camp Thunderbird. 64 underserved children and their families from local Welfare Agencies are invited. Just like the Angel Tree Program, children listed gifts they would like for Christmas and volunteers from


throughout the community purchased and wrapped the presents that were presented by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The children and their families enjoyed a day by the Lake with a hot turkey lunch, and fun activities. One child was overheard asking her mother “How did Santa know EXACTLY what I wanted for Christmas?” AND every child went home with a



bike and safety helmet. A total of 83 bikes were refurbished and donated to children and other underserved people in the community. Interested in learning more about America’s Boating Club of the Catawba? Contact Mary Williams at 562-477-0932 or email AmericasBoatingClubCatawba@Gmail.com. LW

On January 30th, America’s Boating Club of the Catawba held their 62nd Change of Watch at the Fish Market in Baxter Village. LW


The Pride of Clover Marching Band shared some love from “the little town with love in the middle” as members marched down Colorado Boulevard in the 137th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day. Director of Bands Rick Langdale officially announced the band’s invitation in October 2024. Since then, he and his fellow directors were guests at last year’s parade to learn the ropes for this year’s trip. The band also began an ambitious public relations and fundraising campaign. The total cost for the band’s 207 members to participate in the parade neared $1 million.
Fundraising and PR kicked off last March with a visit from Tournament of Roses President Mark Leavens and his wife, Kay, for a whirlwind week of activities. The highlight of the week was the partnership between Clover Main Street and the Town of Clover to close Main Street for a public performance by the band.
Clover also rallied around its band for a sendoff event in December. The band decided to forego a traditional holiday con-
cert to hold a community performance at Memorial Stadium, where members played holiday favorites and demonstrated their parade skills.
The trip to Pasadena was especially poignant for band members. Clover High School’s band has been the largest competitive band in South Carolina but will be smaller next year due to the reassignment of half its members to the new Lake Wylie High School.
Televisions across Clover School District tuned into the parade on New Year’s Day as the community cheered on the band and celebrated its accomplishment. The band even drew accolades from South Carolina’s Congressional delegation, including Sen. Tim Scott and Rep. Ralph Norman. While in Pasadena, band students took part in a number of activities besides the parade. These included trying the popular In-N-Out Burgers, visiting Universal Studios, performing at Disneyland, touring the Santa Monica Pier and meeting students from other bands from around the world, including Japan.





Work continues at Lake Wylie High School, Roosevelt Middle School and Liberty Hill Elementary School with the calendar rolling ever closer to the opening of these new schools on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Most work at Lake Wylie and Liberty Hill is now focused on the interior. The buildings are fully enclosed, so crews are concentrating on mechanical systems, flooring, ceilings, fixtures and paint. Roosevelt Middle is currently painting its Ninth Grade Campus and installing a branding package. The district is also meeting with members of the Roosevelt High School Alumni Association to determine how to preserve their history at the new school.
The principals of the new schools have completed the staffing transfer process, and the district is currently sharing social media graphics announcing new staff members. Community engagement activities are in full swing at all three schools. Each school is forming a Parent-Teacher Organizations and booster clubs for athletics and the band. They are also hosting “Meet the Team” Nights where students and their families can meet coaches and band directors. LW



























By Wendy Dimitri
Formed by the damming of the Catawba River, the lake developed quietly over time, shaped more by everyday life than by grand plans.
Long before national attention found its way here, the shoreline was home to simple river cabins, log houses and fishing docks built for function rather than display. Crossing into Lake Wylie once meant traveling over a narrow twolane bridge, leading to a small collection of local businesses and a few modest grocery stores that served the community well.
Lake Wylie was never positioned as a resort town or a tourist destination. It was a place people chose because it offered space, connection to the water and a strong sense of community. Growth came gradually, and with it came families who put roots down, raised children and watched the lake evolve alongside them.
That is what makes the announcement that the 2026 HGTV Dream Home sits on the shores of Lake Wylie feel both surprising and remarkably fitting.
“There is no more obvious choice for building on a lake in the Charlotte region than Lake Wylie,” Michael Knotts, Principal of Knotts Builders the builder of the HGTV Dream Home 2026 said. “It is just as close to Charlotte as Lake Norman, but it remains more affordable and is still emerging as a place to build. I admit I am biased because I was born here and have lived on the lake for much of my life, but Lake Wylie offers an opportunity that is becoming harder to find elsewhere.”

HGTV selects its Dream Home locations with care, choosing places that reflect how and where people aspire to live. For 2026, that vision includes Lake Wylie.
The home is located on Lake Wylie on the North Carolina side just across the bridge. While the property carries a Charlotte address, its identity is unmistakably tied to the lake. The views, the setting, and the pace of life are defined by the water, not the city.
For those who live here, the distinction is important. The home is planned with the lake as a central feature, not just a visual backdrop.
Over time, Lake Wylie has expanded in ways that few “old-timers” could have imagined. What began with cabins and seasonal structures gradually transitioned into permanent homes. Roads improved. Infrastructure followed. The bridge widened and local businesses grew to meet the needs of a changing population.
Development arrived as a reflection of demand, not speculation. People discovered Lake Wylie because it offered something increasingly rare: a balance between accessibility and calm, growth and community.
“People who live on Lake Wylie want to interact with the lake,” Knotts details. “It is not just a backdrop for a home. It is meant to be used. Swimming, fishing, skiing, sailing and slow cruising have all shaped the lake over time, and the home should draw people toward that experience. This home was designed to do exactly that.”
HGTV selection reflects that evolution. The Dream Home represents the type of development that aligns with the direction Lake Wylie has been moving in for years. It acknowledges the lake as a place worthy of thoughtful investment and national attention.


While the HGTV Dream Home is polished and professionally styled, it is also grounded in the realities of lakeside living.
The home faces the water, with expansive decks designed to maximize shoreline views. A multi-level dock extends into the lake, reinforcing the idea that life here centers on the water. Indoors, large windows allow natural light to shape the living spaces, creating a strong connection between inside and out.
“We believe the land should guide the design of the home,” Knotts explains. “Views from different rooms, the orientation of the house, and the way the home interacts with the surrounding nature are all critical. Direction matters for sunrise and sunset views, energy efficiency and window placement. Topography also plays a role in foundation height, drainage and how the home connects to the landscape.”
Warm materials and natural textures give the home an inviting feeling. This is not a showpiece meant to be admired from a distance. It is a house designed to be lived in, gathering people together while honoring its surroundings.
Located on a peninsula where development is still underway, the home offers a look at what intentional lakeside growth can achieve when it respects both setting and community.

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Freedom Boat Club (704)-943-4485 www.freedomboatclub.com
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Tega Cay Marina 803-548-3715 www.tegacaymarina.com

A fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or older when fishing in any public water, including coastal waters, in both Carolinas. Purchase NC licenses by calling 888-248-6834 or at www.ncwildlife.org. SC licenses are available at www.dnr.sc.gov or by calling 803734-3833. A 7 day license can be purchased for out of state visitors. Must have a valid state ID.
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3900 Mt. Gallant Road
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Wal-Mart - Lake Wylie
175 SC-274
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803-831-2115
Wal-Mart - Newport 4875 Old York Rd
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Wal-Mart-Tega Cay 1151 Stonecrest Blvd
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The exterior of the 2026 HGTV Dream Home overlooks the shoreline of Lake Wylie, blending natural materials with a lakeside setting.

What this moment represents HGTV presence brings visibility, and with it comes opportunity.
For many viewers across the country, this will be their first introduction to Lake Wylie. They will see a shoreline that feels open and welcoming, a lake that offers both beauty and livability, and a community that has grown with care.
“Some lakes offer serenity but very little activity, while others are beautiful but heavily restricted,” Knotts says. “Lake Wylie offers both. There is quiet and beauty, but also fishing, sailing, family gatherings and time on the water. People can find their own version of lake life here.”
The same qualities that once kept Lake Wylie quietly under the radar are now the reasons it stands out. Stability. Connection. A sense of place that cannot be manufactured.
Still the same lake, seen more clearly
Lake Wylie has earned this attention through years of steady growth and community investment. The arrival of the HGTV Dream Home does not change what the lake is. It highlights what it has become.
This is a shoreline shaped by families, work and time. It is a community that has welcomed development while maintaining its identity. It is a place that has grown confidently into its moment. It’s easy to see why HGTV chose our lake to showcase.






































By Wendy Dimitri
Spring is when Sam’s Homegrown at Moses Farmstead finds its rhythm. Greenhouse tables fill with seedlings, poultry settles into familiar patterns, and families arrive ready to gather plants for their home gardens, pick up eggs or score hard to find meat sales. Located a short drive from Lake Wylie, the farm behind Sam’s Homegrown feels like a spring gathering of gardens, greenery and animals working together.
At the center of it all is Sam Moses, a mother, grower and long-time Clover resident who never set out to start a farm business. What exists today began as a backyard effort to feed her own family on land that has been in her husband’s family for generations.
“This was never supposed to be a big thing,” Sam said. “I just wanted to grow better food for my family.”
The farm itself sits on just two and a half acres, a modest footprint by any agricultural standard.

