Sept. 21, 2012 Spartanburg Journal

Onward, munch:

Kudzu bug sweeps through S.C. crops. PAGE 10

Health insurance premiums climbing statewide.

PAGE 15

SPARTANBURGJOURNAL Spartanburg, S.C. • Friday, September 21, 2012 • Vol.8, No.38

Amazon poised for Upstate launch

FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATES ‘WILD AND SCENIC’ NATURE.

Giant online retailer expected to take control of

By CHARLES SOWELL | staff new facility in days

PAGE 19

Amazon Inc. should take control of its new distribution center in Spartanburg County from the builders in a matter of days, sources close to the giant e-commerce retailer told the Journal.

A spokeswoman for Amazon wouldn’t give details of when the transfer would be made, but promised an announcement soon on the startup of operations in the new facility.

Amazon is in the process of reaching sales tax agreements with the states where the online retailer has distribution facilities, in advance of possible congressional action on e-tax legislation and to improve delivery times, Digital Trends reported late last week.

Study: Obesity threatens state’s future. PAGE 9

AMAZON continued on PAGE 8

GREG BECKNER / STAFF

The new Amazon Fulfillment Center on John Dodd Road in Spartanburg County. The facility has 1 million square feet under its roof and represents a 50 million dollar investment in the county.

Forecast is good for the Upstate’s fall colors.

PAGE 19

journal community

Spartanburg Journal locally owned and operated since 1999 For delivery requests, call 679-1240 Publisher

Mark B. Johnston mjohnston@thespartanburgjournal.com Executive Editor

Susan Clary Simmons ssimmons@thespartanburgjournal.com

Shop Local. It Matters.

Assistant editor

BehindTheCounterONLINE.com

Jerry Salley jsalley@thespartanburgjournal.com staff writers

Cindy Landrum clandrum@thespartanburgjournal.com April A. Morris amorris@thespartanburgjournal.com Charles Sowell csowell@thespartanburgjournal.com senior business writer

Dick Hughes dhughes@thespartanburgjournal.com contributing writer

Jennifer Oladipo joladipo@thespartanburgjournal.com photographer

Greg Beckner gbeckner@thespartanburgjournal.com news layout

Sally Boman

Tammy Smith

PrODUCTION Manager

Guild’s 39th Juried Show The Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg is proud to present its 39th annual juried show in the Spartanburg Art Museum at the Chapman Cultural Center, Sept. 20-Nov. 3. This year, 240

Holly Hardin Client Services ManagerS

Anita Harley

Jane Rogers

Billing Inquiries

artists from South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia submitted work; 48 were selected. This body of work is

Shannon Rochester Circulation Manager

David M. Robinson Marketing Representatives

Mary Beth Culbertson Kristi Jennings Donna Johnston Pam Putman SAles associate

Katherine Elrod Community Sponsorships and Event Marketing

exhibited Tuesday thru Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A free and public reception will be Saturday, Sept. 29, 6-8 p.m., at which time the winners in various catagories will be announced.

Best in Show 2011 Mtea Too by David Datwyler

Kate Banner Senior Vice President

Alan P. Martin amartin@thespartanburgjournal.com 148 River St, Suite 120 Greenville, SC 29601 Phone: 864-699-4348, Fax: 864-467-9809 Thespartanburgjournal.com © Spartanburg Journal published by Community Journals LLC. All rights reserved. All property rights for the entire contents of this publication shall be the property of Spartanburg Journal, no part therefore may be reproduced without prior written consent.

Downtown Spartanburg | 542-ARTS | ChapmanCulturalCenter.org

59˚ We can expect warm weather for “ the first day of Autumn on Saturday…

WYFF News 4 Chief Meteorologist

John Cessarich

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55˚

SUNDAY

“

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FRIDAY

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Mostly sunny, warm

2 SPARTANBURG Journal | SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

Partly sunny, warm

Sunshine, cooler

74˚

journal community

Worth Repeating They Said It

“Water is a huge deal.”

Angela Viney, director of Upstate Forever’s Spartanburg office, explaining the focus of the upcoming Wild and Scenic Film Festival.

“They’ve got a lot to do over there to be ready for Christmas.”

Compare @ $89.00 Cohen’s 20.00

for a Cause!

“The word ‘eradication’ is not being used with the kudzu bug.”

307 W. Main St./WAREHS St./WAREHS,, Sptbg 3.2 m. east of Westgate Mall on 29

Clemson University crop pest expert Steve Cole, on the fast-moving and fastreproducing stinkbug newly arrived from Asia with a taste for soybeans (and kudzu).

from WSPA-Channel 7

See the latest fashions from our downtown boutiques! from WSPA-Channel 7

The Best Source for All Your Lighting Needs

Hosted By: Amy Wood

See the latest fashions from our downtown boutiques!

Nick Sabatine, executive director of the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors, on the budding sellers’ market in the Upstate.

Friday, Sept. 28th 12:00 noon–1:00 pm

“Inventory is shrinking, which means that sellers are getting a better price for their homes.”

Thanks to our contributing sponsors

Action Printing, Belle Magazine, Delaney’s, The Showroom, and The Spartanburg Journal

The Showroom

David Slade, vice president of employee benefits at Rosenfeld Einstein, on the impact of rising health insurance premiums.

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NEXT SHRED DAY: Oct. 5, 12-2

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Tickets are available Sept.10th at participating merchant locations below:

“If you have workers who are making $14 an hour, it’s still a struggle for them to continue to pay for a family plan at upward of $500 a month.”

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Friday, Sept. 28th 12:00 noon–1:00 pm The Showroom

129 S. S. Daniel 149 Daniel Morgan MorganAve. Ave. in Downtown Downtown Spartanburg in Spartanburg

for a Cause!

Portion of Proceeds to benefit the Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health Box lunches and drinks provided by:

156 Oakland Ave., Spartanburg 864-583-6383

Hosted By: Amy Wood

Couture Closets DK Boutique and Spa Edge Salon green papaya salon Petit Armoire Pink on Main Portion of Proceeds to benefit the Sweet Tea Salon Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health The Lemon Peel The Sock Basket Box lunches and drinks Two Doors Down provided by: YOGAlicious Yoga Studio Zen Garden Yoga

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up to 90% off dept. store prices

Tickets are available Sept.10th at participating merchant locations below:

Couture Closets DK Boutique and Spa Edge Salon green papaya salon Petit Armoire Pink on Main Sweet Tea Salon The Lemon Peel The Sock Basket Two Doors Down YOGAlicious Yoga Studio Zen Garden Yoga

Tickets: $12 adv. $15 at the door SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 | SPARTANBURG Journal 3

Thanks to our contributing sponsors

Cohen’s (bring in this ad 4 gift w/purchase)

Action Printing, Belle Magazine, Delaney’s, The Showroom, and The Spartanburg Journal

Read it.

Know it.

Grow it.

Quote of the week

Spartanburg County Councilman David Britt, regarding the soon-to-beopen new Amazon distribution center.

FAMOUS CATALOG 18 & 20 ONLY

journal community

Don’t let cataracts slow you down!

Today there are many options to improve your vision after cataract surgery. Talk to us about Customized Cataract Surgery. You have choices!

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Get your Passport to Fashion on October 1 at participating locations.

PA S S P O RT

For a complete list of participating sponsors, retailers, crawl updates and additional event details

Walk on the wild side A visit to WatsonCooper Heritage Preserve promises breathtaking beauty

By CHarles Sowell | staff

Cross the Caesars Head park boundary hiking toward Watson-Cooper Heritage Preserve and the feel of the forest changes to something more fecund and primitive.

Watson-Cooper, a 1,707.6-acre gem located at Gum Gap on the Caesars Head spur of the Foothills Trail, is about a half-mile from the park’s boundary.

It’s about a five-mile walk from the Raven Cliff parking lot on U.S. 276 to the entrance to Watson-Cooper. The trail is one of the most heavily used in the park system and shows it, with dozens of hikers making the trek to the head of the falls in search of a breathtaking view and a feeling of danger.

The day-trippers peel away at the spur to the falls at Trail 14. Only throughhikers and those with a hankering to visit one of the wildest parts of the Blue Ridge Escarpment travel the additional mile and a half to Watson-Cooper.

Watson-Cooper is part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness and Recreation Area, which was designed to link Table Rock Reservoir and Poinsett Reservoir in an unbroken chain on undeveloped property.

The linkup hasn’t happened yet, but conservation groups are working hard to accomplish it, adding more miles of trail and land as the years go by. Part

of the Mountain Bridge area was purchased most recently with the assistance of The Nature Conservancy.

Watson-Cooper is part of the Caesars Head Wildlife Management Area in season. Julian Creek and Matthews Creek are native brook trout streams, two of the few mountain streams with a population of brook trout, the state’s only native trout species. Catch and release is encouraged.

The preserve has the only montane bog habitat in the state. It also has the only state population of swamp pink, or Helonias bullata, a federally designated threatened species that blooms in the spring. Other rare plants to be found there include climbing fern (Lygodium palmatum) and painted trillium (Trillium undulatum).

At least six other rare and significant plants occur on the preserve, which is also home to uncommon fauna including the Appalachian cottontail, eastern wood rats, star-nosed moles and blacknosed dace, a small fish.

Contact Charles Sowell at csowell@thespartanburgjournal.com.

how to get there

“LIKE” US ON

Take U.S. 276 to the Raven Cliff parking area about 1.5 miles north of Caesars Head headquarters.

Stay on trail 13 for about 1.5 miles, pass the park boundary and arrive at Watson-Cooper. The trail, a spur of Foothills Trail marked with blue blazes, goes through the heart of the preserve.

Town Fashion on the 2012

4 SPARTANBURG Journal | SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

The Striped Gentian

photos by Charles sowell / Staff

Follow trail 16 past the trail 11 cutoff to the Raven Cliff Falls viewing area. Follow trail 13 about 4 miles to trail 14 which goes to the head of the falls.

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 | SPARTANBURG Journal 5

JOURNAL COMMUNITY

OPINION VOICES FROM YOUR COMMUNITY, HEARD HERE

FROM THE EDITORIAL DESK

Changing a slogan into action Open government is the hallmark of a free society – one of those principles that’s roundly applauded in theory and fitfully respected in practice, as evidenced by the Legislature’s failure this spring to approve a bill intended to strengthen South Carolina’s notoriously weak Freedom of Information Act. The bill, which aimed to make citizen access to public records easier and less costly, was derailed in the Senate – in retaliation, it is widely believed, for a late “poison pill” amendment that opened legislative email and internal correspondence (now exempt from the FOI Act) to public inspection.

