Tag Archives: Pickens County

Blue Ridge Fest: Upstate, SC’s Largest Classic Car Cruise-in!

Posted on by
Reply

Pickens, SC Blue Ridge Fest 2011
Save-the-Date for Blue Ridge Fest 2011: May 13 and 14.
Nicknamed “The Gem of the Foothills,” Pickens, South Carolina is a quiet little town that has a lot to offer… beautiful Lake Keowee… the Blue Ridge Mountains … and Blue Ridge Fest!  Each May, Pickens’ Main Street is alive with revving engines, live music, and dancing!  This year, Blue Ridge Fest enjoys its 14th birthday by celebrating the 50th Anniversary of “The Twist” with Chubby Checker himself! 

Chubby Checker to perform at Pickens, SC Blue Ridge Fest 2011Blue Ridge Fest is not only a neighborhood party, but a huge fundraiser for 13 local charities.  Since 1998, the festival has donated more than $1 million to the community. What could be better than twisting the night away to beach music with Chubby Checker, Coastline, and The Flashbacks while helping so many Upstate Charities?  

Join the festivities!
Blue Ridge Fest events take place at
Blue Ridge Electric Co-op:
734 West Main Street, Pickens, SC

Beach Night and Classic Car Cruise-In
Friday, May 13th from 6 – 10 pm
Featuring live music by Chubby Checker, Jim Quick and Coastline, and the Flashbacks!

Blue Ridge Fest Charity Bike Ride
Saturday, May 14th beginning at 9:15 am
Proceeds benefit 13 local charities!

» For all the details and ticket information, visit the www.BlueRidgeFest.com

The Reserve and its Community Foundation Lend Support to Local Artists

Posted on by
Reply

The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s Hill House Gallery is displaying Governor’s School for the Arts Exhibit and hosting Blue Ridge Arts Tour this spring, plus learn about our ARTISPHERE Getaway Contest to Highlight Greenville’s Signature Arts Festival…

The Reserve at Lake Keowee community, together with its Community Foundation, announced today three current initiatives to support local artists. The community has partnered with the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities to exhibit the work of the school’s artists; in addition, it will host the works of four artists in the Blue Ridge Arts Center’s POP Tour next month.  The Reserve has also committed to a Collector-level sponsorship of ARTISPHERE, Greenville’s Arts Weekend, by offering an “ARTISPHERE Getaway Weekend” contest that features accommodations and activities at The Reserve coupled with $500 spending money at ARTISPHERE.

“The Upstate’s thriving arts community enriches each of the families who live in or own property at The Reserve,” said Mike Agee, the community’s director of marketing. “Our community is proud to host two exciting local art exhibits and support ARTISPHERE again this year; both are ways we can ensure the arts continue to flourish in our area for years to come.”

“The Kids Are Alright” Governor’s School for the Arts Exhibit
For the remainder of the month, a collection of landscapes from the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities (GSAH) will be on display at The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s Hill House. These pieces come from the school’s permanent collection and were created by students who are now alumni of the school. The selected works were completed while each artist was a student at the school; they are of a variety of media and sizes.

The GSAH Visual Arts Program develops students’ conceptual and creative skills with studio work including drawing, painting, ceramics, graphic design, metals, photography, printmaking, two- and three-dimensional design and sculpture. Students work with established artists to prepare portfolios for higher education and careers in the arts.

 “We are delighted to support the work of the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities with our ‘The Kids Are Alright’ exhibit,” added Kathryn Coleman-Gravely, Executive Director of The Reserve at Lake Keowee Community Foundation. “We are exhilarated by the talent, energy and passion this next generation of artists demonstrates already.”

“The Kids Are Alright” Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities traveling exhibit will remain at the Hill House, located at 534 Pine Grove Church Road in Sunset, S.C., until March 30.  For more information, call (864) 481-4010 or email Kathryn Coleman-Gravely at kgravely@reservekeowee.com. Foundation-sponsored events and classes are open to the public.

 “Hang it UP!” Blue Ridge Arts Tour
The Reserve’s Hill House Gallery will host the Blue Ridge Arts Center’s POP Tour on April 30 and May 1 and display their “Hang it UP!” exhibit from April 4 to May 19. The exhibit will feature the work of four Georgia artists: Kathy Bryant, Henley Cleary, Diane Geiger and Barbara Bryant Hart.  These artists, in addition to offering their works for sale, will also be doing live demonstrations.

Kathy Bryant, an artist specializing in woodwork and mixed media, turns what would become waste into dazzlingly creative projects. Henley Cleary creates uniquely beautiful pieces of jewelry. Diane Geiger’s work includes drawing, acrylic painting, printmaking, papermaking, ceramics and encaustic painting, and is known for her vivid use of color. Barbara Bryant Hart, who works with cold wax and oil, encaustic and mixed media, has traveled extensively and has many juried shows to her credit.

