By Emily Belk, CHS Junior
York, SC - In the heart of York County, a story of perseverance and love unfolds with the introduction of this month's pup, Oscar, a delightful one-year-old terrier mix. Rescued alongside his sister from Chester County Animal Control at just five months old, Oscar's journey to find his forever home has been nothing short of remarkable. Oscar's early days were marked by adversity, as he and his sister struggled with demodectic mange. But despite their challenges, the Humane Society stepped in, providing them with the care and attention they needed to thrive. Under the nurturing care of a dedicated foster family, Oscar underwent a stunning transformation in just two months. With a healthy diet, medicated baths, and plenty of TLC, Oscar's once patchy coat blossomed into a beautiful display of black and white fur. More than just a physical transformation, Oscar flourished emotionally, learning essential skills like walking on a leash, sitting on command, and mastering the art of potty training! Through patience and consistency, he regained his confidence and learned to trust again. Described as a "super-smart boy" by his caregivers, Oscar is a joy to be around. He has a playful spirit and a love for treats, toys, and cuddles. Whether he's chasing after a ball in the yard or snuggled up on the couch, Oscar's infectious enthusiasm and love brightens every room he enters. Now, with his sister happily settled into her forever home, Oscar eagerly awaits his turn to find a family of his own. Vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped, he is more than ready to embark on new adventures with his future family. If you're searching for a loyal and affectionate companion, look no further than Oscar. Contact the Humane Society of York County at 803-802-0902 to arrange a meeting with this lovable pup. Don't miss out on the chance to make Oscar a cherished member of your family today!
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BY JOLIE BROOKS, CHS JUNIOR PHOTS York, SC- If you enjoy being able to buy and eat fresh and local produce, you’ve probably been to or heard of the Bush and Vine farm, located at 1650 Filbert Hwy, York, SC. The Bush-N-Vine Farm has been in the Hall family for over 150 years. It originally started out as a peach farm. The old building on the farm in York, SC was used as a peach packing shed from the 1930s until the 1960s. Then, in 1979, Bob Hall reopened the doors using the space as an open-air market, where he has sold fresh produce ever since. Then in 2010, when Sam Hall graduated from Clemson, he joined his dad and has worked there full-time since. “In the early 80’s, there were more people moving into the York County Area, and there was a need for local produce sales. So that’s how my dad got started with the Bush and Vine. Prior to that, there weren’t a lot of people in the area. It got to be that more and more people were wanting local produce.” said the owner, Sam Hall. The Bush and Vine Farm grows about 175 acres of land. In this, there is about an acre and a half of greenhouses and about 5 acres of high tunnels, which the farm uses to grow crops out of season. Mr. Hall explained, “A lot of people are familiar with greenhouses; they've got heat in them and ventilation fans, but in tunnels, it's a little bit different. It’s a lot like the greenhouses but they're much bigger. You can drive a tractor through them; they don't have heat, and they don’t have fans. That's what allows us to grow stuff out of season,” Bush and Vine decided to start using the high tunnels because of the demand for local produce, saying, “What kinda brought that about was, there again, people wanting fresh produce. You can go to the grocery store and see strawberries and the shelf pretty much 365 days a year. They come from all sorts of places but there was that demand for local strawberries.” The farm in York also provides for two of their other stands; one is located at 1662 Ebenezer Rd. Rock Hill, SC, and the other is located at 4090 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC. Since this business has been here since the 1980s, they’ve learned quite a lot. “We try not to compare ourselves to others; we just try to focus on what we do best and try to make sure and keep improving. We try to grow as much as we possibly can on our farm.” Mr. Hall said. Bush and Vine grow about 65 different crops on the farm. “Strawberries are certainly what we're known for, that's what we've been growing since 1979. So we really try to focus and grow as much as we can that we offer in the store here on our farm,” However, sometimes in the winter, they aren't always able to provide the produce directly from their farm “There's time in the off seasons where we have to get some vegetables from other places just cause people want it as fresh as we can get it. So, we try to focus on fresh and also try to grow the crops ourselves on the farm because then we have