Western Watch '09

Western WatchWestern York County Newcomers’ Guide | 2009-2010

Ourtowns

Recreation& civic life

Schools

The arts

Churches

Farming

40 PAGE WESTERN WATCH 2009-2010:Western Watch 2008-2009 6/8/09 12:45 PM Page 1


Robin ClintonCardiac Patient, Rock Hill(pictured with daughter, Allison)

An active wife and mother of three. A shocking discovery. A second chance.

Robin was making a quick trip to the grocery store when searing chest pain forced her to park the cart and rush to the doctor. Her physician immediately sent her to the cardiologists at Piedmont Medical Center where within minutes, a cardiac catheterization revealed total blockage of one artery. The team repaired the blockage, and today Robin is enjoying every heartbeat of her hectic, yet rewarding life. That’s powerful.That’s Piedmont.

The Power of a Heartbeat.

Powerful Medicine, Made Personal.

For physician referral, call 803-329-1234 www.piedmontmedicalcenter.com


Hello, and welcome to western York County! Whether it’s the well-regarded schools, the rolling peachtree-covered hillsides, orsimply the laid-back atmosphere that brought you here, we’reglad to have you as a new neighbor. No matter where you’vechosen to settle down — York, Clover, one of the many smallercommunities, or even all by yourself on a back country roadwithout a neighbor for miles — you’ll find we’re all a big family inwestern York County.

This area has a deep and rich history including some majorRevolutionary War battles fought here on York County soil. The locals are proud of thishistory, and you’ll find many groups and organizations devoted to preserving it for futuregenerations.

Western York County has also become something of a hub of cultural activity over theyears, with many a potter, painter, writer and performing artist calling the area home.

By choosing this area you’ve become a part of small-town life with all the quirks andidiosyncrasies that make the cast of characters you’ll now call neighbors so interesting to getto know. Our communities encompass all the charms of the quintessential Southern town –beautiful Victorian era homes with wide front porches perfect for sipping sweet tea in theafternoon sun, quiet neighborhood streets lined with enormous old-growth trees, and avibrant downtown business district.

And if you want a little more excitement, the big city is only a short drive away, and you’vegot choices – Charlotte, Gastonia and Rock Hill are all just minutes away. Want to go fishing,or spend a day tooling around on a Jet Ski, or party with new friends on a pontoon boat? LakeWylie is even closer.

And there are plenty of things to occupy your time. Sign up for a committee with your localgovernment or join a local civic organization. Volunteer at a local library branch or with a localcharity. Take some time to drop in on a local sporting event — the rivalry between York andClover high schools rivals any college or professional beef in the nation. If nothing else, get toknow your neighbors, discover some of our local customs and, above all, enjoy your newhome.

We hope you find this “Western Watch” helpful as you settle into your new surroundings.If you find you have questions this guide doesn’t answer, please give me a call (684-9903), orshoot me an e-mail ([email protected]) so we can make it even better next year.

You’re part of the family now, so make yourself at home.— Jonathan Allen, editor

4 Western Watch Magazine

Introduction

Western Watch 2009-2010Western York County’s newcomers’ guide

“Western Watch” is an annual publication of the Enquirer-Herald, aMcClatchy Co.-owned community newspaper serving York, Clover,

Hickory Grove, Sharon, McConnells and Smyrna.Phone: (803) 684-9903

Fax: (803) 628-0300www.enquirerherald.com

“Western Watch” is distributed in June to the York and CloverChambers of Commerce, real estate agencies and other areas

throughout western York County. To include items for publication innext year’s “Western Watch,” contact us at the number above or

e-mail [email protected].

EditorJonathan Allen

Advertising staffMary Pettus Kristin Alley

ContributorsPaul Boger

Andy BurrissMelissa CherryBeth Covington

Shannon GreeneTracy GreeneBrad HarveyMike Laughlin

Adam MacInnisAdam O’Daniel

Daniel PlassmannJim Stratakos

Table of contentsOur towns

Clover ..............................................................9Government contacts ....................................12Public safety ..................................................13Taxes ............................................................13Voter registration ............................................13Western York County ................................10-11York ................................................................8

Getting started

Animal shelters ..............................................17Driver’s licenses..............................................15Post offices ....................................................15Recycling & garbage service ..........................16Utilities ..........................................................14

Community

Annual events ................................................19“Best of the West” ....................................24-25Chambers of commerce............................24-25

History ......................................................26-27Libraries ....................................................26-27Local clubs and civic groups ..........................18Restaurants....................................................23

Schools

Clover School District ....................................28Immunizations ................................................30School calendars & registration ......................31York School District ........................................29

Recreation and the Arts

Escape to the great outdoors ....................32-33Local parks ....................................................33Music ............................................................34Nearby attractions ..........................................32Performing and fine arts groups ................34-35

Churches

Directory of churches ................................36-37

From the editor

Advertiser indexBadcock Furniture ..........................................................39Boney Insurance ..............................................................2Cauthen Family Dental......................................................6Clover Auto Parts ..........................................................31Clover Chamber ............................................................24Historic Downtown York ............................................20-22The Enquirer-Herald........................................................17Faith Realty ....................................................................16Fascinating Rhythm ........................................................34Mattress Factory Outlet ..................................................30Medicap Pharmacy ........................................................30The Peach Tree..............................................................16Piedmont Internal Medicine ............................................................26Piedmont Medical Center ..................................................3Sloan Financial ..................................................Back coverStacy’s ..........................................................................35Summerfest ..................................................................23T.E. Jones & Sons..........................................................31Town of Clover ..............................................................14York Chamber ................................................................25YorkCountyMoms.com ..................................................27York Electric Cooperative..................................................15Yorkville Pharmacy............................................................5

Don’t miss it!If you missed advertising in the 2009-2010 edition of“Western Watch,” start planning now for next year.More than 5,000 copies of “Western Watch” aredistributed to over 70 locations across western YorkCounty. Don’t wait! Call the Enquirer-Herald today at(803) 684-9903 to reserve your space in the 2010-2011 guide.

COVER STORY: Farming – the foundation of our communities ..............7




By Mike Laughlin

Filbert’s peach orchards, McConnell’s dairy farms,Blackjack’s cotton fields.

No matter where you go in York County, you willnot be able to travel more than 10 miles in anydirection before stumbling upon what has been animportant, and in many cases, an essential part of lifefor South Carolinians.

Farms.Since the 1700s when York County was founded,

certain areas, such as the rural western half of thecounty, have become good indicators of whyagriculture, behind tourism, is the second leadingindustry in South Carolina.

The warm Peidmont air, the wet springs and theforgiving winters have created a million dollar industryfor those willing to work under the sun.

However, the line, once clearly drawn, that separatesthe farmer from the rest of society is beginning to blur.

As more and more people turn to home gardens andas the prices of fuel and fertilizer continue to soar, manyordinary citizens are becoming part-time farmers, andmany big-business farmers are struggling to keep theirheads above water.

But many in the area still do it, not for the money,but for the love of the work and the love of the land.

“Watching something grow to harvest, to start fromthe beginning and see it come full circle — that’s myfavorite part,” said peach farmer Dori Sanders.

Born on her family’s Filbert peach farm, Sanders hasbeen harvesting the fruit her entire life, on the land hergrandfather bought in 1916.

Although her farm is certified by the South CarolinaDepartment of Agriculture, she sells her produce eachsummer from only a small open-air stand alongHighway 321, with no electricity or amenities of anykind, other than a display table and rocking chairs forher and her family.

And it’s exactly the way she likes it.That way her peaches are as fresh as possible.“We go out each morning, only pick enough for the

peach stand,” she said. “Sometimes we’ll go out againjust before noon, but never later than that.”

The peaches begin coming in May and Sanders saidshe never knows exactly how many she produces. Her

part-time staff of less than 10 people only pick what isneeded.

“I don’t ever give it a thought,” she said. She hasenough to get the enjoyment of meeting her customersand spending a day at the stand.

Sanders is an author as well, a way to support herselfalongside the peach farming. She has written books ineight languages including “Dori Sanders CountryCooking” and “Clover,” a fictional work about a littlegirl growing up on a peach farm that has become

required reading for elementary school students,Sanders said.

“It’s an overwhelming joy,” she said about her abilityto teach children about farming life.

For Sanders money, even in the poor economy, hasnot been as much of a nemesis as her single mostcommon struggle — the weather.

“Farmers develop a strong commonality. We all areaffected by the weather in the same way,” she said.

Western Watch Magazine 7

TEXT HERECover story

The foundationof our communities

Farming

BY SHANNON GREENEThe York Downtown Association sponsors a farmers market on Saturdays from April to Novemberon North Congress Street.

Please turn to page 38



Our towns

A seat of law. A central site for county government. Now, athriving, growing arts and business center.

York has a vibrant history and an even more appealing future, as itsdowntown becomes a haven for eclectic shoppers and thesurrounding areas are filled with large businesses.

But the town has always been the center of an ever-growingcounty. York began unofficially when a courthouse was built atFurgus’ Crossroads in 1786. Although “Yorkville” would notbecome officially incorporated until 1841, it is referred to indocuments dating back as far as 1790. The suffix “-ville” was nolonger used after 1915.

Since the building of that courthouse, York has always served asthe county seat and a center of merchant life. Another courthousewas built in 1823 and remodeled in 1894 after a fire. The county’scurrent courthouse was built in 1914.

Yorkville became the home of South Carolina’s first newspapernorth of Columbia. The weekly publication was called “ThePioneer” and was a precursor to “The Yorkville Enquirer,” now the

“Enquirer-Herald.”York was home to the Kings Mountain Military Academy,

which closed before the Civil War. Before the war, York wasknown as “the Charleston of the Upcountry” and held the highestper-capita income in the state.

Like many other Southern towns, York suffered after the CivilWar. But times began looking up again in the 1890s with thecreation of textile mills and the expansion of lumber work.

Since then, York’s industries have become diversified. Now, thetown includes a growing commercial community. Large businesseshave changed the town’s image and a push in the late 1990s torevitalize downtown has created a new artistic center for the county.

York has one of the largest historic districts in the state. It includesmore than 180 historic structures and landmarks.

Sources: City of York Web site and “Yorkville to York,” a historycompiled by J. Edward Lee and presented by the Yorkville HistoricalSociety.

Check it out!York is home to Windy Hill Orchard, the only working apple orchard and cider mill in South Carolina. In keeping with the traditionalheritage of the Olde English District, Windy Hill produces an English-style draft cider as well as classic American sweet cider. ItsHoliday wassail, apple and other fruit butters are produced seasonally. The orchard is at 1860 Black Hwy., York. For more details,call 684-0690 or visit www.windyhillorchard.com.

2006 population: 7,465(estimate)

2000 population: 6,9851990 population: 6,709Median age: 34.2 yearsUnder 18: 27.9%65 and older: 14.5%White Non-Hispanic: 53.4%Black: 40.3%Hispanic: 5%Male: 46.2%Female: 53.8%2005 median householdincome: $32,000

When incorporated:Village of Yorkville in1841, Town of Yorkville in1896, Town of York in1915

Area: more than 6.15square miles

Form of government:Council-manager

Origin of name: Settledby emigrants fromPennsylvania and Virginia,the town of Yorkville wasestablished as the countyseat in 1785.

York

Daniel Barrett,owner ofWhippoorwillRanch, takes hishorse and carriageout on CongressStreet. He offersrides Tuesdays andThursdays fromabout 5 to 10 p.m.

BY ADAM MACINNIS



Our towns

When David Jackson and his wife, Mary Morrison, leftIreland, they never thought of the impact they would haveon the area that would become Clover. All they knew wasthe promise of the New World and a hope that life could bebetter.

Jackson earned a 903-acre land grant from the King of Englandin the mid-1700s. He and his wife settled in the Bethel area eastof Clover. After earning enough money in the Revolutionary War,Jackson bought 1,700 more acres.

Through the years, many families have sought that samehappiness the Jacksons knew could be found here. Not more than100 families lived in the area before train lines connectedGastonia, N.C., to Chester and points beyond in 1874.

The first passenger trains started rolling through the area in1876. A stop on the way, the Clover area became the place wheretrains filled their boilers with water.

The water would often slosh over the top, spilling on theground. Lush clover patches began to grow in the area.

The area soon became known as the “Clover Patch.” Later, itbecame known simply as Clover.

But Clover had yet to become a town. The first town surveyswere conducted in 1876. A post office was constructed in 1884and, despite an earthquake in 1886, Clover was chartered in1887. Industry began moving into the town when the CloverSpinning Mill opened in 1890. The mill’s creator, Beaty Smith,would become known as a “Founder of Clover.”

Today, businesses continue to open in the area and the town hasbeen affected by the growth boom striking all of the county.

Clover maintains a rustic charm and small-town environmentthat can be seen while walking down Main Street.

Source: “...And Clover Began to Grow.” Author unknown.