The bill’s sponsor remains undaunted and plans to introduce a new version next year. Equally undaunted is the S.C. Press Association, a strong supporter of the failed bill and advocate of a new “Transparency Pledge” timed to test candidates’ devotion to full public disclosure in these last, dicey weeks before the November election.

While email transparency is definitely included, the Press Association pledge is tilted toward the secretive behaviors common to school boards and city and county councils, the far greater offenders of open government laws.

We’ve all seen the occasional story about council members who conduct public business over lunch at a private club (in numbers carefully short of a quorum), or school trustees who work out votes by phone before an issue hits the formal agenda, or state and local bureaucrats who overcharge citizens for copies of public documents.

All, of course, violate the public’s legal right to access government – quite deliberately, in fact. An informed public can be a troublesome public.

And while a few scattered signatures on a nonbinding pledge may not do much for the transparency cause, raising public awareness and slinging a few pointed questions the candidates’ way is all to the good.

In the name of transparent public service, the Press Association suggests candidates pledge to: use public email accounts for public business and make them publicly accessible; conduct no votes or straw polls in closed session or by electronic means; discuss only specified and legally justified items in executive session and actively resist illegal discussions should they arise; support giving access to public records promptly and at minimal cost; understand their own rights and responsibilities regarding financial records of the bodies they serve; and become personally familiar with the state’s open records laws.

Reading the list, one despairs that the pledge should even be necessary: A candidate or incumbent who can’t agree to this basic level of transparency shouldn’t be in public service.

But then, think what the defeated FOI reform bill set out to do: reduce the costs public bodies may charge for access to public documents; force public agencies to make certain records available for immediate inspection; and shorten the time allowed to respond to an FOI request. In other words, to make public information available at a reasonable cost in a reasonable amount of time.

That this is even considered “reform” explains why the Palmetto State ranked 50th in the nation for access to public information in a study released this summer. South Carolina’s failure to provide an appeal process or impose penalties on agencies that violate FOI laws was a major factor in the state’s high “corruption risk,” reports the State Integrity Investigation, a project of the Center for Public Integrity, Global Integrity and Public Radio International.

Elected leaders and government bureaucrats forget too easily whom they serve.

Hence the need for transparency pledges, Press Associations and perpetual FOI reform bills.

Recovery pays back Addiction to alcohol and other drugs, including nicotine, affects 49 million Americans. That is more than the number of people with heart disease (27 million), diabetes (26 million) or cancer (19 million). Addiction is this nation’s largest preventable and most costly health problem, resulting in total government costs of at least $468 billion each year.

Addiction hurts. It hurts our families whose loved ones are struggling with it. It hurts our businesses that are losing productive workers. It hurts our state and our economy. And the critical news is that only one out of 10 people who meet diagnostic criteria for addiction are currently receiving the help they need to find recovery.

We can do better than that. That’s why our community is getting involved to help change the current situation. Addiction is a chronic brain disease, but people too often just avoid talking about it and refuse to deal with it. The result: Only 10 percent of those suffering from it are getting help.

The question for all of us is: What happens to the other 90 percent with addictions who are not getting help? When do we decide that they are not valuable members of the community? When do we give up on them? At what point do we stop caring? Or do we simply ignore the problem and decide that it’s not our business? It will go away! Thankfully, there are groups like FAVOR Greenville that have not stopped caring and have not given up on those individuals who need help.

I have been involved with FAVOR Greenville since its inception because I believe in the program, its remarkable impact and the people who stepped up and made it happen.

FAVOR’s community volunteers, many of whom have struggled with substance use disorders themselves or have experienced it with a family member or a friend, care and understand. Their commitment is what makes FAVOR so special.

FAVOR promotes long-term recovery from substance use disorders through education, advocacy and recovery support services, resulting in healthier individuals, more stable families and stronger communities. The most critical issue in achieving long-term recovery is not how

IN MY OWN WORDS by HAYNE HIPP

to stop but how to not start back again in the weeks, months and years following recovery initiation. That’s why FAVOR is so important. It is this long-term commitment to supporting people in sustaining recovery that makes the difference.

Recovery pays back both emotionally and financially. Every dollar invested in addiction treatment programs yields a return of between $4 and $7 by reducing crime and theft and lowering criminal justice costs. When savings related to health care are included, total savings exceed costs by a ratio of 12 to 1 – and the emotional payback is immeasurable.

My wish, and FAVOR’s wish, is that those suffering from addiction will get help and realize they are not alone. Every family, including my own, has been somehow affected by addiction and has dealt with its devastating effects, whether it is through a family member, a coworker or a friend.

Currently, FAVOR needs our support to be able to open a recovery community center, which will be staffed by those in recovery and will link individuals and families to long-term recovery through information and referral, public education and recovery support services.

Recovery gives back what addiction takes away. The Upstate hasn’t stopped caring.

We don’t give up on those who need us the most. So come on and join us in making sure that those in recovery get back what addiction has taken away from them.

Hayne Hipp is founder of the Liberty Fellowship and former CEO of the Liberty Corporation.

He serves on the board of directors of FAVOR Greenville and is a trustee of the Aspen Institute and the Belle W. Baruch Foundation. He is also past chair of the Peace Center for Performing Arts, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

IN MY OWN WORDS FEATURES ESSAYS BY RESIDENTS WITH PARTICULAR EXPERTISE WHO WANT TO TELL READERS ABOUT ISSUES IMPORTANT TO THEM. THE JOURNAL ALSO WELCOMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (MAXIMUM LENGTH OF 200 WORDS). PLEASE INCLUDE ADDRESS AND DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER. ALL LETTERS WILL BE CONFIRMED BEFORE PUBLICATION. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL LETTERS FOR LENGTH. PLEASE CONTACT EXECUTIVE EDITOR SUSAN SIMMONS AT SSIMMONS@THESPARTANBURGJOURNAL.COM.

6 SPARTANBURG JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

JOURNAL COMMUNITY

OPINION VOICES FROM YOUR COMMUNITY, HEARD HERE

Up for the challenge in our race for a cure IN MY OWN WORDS by BILL SOROCHAK

Two months ago, I was entrusted with a vital mission as the new executive director of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure SC Mountains to Midlands Affiliate to advance the fight against breast cancer.

I hit the ground running, because on Sept. 29, the local community will unite for the 18th annual Race for the Cure in downtown Greenville.

We have an ambitious goal: to stamp out breast cancer.

We are up to the challenge of raising more funds and more awareness. And we are backed by you, a stalwart community that is up to the challenge of doing your part to help find a cure and beat breast cancer.

Last year, more than 5,000 participants, 300 volunteers and 40 corporate sponsors participated in the Race for the Cure. You united in a show of support for

September 21

your mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends with breast cancer.

And you raised $418,000, of which 75 percent stayed right here in the 22-county region – from the Mountains to the Midlands – providing programs to our families, friends and neighbors.

Komen supports a range of programs that serve a variety of populations throughout our region: Providing access to mammograms for underprivileged and underinsured women and men.

Helping with transportation to and from treatments and doctor appointments.

Supplying wigs to those undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Offering education programs to teach women – and men – about breast selfawareness and early detection measures.

Funding vital research for treatments and – one day – a cure.

Breast cancer affects all of us, whether personally or through a relative or friend.

The annual Race for the Cure allows us to come together and support local breast cancer programs and national research efforts that will bring us closer to eliminating breast cancer.

Just as important, Race Day provides a tangible and inspiring outlet for honoring breast cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment, while keeping the memories of loved ones present.

We hope you will join us on Sept. 29. Following a moving Survivor’s Ceremony, this year’s Race features a new course, taking runners and walkers through downtown Greenville and on the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

The experience is unforgettable. The feeling that participants have as they are embraced in the spirit of camaraderie of other racers, joined by the thousands of family members and friends who gather to cheer on their efforts – both on the race course and in their fight against cancer – is indescribable.

But the Race will not end on Sept. 29.

The need to raise awareness and support breast cancer patients never ends, and our staff and volunteers work year-round to increase visibility and donations for programs that educate, prevent, treat and cure breast cancer in our region.

Race Day is coming. Have you joined yet? We know this will be the best event ever, thanks to you. Join thousands of other supporters to rally together at Fluor Field and Race for a Cure.

I’m up for the challenge, and so is this community. The race is on.

Bill Sorochak is executive director of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure SC Mountains to Midlands Affiliate, which funds breast health screening, treatment, support programs and education in our service area. Some funds go toward groundbreaking breast cancer research programs. To register for the 2012 Komen SC Mountains to Midlands Race for the Cure, visit www.KomenSCMM. org or call 864-234-5035.

PH YSICIAN UPDATE

GHS welcomes these new doctors and sites!

105 Doctors Dr. Greenville, 797-7060

Bariatrics New Office

Internal Medicine

Luciano Fiszer, M.D. Edward J. Rapp II, M.D. UMG Premier Surgical Services 105 Vinecrest Ct., Ste. 500 Greenwood, 227-8932

Sallie Areford, M.D. Cypress IM–Patewood 200 Patewood Dr., Ste. B460 Greenville, 454-2226

Ear, Nose & Throat Paul Davis III, M.D. Greenville Ear, Nose & Throat 200 Patewood Dr., Ste. B400 Greenville, 454-4368

Family Medicine David Hoenicke, M.D. Riverside FP–Eastside 215 Halton Rd. Greenville, 454-2700

Hand Surgery Nick Pappas, M.D. Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas

Megan Witt, M.D. Cross Creek IM 50 Cross Park Ct. Greenville, 797-7035

OB/GYN Erin Thurston, M.D. Greenville Ob Gyn Associates 2 Memorial Medical Dr. Greenville, 295-4210

Pediatrics Ann Marie Edwards, M.D. Pediatric Associates– Spartanburg 1686 Skylyn Dr., Ste. 201 Spartanburg, 582-8135

Joshua Brownlee, M.D. Pediatric Infectious Disease 200 Patewood Dr., Ste. A200 Greenville, 454-5130 Da’Keya Logan, M.D. Pediatric Associates–Easley 800 N. A St. Easley, 855-0001 New Location!

New Impact Healthy Lifestyle 1350 Cleveland St. Ext. Greenville, 675-FITT (3488) Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Kasia Kocol, M.D. Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas 200 Patewood Dr., Ste. C100 Greenville, 454-SHCC (7422)

Primary Care Sports Medicine Neha Chowdhary, M.D. Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas 200 Patewood Dr., Ste. C100 Greenville, 454-SHCC (7422) Matthew Close, M.D. Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas 727 S.E. Main St., Ste. 220 Simpsonville, 454-SHCC (7422)

ghs.org

120688

SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 | SPARTANBURG JOURNAL 7

journal community Amazon continued from Cover

Art Exhibit: Transitions The Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg presents local artists Robyn Spence and Eddie Schrieffer’s Transitions: Coast to Mill Towns, Sept. 4-28, Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free for public viewing. These oil paintings depict South Carolina coastal and mill village scenes. Reception: ArtWalk on Thur., Sept. 20, 5-9 p.m., free.