a little bit more control. The weather has an effect on our crops, but we have a little bit more control on our volume of what we're picking and a little bit more control on our variety and quality.” When asked if there were plans for the future of Bush and Vine, Mr. Hall stated, “Bush and Vine is here for the long haul, we want to keep growing fruits and vegetables because we all need to eat. I’ve been with Bush and Vine since 2010, and I hope to keep carrying on the legacy and keep the farm going. We hope to keep the farm going for generations to come.” Bush and Vine is definitely a place of the community. The family and staff make sure to make everyone who walks through their doors feel welcome. “We're here for the community. We’re here to grow fresh fruits and vegetables for our community. That's what we feel like our calling is. That's the way our farm is set up. The community is what has made our business what it is today and we want to continue to provide those fresh fruits and vegetables to the community that basically helped build us.” By Emily Belk, CHS Junior Lake Wylie, SC - In the heart of Lake Wylie, nestled among the bustling streets and lively neighborhoods, lies Sweet Repeat – a charitable foundation fueled by the dedication and passion of women aiming to make a tangible difference in their community. As we celebrate Women's Month, it's extremely important to shed light on the profound impact this organization has not only on the local area but particularly on the women within it. If you happen to be a new resident curious about Sweet Repeat, it's important to know that it’s more than just a simple thrift store. It's a beacon of hope and support, run by women, for the betterment of the community. The funds raised through the donations and sales are reinvested back into various organizations within the community, amounting to a remarkable $1.5 million contribution last year alone. The journey of Sweet Repeat traces back to its humble beginnings, rooted in the generosity and commitment of volunteer women associated with the Lions Club. Starting with an annual garage sale, the organization's evolution saw its many challenges, including relocation from a broken-down building to its current establishment. Despite adversities, Sweet Repeat persevered, now owning its store—a testament to its resilience and enduring mission. If you’re curious about how to donate, it’s quite simple; drop-offs can be made at the designated donation spot in the back of the building. Sweet Repeat accepts hard goods, clothing of any kind in good condition, shoes, toys, books, DVDs, and even more! However, they do not accept large items or large furniture. The organization's impact extends beyond traditional charity, reaching through to many diverse demographics, including the elderly, youth, and even animals. Notably, it has funded a $20,000 scholarship for Clover High School students, highlighting its commitment to education and empowerment. While it does operate on a minimal budget, that does not stop Sweet Repeat from allocating its resources to supporting various causes, including homelessness, kidney foundations, and The Clover Area Assistance Center. Its foundation, starting in the early 1990s by a handful of women, sparked a grassroots movement, spreading through word of mouth and touching lives far beyond its origin. For those eager to lend their support or learn more, Sweet Repeat welcomes volunteers during its operating hours. Beyond charitable work, Sweet Repeat fosters an environment of camaraderie, mentorship, and friendship among women from diverse backgrounds, from housewives to psychologists, providing a platform for empowerment and connection. In its mission to uplift the community, Sweet Repeat extends a hand of compassion and care to all. Offering a space for women to thrive, contribute, and make a difference embodies the spirit of Women's Month and serves as a shining example of empowerment through collective action. Sweet Repeat isn't just a thrift store—it's a symbol of solidarity, resilience, and female empowerment, enriching lives and communities one donation at a time. You can find Sweet Repeat at 4082 Charlotte Hwy #49, Lake Wylie, SC. The store is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm. By Emily Belk, CHS Junior Fort Mill, SC - Get ready to meet your new best friend! From the smallest of Chihuahuas, the mightiest of Great Danes, and the strongest of mutts, each dog has a unique story to tell. At The Roaring Eagle Newspaper, we believe in the special moments and celebrating the extraordinary connections that are shared between not only people but people and their canine families as well. And what better way to do that than to shine the spotlight on the beloved canine companions that are ready to find their “fur” ever homes? That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Dog of the Month feature! Each month, we’ll introduce you to a deserving