When incorporated:1887

Area: more than 2.5square miles

Form of government:Council-manager

Origin of the name:A train that used to passthrough the town in thelate 1800s would stop atthe four-leaf clover patch.

Clover

Did you know?In 2007, Clover celebrated its Irish heritage by becoming sister cities with Larne, Northern Ireland. To honor the heritage andrelationship, each June the town holds an annual Scotch-Irish Festival, Feis Chlobhair. It’s a chance for people to hearbagpipes, watch Scottish games and taste a bit of haggis, or sheep innards, according to the town’s Web site.

2006 population: 4,4272000 population: 4,0141990 population: 3,502Median age: 34.2 yearsUnder 18: 28.9%65 and older: 12.8%White Non-Hispanic: 75.6%Black: 21%Hispanic: 1.9%Male: 47.5%Female: 52.5%2005 median householdincome: $39,100

Feis Chlobhair,Clover’s annualGaelic festival.

FILE PHOTO



Our towns

In the late 1800s, railroad tracks acted as fertilizer for the growth of smalltowns across the country. When the first crews laid the track to Blacksburgin 1888, it was only one year later when Sharon would be incorporatedofficially as a town.

Before it became a town, Sharon was still a busy area. Two roads came togetherin the area that would become a town: the Chesterville-Shelbyville Road andanother that came in from Yorkville and Sutton Springs.

Sharon Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church stood in the extreme southernlimit of the town. Before the lines were officially drawn for Sharon, the church hadmore than 150 members.

A later deal with the railroad companies allowed the train to stop in Sharon, butonly if the town built a railroad depot. A large number of stores opened because ofthe train stop, and it was predicted that Sharon would grow to be as large as York.

It wasn’t meant to be, however. Stores that opened began closing, not to bereplaced. Despite that, the town’s one square mile is home to more than 400 peopletoday. Sharon is also home to the Museum of Western York County. The museumfeatures approximately 1,000 items in the Sharon Community Center.

Source: “History of Sharon,” an article by Walter A. Kennedy found in the book“Remembering Sharon” by Doris M. Thomas and Martha Helen Kennedy.

When incorporated: 1889

Area: 1 square mile

Form of government:Mayor-council

Origin of the name: Sharon ARPChurch was established in 1800. Anearly post office was called SharonValley. In the Bible, “Rose of Sharon”refers to Jesus Christ.

In 1904, an unnamed journalist called Hickory Grove “...a lovely place andhealthy.”

He described a small town lined with shops and big leafy trees “over which fourchurches and a two story school are guards and sentinel.”

The town’s history stretches back to 1831, when Hickory Grove’s post officeopened in James McKinney’s store. The town came into existence when he built hisstore at the corner of Quinn’s Road and Smith’s Ford Road, and was incorporatedin 1888.

McKinney dubbed the town “Hickory Grove” when he applied for postmaster.The name stuck even after Thomas G. Wylie became postmaster.

The small town continued to grow, and a number of businesses appeared. A hotelwas opened, notorious for the parties held there. In the early 1900s there were sixmail routes and two doctors in the town.

Families such as the Whitesides became prominent in politics. Hickory GroveHigh School fielded a baseball team. Hickory Grove native W.S. Wilkersoninvented a new processor for sorghum milling.

Today, Hickory Grove residents still enjoy the small town life. An elementary schooland a park serves the community.

Source: “York and Western York County: The History of a Southern Eden” by J.Edward Lee and Jerry L. West.

When incorporated: 1888

Area: 1.3 square miles

Form of government: Mayor-council

Origin of name: Named fora grove of hickory trees, firstmentioned on survey mapsin the 1850s.

Sharon Hickory Grove

2006 population: 392 (estimate)2000 population: 3371990 population: 287Median age: 36.2 yearsUnder 18: 27.3%65 and older: 11.3%White Non-Hispanic: 67.7%Black: 28.8%Male: 51%Female: 49%2005 median household income: $46,100

2006 population: 471 (estimate)2000 population: 4211990 population: 270Median age: 33.6 yearsUnder 18: 28.5%65 and older: 12.4%White Non-Hispanic: 94.5%Black: 3.8%Male: 49.2%Female: 50.8%2005 median household income:$36,900 (estimate)

Eating in at theSharon Grill.

FILE PHOTO



Our towns

Life in Western York County is often focused on thequiet comforts of rural existence. If you like smalltowns, Smyrna is the place to be.

Smyrna holds the title of smallest municipality in SouthCarolina. The town’s borders hold one mile of territory.

A railroad and depot was established in 1888, and F.D.Horn built a mercantile business nearby soon after. Thencame a grocery store, a drug store and a dry goods business.

Fifty years before the town came into being, SmyrnaAssociate Reformed Presbyterian Church provided a place ofworship for area residents. When the town incorporated in1895, it would take the church’s name as its own.

In 1924, the completion of the “West Road” betweenYork and Smyrna, through Hickory Grove and Sharon,shrank the town’s population. People found it easier to moveto larger areas thanks to the road.

As the population began to dwindle, Smyrna’s high schoolwas closed. Southern Railway decided to shut down the traindepot. By the eve of the Great Depression, the telegraphoffice had also closed and only three stores were still open forbusiness.

Today the town still has a post office and, with only 59residents in the 2000 Census, is still the smallestmunicipality in South Carolina.

Source: “York and Western York County: The History of aSouthern Eden” by. J. Edward Lee and Jerry L. West.

When incorporated:1895

Area: 1 mile

Form ofgovernment:Mayor-council

When basketball season rolls around,McConnells lights up.

The small western York County town that hasmore cows than its 300 or so residents has reason tobe proud. It’s the birthplace of Ivory Latta, a 2003York Comprehensive High graduate who became theall-time leading scorer in South Carolina basketballhistory. She joined the WNBA team Atlanta Dream in2008. Now, the words “Home of Ivory Latta” adornthe welcome sign as visitors drive into McConnells.

McConnells exemplifies the ever-changing face ofthe county around it. The town was incorporated as“McConnellsville” in 1906, but its surrounding areaboasts of a history that extends as far back as before theRevolutionary War.

Historic Brattonsville, a nearby homestead thatholds a McConnells address, was the site of theBattle of Huck’s Defeat in 1780. British Capt.Christian Huck was sent with a troop of light calvaryto apprehend Col. William Bratton and Capt. JohnMcClure before they had a chance to enlist help tofight the British. Bratton and his forces beat Hucknear his plantation. The battle revived SouthCarolinians during a time when defeat by Britainseemed inevitable.

Social life in McConnells has largely centeredaround churches or in general stores.

Sources: “York and Western York County: The Historyof a Southern Eden” by J. Edward Lee and Jerry L. West,the Historic Brattonsville Web site found atwww.chmuseums.org, and the Ivory Latta biography page,found online at tarheelblue.collegesports.com.

When incorporated:1906 asMcConnellsville. The“ville” was dropped in1951.

Land area: 2 squaremiles

Form ofgovernment: Mayor-council.

Origin of name:Named after an earlyprominent family.

2006 population:72

2000 population:59

1990 population:57

Median age: 35years

Under 18: 29%65 and older: 17%White Non-Hispanic: 92%Black: 8%Male: 46%Female: 54%2005 medianhouseholdincome: $34,100

2006 population: 3242000 population: 2871990 population: 157Median age: 36 yearsUnder 18: 28%65 and older: 9%White Non-Hispanic: 71%Black: 28%Hispanic: 1%Male: 51%Female: 49%2005 median household

income: $43,900

McConnells Smyrna

Mikayla Simon, 5, ofClover, checks outone of the tractorson display at theMcConnells TractorShow in McConnells.

BY MELISSA CHERRY



Our towns

Clover Town CouncilTown Administrator: Allison Harvey, 222-9495. Mayor: Donnie Grice 112 Ridge Ave., 222-4374,

704-913-3296 (cell).Council:Ann Harvey, 612 South Main St., 222-9414.Wes Spurrier, 106 Cherokee Drive, 222- 9033.Jay Dover, 102 Long St., 222-3367.Granita Boyd, 406 Carver St., 222-6238.Robert Jackson, 110 Carver St., 222-4301.Bruce Henderson, 423-B Knox St., 704-747-0964.The council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Mon-

day of each month at the Clover School District Ad-ministration Office, 604 Bethel St.

Hickory Grove Town Council

Town Hall: 925-2625. Mayor: Larry Earl, 5967 Wylie Ave., 925-2011. Council:David Rhodes, 2010 Smith Ford Road, 925-2591. Harry James Good, 6277 Wylie Ave., 925-2361. John Blackwood, 5035 Peachtree St., 925-1441. Kyle Wyatt, 5749 Wylie Ave., 925-2585. The council meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of

each month at Town Hall, 6001 Wylie Ave.

McConnells Town CouncilTown Hall: 684-5534Mayor: John Harshaw Jr., 320 Simpson Road, 684-

6944. Council: William “Bill” Covington, 3955 Chester Hwy., 684-

3864. William “Bill” Nance, 399 Lowrys Road, 684-4759. Kenneth Patrick, 4148 Chester Hwy., 684-0820. Larry Plyler, 920 Davis Lever St., 684-7234. The council meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of

each month at Town Hall, 131 York Hwy.

Sharon Town CouncilTown Hall: 927-1927. Mayor: Beverly Blair, P.O. Box 122, 3810 York St.,

927-7503.Council: Bob Barnette, P.O. Box 21, 927-7513. Kathy Montgomery, 3937 Woodlawn St., 927-1709. John Stewart, 1753 Dr. Seye Lane, 927-0787.Richard Westridge, 3807 York St., 658-5055The council meets the third Thursday of each month

at 7:30 p.m. at the Sharon Town Hall, 4025 WoodlawnSt.

Smyrna Town CouncilMayor: Chris Faulkner, P.O. Box 65, 925-2304. Council:Alan Faulkner, P.O. Box 65, 925-2304. Bernadette Faulkner, 1011 Main St., 925-2695. Bob Faulkner, 1011 Main St., 925-2695.Phillip Jackson, 980 E. Main St., Smyrna, 925-1596.The council meets at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of

each month at Town Hall. Members are elected at-large to two-year terms in November of even-num-bered years.

York City CouncilInterim-City Manager: Charles Helms, 684-2341.Mayor: Eddie Lee, 202 W. Madison St., 628-6615. Council:District 1: Charles Johnson, 107 Washington St.,

684-0313. District 2: Edward Brown, 30 Maiden Lane, 684-

0791. District 3: Josephine Castle, 8 Center St., 684-9399.District 4: Tony Moore, 201 Springdale Drive, 684-

7130. District 5: John Smith, 214 Barron Park, 684-6649. District 6: Mark Boley, P.O. Box 224, 684-7187. The council meets at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of each

month at York City Hall, 10 N. Roosevelt St. Bothmayor and council members serve four-year terms.

York School BoardChair: Chris Revels, seat 3, 2121 Legion Road, Smyr-

na, 925-2840, home; (864) 936-7921, work.Vice-chair: Chris Stephenson, at-large seat, 2329

One Iron Drive,York, 684-2611, home; 372-7774,work.

Seat 1: Dr. Al Johnson, 457 Riding Trail Road, York,628-1698.

Seat 2: Mike Smith, 715 Sweet Meadow Lane, York,684-6912.

Seat 4: Betty Johnson, 212 W. Madison St., 684-5281.

Seat 5: Melissa Ramsey, 3777 Wilson Chapel, Sharon,927-3211.

At-large: Shirley Harris, 2068 Apple Blossom Road,York, 684-3733.

Superintendent: Dr. Vernon Prosser, 684-9916.The York school board, representing York County

District 1, meets the second Tuesday of each month at7:00 p.m. at the York One School District office, 1475E. Liberty St.

Clover School BoardChairman: G. Franklin Pendleton II, Clover seat,

110 Jamestowne Circle, Clover, 222-3026.Vice chairman: Joe Gordon, Clover seat, 119 Hillcrest

Ave., 222-7982, home.Bethany seat: Jack Grier, P.O. Box 1011, Clover,

627-0778.At-large seat: Melanie Wilson, 19 Shipmaster Court,

Lake Wylie, 704-906-1973At-large seat: Mack McCarter, 1461 Paul Boyd Road,

Clover, 222-1251.Bethel seat: Kathy Cantrell, 11 Shipmaster Court,

Lake Wylie, 831-7642, home; 222-3312, work.Bowling Green seat: Bob Magee, 5099 Willow Pond

Road, Lake Wylie, 831-2955, home.Superintendent: Dr. Marc Sosne, 810-8000.The Clover school board, representing York Coun-

ty District 2, meets the third Monday of each month at7 p.m. at the administration building at 604 Bethel St.

York County CouncilDistrict 2 (Clover, Lake Wylie): Tom Smith, 938

Timber Creek Drive, York, 631-4116.District 3 (western York County): Joe Cox, 3009 E.