Dr. Henry Fagen curated this exhibit of still life paintings, collected from artists from all over the country. In partnership, the Spartanburg Art Museum and USC Upstate will show portions of this fine example of one of art’s most well-known genres. At SAM, the exhibit runs thru Oct. 20 and is open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Reception: Thurs., Sept. 20, during ArtWalk.

Art Exhibit: School District 4 Every month, a different student exhibit is hosted at the Chapman Cultural Center. It is always free and open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This month, see the work of students from Spartanburg School District 4.

Aug. 29-Oct. 7.

Threads of Our Heritage Fiber Artist Jody Raines presents a collection of 10 landscape quilts and five thread paintings on silk. Free and open to the public Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. 5 p.m. at the Chapman Cultural Center. Aug. 29-Oct. 7. Reception: Thurs., Sept. 20, during ArtWalk.

ArtWalk On the third Thursday of each month, the art galleries around town stay open until 9 p.m. so art lovers can see what’s new. On Thursday, Sept. 20, be sure to stop by the Chapman Cultural Center to see… The Spartanburg Art Museum, which will have Contemporary Still Life Exhibit (with reception and Art Talk by curator Dr. Henry Fagen) and the opening night of the Guild’s 39th Juried Show; Transitions in the Guild Gallery (with reception by artists Eddie Schrieffer and Robyn Spence); Threads of Our Heritage (quilts and silk paintings by Jody Raines, who will host a reception); the Spartanburg Regional History Museum; and student art by Spartanburg School District 4. It’s all free, 5-9 p.m.

Secrets from the Repository The Spartanburg Regional History Museum has secrets to tell. Actually, it has a huge collection of artifacts. Some are always on display. Some are shown as needed. Others, well, they don’t get out much. From Sept.

18-Nov. 3, those seldom-seen artifacts will take center stage. Catch ’em while you can, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Chapman Cultural Center.

Guild’s 39th Annual Juried Show The Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg is proud to present its 39th annual juried show in the Spartanburg Art Museum at the Chapman Cultural Center, Sept. 20-Nov. 3. This year, 240 artists from South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia submitted work; 48 were selected. This body of work is exhibited Tuesday thru Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A free and public reception will be Saturday, Sept. 29, 6-8 p.m., at which time the winners in various catagories will be announced.

Wild and Scenic Film Festival For the second year in a row, Upstate Forever will host the Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour at the Chapman Cultural Center, Tuesday, Sept. 25, starting at 6:30 p.m. These films speak to the environmental concerns and celebrations of our planet. The films combine stellar filmmaking, beautiful cinematography and first-rate storytelling to inform, inspire and ignite solutions and possibilities to restore the earth and human communities while creating a positive future for the next generation.

542-ARTS ChapmanCulturalCenter.org 200 E. Saint John St. Spartanburg

8 SPARTANBURG Journal | SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

Greg Beckner / Staff

Contemporary Still Life Exhibit

South Carolina’s sales tax agreement is set to take effect in 2016, Digital Trends reported.

Christie Burris, a spokeswoman for the South Carolina Retail Association, said, “SCRA applauds all efforts by states to require the collection of sales tax by Internet retailers. States are losing millions of dollars each year in uncollected sales and use tax.

“We believe there is a misconception in the general public that the push for ‘e-fairness’ is a new tax, when in fact these are taxes that are owed by consumers but rarely collected. This is not a new tax.”

Data reported by The State newspaper in Columbia showed that Amazon spent slightly more than $156,000 – mostly for lobbyists – in winning a sales tax collection exemption from the Legislature in 2011 over the opposition of other merchants.

The Amazon deal’s ripple effect even pulled in Gov. Nikki Haley, costing her support in the state tea party, the groups’ Daily Caller news and opinion website reported.

Tea party officials blamed her for failing to decrease the state’s spending and scale back generous business incentives.

“She basically is running all over the state trying to make sweetheart deals with corporations to entice them to move to South Carolina and start business here,” Harry Kibler, a tea party activist and founder of the conservative group RINO Hunt, told the Caller.

“I have a heartfelt philosophy that if we get government intrusion out of the business culture in South Carolina, that business will move here on its own,” Kibler said.

“We’re not simply turning over checks to win businesses over,” Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey told The DC News Foundation. “We consider what is needed on a case-by-case basis.”

The sales tax deal the Legislature approved in 2011 gave the e-retailer an exemption from collecting sales tax for five years in return for a promise to create 2,000 jobs and invest $125 million in the state.

At one million square feet, the Spartanburg facility cost $50 million and is expected to generate about 400

The site plan Amazon filed with Spartanburg County indicates the facility will have 33 bays, 968 parking spaces, 126 trailer storage spaces and room for 449 future parking spaces.

jobs. That number is expected to double during Amazon’s peak shipping seasons.

David Britt, chair of the Spartanburg County Council economic development committee, said it would be natural for Amazon to start ramping up soon for the holiday season.

“They’ve got a lot to do over there to be ready for Christmas,” he said.

“South Carolina has been a great home for us and we’re excited to create hundreds of additional jobs in the state.”

Dave Clark, vice president of Amazon Global Customer Fulfillment

In a news release at the announcement for the new facility in January, Dave Clark, vice president of Amazon Global Customer Fulfillment, said, “We had a great first holiday season in Lexington County and we look forward to serving our customers from both Lexington and Spartanburg counties by the fall. South Carolina has been a great home for us and we’re excited to create hundreds of additional jobs in the state.”

The site plan Amazon filed with Spartanburg County indicates

the facility will have 33 bays, 968 parking spaces, 126 trailer storage spaces and room for 449 future parking spaces.

Amazon announced its plans to build a plant in Lexington County in December 2010. That facility has resulted in more than 1,200 jobs in Lexington and is expected to eventually employ 2,500 people during seasonal peaks.

Spartanburg County’s deal with Amazon includes a 6 percent fee-inlieu-of-taxes agreement and road improvements near the site.

The Digital Trends report said Amazon appears to be giving up on the sales tax fight in order to cut delivery times to customers.

Amazon will soon be able to cut as much as a day off its two-day shipping times, Jeff Bezos, its chief executive, told the New York Times.

“We want fast delivery,” Bezos said.

At a minimum, “we can work on making it the next day.”

Trend watchers say Amazon’s delivery of everyday objects needs to be fast enough and cheap enough to wean customers from their local stores, yet also economically feasible for the retailer’s heavy investment in warehouse space.

If Amazon can deliver on its ambitions, “it will be the dominant retailer in the decade to come,” Sucharita Mulpuru, an analyst at the research firm Forrester, told the Times.

Contact Charles Sowell at csowell@thespartanburgjournal.com.

JOURNAL COMMUNITY

September 21

$9,000 $8,800 $8,600 $8,400 $8,200 $8,000 $7,800 $7,600

Total predicted costs Total predicted costs with 5% BMI reduction

BMI =

Weight (lb.)

Height (in.) x Height (in.)

2030

2028

2026

2024

2022

2020

2018

$7,400 2016

Obesity rates are on the rise nationwide, but just how obese the country could become and how much it could impact healthcare costs over time is the subject of a new report released this week by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

This year, the foundation’s “F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future” annual report predicts both obesity rates and potential obesity-related health care costs for the first time. In addition, the 2012 report predicts how costs might be decreased if Americans reduced their body mass index (BMI) by five percent, or about 10 pounds for

$9,200

2014

By APRIL A. MORRIS | staff

Projections for Annual Obesity-Related Health Spending in South Carolina, 2010-2030

2012

Study predicts South Carolina’s obesity rate could soar past 60 percent by 2030

2030 in healthcare costs related to diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, arthritis and obesity-related cancer, the report said. In addition, that BMI reduction could keep more than 400,000 South Carolina residents from developing those conditions.

“This study shows us two futures for America’s health,” said Risa LavizzoMourey, M.D., Robert Wood Johnson Foundation president and CEO, in a statement. “At every level of government, we must pursue policies that preserve health, prevent disease and reduce health care costs. Nothing less is acceptable.”

The report makes recommendations for ways states might invest in obesity prevention efforts, including more money for evidence-based obesity prevention programs, support for healthy nutrition in federal food programs, making school physical education and activity a priority and fully implementing the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act to improve child school nutrition.

The full report is available at www. healthyamericans.org.

2010

‘F as in Fat’

a six-foot-tall, 200 lb. person.

Adults with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight, while individuals with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese.

Nationwide, the report predicts that by 2030, more than 44 percent of people could be obese in all 50 states.

In the Palmetto State, that percentage jumps to a potential 62.9 percent, placing South Carolina among 13 states with potentially more than 60 percent obese residents.

According to a Center for Disease Control report released earlier this year, South Carolina’s 2011 obesity rate was 30.8 percent, tied with Indiana for eighth most obese state in the nation.

According to “F as in Fat,” combined medical costs nationwide for treating preventable obesity-related disease are estimated to grow by $48 billion to $66 billion per year in the United States by 2030. In South Carolina, obesityrelated healthcare costs could increase more than 12.6 percent. In addition, loss of economic productivity could cost the country between $390 billion and $580 billion annually by 2030.

If South Carolinians reduced their BMI by five percent, the state could save approximately $9.3 billion by

x 703

For a six-foot-tall person weighing 200 pounds, a 5 percent reduction in BMI would be the equivalent of losing roughly 10 pounds.

Potential Savings by 2020 if BMI is Reduced by 5% (cumulative)

Potential Savings by 2030 if BMI is Reduced by 5% (cumulative)

$3,319,000,000

$9,309,000,000

Contact April A. Morris at amorris@thespartanburgjournal.com.

Source: The National Heart Forum

N E W S T H AT Y O U C A N U S E

Open House Sun., Sept. 23 • 2-3:30 p.m. • 1115 Wren School Rd./Piedmont Tour the practice and meet the doctors and staff of Heritage Pediatrics & Internal Medicine. While there, enjoy refreshments and enter to win a bike!

Power Struggle Prevention Tools Tues., Sept. 25 • 6:30-8 p.m. • Jean M. Smith Library Branch/Greer This positive discipline workshop for parents explores ways to create structure and balance at home. Free; registration required: ghs.org/360healthed or 1-877-GHS-INFO (447-4636).