But Sam is quick to point out that size has never been the point.
“We do a lot with what we have,” she said.
The land is part of a larger stretch of family property that has been passed down over generations. Small-scale farming has always been part of its history, long before it had a name or signage. Sam’s Homegrown grew slowly and organically out of that foundation, expanding from backyard gardening into something the broader community could share.
In the early years, Sam grew extra seedlings for her own garden. When friends and neighbors asked for plants, she shared those too. Over time, demand increased, particularly as more families became interested in growing food at home.
“I started with one table of plants,” Sam said. “It was just what I had left after planting our own garden.”
Today, Sam grows between 10,000 and 15,000 plants each spring, covering about 150 varieties

of vegetables, culinary herbs, medicinal herbs, and plants for drying and teas. Fridays and Saturdays are plant sale days at the farm, with everything organized in trays and labeled with picture cards that explain what the plant is and how to grow it.
“I grow things I could not find when I was looking for them,” she said. “I figured if I was looking, other people were too.”
Sam’s Homegrown operates without chemical sprays. Compost-based practices, fish emulsion and integrated animals form the backbone of soil and plant health.
“I do not use sprays,” she said. “Not in the greenhouse and not in the garden.”
As the farmstead evolved, poultry became a natural addition. Sam has raised Freedom Ranger meat birds since 2009, drawn to their durability and ability to thrive outdoors.
“They grow fast, they stay together, and they do well outside,” she said. “They are not compli-





cated birds, and they are easier for us to manage.”
When birds are processed, sales move quickly.
“People like chicken,” Sam said. “When we have a sale, it goes very fast.”
In addition to chickens, the farm is home to turkeys, ducks, and French Toulouse geese. Turkey hens lay about 30 eggs per year, mostly in spring. Sam allows turkey eggs to hatch, raising some poults and selling others. Their size and reactivity also serve a practical purpose.
“They are loud and they react to everything,” she said. “Their size and noise help keep hawks away.”
Geese remain primarily with the duck flock and act as an early warning system for predators. Their alarm calls work alongside Mae, the livestock guardian dog who helps protect the birds.
“She knows the difference in their sounds,” Sam said. “If the geese alert, she is already moving.”
Moses Farmstead is not intended as a destination or agritourism stop. It is a working, homebased farm where animals, children and daily routines overlap.
A simple pond dug at the lowest point of the property provides water access for ducks.
“It is purposely located there to both gather rain-

A basket of freshly harvested cherry tomatoes showcases the seasonal abundance grown on the farm.
Photo courtesy of Sam’s Homegrown at Moses Farmstead.
Fresh produce is arranged for direct sale, reflecting the variety grown on the small but highly productive farmstead.
Photo courtesy of Sam’s Homegrown at Moses Farmstead.
water and runoff,” Sam explains. “But we can also see it from the windows inside the house. It’s such a sweet view watching the mamma ducks with their chicks waddle their way to the pond.”
The farm operates alongside homeschool schedules, church commitments and sports practices. Sam and her husband are intentional about balance, particularly where their children are concerned.
Her youngest son, Finn, often plays basketball near the animals. The birds routinely gather at the fence to watch.
“They all come over,” Sam said. “The pigs, the chickens, the turkeys. They all gather to watch Finn at the basketball hoop.”
As interest in Sam’s Homegrown increased, selling directly from the farm has become more challenging.
“We’ve outgrown it,” Sam said. “We need more space and some separation between home and business.”
To meet that need, the family is preparing to open a storefront in downtown Clover to serve the surrounding communities. Like the farm, the storefront is also family-owned property that has
been passed down through generations.
“This is still very much a family thing,” Sam said.
The storefront will allow customers to find Sam’s Homegrown plants, produce, eggs, poultry and newly added pork, alongside products from other South Carolina artisan farmers.
“People want to buy local,” Sam said. “But it is hard when everything is spread out.”
Sam is clear that the storefront is not meant to replace farmers’ markets.

“It is another option,” she said. “Something that works better for some farmers and some families.”
By offering a centralized space, Sam hopes to reduce the burden on small producers while making local food easier to access.
Every part of Moses Farmstead reflects choices shaped by trial, learning, and time. Sam plans crops carefully, focusing on succession planting

and manageable scale. She works with extension services and agricultural agencies and asks questions when she needs answers.
“This is a lot of work,” she said. “But it is good work.”
For families near Lake Wylie looking to grow food, eat well, and support small producers, Sam’s Homegrown at Moses Farmstead offers something genuine: food raised responsibly, by a family doing the most they can with the land they love.

Whole chickens from Sam’s
are prepared and stored for local customers planning meals and freezer stocking throughout the season.
of

From field to fiesta: how Don
Julio became the spirit behind life’s best celebrations





By Matthew Mugavero of Lake Wylie Liquors
/ Images provided
long the shores of Lake Wylie, gatherings unfold with easy elegance. Afternoons stretch into evenings on screened porches, boats return at golden hour and tables are set with intention. Here, entertaining is less about formality and more about feeling. The right glass, the right company, the right moment.

Often, those moments begin with tequila.
And more often than not, that tequila is Don Julio.
believed that great tequila could not be rushed.
While others planted agave tightly together to increase production, he spaced each blue Weber agave plant farther apart, allowing it to grow stronger and sweeter under the Mexican sun. He waited longer for maturity. He roasted slowly. He distilled carefully, always prioritizing flavor over force.
of not
Long before tequila became the centerpiece of refined entertaining, it was the quiet pursuit of one man with an uncommon vision. In 1942, in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, Don Julio González set out to craft a spirit defined not by speed or scale, but by patience, balance, and respect for the land.
What began as a small family operation would go on to reshape how the world experiences tequila.
From the very beginning, Don Julio



The result was something entirely new. Smooth, expressive and naturally refined, Don Julio’s tequila did not need salt or lime to soften its edges. It invited sipping. It rewarded attention. And it quietly elevated tequila from party staple to polished spirit.
This approach sets a new standard that still defines the category today.
Each agave plant still spends seven to ten years growing before harvest. Slow-roasting preserves natural sweetness. Distillation highlights bright citrus, cooked agave and gentle spice. Every step honors the same philosophy Don Julio himself championed more than eight decades ago.








Though its roots remain firmly planted in Mexico, Don Julio has found a natural home in lakeside living.
At Lake Wylie, where hospitality flows as easily as conversation, tequila has become a signature of modern entertaining. A fresh margarita after a day on the water. Reposado poured at sunset beside a grazing board. Añejo enjoyed slowly as candlelight reflects off the lake. Each expression brings its own character to the table.
Don Julio Blanco offers brightness and clarity, perfect for warm afternoons and citrus-forward cocktails. Reposado adds
depth and softness, its gentle oak notes pairing beautifully with grilled seafood and summer fare. Añejo settles into evening with warmth and elegance, ideal for lingering conversations and quiet toasts.
And when the occasion calls for something unforgettable, Don Julio 1942 stands ready. Its tall, sculptural bottle has become synonymous with milestones and meaningful celebrations, often opened when only the finest expression will do.
A spirit for every gathering
Part of Don Julio’s enduring appeal lies in its versatility.
It transitions effortlessly from casual to
refined, from dockside drinks to formal receptions. It anchors cocktail menus at weddings and elevates backyard dinners. It feels equally at home beside linen tablecloths and flickering candles as it does next to wicker chairs and open-air laughter.
In recent years, tequila has emerged as the spirit of choice for those who value authenticity and craftsmanship. As wine once defined dinner tables and bourbon closed the evening, tequila now shapes how moments are shared.
At the center of that movement stands Don Julio, not following trends but continuing the standard it set generations ago..
Behind every bottle lies a legacy more than eighty years in the making.
From agave farmers tending the fields to distillers preserving time-honored techniques, each step reflects a belief that great tequila is cultivated, not manufactured. What began as one man’s pursuit of better tequila has become a global symbol of connection, celebration and refined living.
And yet, its greatest success may be how naturally it fits into life’s most meaningful moments.
A lakeside wedding toast. A birthday under string lights. An anniversary dinner shared quietly at home. In each, Don Julio offers more than a spirit. It offers an invitation to gather well, savor fully, and celebrate intentionally.
Because the best moments are never rushed.
They are poured carefully, shared generously, and remembered long after the glass is empty.



Arby's 511 Nautical Drive
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-5555
Azteca Grill
604 Nautical Dr. Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-8930
Bagel Boat – Bagels 4090 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-5995
Best China
5243 Hwy 557
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-5540
Big Papa’s Pizzeria
5800 Charlotte Highway Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 619-4111
Bojangles
4927 Charlotte Hwy
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-9346
Cherry – Asian Cuisine
4034 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-9594
Chipotle Mexican Grill
5001 Charlotte Highway Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (839) 737-2034
Christopher’s Bar and Grille 1500 Village Harbor Dr. Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-2461
Copper Premium Pub 4516 Charlotte Highway
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 701-7021
Domino’s Pizza 125 E Evergreen Rd Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-7075
Dunkin Donuts 335 Vesla Lane
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 675-6044
Famous Toastery of Lake Wylie 5217 Highway 557 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803)675-6000
Jersey Mike’s
604 Nautical Drive, Suite 101
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0912
Kochi Japanese Steakhouse 5360 Highway 557
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 610-0146
Lake Wylie Pins N’ Wins
4034 Charlotte Hwy
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-2553
Lake Wylie Italian and Pizza 4074 Charlotte Hwy
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0855
Lee's Hoagie House
312 Bulkhead Way
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 619-4046
McDonalds
5262 Highway 557 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803)831-0577
Moe's Southwest Grill
312 Bulkhead Way #105 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 398-1663
Panda Hut
144 Highway 274
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 631-1988
Papa Doc’s Shore Club 3990 Charlotte Hwy
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 803-831-0043
Papa Johns
221 Latitude Lane Suite 101
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0101
Pier 88 at River Hills Marina
54 Marina Rd
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0088
Pizza Hut 5241 Hwy 557
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-1188














Rey Azteca Mexican 4052 Charlotte Highway Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-9277
River Hills Country Club 1 Country Club Dr. Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-2126
Starbucks 1201 Village Harbor Drive, #101
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (704) 591-5361
Subway 5245 Hwy 557 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0143
Sweetwater Grille 4582 Charlotte Highway Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-1788
Taco Bell at Lake Wylie 311 Vesla Lane
Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 701-7068
Thai Fusion 125 Evergreen Road Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 746-5047
Waffle House
5013 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-0315
Wendy’s 5188 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710-8099 (803) 831-2687
Wylie’s Eats and Drinks 4052 Charlotte Highway Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 701-7295
Zaxby’s 143 SC-274 Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 831-2634
Zo.ra Food and Wine 1201 Village Harbor Dr. Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803) 619-4047


By Wendy Dimitri
Aclassroom at Clover High School is now producing both learning opportunities and fresh food for the community. Through a partnership with the Rotary Club of Lake Wylie, students are gaining firsthand experience with hydroponic growing systems while supporting local families through donations to the Clover Area Assistance Center (CAAC).
Earlier this month, students at Clover High School harvested leafy greens grown in hydroponic towers installed at the Center for Career Innovation. Joined by 12 members of the Rotary Club of Lake Wylie, approximately 20 students collected 109.65 pounds of fresh greens. The harvest and additional salad kit donations were used to assemble 68 complete salad kits, which were donated to the Clover Area Assistance Center to support local families.
The project combines education, technology and service, providing students with exposure to modern agricultural practices while reinforcing community responsibility.