Pratt St., Sharon, 927-0728.District 5 (McConnells, parts of Rock Hill): Curwood

Chappell, 925 East Chappell Road, Rock Hill, 324-1062, home; 366-3262, fax.

The council meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Mon-day each month in the county Agricultural Building, 6S. Congress St. in York.

S.C. House of RepresentativesDistrict 29 (York, western York County): Dennis

Moss, 306 Silver Circle, Gaffney, or 422A Blatt Bldg.,Columbia, (864) 487-2121, home; (864) 761-6353,work; (803) 734-3073, Columbia.

District 47 (Clover): Herb Kirsh, P.O. Box 31, Clover,or 532A Blatt Bldg., Columbia, 222-9430 (Clover);(803) 734-3071 (Columbia).

District 49 (part of York, Rock Hill): John RichardKing, P.O. Box 11555, Rock Hill, or 309A Blatt Bldg.,Columbia, 980-5454, home; 377-1144, work; 803-212-6873, Columbia.

S.C. SenateDistrict 14: Harvey Peeler, P.O. Box 742, Gaffney or

213 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, (864) 489-3766, home;(864) 489-9994, work; (803) 212-6430, Columbia.

District 15: Robert W. Hayes, 1486 Cureton Drive,Rock Hill or 205 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 328-8532,home; 324-2400, work; (803) 212-6410, Columbia.

Government contacts


TEXT HEREOur towns

In addition to the statewide sales and use tax of 6 percent, York County has cap-ital projects and hospitality sales taxes.

◆ Pennies for Progress: The sales and use tax program in York County adds 1 per-cent to goods purchased in the county for road improvements. Voters approved the1-cent on the dollar tax in 1997 and renewed it in 2003 for an additional seven years.The county may ask voters to approve this a third time as early as 2010, though mon-ey troubles have plagued the first program, leaving several projects uncompleted 10years later.

◆ Hospitality tax: In incorporated areas of York County, there’s an additional 2percent tax applied to the proceeds of sales of prepared food and beverages sold in eat-ing/drinking establishments. Restaurants in Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon andSmyrna add 1 percent for the county. Clover and York also have this tax for each mu-nicipality.

State law requires the money be spent on tourism-related marketing and attrac-tions. In the county, the money is used for Convention and Visitors Bureau fund-ing, Culture and Heritage Commission funding and at council’s discretion. Groupswanting to form an agricultural equestrian center will use some of this money for afeasibility study.

York County property taxesThe county collects both county and city taxes. Citizens living within all munic-

ipalities are billed on their personal property as well as real estate. The tax rates varyby municipality because of fire districts and other varying bond amounts.

Personal property taxes in York County help pay for a variety of public services,including schools, law enforcement, libraries and roads. Personal properties that aretaxed include automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, motor homes, campers, trailers, wa-tercraft, airplanes, furniture, fixtures and equipment owned by businesses.

Taxes on real property are computed at either 4 or 6 percent of the market valuedepending on ownership. The tax rate of the district you live in is then applied. Allproperty classified as a primary residence is taxed at 4 percent. These properties arenot subject to school operating taxes.

If the owner is 65 years of age, 100 percent disabled through a state or federal agency,or blind, they may be eligible for a reduction in taxes through the Homestead Ex-emption Program. This is a state funded program that exempts the first $50,000 fairmarket value of the home from taxes. The owner must have been a resident of SouthCarolina for a year prior to Dec. 31 of the previous year to be eligible for the currentyear. All other real properties are taxed at 6 percent unless they are classified as man-ufacturing.

Also, each municipalities and school districts have various millage rates on prop-erty tax.

For property tax questions, call York County Auditor’s Office at 684-8501 or 909-7505 or your local town hall.

your taxes at work

York County has many agencies that provide police, fire,rescue and other services to the county’s residents. Forany emergency, immediately dial 911.

The York County Sheriff ’s Office patrols the entire 685-mile county, while themunicipalities of York and Clover operate police departments. The S.C. HighwayPatrol handles traffic patrols and investigates accidents in the unincorporatedareas of the county.

Under direction of Cotton Howell, the Emergency Management office for theentire county is at 155 Johnston St. in Rock Hill. 329-7270

The EMS ambulance service in the county is run by Piedmont MedicalCenter, while volunteer squads based geographically also assist county residents.

The following is a list of volunteer rescue squads, fire departments and policeagencies serving the area:

Fire departmentsYork County Fire Prevention Bureau, P.O. Box 11705, 909-7620; Fire Marshal

Randy Thompson.Bethany-Santiago, 13167 S.C. 55 West, Clover, 222-3010; Chief David Gordon.Bethel, 5598 S.C. 557, Lake Wylie, 831-7988; Chief Don Love.Bullock Creek, Route 1, Sharon, 927-7246; Chief Leon Maloney.Clover, 115 Bethel St., Clover, 222-9495; Chief Charlie Love.Hickory Grove, 6009 Wylie Ave., 925-2706; Chief Kenny Gilfillan.McConnells, 131 York Hwy., 684-5534; Chief Eddie Workman.Newport, 5198 Hampton Ridge Road, 366-3638; Chief Carl Faulk.Sharon, 3336 York St., Sharon, 927-7261; Chief Oliver Dowdle.Smyrna, 1052 Main St., 925-2230; Chief Rickey Wilson.York, 14 N. Roosevelt St., 684-1700; Chief Domenico Manera.

Rescue squadsClover Rescue Squad, 114 Bethel St., Clover, 222-1219; Capt. Steve Shillinglaw.Hickory Grove Rescue Squad, 6004 Wylie Ave., Hickory Grove, 925-2706;

Capt. Kenny Gilfillan.River Hills Emergency Squad, 4 Heritage Drive, Lake Wylie, 831-9888; Ken

Wilson, president.York Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 644, York, 684-4141; Capt. Billy Allen.York County Emergency Response and Dive Team, P.O. Box 36667, Rock Hill,

329-1116; Larry Crooks, coordinator.

Law enforcementYork County Sheriff ’s Office,

1675 S.C. 5, Moss Justice Center,York, 628-3059; Sheriff BruceBryant.

Clover Police Department, 112Bethel St., 222-9494; Chief ChipGuerry.

York Police Department, 10 N.Roosevelt St., 684-4141; Chief BillMobley.

Keeping you

safe


Voter registrationNewcomers to western York County who want to register to vote can pick up the

required forms at the Clover Public Library, 107 Knox St., the York Public Library,21 E. Liberty St., or at the Voter Registration Office, 13 S. Congress Street in York.

Also, voter registration can be completed while applying for a license or license re-newal at the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles at 305 Hands Mill Road in New-port and 1070 Heckle Blvd. at the York County Complex in Rock Hill. Voters alsocan register at www.yorkcountygov.com.

Call the registration office in York at 684-1242.



Getting started

Soon after you turn the key in your front door, you’ll want to get your utilities turned on. Here’s how:

Water & sewerClover: Water ates for residents inside town limits are $12.95 for the first 1,999

gallons of water and $5.18 for the next 2,000 to 10,000 gallons of water used. Forsewer, residents who live within the town pay a $14.34 base charge, plus $3.56 foreach 1,000 gallons of water used. Outside town limits, water rates are $25.91 for thefirst 1,999 gallons of water; $10.38, 2,000 to 10,000. People who live outside townlimits pay a $28.69 base charge for sewer and $7.13 per 1,000 gallons of water used.

Customers may pay their bills over the phone by calling Town Hall at 222-9495with their customer number or service address and a credit card number. Customerscan pay in person, by mail or through the drop box at 114 Bethel St. Automatic BankDraft is also available. All water/sewer bills are due by the 15th of each month.

York: The administrative fee for the original connection is $60 for Yorkhomeowners. Renters must pay $210, which includes the fee plus a $150 refundabledeposit. The base charge is $10.50 for both water and sewer inside city limits; $21for both outside city limits. The cost is $3.14 per 1,000 gallons for water and sewereach inside city limits; $6.28 per 1,000 gallons for each outside city limits.

Other: Carolina Water Services, a private utility company, serves residents on theoutskirts of Clover. (704) 525-7990.

Phone, Cable & InternetComporium Communications, 950 E. Liberty St., York, provides telephone, cable TV

and Internet services to residents in York and surrounding areas. Prices vary. 684-1012.AT&T serves the Clover and Lake Wylie area. (800) 780-2355.Time Warner, at 2125 Union Road in Gastonia and 3140 W. Arrowood Road,

Charlotte, provides Clover’s cable and Internet. (704) 864-8327 or (704) 377-9600.

ElectricityDuke Energy electric deposits range from $100 to $250, depending on a home’s

power efficiency and appliances. Visit www.dukepower.com and click on “customerservices.” 684-9939.

York Electric Cooperative Inc. is a member-owned, non-profit utility. York Electric’smain office is at 1385 E. Alexander Love Hwy., York. A $5 membership fee is required,along with the applicable deposit. Residential deposits of $145 may be waived if themember has qualifying credit or co-signer. 684-4248 or 1-800-582-8810.

GasYork County Natural Gas Authority deposits range up to $200 for residences and from

$200 to $400 for businesses. A tap fee of $125 is charged for all new lines. Businesses andresidential customers must pay a monthly base charge of $4.25. There also is a $25 serviceorigination fee. (803) 329-5255 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or visit www.ycnga.com.

your utilities



Getting started

For more information, or to sign up for one or more of YEC’s programs call or visit www.yorkelectric.net

803.684.4248 or 1.800.582.8810

Looking out forour community

More ways York Electric Cooperative is

looking out for you.

.

Operation Round Up®

(ORU) - ORU participantshave their monthly

electric bill roundedup to the next whole

dollar. Their volun-tary contributions, about

$6 a year per member, areused to address individual

and community needs.

Youth Tour - Oncea year, YEC makes it

possible for twohigh school juniors

to join other S.C.students on a six-day, all-

expenses paid educationaltrip to Washington, D.C.

Participants are also qualified for the R.D.Bennett Scholarship.

Scholarships - YEC offersseveral scholarships,

including theTouchstone Energy®

Senior Scholarship,the Jenny Ballard

Opportunity Scholarshipfor Women Returning to

College, and the YECSchool-to-Work Scholarship.

Safety Demonstrations -YEC regularly offers

safety demonstrationsto students and other

groups throughout ourservice area in an effort to

teach important safety lessons to the participants.

.

.

.

In personNo way to avoid it – new South Carolina residents must go to the Division of Mo-

tor Vehicles to register their vehicles and get licenses. There are two locations, both inRock Hill:

◆ 1070 Heckle Blvd., Suite 100, in the York County Complex, 909-7161◆ 305 Hands Mill Road, 329-6332Offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The Hands Mill Road

office is also open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.To qualify for a South Carolina driver’s license, you must pass the DMV eye exam.

A South Carolina license is valid for five years. The fee is $12.50.

OnlineDon’t always wait in long lines. Go online at www.scdmvonline.com and click on Pub-

lic Services for:◆ Address changes◆ Driver’s license renewals, duplicates◆ ID card renewals◆ View your driver’s license status, and pay reinstatement fees◆ Duplicate registration certificates◆ Get your driver record

What to bringIf you are a U.S. citizen, you must show proof of identity and citizenship, your So-

cial Security number, proof of residency, and auto insurance information. For details, goto www.scdmvonline.com.

Here are the most common pieces of paper you’ll want to bring with you:◆ Original birth certificate (duplicates are OK, but no photocopies)◆ Social Security card◆ Employer pay stub or employment records◆ Current utility bill◆ Proof of auto insurance from an insurance company licensed to do business in South

Carolina

New to S.C.?If you move to South Carolina from another state, you have 45 days to register your

vehicle and 90 days to convert to a South Carolina driver’s license. If your driver’s licensefrom your home state has expired, you must also pass the knowledge and road tests.

New state residents will also pay property taxes on vehicles. Failure to register your ve-hicle in York County could mean you’ll pay more on county property taxes.

Driver’s licenses

Need to change your address? Pick up a package? Here are United StatesPostal Service offices near you:

Bowling Green (29703): 1771 N. Hwy. 321Clover: (29710) 913 Bethel St.York (29745): 909 E. Liberty St.Sharon (29742): 3311 N. York St.Hickory Grove: (29717) 6015 Wylie Ave.McConnells (29726): 4182 Chester Hwy.Smyrna (29743): 1021 Main St.Lake Wylie (29710): 4082 Charlotte Hwy.

Post offices



TEXT HEREGetting started

York County Convenience Centers will accept household trash, items thatcan be recycled, some household appliances, tires and vehicle parts.Centers are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. five days a week (closed Wednesdayand Sunday).

