1996: From Boy To Man

1996 was the year that I continued my progression from boy to man.  I got my driver's license that year, graduated high school, turned 18, went on two big trips, and began college.

It's hard to believe all of this has been 20 years. Time truly does fly by. I had a good hairline then and a clean face.

I showed my independence as a freshman at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. Not only was I the first in my grandma's immediate family to graduate high school, I had earned the right to attend a university. And it was an adjustment. Many do not know, but there were days and nights that I didn't know if I would make it. I was away from home for a long period of time, no supervision, didn't know many people , and the classes were so hard (especially those 8am classes). I actually not only missed my family, I missed my high school and hometown. Strange if you hear me now. I was in a different world for sure, one that I would grow to love.

This was also the year I lost my great grandpa, Bill Dover, long the patriarch of the Dover clan. He passed away shortly after my high school graduation at age 82.  I also gained a new family, finally connecting with my dad's side of the family, the McGills. Circumstances had kept me from them but I was determined to get to know them now.

I still loved my R&B, but my guilty pleasure was actually Alanis Morrisette. She had some moving ballads that got me through this transitional period. Movie wise, Independence Day with Will Smith and Vivica A. Fox ruled the box office. The South was all a buzz about the Carolina Panthers beginning their first season in then-Ericcson stadium, and with the Summer Olympics being held in nearby Atlanta, GA. Who would have thought the Panthers would be playing in their second Super Bowl since that time? 

1996 was quite a year for me, one of growth and happiness.

What were your favorite memories of 1996? Was it a good year for you?

WU Homecoming: How It Has Evolved Over The Past Two Decades

Another homecoming just wrapped up at Winthrop University this past weekend. It appeared to again be a successful one. I know I had loads of fun, and was much more tired than I originally thought I would be.

20 years ago, this may have not been the case at all.

I wrote a piece four years ago as Winthrop's Homecoming was just starting to change and mature, mostly because of the student body and alums stepping in. Now it has become arguably the most unsung college homecoming in the Carolinas. Back in the mid 90s, I didn't think I would be saying this.

During that era, it was literally all about the game and the NPHC step show and that was it. Most of the parties were catered for the students only. Also, festivities took place in February, not uncommon for a medium size, liberal arts college without a football team.

In 2009, the university decided to move festivities to the Fall. Slowly mixers and socials became less frequent and there were more activities to cross over for students and alums alike.

This year alone, 2014, could be the year that Homecoming has turned the corner and taken that next step. Over the years, the pre game tailgate has become the most popular event and grows yearly, attracting more and more student organizations and alums. Even the unusually cold weather didn't thin the crowd as people still came in droves.

A pre Homecoming talent show was added a few years ago. The on campus Homecoming party on Friday night has become a staple. This year, it was a Mardi Gras celebration preceded by a stand up comedy performance by comedian/actor Brandon T. Jackson. At least seven off campus parties were held between Thursday and Saturday. It appears the game and the step show are no longer the main attractions. Nevertheless, homecoming is finally fun for all ages and demographics. It's all about recapturing the social experience and showing the alums how welcome they are.

It feels great to return every year. The energy level is high wherever a group of WU alums are gathering and for those few days, everyone is back at school again. The worries of the everyday world are put on hold until Sunday. And as with most events, social media and smart phones have enhanced the experience. One can keep up with classmates year round and view pictures and updates from the festivities. Indeed the WU has come a long long way since 1996.

Now let's just see what happens when Winthrop finally gets a football team.

Do you normally attend Winthrop's homecoming events? Did you attend this year? What do you most enjoy about Homecoming?

Rocking The Hill: More To Rock Hill Than You May Know

This is for now my final installment in my series about various towns and cities in South Carolina. This is my second home: Rock Hill, SC. I lived here for six years and find it to be a joyeous, growing place.

Many know it as the medium size city just south of Charlotte. But there's much more to this city than that.

All is takes is a ride down the two most popular roads, Cherry Road and Dave Lyle Boulevard, to see that "The Rock" has a lot to offer for all ages and demographics. It's a town that's positioned for exponential growth but still striving to keep the small community atmosphere. This city has three higher learning institutions: York Technical College, Clinton Jr. College, and Winthrop University. All are gaining more notoriety and use the city of Rock Hill as a selling point for admission.