The hydroponic tower project was selected as the Rotary Club of Lake Wylie’s primary service initiative for the 2025 to 2026 Rotary year. Club president Richie Russell said the idea developed after learning more about hydroponics and its increasing role in agricultural production.
“Each year the president of our club selects one major project,” Russell said. “I wanted something that introduced students to new technology while also providing a benefit beyond the classroom.”
After researching several approaches and visiting operational sites, the Rotary Club evaluated both aquaponic and hydroponic systems. The goal was to identify a solution that would be manageable in a school setting and sustainable over time.
“We knew we were introducing this to high school students and to teachers who had not previously worked with hydroponics,” Russell said. “It was important that the system be easy to install and simple to maintain so it would succeed long term.”
The club ultimately partnered with Fork Farms, a manufacturer whose hydroponic towers are designed for educational environments. According to Russell, the system stood out for its integrated design and ease of use.
“It came as a complete system with lighting, pumps, and everything needed to get started,” he said. “Once it is installed, it largely runs itself with proper monitoring.”

towers installed at




Pickleball Tournament

2-Night Pickleball Tournament at Field Day Park MAR 24/25
Annual Easter Egg Hunt in the Park
Concert Series
Concert in the Park ft. Fire & Ash Duo
Concert Series
Concert in the Park ft. Jam Garden
Pickleball Tournament
2-Night Pickleball Tournament at Field Day Park
Concert Series
Concert in the Park ft. Garrett Huffman Band


www.yorkcountygov.com/fdplw





















































Funding was made possible through a combination of Rotary Club contributions and grant support, including grants from Rotary District 7750 and community partners. Russell noted that many of the grants required matching funds and ongoing reporting.
“Our club committed to matching the grants and to staying involved,” Russell said. “This was never intended to be a one-time donation.”
The Rotary Club of Lake Wylie has also committed to covering the annual operating costs. These costs include seeds, nutrients and balancing materials required for the system.
“The school will not be responsible for the ongoing maintenance expenses,” Russell said. “We will continue to fund the materials and provide volunteers for maintenance and harvests.”

The hydroponic towers are integrated into Clover High School’s agricultural science curriculum and are used by students studying agricultural science, environmental science and natural resources. In total, 191 students are enrolled across these programs, with 64 students participating directly in the initial harvest.
Students are responsible for planting, monitoring nutrient levels, balancing water chemistry and harvesting crops. The system allows for year-round growing and uses significantly less water than traditional soil-based agriculture.
Russell emphasized that the project was designed to expose students to modern agricultural career paths.
•Neck pain
• Headaches
• Shoulder pain
“This is not just about growing lettuce,” he said. “It is about teaching students how food is produced, how technology plays a role, and what opportunities exist in agricultural sciences today.”
•Back pain
• Whiplash
• Muscle spasms


•Neck pain
• Headaches
• Shoulder pain •Back pain
• Whiplash


April 11th 4:00-7:30pm May 9th 4:00-7:30pm June 13th 4:00-7:30pm
• Muscle spasms




Completed salad kits prepared with hydroponically grown greens are assembled for donation to the Clover Area Assistance Center. Left to right: Paul Kuto, Shalyn Wehbie, Mike McFetters, Grace Kuto, Sharon Perot.

Clover High School students and RCLW member, Janet Gaglione, harvest and sort greens during a scheduled hydroponics harvest supported by Rotary Club volunteers.









From start to end. Call us today! Glaza
548 Nautical Drive, Suite 204 | Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (803)831-2345 | www.drglaza.com





























While the educational component was central to the project, the community impact developed organically. During planning discussions, the idea emerged to package the harvested greens into complete salad kits rather than donating loose produce.
The result was 68 kits, each designed to provide multiple meals. According to Russell, this marked the first time the CAAC received freshly harvested greens grown locally by students.
“Because we operate a full choice pantry, clients are able to select the salad kits just as they would in a grocery store,” said Cameron Hurst, Executive Director of CAAC. “Fresh produce is one of the hardest items for food pantries to provide consistently, and we are grateful for this new partnership and the impact it will have on the families we serve.”
Russell added that the Rotary Club hopes to continue providing fresh produce to the CAAC on a regular basis as future harvests become more consistent.
“We are hopeful this becomes an ongoing contribution,” he said. “This was not planned from the beginning, but it has become one of the most meaningful outcomes of the project.”



The Rotary Club of Lake Wylie plans to remain actively involved in the program through volunteer support during harvests, annual system cleaning and continued monitoring of the towers’ performance.
“Our intention is to stay engaged,” Russell said. “We want to make sure this investment in Clover High School continues to succeed.”
Some of the crops grown in the towers, including herbs, are also used by the school’s culinary program, further expanding the educational impact.
As the hydroponic program continues to develop, it stands as a collaborative effort between educators, students and community volunteers. The towers provide students with practical learning opportunities while producing fresh food for families across the Clover/Lake Wylie area.
For the Rotary Club of Lake Wylie, the project reflects its ongoing commitment to education, service and community partnership.

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Five Blossoms Farm is bringing its signature rustic chic floral style to downtown York this March with the opening of Five Blossoms Shoppe at 43 N. Congress St. The Clover based flower and beekeeping farm—known for its lush seasonal blooms, premium honey and boutique agritourism experiences—is creating a destination where guests can browse farm grown flowers, build custom bouquets at the Stem Bar, shop artisan home goods and attend seasonal workshops.
The space promises to offer the sensory charm of the farm year round, blending garden style floristry with curated gifts and Southern hospitality. The Shoppe opens in March 2026, with a private VIP preview planned ahead of the public launch.































Members of the Glaza Chiropractic Center inside the practice, representing more than three decades of chiropractic care in Lake Wylie. Photos courtesy of Glaza Chiropractic Center.
By Wendy Dimitri / Images provided
When Dr. Glaza opened his first solo chiropractic practice in 1987, Lake Wylie was not the Lake Wylie people recognize today. The bridge was two lanes, traffic moved differently, and much of the commercial growth that now defines the corridor had not arrived. Glaza came anyway, building a practice in a community that was still becoming itself.
Glaza Chiropractic Center has grown alongside the area, staying focused on chiropractic care while the surrounding landscape changed from open stretches and scattered buildings to dense neighborhoods, new shopping centers and steady flow from the bridge.
A South Carolina decision that stuck
Glaza grew up in Michigan and came to South Carolina for chiropractic school at Sherman College in Spartanburg. After graduating in 1986, he returned home briefly, then realized he missed the South.
“I went back home to Muskegon for a couple months, and then I realized how much I missed the South,” he said. “I fell in love with it.”
In 1987, he opened his first solo practice. His original office was near the River Hills area, close to landmarks that longtime residents still use as
reference points. Choosing Lake Wylie was a bet on what the community might become.
“There was talk like, one day this is going to be the area,” Glaza said. “Now it is the area.”
Glaza Chiropractic Center focuses on spinal and neuromuscular conditions, including neck pain, back pain, sciatic nerve pain, headaches, and numbness that can travel from the neck down an arm or into the hands. The practice works with patients dealing with everyday strain, as well as those recovering from injuries.
“We deal with the spine. That is our forte,” Glaza said. “We do a consultation, then an examination. After that, we typically take x-rays, so we can see exactly what the condition is.”
That process can include palpation, range of motion checks, orthopedic tests, and imaging to evaluate issues such as scoliosis, degenerative changes, or misalignment.
“We treat a lot of car accident cases,” Glaza said. “Someone sits and gets rear ended at 60 miles an hour. Boom. The whiplash. Then they walk in two days later with symptoms.”
He also sees the impact of modern habits, including long hours at computers and phones.
“People sit at a computer all day, and their phone, and they are like this,” he said, describing
forward posture and muscle tightness that can develop over time.
Glaza tends to explain chiropractic care in direct terms, and he enjoys the clarity of staying in his lane.
“We do not look in your eyes, we do not look in your ears,” he said. “We go to the spot.”
Glaza’s story starts with sports. As a teenager, he dealt with back pain and found that the first answers he received were not the ones he wanted.
“I went to a medical doctor and all he did was give me drugs,” he said. “I went to an orthopedic doctor and he told me at 16, why do you not just quit playing sports and your back will get better.”
A chiropractor helped him manage the issue and then came a suggestion that changed his direction.
“One day he asked, what are you going to do after high school,” Glaza said. “When I didn’t really have an answer, he said, you know what, you would be a great chiropractor. That was it. The light bulb just went.”
That line has stayed with him for decades, and it still fits his personality: straightforward, a little comical, and not interested in overcomplicating a decision that worked.

“There was talk like, one day this is going to be the area. Now it is the area.”
— Dr. Al Glaza

An early photograph from Dr. Al Glaza’s career shows him working inside his clinic during the practice’s earlier years. Photos courtesy of Glaza Chiropractic Center.

A framed Lake Wylie Pilot article from 2007 marks an early milestone in the practice’s history, celebrating Dr. Al Glaza’s first 20 years serving the Lake Wylie community. Photos courtesy of Glaza Chiropractic Center.

Al
and Connor
stand in front of the
Center logo at the Lake
office. Photos courtesy of Glaza Chiropractic Center.

Dr. Al Glaza and his son, Connor Glaza, review patient information together in the office, reflecting the transition of knowledge from one generation to the next. Photos courtesy of Glaza Chiropractic Center.
The legacy piece: Connor Glaza steps in
This year, the practice enters a new chapter with Connor Glaza preparing to join his father in the clinic. Connor is the youngest of three brothers and the only one pursuing chiropractic as a career. He earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Appalachian State University and, like his father, completed chiropractic school at Sherman College.
“It is 3 ½ years on top of your bachelor,” Connor said of chiropractic school.
Connor graduated in December and is now finishing the required steps toward licensure, including state board testing, with the goal of joining the practice as a licensed chiropractor, in spring.
“I am here at the clinic, but in my internship right now,” he said. “I apply for my license at the end of March or April, sit my state board, and hopefully end of April, most likely early May, I start going at full speed.”
Connor said he is not approaching the transition as a takeover or a reinvention. He describes himself as an addition to a practice with an established approach.
“I am not trying to come in here and change anything,” Connor said. “They will see the same care, the same philosophy. I want to keep the same values, but I can bring a fresh perspective.”
For Connor, that fresh perspective is practical.