“Each of the four artists whose works will be featured in ‘Hang it UP!’ adds a vibrant aesthetic and a singular perspective to the exhibit,” commented Coleman-Gravely. “We are thrilled to showcase their… Read More Here. 

» Learn more about The Reserve’s Community Foundation.
» The SC Governor’s School art exhibit, “The Kids Are Alright”
» The Blue Ridge Art Center’s POP Tour.
» Enter the ARTISPHERE Getaway Contest.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Going Green on Keowee: Volunteers take part in the FOLKS Fall Lake Sweep

Posted on by
Reply

Fall 2010 Lake Sweep Volunteers

As part of The Reserve’s continued commitment to “going green,” the Community Foundation participates in the the bi-annual “Lake Sweep,” a lake-wide clean-up effort spearheaded by F.O.L.K.S, Friends Of Lake Keowee Society.  The Reserve has also recently adopted five islands in Lake Keowee— Islands 17, 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D are now monitored and maintained by The Reserve and its members. The property owners and staff from The Reserve are proud to be part of the effort to preserve Lake Keowee’s natural beauty.  

Get involved: Join us for a Lake Sweep in 2011!
Watch our online calendar for details, or contact me at kgravely@reservekeowee.com to sign up.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Happy First Day of Fall — Celebrate the season with these great Lake Keowee area events!

Posted on by
Reply

Aerial view of The Reserve at Lake Keowee, South Carolina with fall foliage

Happy First Day of Fall!

This time of year a boat ride in the crisp air, taking in the contrast of the fall foliage against the emerald green waters of Lake Keowee is invigorating!  In addition to the natural beauty of the season, The Reserve and nearby Greenville, Asheville, and Clemson University host some great events to celebrate the season:

The Reserve at Lake Keowee Autumn 2010 Newsletter, Reflections -- Lake Keowee, South Carolina

The Autumn 2010 issue of
Reflections is now available,
download it here.

Volunteers from The Reserve at Lake Keowee join United Way in ‘Day of Caring’

Posted on by
Reply

United Way Volunteers 6.21.10Reserve volunteers joined the local United Way for their annual “Day of Caring”—a nationwide event where volunteers gather together to make a difference in their respective communities by reporting to work sites at local nonprofit organizations and public schools to tackle meaningful volunteer projects. The Reserve at Lake Keowee joined more than 100 other volunteers in the effort to clean up, clear out, or lend a hand to various non-profit agencies in the Lake Keowee area community, Pickens and Oconee Counties. 

One fortunate local beneficiary shares his gratitude, “I wanted to send a sincere thank you for organizing and donating your personal time to the community charities on Monday.  As one of several sites, the YMCA tremendously benefited from this initiative.  Two different contractors estimated the rebuilding of our retaining wall to be around $2,500 at a minimum.  With Lowe’s of Easley helping with the materials and the labor provided by the United Way, we were able to accomplish this project for less than $500. I know the other charities would echo my thoughts in that providing volunteer time to these types of projects has a significant impact on our organizations in a positive way.”    — Sid Collins, CEO Pickens County YMCA

Learn more about Outreach Programs through The Reserve at Lake Keowee Community Foundation.

Lake Keowee Residents Raise $4,000 for the Foothills Humane Society

Posted on by
Reply
Memorial Day Wine Auction, Turkey Ridge Park
Memorial Day Wine Auction, Turkey Ridge Park

Together, the Annual Memorial Day Wine Auction and Pooches on Parade Events at The Reserve at Lake Keowee raised $4,000, plus a generous collection of shelter supplies, to benefit the Foothills Humane Society.

The events are sponsored and organized by Residents of The Reserve at Lake Keowee and held at the community park, Turkey Ridge.

“Both events benefit a very worthy cause. Adults enjoy the beach music and wine auction and children love the Pooch Parade. It is great to be a part of a community that does so much to give back,” said Tina Propper, a property owner who helped coordinate the events. Learn more about The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s Outreach program here.

The Reserve at Lake Keowee celebrates 40th Anniversary of Earth Day with its own 10th Anniversary Environmental Stewardship Initiatives

Posted on by
One of the Lake Keowee islands adopted by The Reserve.

One of the Five Lake Keowee islands adopted by The Reserve.

In honor of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day and in line with the 10th Anniversary of The Reserve at Lake Keowee, The Reserve and its members have outlined a series of environmental stewardship efforts and activities in and around Lake Keowee. These include various small acts of care, kindness and protection of the land, water and wildlife. 