Allison Creek, 5725 Campbell Road, at the intersection of Campbell Road (CountyRoad 80) and SC 274

Bethel, 3150 S. Paraham Road, south of S.C. 55, in CloverBethany, 2690 S. S.C. 161, south of S.C. 55 in CloverBullocks Creek, 6800 Lockhart Road, on S.C. 49 near the Bullock Creek area, south

of the intersection of S.C. 97 and S.C. 49Cotton Belt, 2365 Black Hwy. (S.C. 5), west of York between Matlock Drive and

Howell Road.Lake Wylie, 102 Bethel School Road, near Hwy 557Lesslie, 3211 Pantry Drive, off S.C. 21McConnells, 100 Cemetery St. across from Mt. Olivette Presbyterian ChurchSharon/Hickory Grove, 5011 Hickory Grove Road, on S.C. 211 past Hickory

Grove/Sharon ElementaryTirzah, 6190 Old York Road (S.C. 161) across from Pursley Dairy Farm Road

There is also a recycling box and a garbage display box at the York CountyLandfill, 289 Public Works Road, York. Landfill hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to noon Saturday. For details, call York County Public Works at628-3200 or e-mail [email protected].

Garbage pick-ups for each town are:

Clover: Residents pay $7.70 per month for pickup, a $6.30 fee forthe landfill and a 79-cent charge levied by the state healthdepartment. For information, call 222-9495.

York: Residences pay $9.01 per month for one weekly pickup, plusa $5.01 landfill fee. Another 75-cent fee goes to the state healthdepartment. For information, call 684-2341.

Other: D & D Sanitation, a private company based in Clover, servesresidents outside of York and Clover town limits. Rates vary. For moreinformation, call 222-3862.

Recycling & Garbage Nate Morrison,Austin Highfill,

and ChuckyMason, all

seventh-graders atClover Junior HighSchool, crush their

empty beveragecans after lunch.Their school wonthe York County

Environmentalstudent group of

the year award for2008.

BY JIM STRATAKOS



TEXT HEREGetting started

Pets are not required to be licensed in York County. Annualrabies vaccinations are required.

The town of Clover requires an annual dog registration. Thefee is $4, with a $10 penalty added for renewal registrations afterApril 30.

Owners must display certification on their pet’s collar. Costsvary, but inexpensive rabies clinics are held regularly throughoutthe county. Pets are required to be constrained at all times.

In York, dogs must be on leashes 6 foot long or shorter.

York County Animal Shelter is on S.C. 5 in York near theMoss Justice Center. The $2.3 million shelter includes high-techwaste removal and odor-control systems that change the airabout every four-and-a-half minutes. The shelter has room for250 animals, an adoption program and an animal control center.Pet adoption costs $56 per animal, and that includes spaying orneutering and a rabies shot. For details, call 628-3190.

While there is no Humane Society in western York County, itmay be worth a trip north where you’ll find a broad selection atthe Humane Society of York County, located at 2036 CarolinaPlace in Fort Mill. For more information about the no-killshelter, call 802-0902.

There are several other animal rescue groups in York Countyincluding Richardson Rescue in York and Pug Lovers Rescue andRecycled Pets in Rock Hill. All have animals available for adoption.Richardson Rescue is on the Web at Richardsonrescue.org or call684-6865. Contact Pug Lovers at 980-7729 or [email protected]. For details, call 981-5087 or visitwww.recycledpetsonline.com.

Want to expand your family with a new pet?

BY JONATHAN ALLENJeffrey is a lab/boarder collie mix that Richardson Animal Rescue took inafter his former owner moved and could not take Jeffrey with him. Toinquire about adopting any of the pets at Richardson Rescue, visitwww.richardsonrescue, petfinders.com, or www.richardsonrescue.org andfill out an online application, Adoptions are by appointment only.



TEXT HERECommunity

There are severaloutreach agenciesserving western YorkCounty, all ready to helpwhen needed. Here’s acloser look:

Clover Area Assistance Centerprovides food, financialassistance, health services,including educationalprogramming and special needitems for Clover school districtresidents. Hours are 1 p.m. to 4p.m. Mondays and Wednesdaysand 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays.Address: 1130 S.C. 55 E.,Clover. Phone: 222-4837.

God’s Kitchen feeds shut-insin their homes five days a weekand those who walk in. Maildonations to God’s Kitchen, 708Old N. Main St., Clover, SC29710 or call 222-0711.

Lighthouse Shelter and ThriftStore houses people who arehomeless and helps them turntheir lives around. Donations canbe sent to: Lighthouse Shelterand Thrift Store, 1000 Old N.Main St., Clover, SC 29710,222-0636.

PATH provides help forpeople in the York school districtwith food, clothing, limitedmedical, rent and utilityassistance. Hours are 9 to 11:30a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays andFridays. Address: 204 Raille St.,York. Phone: 684-3992.

Tender Hearts CommunityOutreach and Thrift Storeprovides qualified customers withtwo outfits, a pair of shoes and abag of canned goods monthly forup to six months. Tender HeartsHouse of Hope providestemporary shelter for women.Address: 511 Kings Mountain St.in York. Phone: 684-3132. E-mail:[email protected].

Civic clubsClover JayceesHeath Eubanks, 242-1232River Hills LionsRichard (R.J.) Phillips, 831-7808York LionsAndy Propst, 684-6166Lake Wylie Lioness Lions ClubShirley MacMillan, 831-8262Clover OptimistJosie and Ashby Skinnell, 684-2008York Area OptimistMamie Wells, 628-1660 Clover RotaryOllie Robertson, 222-7660York RotaryHeidi Blanks, 222-2104Good Folks of York CountyCharlotte Hogue, 324-4910

Women’s groupsClover Woman’s ClubWendy Bartee, 222-7533 Clover/Lake Wylie Republican WomenBlanche Bryant, 831-7497Clover/ Lake Wylie Moms Group Jackie Quinn, 487-0223River Hills Women’s ClubSabina Kowalski, 631-0848Lake Wylie Ladies’ Bowling LeagueJoan Barnes, 831-7272

Social clubsAsbury Coward Literary Club, Katherine Gardener, 684-4392White Rose Book Club,Jan Sweigart, 628-7828

Patrioticorganizations

American Legion Post 66, York,TJ Martin, 684-4367American Legion, Frank Roach Post 34, Rock HillCecil Phillips, 327-2959DAV, York County, Chapter 46Ruskin Belk, 329-6677

Kings Mountain Chapter of the DAR, York Dorothy Martin, 831-8086VFW, Old Hickory Post 2889327-2975

Fraternalorganizations

United Daughters of the Confederacy, White Rose ChapterLillian Wilson, 684-1409 The Sons of Confederate Veterans The Brigadier General Micah Jenkins CampDavis Timmerman, 547-5797The Sons of Confederate VeteransPvt. Thomas Caldwell Camp Kirk Carter, 704-739-2964, or Jimmy Cagle, 222-4372

MiscellaneousAARPRoger Jermyn, 817-9800.American Cancer Society1-800-227-2345Arts Council of York County 328-2787Broad River Basin Historical SocietyDorothy Berry, 628-1457Boys & Girls Clubs of YorkCounty324-7920Citizens Awareness Group of Western York County Inc.Gussie Butler, 684-9506Clover Community Theatre,Elaine Davis, 831-7659Crisis Pregnancy Center, 329-2524. Ducks Unlimited, Western York County chapterJoe Johnson, 684-4271Friends of Historic BrattonsvilleBetty Caughman, 684-2327Friends of York County Library Debbie Turner, 981-5837Girl Scouts, Hornets Nest Council1-800-868-0528 or 704-731-6500Henry’s Knob Group, Sierra ClubJoe Zdenek, 366-9763

Mid-Upstate Mothers of Multiples Support Club of South Carolina Monica Roveri, 831-5343, or Ruth Walkup, 329-1813NAACP, Western York CountySteve Love, 684-7124National Association of Retired Federal EmployeesRichard E. Sarver, 831-2504Newcomers Club of York CountyKathy Buskirk, 366-6643, orDiane Barber, 325-4648Piedmont Regional Associationof Realtors 329-2030 River Hills Marina Club 831-1802Thrift Store Ministries of Western York County628-0808The Writers of York County, Charlotte Hallberg, 328-8293 Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)Asa Myers, 222-1767, or Sonya Davis, 684-9651York County 4-H Clubs684-9919York County Ballet Company328-8328York County Beekeepers Association684-9919York County Cancer Association327-2556 York County Choral SocietyJane Hudson, 547-0962York County Council on Aging324-5084York County Education Association-RetiredZora Hones, 327-6378, or Ruth Culp, 327-1445 York County Family and Community Leaders684-9919York County Quilter’s GuildBarbara Moseley, 324-0778Yorkville Historical SocietyEd Wood, 628-1076Yorkville Players980-7412

To be included in next year’s WesternWatch, e-mail [email protected].

Get involvedin an area club or organization


York County plays host to severalfestivals, parades and events ofregional interest each year. Here aresome highlights:

JanuaryThe Western York County branch of the NAACP

holds an annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade onCongress Street in York to honor the slain civil rightsleader. The parade is usually scheduled for theweekend before or after Martin Luther King Jr. Dayin January.

MarchThe town of Clover holds a one-day St. Patrick’s

Day festival on Main Street the weekend closest toMarch 17.

AprilYork’s Downtown Farmer’s Market, a project of

the Downtown Business Association featuring localproduce and handmade crafts, opens. Hours: 8a.m. to noon every Saturday until November, NorthCongress Street. (Vendors, contact Signa Curry,704-299-2322, or Jim Dickerson, 684-4225.)

MayYork’s annual Downtown Live, a summer concert

series sponsored by the Greater York Chamber ofCommerce, runs monthly May through August.

JuneClover celebrates its Scotch-Irish heritage with Feis

Chlobhair, held each year around the first weekend ofJune. Activities include Highland games, Irishdancers, bagpipers, sheepdogs, Scottish athleticgames, cultural foods and crafts.

July◆ Lake Wylie’s annual fireworks display over the

lake begins at dark July 4 by the Buster BoydBridge on S.C. 49.

◆ The City of York and the York School Districtbegan collaborating on a fireworks show andmusical festival held at the YCHS Stadium, 1010 E.Devinney Road.

August◆ Lake Wylie Jam, a free concert at Long Cove

Marina and Yacht Club on Lake Wylie, is heldannually to raise money for Paramedics for Childrenand the Lake Wylie Fireworks Fund.

◆ Held on the fourth Saturday of August in York,Summerfest is a daylong festival that attracts peoplefrom across the region. The festival includes a craftfair, classic car show, a 5K run, fireworks, a golf andsoftball tournament, food and live entertainment.

SeptemberThe annual Clover Jaycees auto show and fall

festival is held each September in downtownClover.

October◆ The Apple Harvest Festival is the third Saturday

in October at Windy Hill Orchard. Activities at the all-day festival include hay rides, cider making,pumpkin and apple picking, scarecrow making,apple cider donuts, live music and JohnnyAppleseed.

◆ The Downtown Business Association hostsFall in Downtown York from noon to 6 p.m. the lastSaturday in October. The event includes liveentertainment, children’s activities, contests, aHalloween costume contest and street vendors.

November◆ Yorkville Music Weekend in historic downtown

York is held in early November, offering concerts,jam sessions and instructional workshops.

◆ York hosts an annual Veterans Day Parade theclosest weekend to Nov. 11. Past participantsinclude the York Comprehensive High Band, theAmerican Legion, different branches of the militaryand Revolutionary and Civil War re-enactors.

December◆ The first full weekend in December finds

Historic Brattonsville brimming with the spirit ofChristmas during its annual Christmas CandlelightTour. Festivities include drama, music and traditionalholiday decorations bring the past alive.

◆ Christmas in Olde York, sponsored by theYorkville Historical Society, includes a walking tour ofYork’s oldest homes decorated with naturalgreenery and alive with the smells and sounds ofChristmas.

◆ Christmas in Olde Sharon has been a traditionfor more than 20 years. Usually in early December,several of the town’s businesses and historicbuildings dress up for the holidays and open theirdoors to a host of visitors. Choirs gather by the FireDepartment to spread some Christmas cheer andchurch ladies provide refreshment.

◆ York and Clover Christmas parades are held inearly December. Floats, bands and music as well asan after party featuring Christmas carols, musicSanta Claus and vendors. The parades aresponsored by each town’s chamber of commerce.

◆ Lake Wylie lights up each year for the Lights onthe Lake Holiday Boat Parade, held around mid-December near the Buster Boyd Bridge. It’ssponsored by the Lake Wylie Chamber ofCommerce.


Community

BY SHANNON GREENEThe Summerfest 5K in August.

Annualevents






TEXT HERECommunity

For more info call 803.684.2590www.greateryorkchamber.com

The Greater York Chamber of Commerce

Saturday, Aug

ust 22,2009

Historic Yor

k, South Ca

rolina

By Adam O’Daniel

Whether it’s a big plate of home-stylemeat and potatoes, a steamingpepperoni pizza, the perfect chickensalad or a rack of succulent ribs,there isn’t a craving that can’t besatisfied at one of Western YorkCounty’s diners or restaurants.