Connor Glaza demonstrates spinal anatomy during a patient consultation, highlighting the hands-on approach used in the family practice. Photos courtesy of Glaza Chiropractic Center.
It is less about changing technique and more about improving systems that help patients and staff.
"Growth means refining systems behind the scenes — improving efficiency, communication and patient experience — without changing the heart of care," he said.
After nearly four decades, Glaza measures time in years, but also in returning patients.
“A gentleman came in yesterday,” he said. “We used to work next door to each other 38 years ago. Now I am treating his daughter.”
That continuity is part of what has kept the practice steady through Lake Wylie’s most dramatic growth years. It is also what makes Connor’s entry feel like a true legacy move, not a ceremonial handoff.
“It is not a retirement. It is not a handoff,” Connor said. “We are strengthening what we have.”
As Lake Wylie moves into another phase of development, Glaza Chiropractic Center expects to do what it has done since 1987: stay focused, keep pace, and keep the work grounded in a style that sounds like Dr. Al Glaza himself, clear, confident, and ready with a quick line when the moment calls for it.
By Wendy Dimitri
For nearly five decades, River Hills/ Lake Wylie EMS has been a constant presence in the Lake Wylie community, providing lifesaving emergency medical care not only within River Hills but across York County. What began as a volunteer rescue squad has evolved into a critical link in the county’s emergency response system, and it responds wherever the closest ambulance is needed, often far beyond its home base.
This spring, that long-standing service enters a new chapter. River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS has finalized an agreement for Piedmont Medical Center to purchase the agency’s ambulances and operational assets, while leasing the EMS building at the River Hills front gate. According to River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS Director Dick Mann, the transition ensures continuity of service while solving the financial challenges that have increasingly burdened independent nonprofit EMS providers.




Decades of service amid growing strain
River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS was formed at a time when many communities across York County relied on volunteer rescue squads to provide ambulance service. York County operates under a hospital-based EMS system, meaning hospitals, rather than the county, are contractually required to provide ambulance coverage. Communities that were not near a hospital historically formed nonprofit rescue squads funded by donations and insurance reimbursements.


Over time, most of those rescue squads disappeared. Today, only River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS and Fort Mill EMS remained, but that changed when Fort Mill completed its sale to Atrium Health in 2024. River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS faced the same financial realities: rising staffing costs, an aging ambulance fleet, increasing call volume, and limited reimbursement from insurance.
Despite common assumptions, the EMS squad has never received funding from York County or the River Hills Community Association. Instead, it relied on annual fundraising drives, donations from civic organizations, and partial insurance payments, all of which grew increasingly unpredictable.
“We were getting to the point where it was impossible to break even,” Mann said. “You can’t operate a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week emergency service on reimbursements and donations alone anymore.”













“It is all but impossible today for a private EMS agency to even break even, let alone make a profit.”
— Dick Mann, Director, River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS

“Fort Mill took two years. We were able to get this done in six months.”


When Fort Mill EMS sold to Atrium after nearly two years of negotiations, River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS realized its options were narrowing. A major fundraising campaign in late 2024, which many residents saw through the “life support” message displayed on an ambulance, was designed to keep the service operating while leadership explored long-term solutions.
“We were very close to having to shut down,” Mann said. “Fort Mill showed us there might be another path.”
Discussions were initiated with both Atrium and Piedmont. Piedmont’s willingness to move quickly proved decisive. The entire process, from inquiry to closing, took approximately six months.
Under the agreement, Piedmont will purchase River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS’s ambulances and equipment and lease the EMS facility at the River Hills front gate. Ambulance service will continue without interruption.
That system, used by both York and Mecklenburg counties, dynamically positions ambulances throughout the county based on call data and availability.

“The system doesn’t look at who owns the ambulance,” Mann explained. “It sends the closest available unit, whether that’s Piedmont, Atrium or the past River Hills units.”
Logos on the ambulances will remain similar, with new identification showing Piedmont ownership. Most importantly for residents, patient care protocols and hospital choice remain unchanged.
“One of the biggest concerns we heard was that people would not be given a choice of hospitals to be taken to,” Mann said. “That’s simply not true. We have it in writing that patients will continue to be taken to the hospital of their choice.”

River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS responds alongside Clover Fire Department during a multi-agency emergency response, with air medical support on site.
Photo courtesy of River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS
That includes hospitals throughout York, Gaston, and Mecklenburg counties, including Charlotte-area facilities.
The transition also benefits EMS personnel. Historically, River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS oper-
ated largely with volunteers, gradually adding paid staff as volunteer numbers declined. The nonprofit structure, however, made it difficult to offer competitive salaries or benefits.
Under Piedmont, most current employees have chosen to stay and will receive higher wages and full benefits — an outcome Mann describes as a major victory.
“Our employees deserve that stability,” he said. “This is a win for them.”
Initial community reaction included some skepticism, particularly on social media. Many residents assumed their homeowners’ association dues or county taxes funded the EMS service.
“That was never the case,” Mann emphasized. “We never received money from the community association or the county.”
Instead, survival depended on donations from individuals and local organizations, combined with insurance reimbursements that rarely covered the full cost of emergency transport.
“Insurance simply doesn’t pay 100 percent,” Mann said. “There is always a shortfall.”
As residents have learned more about the realities of EMS funding, controversy has largely faded.
“Now, there’s very little negativity,” Mann said. “People understand this was necessary and also beneficial.”
With Fort Mill EMS now operated by Atrium and River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS transitioning to Piedmont, all ambulance services in York County will be hospital-based — a model increasingly seen as the only sustainable option.
While ownership is changing, the mission remains the same.
“Members of our community will still receive ambulance service and hospital choice,” Mann said. “I assure you when you call 911, help will still come.”
For the Lake Wylie community, the transition represents not a loss, but a safeguard that ensures emergency medical care remains strong, stable and available for decades to come.
“Patients will still be transported to the hospital they request. That has not changed.”
“This is a win for our employees, a win for our residents, and a win for emergency care in Lake Wylie.”

By Wendy Dimitri
On New Year’s morning, when millions of people gather around televisions with coffee and tradition, Lake Wylie/Clover did more than watch the Tournament of Roses Parade. Our community watched its beloved Clover High School Band perform.
On Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California, The Pride of Clover Marching Band stepped onto the national stage, marching in the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade, the iconic New Year’s Day event that accompanies the Rose Bowl Game.
For Director of Bands Rick Langdale, it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. For more than 200 students, it became a defining moment that blended music, pride and community on one of the world’s most visible stages.
A dream rooted in opportunity
Langdale arrived at Clover High School in 2022 to lead a program with decades of excel-






lence already behind it. That legacy was recently marked by the band’s 75-year anniversary. During his interview process, Langdale recalls being asked a simple but pivotal question about the program’s future direction.

His response focused less on accolades and more on access.
“I am from a very rural, small town in South Carolina,” Langdale said. “Band allowed me to travel and perform in ways that may not have been possible otherwise.”

Only a limited number of bands are selected each year, and Clover would become just the seventh band from South Carolina ever invited to march in the parade. More than 20 years had passed since a South Carolina band last appeared.
That philosophy quickly shaped the next chapter for The Pride of Clover Marching Band. Students traveled internationally to Dublin to perform in the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and spent time in Northern Ireland. Soon after, the band competed at the Bands of America Grand National Championships, another milestone in the program’s history.
Associate Band Director Anne Lewis Turner, who has also been named Director of Bands elect for the new Lake Wylie High School, watched the application process unfold from the inside.
“The application is very strenuous,” Turner said. “Rick really led the entire process.”


Still, one goal remained at the top of Langdale’s list: the Tournament of Roses Parade.

The submission included letters of recommendation, performance footage, and parade videos demonstrating precision, including the parade’s well-known televised corner turn. But the application also needed to tell a compelling story.
“I was told very early that many excellent











Band leaders from different sides of the world connect at the Tournament of Roses parade. Photo courtesy of Clover High School Bands of Clover
A member of the Clover High School color guard performs during a halftime presentation prior to the Tournament of Roses Parade.
Photo courtesy of Clover High School Bands of Clover
bands would apply,” Langdale said. “Every band will look good and sound good. That alone will not make you stand out. The people reviewing the applications are not band experts. They are community leaders. We had to focus on our story, our town, and what makes Clover unique.”
“We are from the town of Clover, South Carolina, the only town with love in the middle,” Turner said.
That message resonated. Langdale later learned it helped the selection committee remember Clover among dozens of exceptional applicants. The decision makers were community leaders and volunteers drawn to Clover’s authenticity as much as the band’s achievements.




Their acceptance call came in September of 2024, and the official announcement followed in October. From that moment forward, The Pride of Clover Marching Band was officially on the road to Pasadena.

From early planning to parade day, Langdale and Turner both described the Tournament of Roses Association as remarkably personal. Built on local volunteers, the organization treats participating bands as honored guests.



“They treat you like you are one of the most important parts of the parade,” Langdale said. “It was unexpected, heartwarming, and remarkable.”
Clover High School band members participate in traditional Tournament of Roses pin trading with students from the other side of the world.
courtesy of Clover High School Bands of Clover



“I was told very early that many excellent bands would apply. Every band will look good and sound good. That alone will not make you stand out.”
— Rick Langdale, Director
of Bands

That hospitality extended well beyond California. The Tournament president for the 2026 parade and his spouse visited Clover in the spring of 2025, spending several days in the community. Their visit included student interactions, public events, small gatherings and fundraising efforts that formally welcomed The Pride of Clover Marching Band into the Tournament of Roses family.

after the trip, with families still searching for missing pins weeks later.
The parade itself stretched close to seven miles. The band remained engaged from the opening block to the finish line. One of Langdale’s most meaningful compliments came from a Red Cross volunteer who told him the band stood out for its energy and interaction with the crowd.
Turner’s most vivid memory came at the very end.
The Rose Parade arrived during a time of transition for the Clover School District. With Lake Wylie High School set to open at the start of the 2026-2027 school year, the change will reshape the student population and mark a turning point for The Pride of Clover Marching Band.
“I told our students these would be the best four years they could have,” Langdale said. “This was not going to be a waiting period.”

As the final notes faded, the snare drummer played taps and the band halted. For a brief moment, 216 students broke formation, cheering, hugging, and congratulating one another.
“That was the best thing I saw,” Turner said. “They were so incredibly happy for each other.”
In Pasadena, that commitment was made clear.