Denver Downs Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch This 10-acre maze, sponsored by GHS, is cut in the shape of GHS’ logo! Families also can enjoy a giant pumpkin patch and other fall activities. Open Sept. 28-Nov. 4. Learn more at denverdownsfarm.com.

Cancer Centers of the Carolinas (CCC) Joins GHS CCC and GHS joined forces July 1. This acquisition combines the largest cancer care provider in the Upstate with the Upstate’s premier academic medical center. Learn more at ghs.org/cancer.

Considering Hip Replacement?

GHS Drs. Brandon Broome, Brayton Shirley, Brian Burnikel and Philip Wessinger are the region’s first surgeons to perform the anterior approach to hip replacement, which means less pain and faster recovery. Find out more at steadmanhawkinscc.com/joint.

ghs.org

Membership Special Join the GHS Life Center® or PATH (Life Center and five YMCA locations) with no initiation fee through September. Find out more at ghs.org/path.

120688

SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 | SPARTANBURG JOURNAL 9

JOURNAL COMMUNITY

Onward, munch Kudzu bugs with a taste for soybeans sweep across the state

SPARTANBURG

By CHARLES SOWELL | staff

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Friday, September 21 11am - 10:00pm Full menu available

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Sunday, September 23 11am - 7:00pm

Contact Charles Sowell at csowell@thespartanburgjournal.com.

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So far, scientists are finding that kudzu bugs will produce two generations per year in the United States – one in the spring or early summer, another in the late summer. During winter, the bugs hide in a warm place, often in a hidden corner in human homes, under boards, in outbuildings or even under the bark of a tree.

Since appearing in northeast Georgia in 2009, the Asian bugs now blanket the Southeast from Florida, north to Virginia and west to Alabama, with pockets of infestations reported in counties in Tennessee and Mississippi.

“It will probably spread and survive anywhere kudzu survives,” said Joe Eger of Dow Agrosciences.

The bug is bad enough in South Carolina, with 350,000 acres of soybeans that bring in more than $100 million a year, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Nationally, the U.S. soybean crop was worth $35.7 billion last year, the service reported.

JOE EGER / USDA

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

There’s a new stinkbug on the block, and it has developed a taste for soybeans.

Kudzu bugs were first discovered northeast of Atlanta three years ago and have since swept through Georgia and the Carolinas, leaving behind devastated soybean fields.

Kudzu bugs, or Megacopta cribraria, eat the infamous kudzu vine in their native habitat. Kudzu is a relative of many bean crops, so when the bug made the hop here it was easy to change diet. The bug, also known as the “globular stink bug,” is 3/16 of an inch long and does smell when squished.

Some people are sensitive to the secretion, making the bug a medical problem as well as a homeowner nuisance and economic pest.

Kudzu bugs covered South Carolina bean fields in a year and swept further north at breakneck speed, agricultural experts say.

“They’ve already become an economic pest on soybeans in the areas they’ve infected. They’re fast-moving and can

have a significant impact on a crop,” said Jeremy Greene, a Clemson University Research/Extension entomologist who hosted a national conference at Clemson’s Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville.

“Fortunately, we’ve learned a lot about them in a short time.

It’s important for us to assess what we know and formulate the best response for the future,” he said.

Crop pest experts are planning an aggressive assault, but no one is under the delusion it will be easy.

“The word ‘eradication’ is not being used with the kudzu bug,” said Steve Cole, director of the plant industry department in Clemson’s regulatory services division. “The best we can hope to do is find a suitable method of control.”

But the insects reproduce in such large numbers and move about so freely, timing pesticide sprays is a tricky business.

“Our problem isn’t killing them. We can do that pretty easily,” entomologist Phillip Roberts of the University of Georgia told the group at Edisto. “Our problem is minimizing the number of (insecticide) sprays necessary to reduce the damage to a crop.”

SpartanburgGreekFestival.com 10 SPARTANBURG JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

FROM THE SEPTEMBER 17 MEETING

A sharply divided Spartanburg County Council approved a first draft of a term limits plan for appointed positions on county boards and commissions Monday.

Councilmen David Nutt, Dale Culbreath and David Britt voted against the plan, citing worries about losing experience in running the appointed panels.

The move would impose a three-term limit for anyone on a county-appointed board. That person would have to sit out a year before serving again on any county-appointed board.

Nutt said the current system works. Rules now allow council to reappoint a board member for a fourth term if the vote is unanimous.

Councilman O’Neal Mintz said he backs term limits and will limit himself to one more term if he’s re-elected.

“I won’t sit here for over 12 years,” he said. “I think it’s the wrong thing to do.”

He voted with councilman Michael Brown, council chairman Jeff Horton and councilwoman Jane Hall to support term limits.

In other action, council declined a $230,000 federal grant that would have been used to hire three new firefighters in the Town of Duncan.

Council voted 6-1 not to accept the money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Culbreath, whose district includes Duncan, was the sole dissenting vote.

“I hate the fact that we basically handed back a quarter of a million dollars of federal money,” Culbreath said of the grant.

Duncan Fire Department chief Barry Frost said the grant would have boosted the number of full-time firefighters from three to six and would have improved public safety.

The grant would cover salaries for two years but would require taxpayers to pick up the tab for the next three years and would require a tax increase, Frost said.

Councilman O’Neal Mintz said it was customary for council to put any fire department tax increases to the local voters.

The fire department had an Oct. 5 deadline to accept or decline the money. The next election is not until Nov. 6.

County Council next meets on Oct. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in chambers at the county administration building, 366 North Church St. Contact Charles Sowell at csowell@thespartanburgjournal.com.

JOURNAL COMMUNITY

Report: State should rethink sexual risk education

By APRIL A. MORRIS | staff

A collaboration of state agencies, public health experts and nonprofits are calling for South Carolina to revise how schools, families and health care providers approach ensuring adolescent sexual health and well-being.

The State Alliance for Adolescent Sexual Health (SAASH) in South Carolina recently released the 2012 Call to Action report, which outlines ways to both create a supportive environment for the sexual health of young people and address persistent issues such as sexually transmitted diseases, a teen pregnancy rate above the national average and sexual violence.

The report draws information from the most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey, an annual survey that measures smoking and tobacco use, alcohol and drug use, violence and injury, obesity-related behavior and sexual activity. According to the 2011 survey, 19 percent of middle school students and 57 percent of high school students in South Carolina reported engaging in sexual intercourse at least once.

September 21

SAASH is advocating for medically accurate and evidence-based sexual health education, said Dr. Deborah Billings, professor with the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health and an author of the study.

“We had years of abstinence-only planning and preventing, and in part this (report) was an effort to say, ‘That’s not working, that’s not good enough for our kids,’” she said. Abstinence-only programs may help students delay sexual activity, she said, “but when they do engage in sexual activity, they don’t have any information, they’re not able to protect themselves, and that really puts our kids in danger.”

The report and collaboration support an abstinence-based, not abstinence-only, approach to sexual health education, she said.

According to the SAASH report, South Carolina is already equipped with a blueprint to help improve adolescent sexual health: the 1988 Comprehensive Health Education Act (CHEA). The act provides guidelines for sexual risk education for middle and high school students, and specifies how much time students at each level must spend in classes.

The problem is that CHEA has not been fully implemented in some districts, said Billings – including advisory committees made up of students, teachers, health professionals, clergy and parents who review the materials and curricula.

In addition, many teachers have not been supported with training to provide instruction, Billings said.

The idea is not to add a burden to the state’s teachers; the state needs “to get back to creating programs that are manageable for teachers,” she said. With additional training, the teachers can feel confident in teaching a sensitive subject, she said.

According to Spartanburg District 4 spokeswoman Karen Neal, CHEA is being followed and the district has a community advisory committee that reviews materials. The committee convenes annually and more often if there is consideration of new material, she said.

Spartanburg District 7 also has implemented CHEA and has an advisory committee, said deputy superintendent Dr. Terry O. Pruitt. According to Pruitt, the committee meets quarterly and as needed. Spartanburg District 5 has a comprehensive health plan

in place and their advisory committee meets when changes are made to the curriculum, according to spokesman Bobby Bentley.

Spartanburg District 3 has implemented the act and has a committee that meets once yearly, according to Eric Levitt, assistant superintendent for instruction.

Academic success has an impact on the risky behaviors that adolescents engage in, said Billings. According to the report, students who are engaged in school are more likely to delay sexual activity.

“This is one of the first times in South Carolina that anyone has looked at how one has an impact on the other. Sexual activity and other kinds of poor and negative sexual outcomes we’re seeing are related to poor academic performance,” said Billings.

In addition to action items for educators, the report lists recommendations for health care providers, parents and policy makers.

“We are encouraging people to not just read this document, but to use it,” said Billings.

To read the 2012 Call to Action report and see other resources, visit www.saashsc.org.

Contact April A. Morris at amorris@thespartanburgjournal.com.

360 º H e a lt H e d u c at i o n

Girlology & Guyology Sun., Sept. 23 & 30 • Times & sites vary These sessions help ease the transition into puberty through open discussion. Session fee: $50 for mom/daughter or father/son. For topics or to register, visit the events page at girlology.com.

Gotta Go? Stop Urinary Incontinence & Regain Your Life

Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day

Wed., Oct. 17 • Noon-1 p.m. • Hilton Garden Inn/ Anderson Find out treatment options for urinary incontinence from GHS urogynecologist Thomas Wheeler II, M.D., M.S.P.H. Lunch provided. Free; registration required.

Sat., Sept. 29 • 10 a.m.-1 p.m. • Greer Community Outreach Center Obtain free health information and get vision screenings, blood pressure checks and more. Find out more at ghs.org/360healthed.

Totally You: Diet, Exercise & Image for Every Woman

Arthritis Awareness Wed., Oct. 3 • Noon-1 p.m. • Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium Join GHS orthopaedic surgeon Brandon Broome, M.D., to learn what causes arthritis and the latest treatment options. Lunch provided. Free; registration required.

Breast Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know

Thurs., Oct. 18 • 5:30 p.m. • The Davenport/Greer Get tips on diet, exercise and image from our female experts in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Refreshments served.

Free; registration required.

To register, for more information or to see a full schedule of events, visit ghs.org/360healthed or call 1-877-GHS-INFO (447-4636).

Tues., Oct. 16 • Noon-1 p.m. • GHS Life Center Join GHS surgical oncologist Brian McKinley, M.D., to get the facts on breast cancer. Lunch provided. Free; registration required.