The rural communities in YorkCounty boast some of the finest fare thisside of Charlotte. Diners can find anhonest meal and good conversation atdozens of locally-owned restaurants fromSharon and historic downtown York tothe quaint streets of Clover.

One of the first bites any newcomershould enjoy is served at the Sharon Grill.There might not be a stoplight at thecorner of York and Woodlawn streets indowntown Sharon, but there aren’t manydrivers who won’t stop for a bite at theSharon Grill.

Dennis and Brenda Settlemeyerfounded the “The Grill” (as it’s called bylocals) in 1982 in the building that oncehoused a corner store. They replaced beercoolers and snacks with a home-stylemenu and it quickly became the mostpopular spot to eat and meet for miles.

Five years ago, Sharon native Jay

local

flavorto savor

Please turn to page 38

Service comes with a smilearound here, and even SharonGrill owner Jay Gourley doesn'tmind playing waiter at times.

PHOTOS BY ADAM O’DANIEL


I welcome you to Clover,South Carolina, a place I amhonored to call home. Clover’ssmall-town environment allowsvisitors to enjoy the friendlysmiles and waves, while ourgrowing community enjoys thebenefits of an excellent schooldistrict and family-orientedparks and recreation.

As the organization repre-senting Clover’s business com-munity, we encourage partici-pation in the Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce’svarious community and networking events, includingour Business After Hours, Business Before Hours and An-nual Meeting.

At our Annual Meeting, we honor our Business ofthe Year and Citizen of the Year, as these award winnersjoin a list of outstanding individuals and companies fromyears past.

To convey our support of our local Clover High Schoolhonor students, encourage them as they prepare to entercollege and express our hopes they will return to ourcommunity after graduation, the Greater Clover Cham-ber hosts the Honors Student Luncheon in April. Thesestudents experience their first networking opportunitywith local business representatives and are recognizedfor their dedication to learning.

Membership luncheons are held throughout the year,providing attendees with information affecting the localschools, economy, and other vital issues.

Through partnerships with our surrounding cham-bers, the Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce offers a

Senior Expo event, allowing seniors and their caregiversthe opportunity to learn about local services to benefitthemselves and their loved ones.

These partnerships also brought guest speakers such asState Superintendent of Education Dr. Jim Rex to updatechamber members on state-wide issues impacting local ed-ucation and students.

By participating in local festivals – including the St.Patrick’s Day Festival in March; Feis Chlobhair, our Scot-tish Games and Scotch-Irish Festival, in June; and theAuto Show and Fall Festival in September, our commu-nity enjoys celebrating together in the streets of Clover.December brings the annual Clover Christmas Parade,with a distinguished Grand Marshal leading the waydown Main Street and Santa closing the end of the pa-rade each year.

On behalf of the Greater Clover Chamber of Com-merce, welcome to Clover. We know you’ll enjoy “thetown with love in the middle.”

— Beth Covington serves as president of the GreaterClover Chamber of Commerce.


Community

Greater CloverChamber of Commerce

118 Bethel Street, Clover, SC 29710(803) 222-3312

www.CloverChamber.org

Join the Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce and enjoy networking with local businesses and

supporting our local community.

Business After HoursBusiness Before HoursMembership Luncheons

Education Honors StudentLuncheon - April

Annual Meeting - MayBusiness of the Year

Citizen of the YearWebsite Directory

Senior Expo - MaySt. Patrick’s DayFestival - March

Feis Chlobhair - June(Scottish Games & Festival)

Auto Show & FestivalSeptember

Christmas Parade - December

Best of the West

Address: 118 Bethel St.Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Phone: 222-3312Web: www.cloverchamber.org

Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce

Clover Chamber fuels both business and community

You’re new to the areaand you want to knowwho serves the bestburger, slice of pizza or icecream sundae. Who betterto ask than the locals?Each year the Enquirer-Herald polls its readerslooking for the bestwestern York County hasto offer. The top votegetters win our “WestiesAwards.” Here are thehighlights from the 2008Westies Awards:

Best Chicken: BojanglesBest Chinese Restaurant: ChinaKingBest Family Restaurant: CoalYardBest Buffet/Salad Bar: CoalYardBest Meal for the Money: CoalYardBest Barbecue: Courtney’sBBQBest Breakfast: Down HomeDinerBest Dessert: Garden CafeBest Caterer: Garden CafeBest Country Cooking: J&JCafe


Visit Western York County,the experience will be well worthyour time. We take every op-portunity to encourage every-one to explore western YorkCounty and the rich culture ithas to offer. From the early yearsof York County through theRevolutionary War, the War Be-tween the States, to today, thevisitor will be treated to a greatvariety of experiences. Our ruralflavor can soothe the soul andreinvigorate the tired and rundown. As a member of thewestern York County community, the Greater YorkChamber of Commerce serves the communities of Hick-ory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, Smyrna and York.

The Chamber’s purpose is to help establish and main-tain a progressive economic environment in which existingbusinesses can thrive, new businesses can succeed and ourquality of life can continue to improve. The Chamber per-forms this vital role by working with many differentgroups in the communities, the county, the state andthe national level to ensure the collective voice of west-ern York County is heard and their issues are addressed.Interaction with these various groups occurs through the

Chamber’s Committee structure. The Committees will re-ceive, evaluate and recommend action on issues to theBoard that is in keeping with the Chamber’s purpose.

The Chamber’s standing committees include Mem-bership, whose primary focus is on member services;Government Liaison, which maintains contact with ourelected officials at all levels of government to communi-cate the Chamber’s position on issues; Economic De-velopment, with an eye to encourage businesses to moveto the area and help existing businesses grow; Educa-tion, working with the school district to promote excel-lence in education and maintain a positive working re-lationship between business and education; andCommunity Involvement, which coordinates the variousevents and festivals hosted by the Chamber.

Service to the Chamber’s membership and the com-munities is of primary importance. To provide the bestservice possible, the Chamber undertakes several events.

Each January, the Chamber holds its annual meeting tohonor selected members for their service to the chamberand the community. Awards include Citizen of the Year,Business Person of the Year, Business of the Year, SmallBusiness of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year.

A popular event is the Downtown Live concert se-ries. It is held in downtown York the third Thursday nightin May, June and July, and on the fourth Friday night inAugust to kick off Summerfest — the premiere eventhosted by the Chamber. This event attracts 45,000 visi-tors to York each year and has been recognized by the Gov-ernor’s Conference on Tourism and Travel as the MostOutstanding Festival of 2002 in a community of 5,000to 15,000 and by the Olde English District as the 1996Attraction of the Year.

Each year the Chamber coordinates York’s ChristmasParade. Held on the first Wednesday of December, the Pa-rade welcomes in the Holiday season. The small feecharged for each entry is donated to P.A.T.H., our localassistance organization.

Serving as the Welcome Center for western York Coun-ty, the Chamber has an abundance of information on themany attractions to be found here. For details call us at803-684-2590 or visit www.greateryorkchamber.com.

— Paul Boger is executive director of the Greater YorkChamber of Commerce.


Community

Greater YorkChamber of Commerce

Hickory Grove ~ McConnells ~ SharonSmyrna ~ York

We Are Your BusinessContact

Market Products, ServicesMake Business ContactsIncrease Visibility

We Serve Our CommunityGain Voice in GovernmentSupport Local SchoolsGet Involved

23 East Liberty StreetYork, South Carolina

[email protected]

Best Coffee: Jasmine Cafe &GiftsBest French Fries: McDonaldsBest Fast Food: McDonaldsBest Pizza: Pizza HutBest Hamburger: Sharon GrillBest Hot Dog: SonicBest Sandwich/Sub: SubwayBest Ice Cream: The PeachtreeBest Mexican Restaurant: TresAmigosBest Wings: Wing KingBest Seafood Restaurant: YorkSeafoodBest Bakery: Bi-LoBest Grocery Store: Bi-LoBest Produce: Black’s PeachesBest Peaches: The PeachtreeBest Pet Store: Animal SupplyHouseBest Consignment Shop: GoodThings ConsignmentBest Florist: HummingbirdForestBest Gift Shop: HummingbirdForestBest TV/Appliance store: BoydTire & ApplianceBest Tire Store: Boyd Tire &

ApplianceBest Computer Store:Computers for All AgesBest Jewelry Store: Frank’sJewelersBest Convenience Store: Kim’sGroceryBest Gardening Center: Stacy’sGarden CenterBest Furniture Store: T.E. Jones& SonsBest Law Firm: Brice Law FirmBest Heating/AC: Brown’sHeating & PlumbingBest Medical Office: PiedmontWest Urgent CareBest Dentist: Dr. CauthenBest Chiropractor: Dr. KingBest Vision Wear: Dr. OliverBest Financial Institution: FamilyTrustBest Mechanic: Jackie QueenBest Auto Repair: Queen’sGarageBest Pet Groomer: Sassy PawsBest Hair Salon: SolutionsBest Plumbing Co.: Taylor’sPlumbing Co.Best Dry Cleaner: Whitesides

Address: 23 E. Liberty St.Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Phone: 684-2590Web: greateryorkchamber.com

Greater York Chamber of Commerce

Quality of life enhanced by the Greater York Chamber



Community

Piedmont InternalMedicine and

Family Practiceat York

Aydrian Thomas, MDBoard Certified in

Family Medicine

1795 Devinney Road

York, SC 29745(at the corner of East Liberty Street)

Experience the difference:• Personal and comprehensive care for the

whole family

• Office hours—Monday through Friday,

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Same-day or next-day appointments

available

• New, state-of-the-art facility

• Lab and X-ray services on site

• Professional, helpful office staff

• Most insurances accepted

To schedule an appointment, call

803-818-5995.

1795 Devinney Road • York • 803-818-5995

ACCEPT ING NEW PAT IENTS

Allison Plantation, added 1980,off SC 40 and SC 60, York

Bethel Presbyterian Church,added 1980, on S.C. 557, Clover

Bethesda Presbyterian Church,added 1977, 3.5 mi. North east of Mc-Connells on S.C. 322

Brattonsville Historic District,added 1971, east of McConnells

Clover Downtown HistoricDistrict, added 1999, at the junction ofMain and Kings Mountain streets, Clover

Hart House, added 1977, 220 E.Liberty St., York

Hightower Hall, added 1982, atHistoric Brattonsville, McConnells

Hill Complex Historic District,added 2003, York and Shannon streets,Sharon

(W.L.) Hill Store, added 1995, 3034York St., Sharon

Jackson’s Furnace Site, added1987, Also known as Jackson’s Fur-nace; Stroup’s Furnace, address re-

stricted, SmyrnaKings Mountain National Mili-

tary Park, added 1966, northwest ofBethany on S.C. 161, Bethany

Nanny’s Mountain Iron Mines,added 1987, also known as Iron Minesof Hill’s Ironworks; address restricted,Clover

Sharon Downtown Historic Dis-trict, added 2001, York Street andWoodlawn Avenue, Sharon

Wilson House, added 1974, alsoknown as Old Jail; Yorkville Jail; 3 S.Congress St., York

Witherspoon-Hunter House,added 1978, 15 W. Liberty St., York

York County Courthouse, added1981, corner of West Liberty and SouthCongress streets, York

York Historic District, added1979, S.C. 5 and U.S. 321, York

— Source: http://www.nationalreg-isterofhistoricplaces.com/SC/York/state.html

Western York County Check out these sites from western York County that are onthe National Register of Historic Places:

Clover Public Library,at 107 Knox St., Clover,

features six computerworkstations (four withInternet access), black

and white copier,printers and a meetingroom with capacity for

50 people. Phone: 222-3474.

York Public Library, at21 E. Liberty St., York,features 16 computer

workstations withInternet access, black

and white copier, colorprinters, a large meetingroom, conference roomand study room for up

to 6 people. Phone:684-3751.


The York County Public Library system, with branches in Yorkand Clover, is something to be proud of.

Along with its extensive collection of books, periodicals, audio books, DVDs, videocassettes and more, the York County Library offers a variety of free programs for adults,teenagers and children. From local author visits to theater performances, there’ssomething for everyone. The library also provides classes for learning to use computersand has a Bookmobile that visits nursing homes, daycares and other locationsthroughout our communities.

The library’s Web site, www.yclibrary.org, features access to your account, a catalogsearch, homework help, pages for teens, kids and adults, research sources, bestsellerslists and much more.

Library cards are free to York County residents, property owners and workers. Theycan be used to check out and place holds on items and to use certain online databasesprovided by the library. Cards are valid at all York County libraries and theBookmobile. To get a card, pick up an application at any branch or download onefrom the library’s Web site, and provide proof of your current address (driver’s license,checkbook, paycheck stub) to any library location. A child may receive a library cardregardless of age as long as the card is signed by a parent or legal guardian.

And if libraries hold a special place in your heart, you may want to join Friends ofthe York County Library, a nonprofit organization that supports the York CountyLibrary system. Through membership dues, book sales and special fund-raisingactivities, the Friends of the Library provides funding for non-budgeted library projectsand programs. Dues range from $10 to $100 a year.