Now that The Pride of Clover Marching Band has accomplished something few programs ever have, the question naturally becomes what comes next.
From the sidewalk, the parade was spectacle. From inside the band, the experience unfolded through quieter connections.
“There were students from Japan, Alabama, Tennessee, everywhere,” Turner said. “They all connected immediately.”
Pin trading became a shared ritual, with students exchanging small tokens that represented each band. Those connections continued even
Langdale acknowledges the question but prefers to sit with what has already been achieved. For decades to come, Clover alumni will watch the Tournament of Roses Parade and say they were part of it. They will tell friends, children, and grandchildren about the morning they marched through Pasadena — the South Carolina marching band from the small town with love in the middle.

By Steven Hicks


s spring comes to Lake Wylie it feels like the whole town exhales at once.
The days stretch longer, the lake wakes up, and suddenly everyone’s calendar fills with the kind of plans that only make sense when the dogwoods bloom and the breeze off the water turns warm. Lake Wylie is equal parts laid-back lake community and seasonal playground— perfect for dockside dinners, paddleboard mornings, and evenings that end with sunset colors reflecting off the coves.
Lake days start early (and happily)

In springtime, the lake has that “just right” energy. The water is active but not chaotic, the coves are calm, and the boat ramps and parks feel welcoming instead of packed. If you are the sunrise type, this is the season for glassy-water paddles — when the surface looks like brushed metal and even the birds seem to keep their voices low.
If you don’t own a kayak or paddleboard, spring is still your time. Not feeling the workout? No problem. Lake days don’t have to be extreme. A slow cruise, a sandbar hang, or a lazy float near the bridge can be just as satisfying, especially in spring, when the sun is warm, but the air still has that crisp edge that keeps you comfortable all day.
One of Lake Wylie’s greatest springtime joys is how naturally the day flows from water to food. You don’t have to plan a night out. You just … end up at a patio.

If you want the signature Lake Wylie experience, Papa Doc’s Shore Club is practically a spring ritual: pull up by car or boat, grab a table with a view, and settle in for the kind of meal that turns into a full afternoon. They’re known for being a true dock-and-dine spot right on the lake.
For a more casual, local hangout vibe, especially if you’re catching a game or meeting friends


after a day outside, try Sweetwater Sports Bar & Grill, a popular choice with a menu built for burgers, wings, kids and easygoing lake-day appetites.
And if you’re building a full spring “food loop” around town, Lake Wylie’s restaurant mix makes it easy to keep things fun and unfussy: think Mexican on a patio, pizza night after a long day on the water, or a low-key breakfast run that turns into an impromptu morning at the lake. (Locals will tell you that spring weekends are made for this — one stop becomes three, and nobody’s mad about it.)
Spring weekends: festivals, music, and that “small-town, big-fun” feeling

Lake Wylie’s spring energy isn’t just on the water – it’s in the community calendar, too. One event worth circling is RiverFest on May 3, 2026, a regional celebration of the river and waterways with live music, vendors, and that festive, outdoorsy vibe that fits the season perfectly. RiverFest is tied to the Catawba Riverkeeper community and the greater Catawba-Wateree watershed, which is the larger story Lake Wylie belongs to.



— marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. That anniversary will be celebrated nationwide, and you can expect communities everywhere — Lake Wylie included — to lean into the moment with a little more pride, a little more pageantry and a lot more red-whiteand-blue.
It’s easy to imagine that night at Lake Wylie: boat lights bobbing on the water, families on blankets near the shoreline, the first boom echoing off the bridge, and the sky filling with color while reflections ripple across the lake. Some places even become unofficial “viewing headquarters” thanks to their vantage points — like lakeside decks and patios that feel built for fireworks season.

Your perfect spring day in Lake Wylie (no overplanning required)




Even if RiverFest activities take place just outside Lake Wylie proper, it’s still the kind of event Lake Wylie residents love because it matches the local heartbeat: water, community, good food and being outside as much as possible.
The slow build to summer’s biggest nights
Spring in Lake Wylie always feels like a warmup act for the grand finale of summer — and in 2026, that finale hits differently.


Lake Wylie’s annual fireworks tradition near the Buster Boyd Bridge is already a major draw — people gather by boat and by shore, and the lake turns into a giant, glittering amphitheater. Recent listings describe the show happening around 9 p.m. by the bridge area.
If you want to live Lake Wylie spring the way locals do, here’s the simple formula: Start with coffee and maybe a quick breakfast run. Get outside early — walk a park trail, sit near the shoreline, or launch a paddleboard while the water is calm. Rent a kayak or SUP if you don’t have gear and give yourself permission to take it slow.


Then let the day decide what’s next: a boat ride, a cove stop, a little fishing, or just sun on the dock. When hunger shows up, follow it to a patio — preferably one where you can still see the water.




By late afternoon, spring light does that Lake Wylie magic thing — soft, golden and just dramatic enough to make your phone camera feel like it suddenly got better. And if you’re lucky, you’ll end the day the best way: outside, unhurried, full and already making mental notes for the next weekend!



But the Fourth of July in 2026 comes with extra meaning: it’s America’s 250th birthday — the Semiquincentennial (say THAT fast!)



That’s the real charm of springtime in Lake Wylie: it doesn’t demand a schedule. It just invites you out — onto the water, onto the patio, into the community — and reminds you how good it feels to be exactly where you are.





By Wendy Dimitri
Pickleball has arrived in a big way, and throughout our area it has become far more than a passing trend. It is a social outlet, a fitness routine, and for many residents, a regular gathering point. No doubt if you play regularly, you have heard it over and over: “One more game?”
Blending elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton, pickleball is easy to learn and remarkably engaging. That accessibility is precisely why it has taken hold so quickly in local parks, recreation centers,
and private clubs. Games move quickly, equipment needs are minimal, and players rarely need pre-arranged teams to participate. It fits neatly into busy schedules while still offering real competition and connection.
From a backyard pastime to a national phenomenon
Pickleball was created in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when a group of families devised a simple game to entertain children during summer gather-
The sport that blends competition, community, and accessibility
ings. Using basic equipment and a lowered net, they unintentionally created a sport that welcomed players of all ages and abilities.
For decades, pickleball spread quietly through community parks and recreation programs. In recent years, however, participation has surged nationwide. Its appeal lies not only in its simplicity, but in the social nature of the game. Players enjoy meaningful competition without intimidation and physical activity without excessive strain.



With a diverse population that includes retirees, young families, longtime residents and newcomers, pickleball fits seamlessly into the local lifestyle. The sport emphasizes cooperation, inclusion and good sportsmanship. New players are welcomed, rules are shared openly and conversation between games is part of the experience.
At private clubs like River Hills Country Club, pickleball has become an integral part of organized recreation.
“Pickleball is continuing to grow here at River Hills Country Club,” said Patrick Cunningham, River Hills Country Club Director of Racquets. “We have seen a consistent increase in play over the last three years. It is such a social sport that is fun and easy to learn, while still challenging and competitive at the highest level. It is a focal point for the present and future racquets program here at River Hills Country Club.”
Pickleball is typically played as doubles on a court smaller than a standard tennis court. The net is lower, serves are underhand, and rallies often develop quickly. One distinctive feature is the non-volley zone near the net, commonly referred to as the kitchen. This area prevents players from striking the ball in the air too close to the net, encouraging strategy and finesse rather than power.
While the rules may seem unfamiliar at first, most people understand the basics after only a short introduction. More experienced players are usually eager to guide newcomers through their first few games.
For those who prefer a structured introduction, local facilities offer instruction and organized play opportunities. The Clover School District Community YMCA provides indoor pickleball, including scheduled play times and instructional clinics. Indoor courts allow for consistent play year-round and are especially popular during colder months.
For many area players, Field Day Park has become the heart of local pickleball activity. Responding to growing demand, the park recently expanded from six courts to twelve outdoor pickleball courts, complete with lighting. The expansion reflects both the sport’s popularity and the county’s commitment to supporting active recreation.
“Field Day Park was designed to be a place where the whole community can come together,” said Jason Ratterree, Park Superintendent. “As pickleball has grown, we’ve seen how much it brings people together, and we’re excited to continue providing space and opportunities for players of all skill levels.”
Pickleball Etiquette 101
A quick guide for first-time and returning players
Introduce yourself
If you’re new to a court or group, a quick introduction goes a long way. Let others know your experience level and ask how rotation works.
Understand court rotation
Many courts use paddle stacking or “next up” systems during open play. Always ask before joining so you follow local flow.
When courts are busy, keep games moving and limit extended practice sessions.
your
Players are responsible for making line calls on their side. When in doubt, give the point to your opponent.
Encourage good sportsmanship
Celebrate long rallies and great shots on both sides of the net. Pickleball values community as much as competition.

Pickleball net and ball on an outdoor court, highlighting the compact court size and distinctive net used in the sport.
Photo courtesy of Aleksander Saks.

A player executes a forehand shot during a recreational pickleball match, illustrating the fast pace and accessibility of the game.
Photo courtesy of Jon Matthews.
The park balances advance planning with casual participation through a mix of reservable and open play courts. From Monday through Friday, six courts are available by reservation, with six designated for walk-in play. On weekends, four courts are reservable and eight remain open for casual play. Open play is available daily, and no membership is required to join those games.
A pickleball membership at Field Day Park is required only for those who wish to reserve courts in advance. Residents within the Lake Wylie Parks and Recreation Tax District qualify for a free pickleball membership, verified in person with proof of residency. Non-district residents may purchase an annual membership for $100.
Both options allow players to hold up to four active reservations within a 14-day period. Online systems manage scheduling, and park staff are available to help first-time users navigate the process. Added seating, covered areas and nearby restrooms enhance the experience for players and spectators alike.
Pickleball culture centers on shared court use. Many games operate through informal rotation systems that ensure everyone has a chance to play. Introducing yourself, asking how rotation works, and keeping games moving are considered standard etiquette.
Players are expected to call their own lines, support teammates and maintain a positive atmosphere. Competition is welcomed, but community remains the priority.
Pickleball has become a meaningful part of daily life across Clover, Lake Wylie and York. It provides physical activity, routine social connection and a welcoming environment where people of all ages and backgrounds share the same courts.
As pickleball continues to grow locally, it remains grounded in what made it popular in the first place: accessibility, friendliness, and community spirit. Whether someone arrives as a beginner or a seasoned player, the invitation is the same — pick up a paddle and join in.