dog, sharing their story, personality, and why they’d make a perfect addition to your family. Join us in giving these lovable pups the second chance they deserve! Continue reading for our first feature, and help us spread the word to give these furry friends a loving home! Stephanie may be a mutt, but she is this month's shining star at the Humane Society of York County, where she captured everyone’s hearts with her resilience and loving charm. Abandoned and alone when she was first dropped off, Stephanie quickly transformed from a spotty, timid pup to the beautiful, radiant, and intelligent companion they now know and love. At just 6 and half years old, Stephanie is bursting with energy and enthusiasm, despite her mature salt and pepper coated face. Her big puppy eyes exude such a youthful spirit that’s contagious to everyone she meets. Stephanie is not just a pretty face; she’s also incredibly smart and eager to learn. Trained in the basics like sitting and shaking paws, she’s a quick learner who thrives on positive reinforcement and interaction (plus food!). Whether it’s enjoying a leisurely stroll or engaging game of fetch, Stephanie is always up for an adventure. One of Stephanie’s most endearing qualities is her extremely friendly nature. She gets along well with adults, babies, kids, all animals, other dogs, and even cats! Making her the perfect addition to any loving home. Despite her initial abandonment, Stephanie holds no grudges and approaches each new encounter with warmth and affection. However, Stephanie’s journey to finding her forever home is not without its challenges. Like many of the animals at the Humane Society of York County, she relies solely on the generosity of donors to receive the care and attention she deserves; even though she is heartworm negative, other dogs at the shelter were not as lucky. With medical costs totaling $61,000 per month, the shelter depends on community support to provide lifesaving treatments and resources. You can make a difference in Stephanie’s life and the lives of many other animals in need by visiting the shelter’s thrift store, Pawsibilites, open Wednesday through Saturday from 1-4 pm. Pawsibilities is located at 2144 Carolina Place, Fort Mill, SC. Every purchase goes directly towards funding medical care and essential services and resources for animals just like Stephanie. Let’s help Stephanie find her happily ever after "fur" ever home by spreading the word and opening our hearts to this wonderful, amazing, and deserving canine companion. Together, we can make a difference and give Stephanie the loving home she truly deserves. Visit the Humane Society of York County today and make a difference in Stephanie’s life! BY LILY WALLACE, CHS SOPHOMORE AND KELLY CLARK, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Clover, SC - Since 2021, food costs have been rising dramatically. The US Department of Agriculture predicts that this trend will continue through 2024, estimating an increase between 1.3% and 4.6%. Thankfully, families in Clover who are facing food insecurity have a solution at the Clover Area Assistance Center. The Clover Area Assistance Center (CAAC) has its roots in two community organizations that date from the early 1980's. The need for a service like CAAC became apparent when the local textile mills started closing. According to the CAAC website, "Two organizations formed to help those in need: The Good Neighbor Pantry (started by what was then the River Hills Lions Club) and the Clover Caring Center. In December 1999, the organizations merged to become Clover Area Assistance Center, a nonprofit charitable organization." CAAC's overarching goal is reflected in its motto, "To serve our neighbors in need." And with inflation, that need is growing. Food costs are not the only things rising. Housing costs are also increasing at a rapid rate, and our area's population is growing dramatically. In 2023, the center assisted 3,294 families with food and financial support. That is a 55 percent increase from 2022. They distributed hundreds of thousands of pounds of food, which was all donated to the center. Additionally, they provided $122,537.11 dollars of financial assistance in 2022. CAAC provides services to support multiple areas of need, not just food insecurity and financial assistance. Cameron Hurst, the Director of CAAC, shared that services include a full-choice pantry, financial assistance, education, dental care for uninsured adults, vision and hearing care, and support with accessing other agencies. As the community grows and needs increase, CAAC is working to keep up with the demand. In 2023, CAAC staff and volunteers encouraged more families to use the pantry, expanded outreach within the community and got more freezer space along with a new cooler to be able to accept more food donations. Currently, they are working on an expansion that will allow them to support even more families. The expansion will be a