Need something to do in the Rock? No problem. There are several local bars and lounges, including McHales and Empire Pizza. They have a bowling alley, Manchester Square with a Regal Cinemas movie theater, a $2.50 theater off of Cherry, Cherry Park and Glenclairn Gardens. Winthrop usually has plenty of entertainment on their campus and encourages the city to be involved.

South Carolina is known for its many festivals and Rock Hill is no different. Every April for a week and a half is The Come See Me Festival, welcoming Spring and having the infamous frog mascot.

You will not go hungry in Rock Hill either. Many chain restaurants populate the inner and outer portions of the city. There are great local places as well such as White Horse, Anna J's, Luigi's, Toyo's,
and Charondas.

Many great athletes have come out of Rock Hill including Gerald Dixon Sr., Jeff Burris, Chris Hope, Coradelle Patterson and most recently Jadeveon Clowney, perhaps one of the greatest to ever play football in the state. Sports are a big tradition in the Rock and District 3 Stadium on Cherry has hosted some huge games and events. It is also where Northwestern and Rock Hill High Schools (for a long time, the city's only two high schools) each play their home football games.

The city is simply awesome: plenty of entertainment, top notch schools, close to Charlotte, Columbia and Upstate South Carolina. It is simply a great place to live and raise a family. You feel welcome from the time you drive into the city.

Not to sound too much like a city guide or a real estate agent, but come experience Rock Hill for yourself!

Five Party Promoters/Planners I Know

I am not into the club scene much these days. However I do like social gatherings, cookouts, and other such parties. The following party promoters and planners threw some epic bashes in 2012 and I look to what they have planned for 2013. People have raved about the Inaguration Ball, various Super Bowl parties, and are looking forward to the bashes that spring and summer bring. 

1. MAZ Entertainment
They appear to be on the forefront of urban nighttime (and even daytime) entertainment in Charlotte, North Carolina. These two guys, Anthony McPherson and Michael Paul, throw awesome parties every few months, including an All White party, a Halloween party, a Frolic event during the summer, and capping it off with a wonderful New Years Eve bash. Anthony has began having free Friday night parties uptown at Pulse, expanding their brand.  The dynamic duo also always throw a few parties during the week of the CIAA tournament. These gentlemen endeavor to make every function they have as upscale and memorable as CIAA.
2. R Elegance Event Planning.

This is owned and operated by my best friend's wife and my friend also, Rayn Leland Newson.  She organizes parties of all types, upscale and casual in the Charlotte and surrounding areas. These include weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, and even graduation and housewarming parties. Basically, she plans celebrations for every occasions. Ms. Newson endeavors to make every event memorable, with her creative favors and games. She works with the best the Queen City has to offer in coordinators, bakeries, and venue owners. Rayn will undoubtedly give you an unforgettable experience.

3. JC and Short
One final shoutout from the Charlotte area comes from two classmates of mine: Jonathan "JC" Moore and Ryon "Short" Burnside. They don't throw as many bashes as the previous two, as they mostly focus on adult birthday parties and Winthrop University Homecoming events. However they are relentless promoters and know how to bring in the crowds and show them a good time. These two fellas have helped resuscitate Winthrop's Homecoming, once considered mundane and predictable by students and alums.  They care that much about our school and others, and knew it would be up to them if we were going to have more fun Homecomings. Now their annual party has become a staple just as the tailgate, game and stepshow.

4. April ,Clay, and Rita

I've written about these locals before, and here I am again mentioning them. They throw some of the best social gatherings that Cherokee County, South Carolina has to offer. Apri has awesome organizational and delegation skills. Clay and his brother Derrick draw the crowd, especially with Rita, Clay's BBQ smoker. Whether raising money for a charity, a friend in need, or just having fun, they are just exciting to be around, and do not want anyone to leave angry or hungry.

5. The Smith Ladies
These ladies don't have an official name to my knowledge, so I will give them one. This quartet featuring Keyla Land, Queen Smith, Reka Burris, and Aca Jeter usually throws a few parties per year, including a pre Super Bowl bash and Reka's baby gender release party. They are similar to MAZ, or even JC and Short, focusing on birthdays and special holidays and occasions, mostly in the Gaffney, SC area. These ladies all have birthdays close together, so it's no coincidence that they just started having parties for each other. They have had all white parties, block parties, and even a yacht party last year. Whether individually or as a group, these four lovely young ladies really cater to the masses, their respective families and communities. I always have fun at their gatherings and it's good to not have to travel far.