Dr. Al Glaza, Glaza Chiropractic Clinic, 548 Nautical Dr, Lake Wylie, SC, (803) 831-2345, www.drglaza.com
When most people think of chiropractic care, they think of back pain, neck pain or that familiar “pop” during an adjustment. While chiropractic is excellent for relieving aches and pains, its benefits extend far beyond what many people realize.
At its core, chiropractic care focuses on the spine and nervous system. The nervous system acts as your body’s communication highway, sending messages from your brain to every muscle, organ and tissue. When the spine is not moving or aligning properly, often, because of stress, poor posture, injuries or everyday wear and tear, it can interfere with those messages. Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper motion and alignment, allowing the body to function more efficiently.
One surprising benefit many patients notice is improved mobility and flexibility. Stiff joints and restricted movement can develop slowly over time, even without pain. Regular chiropractic care helps joints move the way they are designed to, which can make daily activities like bending, reaching or even walking feel easier and more comfortable.
Chiropractic care can also play a role in stress reduction. Physical tension often shows up in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, especially for those who sit at desks, drive frequently or carry stress in their bodies. Gentle adjustments and soft tissue work can help release this tension, leaving patients feeling more relaxed and balanced.
Another lesser-known benefit is support for overall wellness and prevention. Many
people choose chiropractic care not because they are in pain, but because they want to stay active, avoid injuries, and maintain their quality of life. Just like routine dental cleanings or annual physicals, chiropractic visits can help catch small issues before they turn into bigger problems.
Chiropractic care is also family friendly. From kids with heavy backpacks to active adults and seniors who want to stay mobile, care can be tailored to each stage of life and individual needs.
Chiropractic care isn’t treating symptoms. It’s about helping your body work the way it was meant to. When your spine moves better, your nervous system communicates better and that can positively impact your health in ways you may not expect.



By Steven Mullooly, CFP
Saving. It’s the ultimate test of a person’s discipline because it means putting off immediate gratification in favor of long-term happiness. It means prioritizing what we want the most over what we only want right now.
When we think of saving for retirement, we often tend to think of big buckets: We contribute to a 401 (k), IRA, or other type of vehicle in order to grow — hopefully — a bigger and bigger pile of cash on which to draw from once we retire and stop earning a paycheck. But sometimes, it helps to break down the concept of saving into more specific strategies for more specific purposes. By doing this, we can take advantage of all possible ways to save for retirement while maximizing all the fun and fulfilling things we want to accomplish with our savings. Is 2026 the year you finally remodel the kitchen or put in a new deck? Maybe it’s the year you decide to take your family to the upcoming World Cup. After all, the last time it was held in the United States was 1994. Or maybe you really want to buy that boat, RV or motorcycle you’ve had your eye on. Perhaps it’s all of the above and more! Each year, there are always multiple things we want to do and accomplish. But retirement doesn’t just last one year. For many people, it can last for 20 or 30 years, and
sometimes even more! Think about it: 30 years to tick off all the items on both your bucket list and your “honey-do” list.
But retirement doesn’t mean those things will just automatically happen. Most of them will cost money, and when you’re drawing from one big bucket labeled “retirement savings,” it can sometimes be difficult to know what to prioritize, how much to spend or if you can even afford it.
That is why one of the most important things you can do when saving for retirement is not to just save for retirement. Instead, save for the specific goals you want to accomplish in retirement!
Start thinking strategically about the items on your bucket list. Determine now which ones are the most important to you. Next, estimate how much each is likely to cost, either as a one-time payment or an ongoing concern. Then, ask yourself how much you have already saved up for each goal and how much you still need.
One smart tip is to open a different savings account for the most important goals. While the bulk of your “retirement savings” will of course stay in your 401(k) or IRA, by putting a little seed money into smaller, individual pots for specific goals, you will become more likely to accomplish that goal.
Because you have planned for it. Priori-
tized it. Saved for it.
The idea is to become more purposeful, organized and strategic with your saving. By allocating your savings towards specific goals in addition to your overall retirement, the more your retirement will be everything you have dreamed it will be.
Steven Mullooly, CFP®, is a Registered Investment Advisor, Financial Planner and CFP® exam instructor located at 264 Latitude Lane, Suite 102, Lake Wylie, SC. Mullooly Wealth Planning is a fee-only financial planning and investment advisory firm specializing in assisting those approaching and already in retirement set a solid, workable plan for their retirement. Steve will help you manage not just the investment aspect, but the taxation and legacy issues associated with your family and your assets. We help you manage your: taxes, retirement, investments, estates, insurance, education and debt management.
With over 35 years of investment experience, Steve will listen to your specific needs and work with you to develop a financial plan that is as unique as you are. We treat your money as if it were our own, using evidence-based insights at every stage of your financial journey. Call us at (803)272-1003 for a no obligation review of your situation. www.mulloolywealthplanning.com
By Ryan P. Colosi, DDS, Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry,
Lake Wylie Pediatric Dentistry, 534 Nautical Dr, Lake Wylie, SC, (803) 619-5155, www.lakewyliepediatricdentistry.com
If you were to ask anyone who goes to the dentist regularly what they hear they can most improve on, odds are they are encouraged to brush and floss more regularly. They may even be told to cut out the soda, sweet tea and energy drinks, or maybe drink less coffee and red wine to get a brighter smile. All of those are fantastic, proven pieces of advice. But how many of us consider that we may need to trim back on frequency and types of snack foods, especially ones like Ritz crackers, granola bars or Goldfish? This is perhaps the advice I share most with our patients’ parents because it is the most pressing.
The Centers for Disease Control reports that more than 40 percent of children experience tooth decay before kindergarten. The major factor for this is diet. While we know junk foods like gummy bears, fruit snacks, cookies and candy are high in sugar that causes tooth decay, we think a lot less often about other processed carbohydrate snack foods. Tooth decay is indirectly caused by sugar. Certain bacteria that inhabit our mouth ‘feed’ on simple sugars like glucose and fructose. The byproduct once metabolized is lactic acid, which causes demineralization and ultimately dental caries. What has changed in the past 30 years for our society is just how processed and broken down some of our carbohydrate snacks are. Club crackers, granola bars, dried cereal and goldfish are far more refined and thus closer in structure to a simple sugar than a whole grain, complex starch. Just like the sugary snacks above, these processed carbohydrates are easily broken down in the mouth and create an acidic environment, ripe for causing tooth decay.
The updated USDA MyPlate is helping us navigate this reality. In the USDA’s press release it reads “Focus on whole grains, while sharply reducing refined carbohydrates.” Meats, dairy, nuts, seeds, fruit (in moderation) and vegetables are not only healthy for our bodies but healthy for our teeth. When it’s time for a snack for your child, please choose the healthy ones.
By
Agape
Care, (800) 932-2738, www.AgapeCareGroup.com/sc
Lake Wylie now has its first dedicated hospice home base. While Agape Care has long provided services directly in patients' homes, the new physical location serves as a vital local hub for staff and families they serve. This marks the area’s first brickand mortar hospice provider, supported by a team with more than 100 years of combined nursing experience.
“We are your neighbors — people you know and trust — here to serve with compassion and clinical excellence,” says Kristi Engard, Market Manager for Agape Care. “We take our mission to heart ... we serve with love and provide the highest level of care during the end-of-life journey.”
At its core, hospice is about enhancing quality of life — managing pain and symptoms, offering emotional and spiritual support, and providing comfort. As neighbors serving neighbors, Agape Care is committed to walking alongside our community members with love, dignity and respect.
Unfortunately, many families wait too long to elect the hospice benefit, often missing the full range of services that can improve quality of life — not just for the patient, but for the entire family. When hospice is chosen at the appropriate time, patients benefit from expert pain and symptom management, regular visits from a dedicated care team and 24/7 support. Families receive much-needed guidance, respite and grief support.
Ms. Engard continues, “Hospice is not about giving up — it’s about choosing how to live each day with purpose and peace while foregoing curative treatment. By embracing hospice earlier when the patient is eligible, patients often experience greater comfort, allowing them to focus on family and meaningful moments.”
Agape Care is proud to be a USA Today Top Workplace. They offer specialty programs like Dementia Capable Care and We Honor Veterans, and they exceed the national benchmark for visits in the last seven days of life so they can be present with their patients and families when it is needed most.
Agape Care serves the entire state of South Carolina and is a trusted choice for families seeking clinical excellence with comfort, compassion and dignity.
Reset your nervous system: the key to healing from stress
By Mike Moran, PT, DPT, IADN Certified Specialist, Peak Performance,
(803) 631-6391
In today’s fast-paced world, chronic stress has become the norm. Whether it’s work, family or the constant buzz of technology, our bodies often stay in a prolonged state of “fight or flight.” This means your nervous system — designed to protect you from short bursts of danger — is constantly stuck in overdrive.
When that happens, the body’s natural balance begins to break down. Prolonged stress can lead to chronic pain and inflammation, poor digestion, hormone imbalances, anxiety, tension and even burnout. These issues aren’t just “in your head.”
They’re your nervous system’s way of signaling that it’s time to reset.
So how do you bring your body back into balance? One of the most effective ways is by stimulating the vagus nerve, the body’s internal “reset switch.” The vagus nerve plays a vital role in calming the mind, slowing the heart rate, improving digestion and activating your body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Through gentle, targeted therapies such as Dry Needling, you can help your nervous system shift from survival mode to recovery mode. Dry Needling has been shown
to stimulate vagal activity, reducing stress hormones while promoting relaxation, better sleep and improved overall function.
When your nervous system resets, your body can finally do what it’s meant to do, and that is to heal, restore and thrive.
If you’ve been feeling stuck in a cycle of tension or fatigue, it may be time to focus on your body’s command center: your nervous system. A calm nervous system is the foundation for a calm life. Take the first step toward balance. Reset your system and let your body heal from the inside out.