new building that is 3,000 sq. ft. and will allow CAAC to teach classes on-site, as well as allow for other agencies to have a location to support families. There are multiple ways you can help support the work of CAAC. If you visit their website, https://cloverareaassistance.org/, you can donate or you can volunteer. Currently, CAAC has partnered with the River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club to host "A Tisket, A Tasket, A Spring Break Supper Basket Challenge." Community members and organizations can donate $30 to sponsor an Easter/Spring Break meal in a basket for those in need. BY ANDREW KETCHUM, GUEST CONTRIBUTOR Lake Wylie, SC - Alzheimer’s disease, the seventh leading cause of death globally and the most common cause of dementia, afflicts more than 6 million Americans, and 1 in 3 seniors die with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Alzheimer’s not only causes memory loss; it robs one’s ability to communicate and often changes the very personality of a loved one. With these statistics and significant impact, it is no wonder that almost every family has a story to share about this heartbreaking disease. In August of 2022, a Lake Wylie Rotarian shared his Alzheimer’s story with fellow Rotarians at Papa Doc’s. He shared his remembrance of his grandfather, a very proud man who was impacted by Alzheimer’s; the disease took away his grandfather’s independence, and he was moved to ask if the Rotary Club of Lake Wylie could somehow help him honor him and help those who have been diagnosed with the disease. The Rotarians around the table could relate. Unfortunately, too many of the folks had family stories of their own or had a friend who was impacted. But how could they help? A discussion ensued about what could be done, and a paddling event was suggested. We have a beautiful lake in our community, so let’s take advantage of it. The Rotary Club of Lake Wylie already supported Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust (CART), an organization started by a fellow South Carolina Rotarian that provides seed money for cutting-edge Alzheimer’s research. Let’s see if these two items can be leveraged to do something good for our community. The club pulled together to work through the many parts that make up a paddling event. Camp Thunderbird was our venue, and on April 15, 2023, the Inaugural Paddle for the Cure – the Race to Beat Alzheimer’s was held. It was a beautiful day with 36 paddlers in four divisions (sit-in kayaks, sit-on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and youth) paddled a 5-kilometer course that took them from Camp Thunderbird to the River Hills Marina and back for the adults and a shorter 2-kilometer course for the youth. In addition to the paddling, food, music, and a huge Silent Auction was enjoyed by all that participated that day. Many thanks go out to our volunteers and participants. Special thanks to our Gold Sponsor - Kaia and Cayden; Silver Sponsors – AK Media and Express Sunrooms; Bronze Sponsors – Tailrace Marina, Buckeye Fire Equipment, and an anonymous sponsor. Food was sponsored by Patco Foods, Inc. Water safety support was provided by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and America’s Boating Club of the Catawba. A huge shoutout to everyone who provided an item for the Silent Auction. Most of all, Thank You to the Lake Wylie Community. Your participation in this event made it a day to remember. Your generosity culminated in the presentation of a check for over $18,000 to CART. Please help us make the 2nd Annual - Paddle for the Cure even more successful by joining us from 9am to 3pm on April 20, 2024, at Camp Thunderbird. Website: April 20, 2024 Camp Thunderbird (paddleforthecurelw.com) Facebook: Paddle For The Cure Lake Wylie | Facebook For More Information: (570) 204-0291 Photos of last year's Paddle for the Cure event. Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a club at Clover High School. Students in the FCCLA work together to create projects that benefit the community. On February 3, FCCLA is hosting a father-daughter dance in the Clover High School cafeteria, which is one of the biggest community service projects the chapter has taken on.. The Roaring Eagle had the opportunity to interview Emmerson Olszewski and Lashanti Pierre, FCCLA officers and the chairs of another large-scale chapter community service project. Lashanti Pierre, a student from FCCLA said a chapter service project, “is basically community service project, but other than 2 or 3 people doing it, the whole chapter did it together. Everyone works together to benefit a certain cause.” Their chosen cause was to show support to the children at Novant Children's Hospital. A reporter from Roaring Eagle asked how Emmerson and Lashanti involved others. Emmerson Olszewski stated, “Firstly, our Clover chapter made posters for the pizza sale. Then, for the pizza sale, we had the family consumer science students working during their class period. It was mostly the early childhood students, and they were able to run the whole pizza sale. We also involved Novant Children’s Hospital with helping run our pizza sale and also creating goodie bags.” The goal of this project was to make kids in the Novant Children's Hospital feel happy and comforted for the holidays. The goodie bags and inspirational cards went to 50 kids in the facility. Emmerson and Lashanit hoped it made them feel better about their circumstances. This was an incredible project to organize and complete, and these students made it a success. BY JORDAN BOWERS, CHS SENIOR