120688

SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 | SPARTANBURG JOURNAL 11

journal community

Sassafras Mountain tower will open 4-state views

By CHarles Sowell | staff

Fluor Field, Greenville Race Hotline (864) 234-5035 Register at www.KomenSCMM.org

charles sowell / Staff

Saturday, September 29

Huddled under tent-like awnings against a driving rain, conservationists and mountaineers listened as U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham described the view that was coming soon when state officials erect a tower to give visitors to Sassafras Mountain an unimpeded view of four states.

Visibility at the announcement was about 50 yards.

The Sassafras Mountain Improvement Project officially got underway Monday on top of the 3,553-foot mountain in northern Pickens County. Sassafras is the tallest mountain in the state, straddling the border with North Carolina.

The Conservation Fund will donate 4.8 acres on the North Carolina side of the summit to South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources to complete the project.

“One of the challenges of any generation is to preserve and protect the Godgiven beauty of our state,” said Graham. “Not only are we preserving the Sassafras Mountain area for the future, we are also making it more accessible.

It is important we continue to push for thoughtful conservation, combined with economic growth, to ensure the natural beauty and wonders of our state are protected for decades to come.”

“We are pleased that South Carolina’s highest point will now and forever be accessible to the public and are honored to be a part of this effort,” said R. Michael Leonard, vice chairman of the board of directors for The Conservation Fund.

The Fund intends to convey the remainder of the adjacent property – the first phase of the 8,000-acre East Fork Head-

Sen. Lindsey Graham with renderings of the tower that will top Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina's highest peak.

waters property – to the North Carolina Forest Service later this year, he said.

The project will change the face of the lonely peak. An observation tower is planned to soar above the tree-covered summit to give visitors a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains of Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. There will be new trails and publicuse facilities like restrooms.

Partners in the Sassafras Mountain effort include the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Pickens County, Clemson University, The Highpointers Club, Duke Energy, the Foothills Trail Conference, Clemson University architecture professor Daniel Harding, and the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund.

The partners will work to find private donors to help fund the project.

All donations will be tax deductible.

To donate, contact Tom Swayngham, DNR regional wildlife coordinator, at 864-654-1671, extension 21, or at swaynghamT@dnr.sc.gov.

Contact Charles Sowell at csowell@thespartanburgjournal.com.

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12 SPARTANBURG Journal | SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

journal community

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 | SPARTANBURG Journal 13

JOURNAL COMMUNITY

OUR COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY NEWS, EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

A Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on the campus of Wofford College at 10 a.m. on Sept. 22. Dr. Kara L. Bopp, associate professor of psychology, captain of the Wofford team, has arranged several events designed to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, including a presentation on the disease and bake sales sponsored by Wofford’s Psychology Kingdom student organization, to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. The event is free, and anyone in the Wofford community can register to join the Wofford team at www.alz.org. Members of the general public can also register at the same site.

The best selection and newest styles are at Palmetto Home & Garden!

On Sept. 23, from 1-7 p.m., there will be a Jam in the Park for Parkinson’s disease. The featured community cause in September is Team Fox, the grassroots fundraising arm of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

The entertainment lineup includes Rachel Chalmers, Stringbenders, St. Maurice, Snidely Sidewinder & the Unrepentant Uke Boys and David Ezell. The public is encouraged to bring the whole family, picnics, chairs, shade tents and donations.

Visit www.jaminthepark.com for details and lineup of bands.

www.PalmettoHG.com • 2422 Laurens Rd • 864.234.4960

Trunk Show!

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s National Chamber Foundation will host “Hiring Our Heroes – Spartanburg,” a hiring fair to connect veterans and military spouses. The fair will be held Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to noon, at the South Carolina National Guard Armory, 301 N. Campus Blvd. Interested job seekers should register for free at hoh.greatjob.net. Walk-in job seekers are allowed (veterans must provide military ID). To register, email bgoettel@uschamber.com or call 202-463-5961.

Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve will hold its Fall Plant Sale on Oct. 5, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and Oct. 6, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Prices for plants range from $1 to $40 for more than 150 varieties among the more than 4,000 plants in the sale. For more information, call 864-574-7724. For a complete plant sale list, visit www.hatchergarden.org.

The DAV Mobile Service Office will be at the Spartanburg VA Clinic on 279 North Grove Medical Park Drive, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Representatives will provide free counseling and claim filing assistance to all veterans and members of their families.

For additional information, please contact NSO Isaac Abnathey at 803-647-2422.

SEPTEMBER 20OCTOBER 4

Sherman College will host a free Wellness Fair Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on its campus at 2020 Springfield Road in Boiling Springs. The event will features spinal checks by interns and faculty, an opportunity to donate blood, kid-friendly inflatables and touch-a-truck and giveaways. More information is available at www. sherman.edu/wellnessfair.

James Clifford Bridal Trunk Show

=

The Glendale Outdoor Leadership School is offering Fall Adventure Camp on Oct. 26 and Nov. 6 for ages 6-13. The active camps expose kids to outdoor recreation activities. Environmental education is combined with art, history and exploring natural surroundings. Equipment will be provided for each activity; however, campers are allowed to bring their own gear. Cost is $45 per child and there is a $5 sibling discount. For more information, call 864-529-0259 or visit www.palmettoconservation.org.

50-75% OFF All Summer Cocktail & Evening Wear

14 SPARTANBURG JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

Governor Nikki Haley has designated September 2012 as “Voter Education Month.” The voter registration deadline is Oct. 6. Information regarding “Voter Education Month,” voter services, and candidates is available at the S.C. State Election Commission website: www.scVOTES.org.

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The Mary Black Foundation and the Spartanburg County Foundation announced that staff members Cate Brandt Ryba and Tara Jane Weese have been appointed to be 2013 Hull Fellows with the Southeastern Council on Foundations. Ryba is media and communications officer for the Mary Black Foundation and Weese is the communications and donor engagement officer for the Spartanburg County Foundation.

If you are sponsoring a community event, we want to share your news. Submit entries to: Spartanburg Journal, Community Briefs, 148 River St., Suite 120, Greenville, SC 29601 or email: spartanburgcommunity@thespartanburgjournal.com

Journal business

Upstate ranks high in exports

The fine print • Upstate real estate continues slow climb

State health insurance increases mirror national trends Average family annual cost approaches $16,000 nationwide

$2,196

$7,061*

$3,083*

2002

Family Coverage

$6,438*

$2,689*

2001

Single Coverage

$5,791

$2,471*

2000

With the full implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act looming in 2014, employers, employees and experts are carefully tracking trends in health insurance use and costs.

Last week, the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research Educational Trust released a survey of more than 2,000 employers that revealed health insurance premiums rose 4 percent nationwide.

Conducted from January through May 2012, the survey found single employee coverage costs at an average of $5,615 and family coverage

senior business writer

Exhibit 3: Average Annual Premiums for Single and Family Coverage, 1999-2012 1999

By april a. morris | staff

By Dick Hughes

$8,003*

$3,383*

2003

$9,068*

$3,695*

2004

$9,950*

$4,024*

2005

$10,880*

$4,242*

2006

$11,480*

$4,479*

2007 2008

$4,704*

2009

$4,824

$12,106* $12,680* $13,375*

$5,049*

2010

$13,770*

$5,429*

2011

$15,073*

$5,615*

2012 $0

$2,000

$4,000

$6,000

$15,745* $8,000

$10,000

* Estimate is statistically different from estimate for the previous year shown (p<.05).

Source: Kaiser/HRET Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Benefits, 1999-2012.

Health continued on page 16

$12,000

$14,000

$16,000

$18,000

Manufacturers propelled the Greenville, Mauldin and Easley area to 25th place nationally in billions of dollars of the value of exports, reports the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department.

The ITA’s annual report said exports from the Greenville metropolitan statistical area rose 34.3 percent in 2011 to $11.7 million in value compared to $8.7 billion in 2010.

It was the fourth fastest acceleration in the value of trade behind New Orleans, Salt Lake City and Peoria, Ill. The ITA said Greenville “ranks among the major metropolitan area exporters to China ($1.9 billion), Mexico ($847 million) and Canada ($642 million).”

Exports continued on page 18

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 | SPARTANBURG Journal 15

JOURNAL BUSINESS HEALTH continued from PAGE 15

at $15,745. Workers paid an average of $4,316 toward their family coverage and $951 toward single coverage.

However, 19 percent of covered workers are in family plans costing at least $18,894 annually, while 20 percent of covered workers are in plans with family coverage cost of less than $12,596, according to the Kaiser survey.

In South Carolina, the increase for premiums came in a bit higher on average, said David Slade, vice president of employee benefits at Rosenfeld Einstein, a benefits agency. Slade says his company has noted a 9 percent increase in health insurance premium costs since 2010, or an estimated 4.5 percent per year.

Every two years, Rosenfeld Einstein conducts its South Carolina Employer Benefits Survey and compares numbers with the latest Kaiser Family Foundation figures.

In August, Rosenfeld Einstein released the survey of 130 South Carolina employers, including those in industries ranging from manufacturing to technology.

South Carolina employees on a single coverage plan pay an average of $92 per month for their health insurance, said Slade. To address health care costs over

Exhibit 5: Average Annual Worker Contributions for Covered Workers with Family Coverage, by Firm Size, 1999-2012 $6,000 $4,946

$5,000 $4,236*

$4,000

$3,382* $2,970

$3,000

$1,000

$2,146* $1,398

$1,453

$1,551

1999

2000

2001

$2,340*

$3,652*

$2,487

$2,658

$2,831

$2,982

$3,755 $3,926

$3,182

$1,893*

$0 2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

All Small Firms (3-199 Workers)

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

All Large Firms (200 or More Workers)

* Estimate is statistically different from estimate for the previous year shown (p<.05).

Source: Kaiser/HRET Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Benefits, 1999-2012.

the past year, some employers “have tried to absorb more of the cost because they know how much employees are contributing,” said Slade. “If you have workers who are making $14 an hour, it’s still a struggle for them to continue to pay for a family plan at upward of $500 a month.”

Dad

doesn’t seem to enjoy life as much as he used to.

We’re here.

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Employers want to enhance their benefits packages for attracting and retaining employees, Slade said. The cost of picking up part of the insurance premiums is often lower than the cost of employee turnover, which can run between 50 and 150 percent of that employee’s salary. And adding benefits, which are not taxable, may be more valuable to an employee than a raise, he said.

National experts say the 4-percent increase is good news. “Double-digit increases in premiums were once a common occurrence, but we have not seen any since a 10 percent increase in 2004 and 13 percent growth in 2003,” said Kaiser Family Foundation president and CEO Drew Altman in a column last week.