By Jan Todd
It is that time of year when the real estate market “springs” into action. In the Lake Wylie area, buyer activity typically picks up in late February and remains strong through late summer before tapering off toward the end of the year.
If you’re considering selling your home this year, you’ll be glad to know that prices are still rising, though at a much slower pace than in recent years. In the area surrounding Lake Wylie, including Belmont, Steele Creek and the northeastern part of York County, prices for non-waterfront homes in 2025 inched up about 1% from the previous year, with an average home price of about $520,000.
In the Clover School District (CSD), the average price dipped about 2%, to $530,000 in 2025. However, the decline is somewhat
misleading. Real estate in the district had a banner year, with more than 700 homes — about 15% more than in 2024. New developments in the southwestern part of the district featured lower price points, which brought down the overall average in CSD. River Hills, Paddlers Cove, May Green neighborhoods and other established developments all posted modest gains in prices over the previous year.
Lake property continues to outpace the general market in price gains. The average price for a waterfront home on Lake Wylie has risen to almost $1.5 million, up 6% from 2024 prices and almost double the average price in 2019.
Last year, 80% of waterfront home sales surpassed the $1 million mark. In 2019,
fewer than 20% of sales hit that range. Despite higher prices, demand for waterfront property remains strong. Undeveloped waterfront lots now average $675,000.
While waterfront inventory levels (number of listings) recovered somewhat in 2025, the number of properties on the market is still much lower than it was five years ago. Waterfront home inventory is down by 45%, and undeveloped waterfront land listings are down 75%. With tight supply and steady demand, prices are expected to continue edging upward.
Both on and off the lake, real estate is taking longer to sell. In 2025, lakefront homes averaged 79 days on the market prior to securing a contract. That’s more than 3 weeks longer than it took the year before. Off the lake, the average time on market was 57 days.

In the chart above, the green line represents the average price of non-waterfront homes in the 6-zip-code area surrounding Lake Wylie. The red line represents the average price of waterfront homes, and the blue line indicates waterfront lots on Lake Wylie. Compared to 2019, non-waterfront home prices have risen 64%, waterfront homes are up 94% and waterfront lot prices are up 134%.
Lake Wylie area sales are expected to be robust again in 2026. Inventory is strong in new developments along the Hands Mill Road corridor, including several homes priced below the market average.
With CSD’s new high school and elementary school opening in the fall of 2026, economic and housing growth is anticipated.
An experienced Realtor who knows the neighborhood and type of home can assist a buyer immensely when the market is changing. The pricing of waterfront real estate includes consideration of factors unique to the lake — such as water depth fluctuations, shoreline restrictions, value of the view, shore stabilization and other features. A Realtor with knowledge of the lake can help ensure the best value for both buyer and seller.
Drew Choate and The Lake Wylie Man team are affiliated with Keller Williams Fort Mill. The Lake Wylie Man team has been the leader in Lake Wylie waterfront sales for over 15 years. For more information on the market and recent sales, visit TheLakeWylieMan.com.

This 3-bedroom lake cottage in Lake Wylie, once used as a weekend getaway, sold about ten years ago for $385,000. It was completely renovated and updated then sold in late 2025 for $1,140,000. Photo submitted
The Clover Rotary Club is inviting the community to join them for their 11th Annual Pancake Supper, a cherished local tradition that raises funds for Clover School District high school scholarships. This year’s event will take place on April 21, 2026, from 5–7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, located at 124 Bethel Street in Clover
For just $2 per person, guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake meal while supporting educational opportunities for local students. Tickets can be purchased online through the Clover Rotary Club at https://www.cloverrotary.org/product/Pancake-Supper-Tickets.
Those unable to attend but wishing to contribute may make a donation at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/EWMN38GNTLGRNl.






Subway
The YMCA
2025 Town of Clover Special Events
United Bank
Trent Campbell Builders
Southern Edge Beverage Company
Sifford-Stine Insurance
Clover School District, Dr. Sheila Quinn, Superintendent
RyKar Homes, Ryan Roche
High Cotton Antiques
Project Cleer
M&W Auto Parts Body Shop and Garage Inc
Lynn Comer, Allen Tate Realtors, Josh Boyd Team
Kyle Eller, Capstone Accounting & Advisory Group
Killian’s Service Center
John Lovsin Insurance Agency
Pendleton & Pendleton Attorneys at Law, G. Franklin Pendleton II
Destiny Calling Resale, Treasures and More!
Bank of York
Clover Harvest
Clover Family Dentistry, Catherine Myrick DMD/MAGD
Boyd Tire & Appliance
Carolina Lawn & Landscaping, Andy Adams CROFT
Clover Chevrolet
Palmetto House and Home
ML Ford & Sons Funeral Home
Mary L. Sieck, REALTOR SC/NC
Local Business First
Prudential, Jay Young
Jackson’s Kitchen Catering
Family Trust Federal Credit Union, Tahja Carter
Edward Jones, Stuart Thompson, Financial Advisor
Edmunds Dental
The Coastal Cottage DIY LLC
Family Trust Federal Credit Union, Kathy Rodriguez
Paul J. Moran, Assistant Governor – Area 5 District
7750, Rotary Club of of Lake Wylie
ML Ford & Sons, Inc. Furniture
Clover Chiropractic Care
Edward Jones, Cassie Paolone, Financial Advisor








The 2026 Lake Wylie Newcomers Guide is out and available for pickup at local businesses and other locations in York County. The free guide, published in partnership with SCBIZ, features an in-depth look at all of the communities that border Lake Wylie along with information on local real estate, health care, education, public utilities, recreation and more.
Copies of the guide are available at local banks, real estate offices, the S.C. Welcome Center on Interstate 77, the Clover Chamber of Commerce, Visit York – The York County Convention and Visitors Bureau and at the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce office at 264 Latitude Lane.
A digital version is available on the Lake Wylie Chamber website at www.lakewyliechambersc.com



026 is already becoming an exciting year for our area. New businesses have and are opening in 2025-26. Sunflower Springs Assisted Living is located on Latitude Lane next to Lake Wylie Business Center and the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center opened in 2025 and is a welcome part of our community.
Vale – Lake Wylie, the new apartment community, located on Highway 274 is more than just a place to live – it’s a lifestyle where wellness is woven into the environment itself. Opened in 2025, Vale is the first mixed-use, rental -friendly, wellness campus to not only Lake Wylie, but also on the east coast. The 25-acre campus will also include much desired retail, casual and high-end dining and shopping experiences to Lake Wylie and surrounding communities. There will be a wealth of amenities from tranquil outdoor spaces to saltwater pool and hot tub – all designed to promote well-being. The retail portion of this development will be built in 2026. A Chamber Business After Hours will be held at Vale in April 2026.
The new Lake Wylie High School and Liberty Hill Elementary School are taking shape and being built on the former Daimler Road now named Cannonball Run off Highway 274. In recent years, new healthcare facilities have been built and opened at Lake Wylie to provide for a growing community. There are lots of plans and investments in the works.
QTS Data Center recently purchased another $26 million in property at Lake Wylie that doubles the size of the company’s holdings in our area. When complete the company has been working towards a $1 BILLION data center development with 677-acre property which online is called York Farm Master Plan. More information about this project will be learned during 2026.
Lake Wylie is poised to grow more. The vision and foresight for planning the future is currently with York County since Lake Wylie is a census designated area and not incorporated area or





town. Visioning and guiding the growth for a balance of residential and business is essential to help with economic development, jobs, traffic flow, and interconnectivity as more areas are developed and to help the Clover School District plan and prepare for the future. A vibrant community needs a balance of business and residential and good paying jobs. The Lake Wylie Small Area Plan will help to guide future growth. We can have input; however, York County is the authority for the unincorporated areas.
The Lake Wylie Chamber has convened the Highway 274/Five Points area group, comprised of the property owners, developers and county leaders, to work together to strive to have a cohesive plan, with interconnectivity, limited curb cuts, attractive landscaping, buffers and planning for traffic flow to have a commercial corridor that will serve the needs of the growing community. Attention will be paid to helping to attract businesses that will help alleviate traffic on Highway 49 by having a selection of businesses located in this corridor to serve the residents. Harris Teeter will be the new grocer located at 5 Points and will have other complimenting businesses in its development. Vale will have several new businesses that complement a healthy lifestyle. New restaurants are expected to be in well planned developments conveniently located near newer neighborhoods and future growth areas. Westport is located off Highway 49 near Five Points and Lakeside Glenn developments are approved and construction is well on its way to creating new home communities in the area.
Lake Wylie, with its beauty, recreational opportunities, excellent schools and location near a major city and airport and two major interstate highways attracts folks from all over the country to make Lake Wylie their home. The growth

presents many challenges, yet many benefits that we all enjoy. Whether it is a person, a business or community, “growth” is essential to move forward and prosper. The opposite is to decline and to die and to see businesses close, homes go unsold, taxes go up with fewer taxpayers paying for services. Growth must be visioned, managed, and require investment for roads, infrastructure, parks and public places to maintain quality of life. Leadership at the county level is essential for all of York County to guide, plan and manage the growth that has and is coming to York County and our area.
The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and its Visitor Center make a positive impression, and many times it is the first point of contact for a business or future resident to come into South Carolina, York County and Lake Wylie area. The chamber can encourage and influence businesses to invest in our area and to do quality projects and elevate plans. Tens of millions of dollars are invested in our local economy each year. Jobs are created, homes are bought and sold, and new businesses open each year.
The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce is known as a trusted, respected, and knowledgeable source of information in our area and an advocate for business. The Chamber has been and is a pillar of the Lake Wylie Community providing leadership and support from everything to Highway 49 road widening, Buster Boyd Bridge widening and raising, Sunday Sales, launching Adopt a Highway litter clean up in the 1980’s and collaborating with the Catawba Riverkeeper to launch Riversweep and supporting Pennies for Progress to fund area road projects and much more. The chamber works with area service groups and has also led charitable efforts in the area. In the absence of a city government, the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce has stepped up to work for many community improvements and safety for all. The chamber is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers to get things done and is a champion for a thriving community. The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its 46th anniversary this year.