Community

YorkCountyMoms.com is the place on the Web to

go to when looking for parenting information for

York County moms and dads.

This is the site to talk with other local parents in

our forums, find out what's going on in York

County for parents and kids in our calendar and

just have fun with our featured bloggers. Plus,

you could start your very own blog.

• Daily news

• Social networking

• Event calendar

• Contests

• Money-saving coupon

• Blogs

• Photo galleries

• Videos

• And more

WELCOME TOPARENTHOOD

History buffs will wantto check out theseestablishments:

The Museum of Western YorkCounty: The museum at 1716 B.Woodlawn St. in Sharon celebrates thelong history of the area’s settlers andleaders. It contains thousands of items —800 photos alone. Items in the Museum ofWestern York County include crosscutsaws, a 1930s voting box, white oakbaskets made by the late Charlie Cole anda covered wagon donated by a HickoryGrove resident that dates back to theSpanish-American War and World War 1.Hours are 3 to 5 p.m. Sundays and othertimes by appointment, especially groups.Admission is $2 for ages 6 and older. Formore information, call Jerry West at 927-7558.

Historic Brattonsville: This 775-acreliving history village and RevolutionaryWar battlefield site near McConnellsfeatures 29 historic structures and

programs chronicling Carolina Piedmontdevelopment from the 1750s through the1840s. It includes the Walt Schrader Trails,and eight miles of trails for hiking,bicycling and horseback riding. Guidedgroup tour programs are available. Specialevents, including a Revolutionary Warbattle re-enactment, Christmas candlelighttours, an African-American experience onthe plantation and living history days, areheld throughout the year. It’s open from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturdayand 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6for adults, $5 seniors and $3 for students;free for members and those younger than5. For more information, call 684-2327 orvisit www.chmuseums.org.

Historical Center of York Countyarchives: The McCelvey Center, at 212 E.Jefferson St. in York, houses the countyarchives, available for genealogical andhistorical research related to the region.Research databases include 18th and 19thcentury occupations; Confederate veterans;Revolutionary War Battle Inventory; Blacksin the American Revolution and more. Fordetails, visit www.chmuseums.org.

has a rich history

Libraries



Schools

Bethany ElementaryPrincipal: Cathy McCarter337 Maynard Grayson Road, Clover,

SC 29710Office: (803) 810-8800Fax: (803) 222-8055Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/bethany

Bethel ElementaryPrincipal: Tom Guinane6000 S.C. 55 E., Clover, SC 29710Office: (803) 831-7816Fax: (803) 631-2995Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/bethel

Crowders Creek ElementaryPrincipal: Millicent Dickey5515 Charlotte Hwy., Clover, SC

29710Elementary Phone: (803) 831-2434Elementary Fax: (803) 831-9471Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/cce

(elementary)

Griggs Road ElementaryPrincipal: Pam Cato100 Griggs Road, Clover, SC 29710Phone: (803) 222-5777Fax: (803) 222-8066Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/griggs/

Kinard ElementaryPrincipal: Kathy Weathers201 Pressley St., Clover, SC 29710Office: (803) 222-3071Fax: (803) 222-8048Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/kinard

Larne ElementaryPrincipal: Georgia Westmoreland3598 Filbert Hwy., Clover, SC 29710Office: TBD at June press timeFax: TBD at June press timeWeb: www.clover.k12.sc.us/larne

Clover Middle SchoolPrincipal: Mark Hopkins1555 S.C. 55 East, Clover, SC 29710Phone: (803) 810-8300Fax: (803) 222-8034Web: www.clover.k12.sc.us/cjhs XX??

Oakridge Middle SchoolPrincipal: Will Largen5350 Hwy. 557, Clover, SC 29710Office: TBD at June press timeFax: TBD at June press timeWeb: www.clover.k12.sc.us/oakridge

Clover High SchoolPrincipal: Tommy Schmolze1625 S.C. 55 East, Clover, SC 29710Phone: (803) 222-4591Fax: (803) 222-8021Web: www.goblueeagles.com

Superintendent: Dr. Marc SosneAdministrative office: 604 Bethel St., Clover, SC29710Phone: (803) 810-8000Fax: (803) 222-8010Web: www.clover2.k12.sc.usTotal enrollment: 6,500Students on free / reducedlunch: 28.1 percent

Average SAT scores:Verbal: 493 Math: 514 Expenditures per pupil:$8,832Graduation rate: 81.9 percentAverage teacher salary:$47,137Student-teacher ratio: 23 to 1

Cloverschools at a glance

BY TRACY GREENE

Clover High School drum line

FILE PHOTO

BY DANIEL PLASSMANN

Griggs Road Elementary art students

2008 CHS graduating class


Schools

Superintendent:Dr. Vernon ProsserAdministrativeoffice:1475 E. Liberty St.,York, SC 29745Phone:(803) 684-9916Fax:(803) 684-1903Web site:www.york.k12.sc.usTotal enrollment:5,286Students on free/ reduced lunch:52.9 percentAverage SATscores:• Verbal: 468• Math: 502Expendituresper pupil: $7,771Graduation rate:82 percentAverage teachersalary: $45,180Student-teacherratio:21 to 1 in K-9,25 to 1 in Grades10-12

York schools at a glanceCotton Belt Elementary SchoolPrincipal: Mark Hendry1176 Black Hwy., York, SC 29745Phone: (803) 684-1947Fax: (803) 684-1949Web: www.york.k12.sc.us/cbe.htm

Hickory Grove/Sharon ElementarySchool

Principal: Dietrich Long4901 Hickory Grove Road, Hickory

Grove, SC 29717 Phone: (803) 925-2116 Fax: (803) 925-2218Web: www.york.k12.sc.us/hgs.htm

Hunter Street Elementary School Principal: Kevin Hood1100 Hunter St. , York, SC 29745 Phone: 803) 684-1926Fax: (803) 684-1931Web: www.york.k12.sc.us/hss.htm

Jefferson Elementary SchoolPrincipal: Jane Wallace1543 Chester Hwy. , York, SC 29745 Phone: (803) 684-1942 Fax: (803) 684-1944Web: www.york.k12.sc.us/jes.htm

Harold C. Johnson Middle SchoolPrincipal: Keith McSwain400 E. Jefferson St., York, SC 29745 Phone: (803) 684-2311Fax: (803) 684-1918Web:www.york.k12.sc.us/hcj.htm

York Junior High SchoolPrincipal: Louvetta Dicks1280 Johnson Road , York, SC 29745 Phone: (803) 684-5008 Fax: (803) 684-1916Web: www.york.k12.sc.us/yjhs.htm

York Comprehensive High SchoolPrincipal: Diane Howell1010 DeVinney Road, York, SC 29745 Phone: (803) 684-2336Fax: (803) 684-1932Web: www.york.k12.sc.us/YCH.htm

York One Academy Principal: Ethel Engrum37 Pinckney St., York, SC 29745Phone: (803) 684-2381Fax: (803) 925-1903Web: www.york.k12.sc.us/yoa.htm

BY MIKE LAUGHLIN

Jane Gilfillan, government teacher at YCHS

FILE PHOTO

Hickory Grove/Sharon Elementary students with Panther Josh Davis

York's Quastin Walker

Western Watch Magazine 29BY MELISSA CHERRY



Schools

ImmunizationsChildren who enroll in kindergarten

through the 12th grade in South Carolinapublic schools are required to have thefollowing immunizations:

◆ Four doses of any combination ofDTP, DT, DTP-Hib, DTap, Td, or Tdapvaccine, with at least one dose received onor after the fourth birthday.

◆ Three doses of any combination oforal or inactivated polio vaccine, with atleast one dose received on or after thefourth birthday.

◆ Two doses of rubeola (measles)vaccine, with both doses received on orafter the first birthday and separated by atleast one month.

◆ One dose of rubella (Germanmeasles) vaccine, received on or after thefirst birthday.

◆ Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine. ◆ One dose of varicella vaccine received

on or after the first birthday or positivehistory of disease for all children admittedto kindergarten, first, second, third,fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh grades.

For details, call (800) 277-4687.FILE PHOTO



Schools

York School District 2009-2010 student calendar

Clover School District 2009-2010 student calendar

Aug. 19 — First day of schoolSept. 7 — Labor Day holidayOct. 12 — Teacher work dayOct. 23 — Parent conferencesNov. 25-27 — Thanksgiving holidayDec. 18 — Half day for studentsDec. 21-Jan. 1 — Winter breakJan. 15 — Teacher work dayJan. 18 — Martin Luther King, Jr. holidayFeb. 15 — President’s Day holiday/Badweather makeup day

March 19 — Teacher work day/Bad weathermakeup dayApril 2 — Student holiday/Bad weather makeupdayApril 5-9 — Spring BreakMay 31 — Memorial Day HolidayJune 2 — Half day for studentsJune 3 — Half day for students and last day ofschool

Aug. 19 — First day of schoolSept. 7 — Labor Day holidayOct. 12 — Teacher work dayOct. 23 — Parent conferencesNov. 25-27 — Thanksgiving holidayDec. 21-Jan.3 — Winter breakJan. 15 — Teacher work dayJan. 18 — Martin Luther King, Jr. holidayFeb. 15 — President’s Day holiday/Badweather makeup day

March 22 — Teacher work day/Bad weathermakeup dayApril 2 — Student holiday/Bad weather makeupdayApril 5-9 — Spring BreakMay 31 — Memorial Day HolidayJune 3 — Last day of school

Registeringfor school

There are four school districts inYork County. Western York Countyis covered largely by the Clover andYork school districts.

South Carolina law requireschildren between the ages of 5 and17 to enroll in school. Kindergartenis required for children who will be 5years old on or before Sept. 1. Toenroll, parents must present theirchild’s birth certificate, a S.C.Certificate of Immunization and aSocial Security number.



Recreation

By Brad Harvey

So, you’re new to Western York County andyou’re into the outdoors. Wondering where tostart? Maybe we can be of some help.

Considering our proximity to Charlotte, mostnewcomers are surprised to find that our area hasmuch to offer regarding outdoor adventure. Whetherit’s the adrenaline rush found in hunting and fishing,getting back to nature on an overnight campingexcursion or more tranquil activities such as birdwatching and nature hikes, it’s all available right hereby your new home.

Those who are into water sports will find LakeWylie to be a paradise. This man-made lake boastsmore than 13,400 acres of swimming, boating, skiingand fishing fun. There are a number of public accessboat ramps, with the most popular being adjacent tothe Buster Boyd Bridge along Highway 49.

Kings Mountain National Military Park, off ofHighway 161 by the N.C. border, has an abundanceof opportunity as well.

Considered to be the site of the turning point ofthe Revolutionary War, it was here that a group ofpatriot militia defeated British Major PatrickFerguson on Oct. 7, 1780.

Try a self-guided tour along Battlefield Trail. Asyou walk the 1.5-mile loop, you’ll not only encountera plethora of natural beauty and wildlife but also theCentennial Monument, the U.S. Monument andFerguson’s grave. Join in the local tradition and tossanother stone on him!

If a more vigorous backcountry nature hike is moreto your liking, the Park Loop trail wanders for 16miles through both the National Park and theadjacent state park.

Own a horse? Then 16 miles of trail riding awaityou, too.

The Kings Mountain State Park invites you to turnthis into an overnight visit. With 115 RV campsites and10 more tent locations, there’s no reason why youshouldn’t pack your sleeping bag and plan to stay a while.

Don’t forget your fishing rod! Canoe and boatrentals are available on the park’s two sizeable lakes.

Many hunters across the nation feel that they justdon’t have the chance to enjoy their chosen form ofrecreation due to a lack of property ownership. Nowthat you’re here, that excuse doesn’t apply.

Western York County has several great publicoutdoors recreation properties. These spots, known asstate Wildlife Management Areas, include such placesas the Draper tract or the Herb Kirsh WildlifeConservation Area.

All of these large acreage properties are teemingwith deer, turkey, rabbit, dove and more. The avidangler will find that several contain stocked ponds foryour enjoyment as well.

Also, located off S.C. 211 along the extremewestern border of York County, Worth Mountain sitsquietly waiting for fishermen, hikers, hunters andbicyclists. The 1,647-acre site includes 350 acres ofgrass, corn and wheat fields, 2.5 miles of Broad Riverfrontage, several ponds, hardwood forests includingchestnut oaks and an assortment of wildlife. You canhunt deer, turkey and other animals in season, fish forbream, bass and catfish, mountain bike on old

Nearby attractions: Kings Mountain National Military Park864-936-7921

Kings Mountain State Park1277 Park Rd.Blacksburg803-222-3209

to theGreat

Outdoors

Escape40 PAGE WESTERN WATCH 2009-2010:Western Watch 2008-2009 6/8/09 12:59 PM Page 32


Recreation

CloverClover City Park on Knox Street and

Memorial Drive: Features a walking track.Clover Centennial Park in downtown

Clover: A walkway and benches.Clover Community Park:

Softball/baseball fields, concessionstand with offices, a horseshoe facilitywith 18 lighted courts, walking track,playground, picnic facilities and a half-mile paved nature trail.