“Rates of increase in total health spending have been holding at 4 percent to 6 percent per year recently, and per capita spending – which is most analogous to premiums – has been rising about a percentage point below that,” wrote Altman.

Employers across the nation and South

Carolina are offering a wider variety of plans, including Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP). According to Rosenfeld Einstein’s 2012 survey, HDHPs “have grown to represent 60 percent of surveyed plans across the state, up from 46 percent just two years ago.”

South Carolina employers are charged less per month than the national average for the two types of plans; however, employees in the state are often required to contribute more towards that cost. For PPO single coverage, South Carolina employees contribute an average of $92 each month towards premiums versus $84 nationally, according to the report. HDHP enrollees essentially pay the national average of $60 each month.

To save on costs, more state employers are offering wellness programs that equal a discount on premiums for employees, up to 20 percent, said Slade. “Employers are trying to engage their employees to take better care of themselves and offer incentives,” he said. The Affordable Care Act may bump the premium discount up to as much as 50 percent, he added.

Employers are also getting creative with plan designs. For example, an employer may provide medications for certain chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma to encourage more employees to stay on their medicine, thus helping to avoid complications or emergency room visits, said Slade. Federal legislation will have an effect on how premiums are calculated, including adjusting the spectrum of best and worst risk percentages and moving to set rates on a gender-neutral basis, which may help to ease premium costs, he said.

To view the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research and Educational Trust 2012 Employer Health Benefits Survey, visit www.kff.org.

Contact April A. Morris at amorris@thespartanburgjournal.com.

L I KE S PA R TA N B U R G J O U R N A L ON

JOURNAL BUSINESS

THE FINE PRINT

BY DICK HUGHES

Protection in Harm’s Way

North American Rescue, the Greer-based maker of casualty care equipment, has been awarded a $63.5-million contract for medical equipment for the U.S. armed forces and federal first responders.

Samuel D. Wyman III, the company’s president, said the contract with the Pentagon’s Defense Logistics Agency is a continuation of NAR’s tradition of “providing the best quality medical products for our soldiers, corpsmen and airmen.”

The latest contract “solidifies our partnership with DLA as a premier provider,” he said.

The company provides “a full spectrum of tactical casualty care, from the point of wounding to the doors of the trauma center,” the company said.

German Manufacturer to Begin Operations

Con-Pearl North America, a German maker of recycled plastic boards, plans to open its first North American production plant in Greenville County, investing $14.3 million and expecting to hire 51 people over five years.

The company plans to begin operations next month at the facility at 6400 Augusta Road.

Con-Pearl is a division of Friedola-Tech, which makes lightweight structural board of polypropylene used in returnable packaging containers.

“South Carolina offers us an exceptional business environment and great access to markets in the U.S.,” said Stefan Hoedt, director of business development.

The state Coordinating Council for Economic Development gave the company a $150,000 grant to prepare the building for Con-Pearl’s use.

The Greenville Area Development Corp. assisted

in the recruitment of the company, as did the S.C. Department of Commerce.

The company has begun hiring. People interested should contact Beth McNamara at bmcnamara@fgp. com.

Chinese Company Opens Office

Lau Rubber and Plastics, a Chinese company, has located a North American sales and operations office in Greenville and eventually plans to build a manufacturing plant in the U.S. “The Southeast is an ideal location for our North American operations because of the growing automotive industry in the region, which is a category strength for our company,” said Joseph J. White, chief operating officer.

The company said “plans are in place to ultimately develop manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. once the North American market has been developed more fully. The targeted location for this facility is undetermined at this time.”

The company said it had not yet settled on a location for its office in Greenville.

Lau manufactures products and processes for seals, gaskets and other products for a variety of industries.

Workforce Diversity Counts

TD Bank, which bases Carolina operations in Greenville, and the Greenville Hospital System have been named Workplace Diversity Award winners by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

“Companies that make diversity a priority in their workplaces understand that employer and employees are happier and

more successful when they implement sound diversity practices,” said Otis Rawl, president of the chamber.

TD was recognized as a medium employer of between 500-1,500 employees across the state. The Greenville Hospital System was larger employer winner with more than 1,500 employees.

The chamber said TD nationally is a “leader and pioneer in workforce and community diversity programs” and credited the state division with creating “a focused diversity initiative concentrated on the Carolinas.”

The bank created the Metro Carolinas Regional Diversity Council led by its market president and with 19 delegates from across the organization.

GHS was recognized for having an aggressive “diversity strategic plan” endorsed by CEO Michael Riordan and senior leadership and regularly updated.

The chamber said Riordan “has made diversity one of his five personal goals for the past five years.”

The chamber named Columbia Metropolitan Airport as its small-employer diversity winner.

An App for Uncorking Wine

Greenville’s Commerce Club, which is undergoing renovation, is one of 150 private clubs to become part of an application to assist diners in choosing the best wine for their dinner.

TopCellar App, which is in its beta stage, is expected to be available publicly on iTunes in November.

The application was developed by Greenville restaurateur Rick Erwin, who found it increased wine sales in his restaurants by 15 percent and “set about to make it the industry standard,” according to a news release.

“Our members are wine drinkers, and we believe this application is a way for our members to enjoy the process of purchasing wine while continuing to educate themselves about it,” said Dylan Petrick, general manager for The Commerce Club.

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journal business

Upstate real estate continues slow climb

Professional Speak Out

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Realtors’ report shows sales are up, days on market down

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The greater Greenville housing market is showing signs of steady recovery with housing sales perking, prices appreciating and days on the market declining.

The situation in Spartanburg is also improving, but the housing recovery in other areas of the Upstate is spotty.

The monthly report of Multiple Listing Service activity from South Carolina Realtors said sales statewide rose 11.5 percent, the median sales price rose 4 percent to $155,000 and the inventory on the market declined 14.8 percent in August.

“The truth is, the economy is and has been expanding consistently for years, albeit at a disjoined pace,” SCR said.

“There’s reason for optimism going into the last third of 2012 and even into 2013, and housing is actually playing a large role in that positive outlook.”

The segment of the market showing the greatest sales potential are singlefamily homes in the range of $200,000 to $300,000. Pending sales in that market

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China is the area’s No. 1 trading partner, buying just shy of 16 percent of its exports.

Mexico takes 7.3 percent and 5.5 percent go to Canada, the agency said.

Non-electrical machinery and rubber and plastic products together accounted for more than 26 percent, or $1.6 billion for each category, of Greenville’s exports.

Computer and electronic products accounted for 3.2 percent, or $380 million, and electrical equipment, appliances and components valued at $306 million made up 2.6 percent of the area’s total.

The Greenville MSA accounted for nearly 51 percent of all South Carolina’s exports, putting in sharp focus the South Carolina Port Authority’s plans to create an inland port at Greer, the agency said.

The Port Authority, working with the Norfolk Southern Railway as a partner, has put completion of the $25-million project on a fast track to have it operating by next September.

The inland port will comprise approximately 50 acres on land the Port Authority owns along Highway 290 and J. Verne Smith Parkway near the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.

are up 16 percent.

Sales in the Greenville market, which includes Pickens and Laurens counties, rose 6.8 percent in August compared to the same period a year ago. Year-to-date sales are up 10.8 percent.

In August, 758 homes were sold, the highest monthly number thus far this year.

The median price in Greenville rose 12.1 percent to $157,000 in August and is up 6.2 percent for the year. The Greenville market leads all metro areas of the state in price appreciation.

It also leads in the pace of selling, with an average of 98 days between a listing and a closing, according to state MLS data. A year ago, it took 109 days on average to sell.

“The other thing is inventory is shrinking, which means that sellers are getting a better price for their homes,” said Nick Sabatine, executive director of the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors.

He said all indicators point to an improving market from the worst year for sales in 2008. “We still are about 2 percent below our best year, and it has taken five years to A spokeswoman for the Port Authority said groundbreaking would take place soon. Norfolk Southern is responsible for whatever changes may be needed to the rail lines that already traverse the site.

She said the inland port would be a place to load and unload shipping containers that will be transported to and from the Port of Charleston, 220 miles away.

Norfolk Southern will offer daily delivery service to meet the needs of manufacturers such as BMW and Michelin and to be competitive with highway transport, the spokeswoman said.

Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCPA, estimated that the inland port’s access to rail has the potential of taking 50,000 all-truck container transports off the highways.

He said the inland port “will be a further catalyst to the development of an enhanced distribution hub” along the I-85 corridor centered in GreenvilleSpartanburg, which he said “is projected to be the fastest-growing part of the Southeast over the next 20 years.”

In an interview with The Post and Courier of Charleston, Newsom said Norfolk Southern, which had approached BMW “about handling their

recover, but we at least see recovery.”

Greenville is the only South Carolina city on the National Association of Home Builders’ list of the nation’s 99 most improving markets.

Closings in Spartanburg rose 10.7 percent to 248, median price inched up 2.4 percent to $128,000 and days on the market declined 5.5 percent to 146.

The residential real estate market continues to be slow across other counties in the Upstate.

Greenwood’s sales showed signs of life, however, rising 26 percent to 63 homes closed from a year ago. But the median price declined 6.5 percent to $134,375.

Cherokee County’s sales declined 22 percent from a year ago to 28 in August and are down 15.7 percent year to date.

The median price rose 9.8 percent.

In the MLS’s grouping of Western Upstate counties, sales rose 3.7 percent to 280, but the median price declined 4.6 percent to $125,000.

Contact Dick Hughes at dhughes@thespartanburgjournal.com. volume,” came to SCPA with a proposal to partner on the hinterland port.

“They had an existing rail route to Charleston that allows them to provide overnight service,” he said.

Newsom said the SCPA recognizes that the area “is the breadbasket of manufacturing in our state” and had been looking at opportunities on the land it owned in Greer.

“We are in a rail renaissance, number one,” he said. “We are in the era of intermodal rail. Rail is efficient. The railroads have become more interested in short-haul rail.”

The original plan announced in July said the SCPA intended to apply for a government grant based on the environmental and efficiency benefits of rail over road.

The spokeswoman said the SCPA missed the application deadline for the latest round of Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to create jobs and improve transportation efficiency.

Contact Dick Hughes at dhughes@ thespartanburgjournal.com.

Journal Sketchbook Greg Beckner / Staff

“An Ill Wind,” one of the films to be shown at the Wild and Scenic Film Festival, tells the story of the Paiute Indians, who live on a reservation 300 yards from the coal ash ponds and landfills of the Reid Gardner Power Station in Nevada.

As days get shorter, leaves begin to change color as chlorophyll used to produce food is depleted.