December 4, 2025
Held at River Hills Country Club
Photos by Dana Sipper - Sipper Photography





PREMIER SPONSOR
Comporium
SILVER SPONSORS
Atrium Health
Collins Galyon Construction
Comfort Systems of York County
Morningstar Storage of Lake Wylie
Piedmont Medical Center
River Hills Country Club
York County Natural Gas
BRONZE SPONSORS
Bank of York
Fred Caldwell Chevrolet
Lake Wylie Liquors
Lake Wylie Today
May Green Properties
Right at Home
HOSPITALITY SPONSOR
Papa Doc’s Shore Club
Photography – Dana Sipper
Violinist – Christine Robinson
Music by The Classics











2025 - 2026 Board of Directors
Jeff Ledford -Chairman River Hills Country Club
Charles Wood – Past Chairman
Susan Brom eld - President Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce
Matthew Mugavero – Vice Chairman Lake Wylie Liquors
Jane DuBois - Secretary Lake Wylie Today
Michaelyn Sherrill - Treasurer Home Companions
Fred Caldwell Fred Caldwell's Chevrolet
Lori Dickerson United Bank
Kim Conroy
Allan Gregory Altitude Wealth Management

Dr. Robert Latham Rejuvenate at Lake Wylie
Ed Lindsey Rotary Club of Lake Wylie
Angel Neelands South State Bank
Stephan Nishimuta Carolina Family Dentistry
Sheila Quinn Clover School District
Tom Smith May Green Properties

The Lake Wylie along with other chambers in our area were co-sponsors of the Catawba Regional Council of Governments annual forum held in January. Community leaders and legislators from all over the region came together to hear the annual economic development update for our region.
P.O. Box 5233
264 Latitude Lane, Suite 101 Lake Wylie, SC 29710
(803) 831-2827
Fax: (803) 831-2460
lakewyliechamber@yahoo.com www.lakewyliesc.com

















Presented by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce
Photos by Dana Sipper – Sipper Photography
















First Place: Ron Domurat –“Pirate Ship Captain T Party”
Second Place: MarineMax –“A Hawaiian Christmas”
Third Place – Rus Partin –“Ho Ho Ho Christmas”
Most Creative: Mark Dorsey –“Penguins and Igloo”
Holiday Spirit: Brian and Kristin Welch –“Nostalgic Lake Wylie Christmas”
Thank You
Papa Doc's for hosting another exciting and fun Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Wylie;
Thank You
York County Sheriff's Office Lake Patrol, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, Charlotte Fire Department - Fireboat 38, Us Coast Guard Auxillary and TowBoatUS Lake Wylie for providing safety to all involved;
Thank you to all who participated and came out to make this year's Holiday Boat Parade a great success!

Big Time Boba was welcomed to our Clover and community as your new go-to spot for delicious boba teas and refreshing vibes!
The ribbon cutting ceremony was done by Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce with our Clover Chamber neighbors with members of both chambers front and center, showing our full support and celebrating this fantastic addition to Clover.
Susan Bromfield, the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce president gave well wishes to Jeannette Orban, owner of Big Time Boba and introduced dignitaries from Clover and
other members who came to support Big Time Boba for a great ribbon cutting ceremony.
Our guests included:
Zack Lester, our Town of Clover, SC Administrator!
Greg Holmes, Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce, Jason Manos Town Council Member and many more..
Stop by Big Time Boba soon and let's keep supporting local businesses! Check out these snaps from the event below. Who's ready for some boba?
Jeanette, congrats and welcome to Clover. Big Time Boba Rocks!!!





December 16, 2026
United Bank- Clover, SC
Photos by Lake Wylie and Clover Chambers of Commerce







At this year’s Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting held as a Holiday Gala at River Hills Country Club on December 4, 2025, Dr. Robert and Tracy Latham were honored and presented the 2025 Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce Business Persons of the Year Award.
Dr. Latham has served his patients in the community as a family physician for over 30 years. Tracy has also served the community for over 30 years with her passion for fitness and personal training. Together they now invested in the community with a health and wellness practice. Rejuvenate at Lake Wylie is the concept developed by Dr. Robert and Tracy Latham that seeks to give back to the community that has been a keystone in their lives.
With over 60 years of combined experience in the health and wellness field, Robert and Tracy joined forces in establishing a Wellness Med Spa at Lake Wylie to serve the community.
The Latham’s story started in 1994, when Dr. Latham began his service to the community as a family physician. Tracy’s passion emanated through her work in the nursing and fitness fields where she provided both fitness and personal training. Her work was founded on a desire to help her clients love themselves inside and out. After years of service to the community and raising their five children, the Latham’s have again invested in their community and are excited to provide a relaxing space for friends and neighbors to feel rejuvenated.
It is with immense pride and pleasure that the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce presented the 2025 Lake Wylie Business Persons of the Year award to Dr. Robert and Tracy Latham.



MONDAY, October 12, 2026


November 1, 2025 to January 29, 2026
Agape Care Group Hospice
4381 Charlotte Hwy., Suite 102
Lake Wylie, SC 29710
Kristi Engard, Marketing Manager
Andrew Gehrke, Hospice Liaison www.agapecaregroup.com
803-752-0965
Adult hospice, palliative care, grief support.
4825 Charlotte Hwy.
Lake Wylie, SC 29710
Jason Grider, Manager www.expressoil.com
803-831-0009
Oil Change Service , Tire sales and service, Mechanical Repairs, Brake Services, Wheel Alignments, Diagnostics
4003 Handsmill Hwy. York, SC 29745
Cameron Lee, Owner coach@train-ia.com
803-882-1980
Personal training – sports, performance, team training, adult sports performance and recovery.
22271 Broderick Dr. Sterling, VA 20166
Karen DiMaggio, VP of Community Engagement https://qtsdatacenters.com/data-centers/york/ 517-585-0316
QTS is developing a data center campus in York County. Designed to meet rapid, large-scale deployments, QTS’s Charlotte-area location offers one of the most flexible, efficient data center campuses in South Carolina.
November 1, 2025 to January 29, 2026
Atrium Health
Bank of York
Clover Area Assistance Center
D&D Sanitation
Dragonfly Wellness Center
Dreams Era Living – Sophie Karsch
Duke Energy
Edward Jones
Fred Caldwell Chevrolet
JHP Real Estate
Karrus Homes
Kasby’s By The Lake LLC
Lake Wylie Athletic Association
Lake Wylie Travel
Lake Wylie Business Centre
Lake Wylie Tax
Marine Max Lake Wylie
McSpadden Homes
Portable Restrooms
River Hills / Lake Wylie Lions Club
Steelecreek Dermatology, PLLC
VFW Post 6732 – American Legion
Individuals:
Anderson Kane


Business Suite Now Available For Rent

Everything A Small Business Needs At Reasonable Rates!
Fu lly a nd Be a u ti fu lly Fu rni she d R e nta l Offi ce
Ne w Pro fe ssi o na l Bu si ne ss Ce nte r
I nclu d e s Hi g h Sp e e d I nte rne t a nd Wi Fi
I nclu d e s All Uti li ti e s Exce p t Te le p ho ne
I nclu d e s R e ce p ti o n Are a & Ma i l Se rvi ce
La rg e Offi ce
Amp le Pa rk i ng
Pri me La k e Wyli e Bu si ne ss Lo ca ti o n
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Sa ve Fu e l a nd Wo rk Clo se to Ho me
I nclu d e s Ho sp i ta li ty Are a
Located at Lake Wylie Business Center
264 Latitude Lane
Lake Wylie, SC
For inform ation or tou r, cal l
Lake W yl ie Ch am be r of Com m e rce ( 8 0 3 ) 8 3 1-28 27.
Business After Hours
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Karrus Homes
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
4520 Charlotte Hwy – Next to Copper Premium Pub
Held at New Location of Karrus Homes
Business After Hours
Thursday, March 19, 2026
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Sponsored by United Bank and Lake Wylie Liquors
Held at United Bank – Lake Wylie
Ribbon Cutting - Infinite Athletics
Thursday, April 9, 2026
4:00 p.m.
4003 Handsmill Hwy., York, SC 29745
Business After Hours
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Vale – Lake Wylie
Hwy 274 – By Tractor Supply – Lake Wylie SC
5:30 to.7:30 p.m.
Business After Hours
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Infinite Athletics
4003 Hands Mill Hwy – York - just past Hwy 55 & 49 at Five Points
5:30 to.7:30 p.m.
Business After Hours
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Sunflower Springs Assisted Living – Lake Wylie
Latitude Lane – next to Lake Wylie Chamber – Lake Wylie SC
5:30 to.7:30 p.m.
Lake Wylie Community Fireworks
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Launched from Camp Thunderbird – Lake Wylie

Kindness is more than behavior. The art of kindness involves harboring a spirit of helpfulness, being generous and considerate, and doing so without expecting anything in return. Rather than viewing it exclusively as an action, think of kindness as a quality of being you can cultivate. Giving kindness often is simple, free and health-enhancing.
Kindness has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve mood. It can decrease blood pressure and cortisol, a hormone directly correlated with stress levels. People who give of themselves in a balanced way also tend to be healthier and live longer.
Kindness can increase your sense of connectivity with others, decrease loneliness, combat low mood and improve relationships. It also can be contagious, encouraging others to join in with their own generous deeds.
Looking for ways to show kindness can give you something to focus on, especially if you are anxious or stressed in certain social situations.

Physiologically, kindness can positively change your brain by boosting levels of serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters produce feelings of satisfaction and well-being, and cause the pleasure and reward centers in your brain to light up. Endorphins, your body's natural painkiller, also may be released when you show kindness.
kind
When sharing kindness, it's not just
how you treat other people — it's also about how you extend those same behaviors and intentions to yourself. I believe you can be kinder in your own self-talk and practice gratitude.
Take action – It doesn’t cost a penny! Start your day with this question: "How am I going to practice kindness today?"
For a homework assignment, invite some friends, family or co-workers to join you to pay attention and periodically document their evidence of kindness to others and especially to themselves during the day. This positive focus is like planting positive seeds in your mind garden. Where focus goes, energy flows. "Acts of random kindness." The Mayo Clinic Health System's Kickstart Kindness program is a program that offers ideas on how to extend kindness. The program offers many ideas on how to extend kindness to yourself, your community, environment, home, family, co-workers and others. Join me in starting the kindness journey this spring.
Susan Bromfield, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce
Join the Chambers Kindness Initiative Certification of kindness chamber

Jeff Ledford, Lake Wylie Chamber Board Chairman, presents Cameron Hurst, Director of Clover Area Assistance Program with a donation from funds collected at the Holiday Boat Parade.







For more than 185 years, we’ve forged personal relationships with our customers and communities, funding economic development and rallying around the causes that are important to our neighbors. With local bankers you know and trust, businesses and individuals throughout the Carolinas continue to choose United Bank.














Where your financial wel l-being is our priority.
“ I started Catawba River Capital 25 years ago to create a firm that prioritizes the client’s interests above all else. Unlike wealth management at many banks and brokerage firms, where too often they aim to serve the institution’s goals, we’re accountable only to the client’s goals. Our primary objective is to ensure our interests are aligned with those of our clients by offering objective, transparent, and expert advice.”

– Paul Boggs Founder, CFP®