Adopting five islands in Lake Keowee through the “Adopt-an-Island” program created by Friends of Lake Keowee Society (FOLKS) and Duke Energy Island Keeper. Islands 17, 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D have been adopted by The Reserve and its members. The property owners and staff from The Reserve have been cleaning the lake and islands this week, in conjunction with the bi-annual “Lake Sweep,” a lake-wide clean-up effort organized by FOLKS.  The Adopt-an-Island will culminate this Saturday, as Boy Scouts and leaders from Pickens Troop 51 join The Reserve in helping clean islands 17 and 17A and hear from FOLKS volunteer, Jack Lewis, about their impact on the lake.  

A crew of "Lake Sweepers and Island Keepers" from The Reserve at Lake Keowee.

A crew of "Lake Sweepers and Island Keepers" from The Reserve at Lake Keowee.

Adopting a four-mile stretch of Highway 133, just off the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (Highway 11) in Sunset, S.C. Four “Adopt-A-Highway” clean-up weekends are planned for 2010: February, May, July and October. At the clean-up event in February, members of The Reserve picked up 93 bags of litter, including a car bumper and old tires.

…Read the Full Story

The Reserve at Lake Keowee Charitable Foundation gives $20,000 to Pickens County charities

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Paying it forward—The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s Charitable Foundation has pledged $20,000 to four local non-profit organizations that give back to the communities around Lake Keowee each and every day.  On April 12th, members from The Reserve Charitable Foundation’s Outreach Committee proudly distributed $5,000 checks to four deserving Pickens County charities: Prevent Child Abuse of Pickens County, Pickens County Meals on Wheels, Mary’s House, and Helping Hands of Clemson.  Read the full story here.

Reserve Member Spotlight: Lake Keowee Ladies Group Makes Blankets for Babies

Posted on by
Reserve at Lake Keowee ladies hard at work sewing baby blankets and hooded towels.

Reserve at Lake Keowee ladies hard at work sewing baby blankets and hooded towels.

A group of eight talented Reserve ladies have pooled their skills to create a streamlined assembly process to produce a line of cozy baby blankets and hooded swaddling towels for a local charity.  Every Thursday morning they transform a kitchen and dining room into a busy little garment factory that churns out handmade treasures for care packages given to underprivileged new mothers. More than 30 towels and blankets have been donated already!

Kudos to Kathy Panther, Susan Hall, Jen Bacon, Nancy Kennedy, Patricia Kliphouse, Becky Israel, Debbie Coury and Lou Ann Lewis for the creative way you’re helping the youngest members of our community — what a wonderful way to make an impact!

Creative Keowee Ladies: Becky Israel, Jen Bacon, Debbie Coury, Nancy Kennedy, Lou Ann Lewis, Kathy Panther, Susan Hall, and Patricia Kliphouse

Creative Keowee Ladies: Becky Israel, Jenni Bacon, Debbie Coury, Nancy Kennedy, Lou Ann Lewis, Kathy Panther, Susan Hall, and Patricia Kliphouse. What a talented team!

Susan and Kathy test the hooded swaddling towel for size and fit.

Susan and Kathy test the hooded towel, designed by Jenni Bacon.

Going Green on Keowee: 31 volunteers band together to clean up Hwy. 133

Posted on by
Reserve at Lake Keowee Residents clean a 4-mile stretch of Hwy. 133 in Pickens County, SC.

Reserve at Lake Keowee Residents clean a 4-mile stretch of Hwy. 133 in Pickens County, SC.

As part of The Reserve’s commitment to “going green,” the Community Foundation has adopted a four mile portion of Highway 133, which borders The Reserve.  Part of this commitment is to clean the section four times a year.  The first sweep of the highway took place in February — thanks to the 31 volunteers who made our first Adopt-A-Highway sweep a success!  The number of people committing an hour and a half of their time and the amount of litter removed from outside our community was extraordinary. Volunteers scoured our four miles of roadway collecting 80 full bags of litter and 13 bags of aluminum cans which were sorted separately for recycling.   

31 Reserve at Lake Keowee Volunteers gather at the Hill House to help with the Adopt-a-Highway project.

31 Reserve at Lake Keowee Volunteers gather at the Hill House before setting out to help with the Adopt-a-Highway project.

“We can all be proud of the part we played.  Our stretch of roadway looks wonderful and, best I can tell, we all had fun making it that way.  Experiences shared by some of the teams were side-splitting and memorable,” says Reserve Member, Janet Greiner.Three more cleanups are scheduled in 2010 and the next date is May 17th.  Contact me at kgravely@reservekeowee.com to sign up.