Nature’s fall extravaganza Autumn colors expected to be good to excellent this year

Wild and Scenic Film Festival focuses on water

By Cindy Landrum | staff

When filmmaker Peter McBride was growing up on a cattle ranch in central Colorado, he often wondered how long it would take the water from the snow melt of 14,000-foot-high mountain peaks to cross his family’s fields, merge with the Colorado River and eventually empty into the Sea of Cortez.

In making his film “Chasing Water,”

McBride found the river depleted and distressed. Not a single drop of the Colorado River, a waterway relied upon by 35 million people in the Southwest, has reached the sea since 1988.

“All of us ask too much of the basin,” McBride wrote in a blog for The Nature Conservancy.

The film is one of 14 to be shown in Spartanburg and Greenville as a part of the Wild and Scenic Film Festival brought

By Cindy Landrum | staff

to the two cities by Upstate Forever, a nonprofit organization with offices in both cities that promotes sensible growth and the protection of special places.

While the Colorado River is a long way from South Carolina, the issues affecting it are the same issues affecting the rivers that crisscross the Upstate – the Reedy, the Saluda, the Pacolet, the Tyger and the Enoree.

“The issues may appear to be global, but

The fall prognosticators are at it again.

They are not trying to predict winners and losers on the football field (although there are plenty of those out there). These prognosticators are trying to figure out how brilliant the fall colors will be this year.

And, perhaps more difficult, where the best spots will be and when they will peak.

“It’s hard to make a blanket statement,” said Vic Shelburne, a Clemson University forestry and natural resources professor. “There’s always pockets of fantastic color and there are other pockets that are dull as dirt.”

Film continued on page 20

Fall continued on page 23

We’re already in the big leagues.

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journal sketchbook

A shot from “Eel Water Rock Man,” one of the multimedia presentations to be shown at the Wild and Scenic Film Festival. The presentation is about the last man on the East Coast who still fishes for eels with an ancient stone weir.

Film continued from page 19

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they are issues that apply locally,” said Angela Viney, director of Upstate Forever’s Spartanburg office. “Water is a huge deal.”

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival actually got its start from a water battle in California. A small group of people banded together to fight plans to construct two dams on the South Yuba River.

They won the battle and 39 miles of the river have been permanently protected through the state’s Wild and Scenic designation.

The group – the South Yuba River Citizens League – started producing a film festival nearly a decade ago to educate and inspire citizens across California and the rest of the country to take action on behalf of the earth and to live deep and adventurous lives.

The film festival travels to 100 cities a year and is geared more toward the fleecejacket-and-backpack rather than the tuxedo-and-evening-dress crowd. It draws hundreds of submissions from all over the United States and many foreign countries.

Most of the films to be shown in the Upstate have to do with water quality, Viney said. Even though there are 14 films in the lineup, she expects the film festival to last no more than two hours.

Among the films to be shown is one by Adam Fisher called “Timber,” which highlights clear-cutting in a one-minute-long montage about the shaving of a beard.

Others in the lineup include “Liter of Light,” a film about a man who installs hundreds of solar-powered light bulbs in his neighbor’s houses. The solar devices, which are made from plastic soda bottles filled with water and bleach, can each generate as much light as a 50 watt bulb. Many of the homeowners can barely afford electricity and receive little daylight because

their houses stand so close together.

Another film highlights the efforts of Girl Scouts Rhiannon Tomtishen, 15, and Madison Vorva, 16, who mounted a campaign to eliminate the use of palm oil in Girl Scout Cookie recipes. The girls started the campaign when they found out what the harvesting of palm oil meant to the habitat of orangutans.

“Corner Plot” tells the story of 89-yearold Charlie Koiner, a man who continues to work a one-acre piece of farmland surrounded by commuter traffic, shopping malls and office buildings.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $7.50 for students and $5 for children under 12. The Greenville film festival sold out last year and is being held in a slightly smaller venue this year, so advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged, Viney said.

Viney said those who can’t get tickets for the Greenville event should consider attending the Spartanburg event, which is being held in the David Reid Theatre at the Chapman Cultural Center, a bigger venue.

Contact Cindy Landrum at clandrum@thespartanburgjournal.com.

So you know: What: Wild and Scenic Film Festival Tickets: $10 adults, $7.50 students, $5 children. Tickets can be purchased online at www.upstateforever.org or at Upstate Forever offices in Greenville and Spartanburg, Sunrift Adventures or the Swamp Rabbit Cafe.

Information: 250-0500 or 327-0090 Spartanburg: Sept. 25, Chapman Cultural Center, 200 E. Saint John St., 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)

Greenville: Sept. 27, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, 300 College St., 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)

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THE WEEK IN THE LOCAL ARTS WORLD

The Chapman Cultural Center is rolling out the red carpet for a pink mouse. On Monday, Oct. 1, at 4:15 p.m., Angelina Ballerina will arrive at the Chapman Cultural Center for her premier appearance in Spartanburg and in promotion of her debut performance on Oct. 19 and 20. The costumed character will be available for fan photos. Ballet Spartanburg’s production on Oct. 19 and 20 will include the well-known Saturday morning cartoon characters Ms. Mimi, AZ, Marco, Alice, Vici, Gracie, Mr. and Mrs. Mousling, Polly and Four Mouslings.

It will run about 30 minutes with a range of music from Strauss, Gershwin, Fletcher Henderson and more. Angelina Ballerina is a feisty mouse who dreams of dancing like a real ballet star. She is invited to audition at the prestigious Camembert Academy.

For more information, call 864-583-0339.

See & Record Activity In Your Home While You Are Away…

The Spartanburg County Historical Association will present a Lunch and Learn Spartanburg event: Ghost Stories of the Upstate on Friday, Sept. 28, 12:301:30 p.m. at the Chapman Cultural Center. John Boyanoski, the author of “Ghosts of the Upstate,” will share some amazing experiences he had in getting the stories for his books. Cost is $5. For more information, call 864-542-ARTS. In recognition of Smithsonian Museum Day, the Spartanburg Science Center will be free on Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Chapman Cultural Center. To register for a free pass, visit www.spartanburgsciencecenter.org. For more information, call 864-542-ARTS.

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The next deadline to apply for a Quarterly Community Grant from The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg is Friday, Nov. 30. The Project Assistance and Artists Assistance Grant Program, funded by the South Carolina Arts Commission and patrons of The Arts Partnership, provides quarterly grants that generally range from $500 to $1,000. This grant program provides funding for cultural projects to nonprofit organizations and professional artists in Spartanburg County. Eligible cultural projects are those that actively engage the performing, visual, literary, or folk arts. For full information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Chapman Cultural Center’s website at www.chapmanculturalcenter.org. All instructions and grant forms are available for download. Click on “The Arts Partnership” tab at the top, then choose “Community Grants” to find specific details.

Ballet Spartanburg is organizing a flash mob and needs dancers to lead the impromptu performance scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Chapman Cultural Center. Dance instructor Susan Woodham is leading the project and has scheduled several rehearsals in preparation for the dance event that will celebrate the Cultural Center’s five-year anniversary. Flash mobs are intended to be seemingly random and impromptu events, where a gathering of people begins dancing without reason. In reality, there is always a core of dancers who have planned and rehearsed the dance moves and are able to lead others in the dance routine. Anyone interested in dancing in this multi-generational (8 to 80 years old) project should contact Woodham at 864-921-2507. Rehearsals at Ballet Spartanburg’s Dance Center will be Monday, Oct. 15, and Monday, Oct. 22, at 7:15-8:15 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 20, at 2:30-3:30; and Saturday, Oct. 27, at 10:30-11:30 a.m. The flash mob performance will be Saturday, Oct. 27, at noon, in the plaza of the Chapman Cultural Center. For information, call 542-ARTS. Send us your arts announcement.

Email: spartanburgarts@thespartanburgjournal.com

journal sketchbook Fall continued from page 19

Greg Beckner / Staff

This year, fall color prognosticators are predicting good color depending on where you go in the Upstate and western North Carolina and what the weather is like in the upcoming weeks.

“It’s a fragile formula,” Shelburne said.

This year, that formula is complicated by the warm winter and spring the viewing area had.

“Because of the early spring, everything bloomed early and fruits are ripening earlier,” Shelburne said. “Everything seems two to three weeks early. It will be interesting to see whether we’ll have a slightly earlier fall.”

Shelburne said he’s noticed black gums that received a lot of sunlight are between red and bronze now, while the trees in the forest are still green. Dogwoods also have a tinge of red.

“The colors I’ve seen in the black gums are pretty good,” he said.

Typically, fall foliage season in the Carolinas runs from the end of September to early November, when chlorophyll in leaves

breaks down due to shorter days and colder nights, revealing the colors that were overpowered by summer’s greens.

In western North Carolina, the intensity of the color will vary because of fluctuations in the amount of rainfall across the region this past spring and winter, said Kathy Mathews, Western Carolina University associate professor of biology, who specializes in plant systematics.

“This has been an unusually rainy spring and summer for much of western North Carolina, which, if it continues through September and October could mean less color, especially in the red range,” she said. “However, if evening temperatures continue to drop steadily through the next two months, it will hasten the loss of green from the leaves to reveal more yellow and orange pigments.”

Mathews said Asheville and points north have been drier than other areas of the North Carolina mountains.

“The drier areas should have the best fall color, while the wetter areas will be less vibrant,” she said.

Cloud cover and ample rainfall in the weeks ahead could mute the color show, Mathews and Shelburne said.

Shelburne said the Upstate hasn’t had a great year for fall color since 2008 or 2009.

Mathews said usually the color change peaks anywhere from four to seven days after the first frost. The peak colors should arrive during the second week of October in the higher elevations in western North Carolina and the third week of October in the mid-elevations, she said.

Shelburne said the color

change usually comes to the Upstate the last week of October or the first week of November.

For those looking for help in catching the fall color at its peak, there are telephone hotlines and websites pointing out the best spots, complete with maps and photos.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s fall color hotline is 1-800-354-4595.

The overlook at Caesars Head State Park has earned the reputation for being one of the best locations for enjoying fall color in all of South Carolina, offering

a view of the Blue Ridge escarpment and the Piedmont. From the overlook, visitors can see Table Rock, the Table Rock Reservoir, Matthews Creek Valley and the city of Greenville with the mountains of North Carolina and Georgia as the backdrop.

Another view from Caesars Head State Park is just as spectacular but requires a moderately difficult hike to an observation platform at Raven Cliff Falls. Hikers who cross a suspension bridge can view the 400-foot cascade from above. It is a two-mile hike to the observation tour and a four-mile hike to the suspension bridge.

Jones Gap State Park offers a wall of color from its many hiking trails. The Middle Saluda River runs through the park.