Clover Head Start and Early Head Start is an educational program for children ages 0-3 that helps them get a head start on their childhood education. Their goal is to make child care more available and affordable to parents in the Clover area. Families in the community have the opportunity to enroll their children in these valuable programs at any time. However, it’s important to note that there are limited spots available, so interested parents and guardians should submit their applications promptly. Head Start and Early Head Start provide a nurturing and educational environment for children, ensuring they get a strong start in their early years. Don’t miss out on this chance to give your child a head start in their education and development. Apply today to secure a spot for your little one!See the flier to the right for contact information. BY LILY WALLACE, CHS SOPHOMORE
PHOTO BY RIDEABILITY, GUEST CONTRIBUTOR RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center, founded by Mrs. Wendy Schonfeld and her husband, stand as a beacon of hope and healing for individuals facing diverse physical and cognitive challenges. Wendy, who serves as the owner, founder, Executive Director, and Certified Therapeutic Instructor-Teacher, shares a deeply personal inspiration behind the establishment of this transformative center. The impetus for RideAbility came when Wendy's daughter was born with severe physical disabilities that restricted her from participating in activities like dance, gymnastics, or tennis without experiencing intense pain. Witnessing a young boy's joy while riding a horse triggered a profound realization for Wendy. This moment fueled her determination to create a haven for individuals with disabilities, leading her to volunteer at HorseAbility in NY and ultimately establishing RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center in Clover almost 12 years ago. What started with two horses and a handful of participants has evolved into a flourishing center with 13 horses, 3 donkeys, and approximately 100 students benefiting from therapeutic riding sessions each week. The students at RideAbility encompass a diverse range of abilities, including Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, learning delays, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and PTSD, alongside dedicated service to honored veterans. RideAbility's commitment extends beyond its riding programs; the center actively collaborates with Area 11 Special Olympics, Clover School District, and York School District and engages in occupational education programs for special education students. The involvement in the work-study program reflects RideAbility's dedication to empowering its students with essential life skills. However, the journey has not been without challenges. Wendy emphasizes the need for financial support, especially for the tuition assistance program, as 52% of rural families struggle to afford participation. The current hurdle is the pressing need for a covered arena at their new location. This facility would ensure the continuity of therapeutic benefits during adverse weather conditions, allowing the center to serve its students effectively. The "Covered by Love Arena Project" is now in the spotlight, seeking support and donations. Wendy envisions this arena as more than just a covered space. It symbolizes a commitment to expanding the farm environment by introducing pigs to the program and establishing a vegetable garden to impart farm skills. The harvested vegetables will be donated to local shelters, emphasizing RideAbility's dedication to community service. The center's team, comprised of PATH-certified Therapeutic Registered Instructors, upholds stringent safety standards for the well-being of participants, horses, and the entire team. Wendy and her team actively participate in presentations, making themselves available to organizations, clubs, and schools to share the impactful work of RideAbility. As RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center embarks on the exciting journey of the "Covered by Love Arena" project, the community rallies around them, recognizing the immense positive impact they have made and continue to make in the lives of those facing physical and cognitive challenges. RideAbility stands as a testament to