Optimist Field on Tom Joye Road:Baseball fields.

Roosevelt Community Park: Adult-sizebaseball field, a youth baseball field,basketball courts, picnic shelter,concession stand and playgroundequipment.

YorkLincoln Park on Lincoln Road: A

multipurpose court, tennis court, tot lot,picnic shelter and grill.

Green Street Park on Green Street:Basketball courts.

Magnolia Street Park on MagnoliaStreet: Basketball courts.

Wooded Valley Park on Galilean Road:A non-fenced playground area.

City Park near Congress Street: Twolighted tennis courts and playgroundarea.

New Street Park: Two basketball courts.Moore Park on Congress Street: A

gazebo, picnic tables and sitting areas.Optimist Park on West Jefferson Street:

Multipurpose fields.York Recreation Complex: A 2.5-mile

lighted walking trail, five softball fields,two picnic shelters, playground and an18-horseshoe complex.

Hickory GrovePark on S.C. 211: Ballfield and trails

SharonChildren’s playground on S.C. 49: A

picnic shelter, tennis courts and playarea with a slide, swings and otherplayground equipment.

J.B. Comer field on S.C. 211: Twolighted softball fields, concessions, apicnic shelter and restrooms.

Sharon Community Center onWoodlawn Street: Aerobics, line dancingand youth dances.

SmyrnaSmyrna’s park has a baseball diamond,

tennis courts, playground equipmentand a picnic area.

Crowder’s Mountain State Park522 Park Office LaneKings Mountain, N.C.704-853-5375

U.S. National Whitewater Center820 Hawfield Road, Charlotte 704-391-3900www.usnwc.org

Trent Sandifer, 12, and Luc Green of York fish atthe Western York County chapter of Ducks

Unlimited, which had its seventh annualGreenwings Kid's Event at the Flying King Ranch

on Hwy. 321 last May.

BY DANIEL PLASSMANN

roadways, hike or bird-watch. Note: Hunting andfishing requires licenses.

Nanny’s Mountain — or hill, or monadnock — iseasily one of western York County’s most recognizablelandscapes where it rises near S.C. 274 and 49, justbeyond Five Points. The historic site of Nanny’sMountain was once the location of iron works duringthe Revolutionary War. Now, it’s a public park withpicnic areas, a trail system and more.

Still more action lies just minutes across the stateline.

An incredible view of York, Cherokee, Gaston andCleveland counties awaits you at the top of King’sPinnacle in Crowder’s Mountain State Park. A mere15 minutes from downtown Clover, the hearty 1.7mile hike (each way) to the top will really get yourheart pumping but you’ll find it to be worth the effortupon your arrival.

Care to take it a step further? How about rockclimbing? Even the most experienced climbers willenjoy challenging the steep rock cliffs of Crowder’sMountain.

Perched on the banks of the Catawba River, justoutside of Charlotte, the U.S. National WhitewaterCenter beckons the adventurous to come and honetheir skills at the same “world class” location asOlympic athletes. Featuring the world’s largestartificial whitewater river, whitewater rafting andkayaking are the main draw.

With mountain biking, hiking, climbing and aropes course, there’s something for the whole familyat this 307-acre public facility.

The less adventurous can spend their time relaxingat the River’s Edge Bar and Grill which overlooks therapids.

So what are you waiting for? You can unpack thoseboxes later! Get out and explore the best actionaround your new home.

For maps of S.C. Wildlife Management Areas,Lake Wylie boat ramps and fishing/huntingregulations, visit the South Carolina Department ofNatural Resources’ Web site at www.dnr.sc.gov.

— Brad Harvey writes a weekly column for theEnquirer-Herald.



The arts

Arts Council of York County

The Arts Council of York County pro-vides leadership in arts education and de-velopment, arts marketing and arts advo-cacy. The vision of the council is to createand support a thriving, diverse and vibrantarts community in York County. The coun-cil’s Center for the Arts in Rock Hill hous-es offices, galleries and artist studios. Vis-it www.yorkcountyarts.org.

Yorkville Artist’s GuildIn a room inside the McCelvey Center,

visual art comes to life. It’s the YorkvilleArtist’s Guild’s room, where 40 or so tal-ented York County residents meet once amonth to plan and create. The room alsois used by members to teach art classes ina variety of mediums. The guild wasformed in the 1970s, and it sponsors twomain events each year. In August, theyhold an Open Art Competition and Ex-hibit in the McCelvey Center. You do nothave to be a member to enter work. InNovember the Guild hosts a fund raisingauction and dinner at the American LegionHall in Rock Hill. For more information,call Guild Vice President Jack Bolan at328-6747 or Treasurer Sandy Brendle at684-4580.

Myers ArtThis Pottery Studio in Hickory Grove

has been the home for the past 30 years ofJohn and Jan Myers. On their 100-acrefarm, they grow fish and flowers, feed thewildlife and create astonishing pottery. Onthe Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiv-ing the Myers help organize a huge Christ-mas Show at the Mt. Vernon MethodistChurch Fellowship Hall in Hickory Grove.The show includes more than 20 localartists. The Myers farm is at 1281 LegionRoad in Hickory Grove. Check their Website, myersart.net, for directions or more in-formation.

Williams FarmYork County has a vibrant communi-

ty of artists, from potters to painters topoets, and they are given an opportunity toshowcase their work at William’s Farm.Located north of York at 7552 CharlotteHwy., the farm has classrooms, sculpturegrounds, a covered stage and exhibitionspace. For information, call 684-6345 orvisit www.williamsfarm.org.

Downtown LiveOne unique venue to enjoy live music is Downtown Live. Held on the third Thurs-

day of May through July and the fourth Friday in August in downtown York, this is asummer classic. The free event is sponsored by the Greater York Chamber of Commercein the parking lot of Whitesides Cleaners on South Congress Street. Food and drinks areavailable for purchase.

The fun runs from 5:30 until 9:30 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs. For more information call 684-2590 or check out www.greateryorkchamber.com.

Thursday Night BluegrassAllison Creek Presbyterian Church hosts a live bluegrass jam the first and third

Thursday of each month. Hundreds flock to see performing artists and regular folks on-stage. After the jam session, the night’s featured artists perform. For details, visit www.al-lisoncreekchurch.com.

Listen to the music

Looking for fine arts?


McCelvey CenterThe 150-year old McCelvey Center at 212 E. Jefferson St., York, houses a 560-seat

theatre, the Yorkville Artists Guild, the Historical Center of York County and theJane Bratton Spratt reception room.

The McCelvey is the home of the Yorkville Players (see below) and the McCelveyShowcase Series, which includes concerts, plays and other performance arts. The cen-ter also offers arts education programs and classes for both children and adults through-out the year. Classes in Water Colors are taught by Sandy Brindle and classes in Acrylicsand Oil are taught by Jack Bolan.

The grounds of The McCelvey are the location for each year’s Fourth of July Cele-bration that includes live music, fireworks and other family fun.

For more information call (803) 684-3948 or go online at www.chmuseums.org.

Yorkville PlayersSince 1990, York’s community theater troupe has been entertaining audiences with

classics like “You Can’t Take It With You” and contemporary pieces such as “WaitingRooms” by York playwright Laura Pfizenmayer. The Young Yorkville Players also taketo the stage several times a year with immensely popular pieces geared to a younger au-dience. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer with the theater either on stageor behind the scenes. For more information visit www.yorkvilleplayers.com.

Clover Community TheaterSince 1996, Clover’s local troupe has been performing at venues throughout Clover.

Most recently, it has found a home at the newly renovated Clover Middle School Au-ditorium. You can count on this group for high quality, entertaining shows that delighttheir audiences. The season typically runs from September through April and includesfour pieces. For information, visit www.geocities.com/clovercommunitytheatre.

Clover School District AuditoriumThis impressive state-of-the-art performing arts center at 1625 S.C. 55 E., which sits

between Clover High and Clover Junior High, can seat 1,500 in absolute comfort. Itis the host of an annual performing arts series that pulls in nationally-known headlin-ers such as pianist George Winston and country/ bluegrass sensation Kathy Mattea. Sea-son tickets for the entire season are available. The theater’s also home to Clover’s schoolperformances and is available for other functions. For more information, call 222-8018.

Hometown PromotionsThis York-based theater company became the new kid on the block when it kicked

off with a 2006 production of “Crystal and J.T.’s Wedding Shower and Fish Fry” per-formed as dinner theater at the Garden Café in York. For upcoming productionscheck their Web site at www.hometownpromotions.org. If you’re interested in gettinginvolved on stage or behind the scenes Hometown Promotions — or any of these the-ater groups — they’re always looking for volunteers. No experience required.

Sylvia Theater27 N. Congress St. York: In the middle of downtown York is a small jewel of a the-

ater, The Sylvia, which beautifully restored harkens back to the glory days of the moviepalaces. Re-opened in 2001 by Paul Finnican, the theater now serves as a venue for bothfirst run films and live entertainment. Folk, blues and rock have all graced the stage atthe Sylvia with name artists such as Doc Watson, Edwin McCain and Leon Russell per-forming. The theater, according to its Web site, hopes “to be a forum and performanceshowcase for the regional/local and when availabilities and schedules permit, nation-ally acclaimed artists.” For information on current and upcoming offerings call 684-5590 or visit www.sylviatheater.com


The arts

In the arts

Keep up with the news from your town by reading your local newspaper:The Enquirer-Herald is rooted deep in local history. The publication is the result of

the 2006 merger of “The Yorkville Enquirer” — the state’s oldest weekly paper at the time— and “The Clover Herald.” The Enquirer-Herald features news and community eventsfrom across western York County. The paper is on the Web at www.enquirerherald.com.

The Herald in Rock Hill is York County’s largest daily newspaper. The Herald is ownedby McClatchy Co., which also owns the Enquirer-Herald. The Herald is online atwww.heraldonline.com.

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Churches

AME ZionClinton Chapel AME Zion 302 California St., York, 684-7465Clover AME Zion Church1050 W. S.C. 55, Clover, 222-7781Ebenezer AME Zion Church2475 Ebenezer Road, Smyrna, 925-0001Greater Unity AME Zion ChurchS.C. 97, Sharon, 927-1027Liberty Hill AME Zion5387 W. Liberty Hill Road, York, 831-1495 Mount Zion No. 2 AME Zion4307 S.C. 97, Hickory Grove, 925-2908New Home Church3290 Charlotte Hwy., York, 684-9311New Loves Chapel AME Zion5089 Fewell Road, Clover, 831-9248St. James AME Zion Church1156 Church St., Hickory Grove, 925-3530White Hill AME Zion2255 Old York Road, York, 684-9173Wilson Chapel AME Zion4080 Wilson Chapel Road, Sharon, 927-7474

Associate ReformedPresbyterianYork Associate Reformed Presbyterian 80 N. Congress St., York, 684-6531Bethany ARP 1400 N. S.C. 161, 222-9897Sharon ARP 3915 York St., Sharon, 927-7451Smyrna ARP3141 Legion Road, Smyrna, 925-2409Tirzah ARP Church6161 Mount Gallant Road, York, 366-5577

Assemblies of GodCornerstone Assembly of God1090 Black Hwy., York, 684-2273First Assembly of God 223 Church St., Clover, 222-4475Lake Wylie Christian Assembly5766 S.C. 49, Lake Wylie, 831-7036

BaptistBlessed Hope Baptist Church410 Blessed Hope Road, York, 684-9819Bright Light Free Will Baptist1103 N. Congress St., York, 684-0511Bowling Green First Baptist1683 N. U.S. 321, 222-6906Broad River Baptist Church2315 Legion Road, Smyrna, 925-2700Calvary Baptist Church490 Griggs Road, Clover, 222-4028

Central Baptist Church110 Ross Cannon St., York, 684-4395Faith Baptist Church825 N. Main St., Clover, 222-1713First Baptist Church, Clover117 S. Main St., 222-3216First Baptist Church of York 102 S. Congress St., 684-4297Fishing Creek Baptist Church1220 Springlake Road, York, 684-6319Flat Rock Baptist Church111 Carver St., Clover, 222-4517Galilee Baptist ChurchGalilee Road, York, 684-6580Gold Hill Baptist ChurchS.C. 49, York, 684-9626Great Joy Baptist Church,3383 Chester Hwy., McConnells, 628-0450Hillcrest Baptist Church2020 Hillcrest Road, York, 684-9409Jerusalem Baptist Church435 Farris Road, Clover, 222-7476King James Baptist Church323 Kings Mountain St., York, 684-3962

Langrum Branch Baptist Church1500 S.C. 324, York, 684-6332.Midway Baptist Church12984 S.C. 55, York, 222-2909Mount Do Well Baptist Church4717 Chester Hwy., York, 684-3104Mount Sinai Baptist Church139 Mount Sinai Church Road, Hickory Grove, 925-1032Mount Zion Baptist Church5376 McConnells Hwy. E., 684-9302New Beginnings Baptist Church706 Old N. Main St., Clover, 222-5005Open Bible Baptist Church1116 Hwy. 55 E., CloverPine Grove Baptist Church5415 S.C. 557, Lake Wylie, 831-2015Pleasant Grove Baptist Church1875 Ridge Road, Clover, 222-9527Sharon Baptist Church3850 York Road, Sharon, 927-7450

Faith plays a pivotal role in the lives of most residents of western York County. Though the following is not an exhaustive list,it will help you try out some of the varieties of religious experience the area has to offer.

