Shawn McGee

IVA — When I was approached about trying to write on this topic, I thought it should be relatively simple. But after much contemplation, it became clear to me that it wasn’t so much the physical place or location of where you live but the people surrounding you who really make up the meaning of liking where you live.

I’ve lived in Iva all my life (excluding a four-year stint at Furman University and two years of apartment life in Anderson after college). To me, Iva is truly a Main Street America town, and while we have a few chain restaurants and retail stores, the town is still mostly made up of businesses owned and operated by local people. During the day you’ll hear the music and chimes from local churches as they ring out the hour.

The folks here are as hardworking and genuine as you could meet anywhere, and although most of the news that’s generated is negative (as is the case with most small towns), it’s still a quiet, friendly town. While some people may see Iva as not being very progressive, I like to think of it as more of preserving our small-town way of life.

The natural beauty of the area, with its rolling hills and tree-lined pastures, is as picturesque as any area in the Southeast. The Iva area also is known as a draw for sportsmen, especially fishermen, because of its proximity to Lake Russell and Lake Secession. There’s also great hunting of all types — dove, deer, turkey — and there’s nothing like getting together with your family and friends on the opening day of dove season for that first hunt.

There’s also a very active community recreation association, and the planned Thomason-Bowie Sports Complex will give us much-needed access to more recreational facilities for our children and adults.

A great example of our people is how the community has pulled together to help one of its own longtime family businesses rebuild after a devastating fire that destroyed a town landmark, our local hardware store. Individuals and businesses alike pulled together and helped raise funds, contributed volunteer labor and materials and countless other deeds, and soon the business will move into its new building.

Shawn R. McGee is an Iva resident and the president of Peoples Bank of Iva