the transformative power of therapeutic riding, bringing joy, healing, and newfound abilities to its participants. Some specific equine-assisted activities offered are stated below: · Balance · Core Strength · Muscle Strength · Gross Motor Skills · Following directions and instructions · Focus/Engagement · Less-Redirection · Horsemanship skills, care, and responsibilities · Executive function skills/problem-solving. · Critical thinking skills · Social skills and teamwork · Academics skills · Hand-eye coordination · Sensory regulation-anxiety · Independence-Feeling important Wendy Schonfeld also shared a compelling success story of one of the many students they have taught. " We have a young girl with a traumatic brain injury. When she came, she didn’t know her right hand to left hand. She needed maximum physical support and couldn’t remember step 1 to step two and couldn’t hold herself up by herself. She has improved in balance, core strength, memory and holding herself up with no physical support. She is now able to steer on her own through an obstacle course and ride independently without someone holding her and without the horse being led. She is confident and her self-esteem is soaring. She knows with hard work and determination she knows that SHE CAN DO IT. That is the goal with ALL our riders, independence AT THEIR ABILITY and FEELING PROUD OF THEMSELVES AND KNOWING THAT THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS." Roaring Success for BEST Team: Blue Eagles Speciality Team Wins National T-shirt Design Competition12/12/2023 The Blue Eagles Specialties Team, or BEST Team, recently won the National Special Olympics Team Shop t-shirt design contest. The design will be featured on a t-shirt sold through the National Special Olympics catalog. Not only did this group win the design contest, but the BEST Team also won a $5,000 grant from the Sweet Repeat Charitable Foundation for The Eagle Closet. The students involved in the t-shirt design contest are in Mrs. Patti Myer's first block class at Clover High School.
The journey began when the Special Olympics Team Shop sent out an email seeking student-led or athlete-led designs for their merchandise. Ms. Meredith Kincaid, the instructor leading the BEST team in their t-shirt design lesson, decided to dive into the challenge. The students had just started learning about the app Canva and how it could bring their ideas to life. While students were skeptical that they could win, they all thought it would be a fun way to see their progress with Canva. Ms. Kincaid stated, "We found out our students won a national t-shirt design competition for Special Olympics. Our 12th graders and 12 plus students worked on designs individually for a couple days, then we decided to take what we liked from a few and merge them into a collective design.” The suggestion to use the Athletes' Oath from the Special Olympics came from student Karalynn Ervin. Before athletes compete in the Special Olympics, they recite the oath which states, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." Their winning collaborative design is a logo that says "Let Me Be Brave." Ms. Kincaid and the BEST Team also won a grant for $5000 dollars. The class runs the thrift store, The Eagle Nest, and they plan to use the money to repair the store. Ms. Kincaid shared, “We’re going to do things like right now we’re looking at custom blinds because we are open for the public all throughout summer as well (as the school year). That heat can go through those windows because they’re very old.” It’s an important thing to keep the store running because it gives training for occupational credential students. This means that students get training specific in school to move right into the workforce after they graduate. The students learn skills such as working a cash register, stocking inventory, and sorting items in stores that they then could translate into a paying job after graduation. The Eagle Closet is a very important business to keep open and running not only for the students but the community as well. Ms. Kincaid also wanted the community to know more about The Eagle Closet and the BEST Team. The BEST Team makes products in school that are then sold at craft shows and through their Facebook page. The prices are reasonable, and the money made from sales through the BEST Team or The Eagle Closet goes back to the students. Ms. Kincaid explained, "All the money they make from selling things such as dog treats, mugs, and door hangers goes right back to the students so they can participate in things such as the Special Olympics." BEST Team items can be purchased through their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/BlueEagleSpecialties/. Not only can items be requested on the page, but the BEST Team also shares updates about where they are selling locally. The Eagle Closet is located at 402 Knox Street in Clover. Hours may vary depending on the time of year. |