Directory of Churches



Churches

St. John Baptist Church 3726 Woodlawn St., Sharon, 927-7393St. Luke Baptist Church No. 21835 Hwy. 97, Sharon, 927-7180Shiloh Baptist Church4455 Hoodtown Road, Sharon, 927-7234Union Baptist Church1945 Ratchford Road, York, 684-3881Unity Baptist Church2300 Irene Bridge Hwy., 925-2723Weeping Mary Baptist Church1799 N. U.S. 321, 222-7672

Church of GodChurch of God of York201 Charlotte St., 684-6405Clover Church of God, 222-4452East Clover Church of GodHwy. 55 E., Clover, 222-0850Hill Street Church of God30 Hill St., York, 684-1829

EpiscopalEpiscopal Church of the Good Shepherd108 E. Liberty St., York, 684-4021

LutheranAbiding Presence Lutheran Church323 N. Congress St., York, 684-2793

MethodistCanaan United Methodist Church4810 Canaan Church Road, Smyrna, 925-6805Clover Chapel United Methodist Church405 Kings Mountain St., Clover, 222-5100First United Methodist Church124 Bethel St., Clover, 222-3496Good Samaritan United Methodist ChurchLake Wylie, 831-0304Green Pond United Methodist Church983 Bethel St., Clover, 222-7882Hopewell United Methodist Church300 Clark Steele Road, York

Kings Mountain Chapel United MethodistChurch2040 S.C. 161, York, 684-2493

Mount Vernon United Methodist Church2160 Smithford Road, Hickory Grove, 925-2316Philadelphia United Methodist Church,2260 Chester Hwy., York, 684-9352St. James United Methodist Church1930 Quarry Road, 684-4009St. Paul United Methodist Church1550 St. Paul Church Road, Clover, 222-7426Sharon United Methodist Church3001 Shannon St., Sharon, 927-7577

Trinity United Methodist Church22 E. Liberty St., York, 684-4100

Wesley United Methodist Church110 W. Jefferson St., York, 684-3346

PresbyterianAllison Creek Presbyterian Church (USA)5780 Allison Creek Road, York, 366-1302Beersheba Presbyterian Church130 S. Beersheba Road, Clover, 684-2052Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church1184 N. Shiloh Road, York, 684-4046Bethel Presbyterian Church (PCA)2445 S.C. 557, Clover, 222-7166Bethesda Presbyterian Church4858 McConnells Hwy., McConnells, 328-1360Bowling Green Presbyterian Church250 Ridge Road, Clover, 222-4920Clover Presbyterian Church202 Kings Mountain St., Clover, 222-9108Filbert Presbyterian Church (PCA)2066 Filbert Hwy., York, 684-6881First Presbyterian Church10 W. Liberty St., York, 684-2356Oakdale Presbyterian Church12585 W. S.C. 55, Clover, 222-7141Olivet Presbyterian Church (PCA)159 Church St., McConnells, 684-3719Temple Presbyterian Church in America1105 N. Beersheba Road, Clover, 684-0981Woodlawn Presbyterian Church3852 Woodlawn St., Sharon, 927-7200

Roman CatholicDivine Saviour Catholic Church 232 Herndon Ave., York, 684-3431All Saints Catholic ChurchLake Wylie, 831-9095

OthersApostle & Prophet Church1526 Lawrence Road, Clover, 222-2474Bible Covenant Community Church1712 Lincoln Road, York, 684-5747Church of God of Prophecy26 Wainright Ave., York, 684-0761Clover Christian Fellowship1521 N. Jim McCarter Road, 222-9953Clover Church of the Nazarene803 Old N. Main St., 222-9800

Clover EPC Church101 Marion St., CloverClover Liberty Pentecostal Church101 Frances St., Clover, 222-5553Clover Wesleyan Church102 Parkview Lane, 222-7069Fellowship Independent Baptist Church1308 Village Harbor Drive, Lake Wylie, 627-0035First Wesleyan Church1830 York Hwy., York, 684-7335Holy Sanctuary Church523 York Hwy., McConnells, 684-2058Jehovah’s Witnesses250 W. Alexander Love Hwy., York, 628-0645Jubilee Christian Center2105 Old York Road, York, 628-5293Mars Tabernacle Fire Baptized HolinessChurch101 Watson St., Clover, 222-2296Morning Star Free Will Baptist Church2192 Meadow Road, Clover, 684-5519Mount Carmel Holiness Church of God517 Kings Mountain St., Clover, 222-2090New Beginning Global Ministries3080 Charlotte Hwy., York, 628-0060Restoration Church South300 Ross Cannon St., York, (704) 864-8616River Hills Community Church104 Hamiltons Ferry Road, Lake Wylie, 831-1615Tabernacle of Praise229 Wood St., York, 684-0103Zoe Life Christian Church110 S. Main St., Clover, 222-0810


Gourley and his wife Brenda bought The Grill andcarry on the traditions and tastes locals have loved forthree decades. The menu features everything fromcheeseburgers and onion rings to club sandwiches,fries and seasonal salads. But the favorites are thedaily lunch specials and the home-cooked meals onSunday afternoons.

“We get the sinners who come in early and thesaints a little later,” Brenda Gourley says.

But the best reason to visit the Sharon Grill maybe the conversation. It’s known as the local Liar’sTable where hunters swap tales over biscuits andcoffee before dawn and politicians make promisesover beef stew and cold, sweet iced tea on Sundayafternoons.

“People buy and sell houses in here,” Gourley says.“And we hear every story you can imagine comehunting season.”

Down S.C. 49 in historic downtown York, dinerswill find a more eclectic group of tables to enjoy.

Historic buildings on Congress Street are home totimeless tastes at Tony’s Pizza, York’s favorite localpizza parlor, Jasmine’s Café, a dainty sandwich shopand coffee bar, and several watering holes to raise aglass with friends.

“I think downtown offers something foreveryone,” says Linda Ellington, the owner ofJasmine’s Café who retired from her career in thecatering and food brokerage business to open thesmall café in 2006. “We all complement each othernicely.”

For a more upscale flavor, newcomers and lifelongresidents are warming to the new tastes offered byParis-trained chef Colin Flynn. Flynn and his wiferecently opened The Brandon House restaurantwhere they live upstairs in the historic white buildingon Congress Street and serve a Lowcountry-inspiredmenu downstairs.

No dining experience is complete without a trip toClover for a mouth-watering rack of ribs fromCourtney’s BBQ. (Of course, you may considerstopping at The Peach Tree on U.S. 321 on your wayfor a delicious peach milkshake made with locallygrown peaches.)

Award-winning barbecue champ Gene Courtney— known simply as “The Big Guy” by friends andneighbors — serves his famous ribs, pulled pork andseafood to huge crowds. The restaurant started as asmall outpost just beyond the city limits on S.C. 55.But the popularity of Courtney’s signature barbecuesauces (now bottled and sold online) has helped himexpand the dining area with a huge red buildingadjoining the original kitchen.

All across western York County’s highways andbyways, diners will find unique characters with theirown menus. And new restaurants open all the time.Before you order another take-out meal from anational chain, give a local restaurant a chance. Theyrarely disappoint.

— Adam O’Daniel is a former reporter of theEnquirer-Herald.


Cover story

Droughts, late-season freezes, spring months thatbring extraordinary amounts of rain. Weather candevastate a crop, but, as Sanders said, all farmers try tokeep a positive attitude despite setbacks.

“I think Alexander Pope may have had farmers inmind when he said ‘hope springs eternal.’ There’salways next year,” Sanders said with a smile. “Wecouldn’t be farmers if we didn’t have that mindset.”

While crop farmers may have their struggles,producing beef, or any other meat, is a whole differentanimal.

Cattle farms, in many parts of the country, are anenormous industry as well, but for some small localfarmers, it’s much more personal.

Five years ago, Kimberly Garrison and her familymoved to York County from Georgia. They bought afarm just south of York, spent two years remodeling anabandoned house and nursed a dilapidated barn backto life.

Now she and her children are one of the leadingfamilies of the only 4H sheep club in the state, andtaking care of their animals is just as important to themas the product they end up with.

“The kids have to feed the animals. They have to behands on with the sheep, goats, cows — getting dirty isnothing to them,” Garrison said.

The self-described suburbanite family has developeda love for farming, and although they are hoping toexpand their garden into a marketable project like theiranimals, they are happy to have their own home-grownfood.

“I only eat fresh vegetables and eggs,” said Garrison’s11-year-old son, Gavin. “From the grocery store, thetexture is different. Ours are so much better. Plus, youdon’t now where they’ve been or what chemicals theyused.”

Gavin, in learning how to raise farm animals, haslearned how to tell from the hooves, fat or otherphysical signs, when an animal is ready to be processed.

Although “it’s sad at first” when an animal he hasput so much time into is turned into food, the familyhelped avoid the problem in a light-hearted way.

“We never give the animals human names,” Gavinsaid.

If you visit the Garrisons’ farm now, you’re likely tomeet pigs with names like yummy, dinner or porkchop.

“4H is not just a social club for them,” Garrisonsaid. “It’s about giving them experience they couldn’tget in school. It provides them with a responsibilitywhen the animals are dependent on them.”

“Without young kids getting into it now, farmingwill die off. We don’t do this to make a whole lot ofmoney. We do it for the love of the land — for thefeeling you get when you produce something andpeople come to you for it.”

Garrison’s oldest daughter Gabrielle wants to usewhat she has learned to become a veterinarian,specializing in large animal medicine.

“I like being able to say ‘I did that — I worked forthat,’ Gabrielle said about entering her animals in the

4H club. “I’ve given the sheep shots, learned things likehow many stomachs they have, and worked with sheepafter a coyote attack.”

She said she wants to take her experience toAbraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Ga.,then to the University of Georgia’s veterinary school.

Across the county, others are farming for a variety ofhobbies.

Colleen Hewlett and her children, Asa and Ruth,keep sheep and chickens on a small farm, and althoughher husband works full-time in Charlotte, she tends tothe farm for her own enjoyment, as well as someadditional income.

“I keep sheep for fiber… I spin wool, make bags. Iteach felting classes in Gastonia also,” Hewlett said.“My son keeps the chickens and sells eggs… It’s just ahobby farm — mostly for our family but we sell what’sextra.”

Hugh Moore has been raising cows on his farm,south of York, since 1969.

It’s just a hobby now, he said — only 21 cows — buthe said the cost of running a farm is what keeps him,and many other farmers, from taking up theoccupation permanently.

“Prices have gone up for farmers, fertilizer priceshave shot up,” he said.

“Right now, you don’t see a lot of big farmersanymore, just people who like to do it.’

Moore said when he began farming a few decadesago, he paid about $48 for a ton of triple-12 fertilizer.He said today it would cost more than $800.

Some area farmers have been able to find successrunning their business full-time, but just because theyare year-round farmers, that doesn’t mean they are anyless customer-oriented.

Ben and Merwyn Smith have been operating ThePeach Tree Orchards in Filbert since 1962, andbetween the peaches, pumpkins, Christmas trees anddelicious peach ice cream, the couple has thrivedbecause of the popularity of their products.

“We have a fantastic crop this year. The traffic flowhas been good,” Ben said.

Merwyn said local supporters have been good totheir orchard, even in the slowing economy.

“People love peaches. They are not at the top of thelist of things people want to give up,” she said.

They agree, however, that currently the land andstart-up costs are making it more and more difficult forfarmers to begin a full-time operation.

“At one time there were 27 peach packing houses inYork County. Now there are none,” Smith said.

It is a glaring indicator of the changes in the farmingindustry.

However, one thing that has not waivered, and likelywill not, is the farmers’ love for the job, no matter theprofit.

It can be tasted in the Smiths’ ice cream parlor, it canbe felt in Hewlett’s soft, woven handbags, and it isobvious if you visit Dori Sanders’ peach stand.

“Come find me on my porch,” she says. “And ifyou’re not in a hurry, sit a spell.”

— Mike Laughlin is a freelance writer living in RockHill.

FARMING, continued from page 7 FLAVOR, continued from page 23


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