And a different view of fall color can be had at Paris Mountain State Park. Instead of the regular mountain vista views, fall colors can be seen in reflections in the park’s Mountain Lake or Lake Placid.

Contact Cindy Landrum at clandrum@ thespartanburgjournal.com.

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11:00am • Leading the Millennium Workforce with Georgia Doran, University of South Carolina’s Moore School of Business • Disaster Recovery as a Service with Duane Barnes, Windstream Hosted Solutions • Legal Strategies to Keep Your Business from Driving Into a Ditch with Kimberly Thomason, Truluck Thomason, LLC & Mark Chastain, Capital Solutions

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3:00pm • Women & Power: What it Means in 2012 with Jennet Alterman, Center for Women • Inspire Customers through Engagement Marketing with Anissa Starnes, Constant Contact Advance registration required. Ticket price is $15 per session or 4 sessions for $50.

Classrooms at the S.C. School for the Deaf and the Blind will soon be equipped with surround sound systems thanks to a donation from the Downtown Sertoma Club. The Downtown Sertoma Club presented a check for $6,000 to The Walker Foundation, SCSDB’s fundraising arm. Once the new equipment is in place, teachers will use microphones and speakers to amplify their voices and block out most of the background noises that interfere with hearing such as paper shuffling, student movement, and heating and air conditioning systems. In these ideal circumstances, students who have some hearing will be able to hear language much more clearly.

Wofford College remains among the top national liberal arts colleges in U.S. News & World Report’s 2013 edition of America’s Best Colleges. Wofford also continues to be included in the guide’s “Great Schools at Great Prices” list. Wofford ranks 63rd among the 251 national liberal arts colleges and is 27th among 40 national liberal arts colleges on the “best value” list, “Great Schools at Great Prices.” The list is determined by a formula that includes the college’s academic quality and the net cost of attendance for a student who receives the average level of need-based financial aid. For full information on the U.S. News rankings, go to: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges.

Spartanburg District Seven’s Seven Reads Community Reading Initiative celebrated its seventh year with a three-day event Sept. 17-19. Acclaimed authors Hester Bass, EB Lewis, Kelly Starling-Lyons, Cynthia Jaynes and Kathy Patrick spent time with District Seven students and community members to discuss their books. Seven Reads, the district’s summer reading initiative, now in its seventh year, gives a book to every student at Spartanburg High School, EP Todd, Carver and McCracken; then brings in the respective authors and community leaders to discuss the literature with students at the beginning of the school year. This reading program, since its creation, has been a model for more than 60 other schools in the state.

Submit entries to: Spartanburg Journal, Our Schools, 148 River Street, Ste. 120, Greenville, SC 29601 or e-mail: spartanburgcommunity@thespartanburgjournal.com

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28 SPARTANBURG Journal | SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

journal sketchbook

the week in photos

look who’s in the journal this week The Billy Jonas Band performed for lower and middle Spartanburg Day School students on Friday, Sept. 7. The band, led by Billy Jonas, engaged the students with a wild assortment of rhythm and word play using buckets and broomsticks, along with more traditional instruments. The band created upbeat, spirited neo-tribal music, and encouraged all of the students to participate. The band tours across the U.S. and Canada and has received multiple awards, including a First Place/Gold from the AFIM (American Federation of Independent Musicians), and a Parents’ Choice Gold award.

1

Henri Smigel, water fitness coordinator of the Middle Tyger YMCA, leads the deep-water fitness class in the YMCA’s pool. The class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m.

Midtown Midtown Midtown Midtown Midtown Midtown Midtown Midtown Midtown Midtown Midtown Midtown

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at at at at at at at at at at at at

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DISCONTINUED

Drapery Fabric Sale $1 to $7 a yard October 5 & 6 • 9 am - 4 pm Includes trim, tiebacks, fringe & drapery hardware.

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Crossword puzzle: page 30

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G G G G G G G G G G G G

(2 Blocks West of Military Trail www.DianaClassicChildren.com www.DianaClassicChildren.com www.DianaClassicChildren.com www.DianaClassicChildren.com

851 Simuel Road Spartanburg, SC photos by Greg Beckner / Staff

Participants in the Middle Tyger YMCA deep-water fitness class work out. The class allows everyone to work at their own pace.

Regina Broome of Greer takes part in the Middle Tyger YMCA deep-water fitness class. “It’s a great community to work out with,” Broome said.

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Off Business 85 Across From Spartanburg Community College SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 | SPARTANBURG Journal 29

journal sketchbook

Aging Wine By: Richard deBondt

figure. this. out.

Inside help

By Alan Arbesfeld

All wine ages. Wine is very much a living thing and nothing can be done to keep it from aging. Furthermore, most old wine is all the worse for age. This is probably the most misunderstood concept in the world of wine. Some great wines, in great vintages, are eminently collectable and age for the better. The value and notoriety of this minority distorts the picture. A simple rule for almost all the commercial wine on the U.S. market is: “drink the youngest available”.

Still, there is something to be said for maintaining a home cellar. The first, and most obvious rule is to stock what you like.

It is foolish to hoard wine simply because of its repute. Regardless of traditional rankings and contemporary reviews, no wine is guaranteed to please. You must suit your own taste. Start by having a reasonable supply of your favorites, proportionate to your consumption.

Whatever you use regularly should be in supply sufficient to fill your needs for a month or two. There is great comfort in knowing that something that suits is on hand and ready to serve.

Once your day-to-day needs are met, follow your taste and experiment with longer lived wines. Seek the advice of knowledgeable friends whose likes resemble yours, or consult a merchant (who has every reason to match your taste in hopes of future sales). Don’t blindly follow the popular press. Remember publishing demands a magazine every couple of weeks, and each issue must feature brand new “must haves”. Saying everything is about the same as last month won’t sell magazines.

It is likely that the best examples of almost any type of wine will age well and gain complexity. However, even with well-established collectables, opinions differ as to how long to keep even the greatest vintages. For this reason, it is generally better to age more bottles of fewer things so that you can check progress and accelerate your use when a given wine suites you best. Enjoy drinking, not hoarding.

Richard deBondt founded Northampton Wines in Greenville in 1975. With his business partner David Williams, he oversees retail wine and restaurant operations, along with wine travel.

Northampton Wines www.northamptonwines.com 211-A East Broad Street • 271-3919 30 SPARTANBURG Journal | SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

Across 1 Fowl poles 7 Something for a rainy day 14 Bad mark 20 Lenient sort 21 Not quite par 22 Snorkeling site 23 Infielder traded by the Yankees to get Alex Rodriguez 25 Journalist Peter 26 John Irving’s “__ of the Circus” 27 Bit of derring-do 28 Obi-Wan portrayer 30 Ratio words 31 Fit to be fried 33 Bygone U.S. fuel stop 36 Like 38 Fair-hiring inits.

39 “Moon River” composer 41 Ran into 42 “How the Camel Got His Hump” et al.

45 Select 47 Jets’ former group 50 Cuts short 51 __ of vantage: favorable position 52 Literary lord 53 Court answer 54 Lucy Lawless role 55 Coastal flooding cause 57 Where Hope sprang

eternal?

59 Soft “Hey, you!”

61 Didn’t quite win 63 You can skip the flat ones 64 Stage remark 67 Part of a Maui welcome 69 Barber’s challenge 71 Año starter 72 Back from a trip, say 74 Mideast native 78 One-named supermodel 80 Japanese food staple 82 “West Side Story” number 84 Lift near a lodge 88 Purim’s month 89 Stock mkt. opening?

90 Lean cuisine lover 91 Theater district 93 Address bk. datum 94 Modern address 95 “CBS News Sunday Morning” host 97 Smashed 99 Was of use 101 Excessively 102 Short missions?

103 Area in the North Atlantic 106 Fivesome 108 Grenoble girlfriend 109 Problem’s end?

110 It may be used in

a pinch 112 Suspicious of 114 Iowa and Indiana are in it 116 Lord Kitchener of Trinidad et al.

121 Available for work 122 Most avant-garde 123 Earthquake prefix 124 Walk unsteadily 125 Strengthens 126 Ridges in ranges Down 1 Cape Town’s home: Abbr.

2 Dancer enslaved by Jabba the Hutt 3 When many trades are made 4 Put up with 5 Least resonant 6 His, to Henri 7 Long time follower?

8 Slaughter on the field 9 Spanish muralist 10 Vous, familiarly 11 One of the Peróns 12 Torah starter 13 Become gradually more desirable to 14 Bias 15 Do road work 16 Start to burn 17 Abandons the band 18 Slogan 19 Dramatist Chekhov

24 Gives more than the once-over 29 The way things stand 32 Raises 33 Puzzle 34 Pretty 35 Band booster

Very Easy

36 Comet competitor 37 Garage job 39 Marshmallowy treat 40 Plain font choice 43 Hidden entrance 44 Ft. Worth campus 46 John of “Good Times”

48 A smaller number 49 Nab, in oaters 52 Karate kin 53 Frustrating series of calls 56 N.L. Central team 58 Originate 60 Attaches, in a way, with “on” 62 Shade of green 64 Get in one’s sights 65 Nasty 66 “There there” 68 Hockey great Phil, familiarly 70 Upper-bod muscle 73 Dark genre 75 Bag mate of a cleek and a niblick 76 Classic Chevy 77 __ Haute 79 Strand 81 Like a baseball home team 83 Manhattan suffix 85 Exam many examinees won’t look at 86 Over 87 Fishing gear 92 Big name in gloves 94 Hagen of Broadway 95 Falls 96 Leaves in 98 “That makes sense” 100 Spoken 103 Cousin of a clog 104 Essential acid 105 More sound 106 Cabal activities 107 1973 #1 hit for the Stones 110 Graf __ 111 NCAA member?: Abbr.

113 “Him __”: beau’s ultimatum 115 Ahead of, in verse 117 Size above med.

118 Pound sound 119 Patience-virtue link 120 Help found inside eight puzzle answers Crossword answers: page 29

Sudoku answers: page 29

WHERE I’VE BEEN

BY BILL KOON

‘Platinum and beyond’ and other loyalties My identity crisis has lasted longer than most; I’m qualified for the AARP but am still no more sure of who I am than I was back when I had pimples.

A number of others, however, seem to know me precisely.

I signed up for a movie service. I choose a flick, they send it to me, I watch it and then send it back, and they send me another one. It is really simple and I enjoy it. Everything but the popcorn is in my mailbox right there with my credit card bill.

The curious thing is that this company is constantly sizing me up. I’ll order one of my typical choices, say “Pulp Fiction” (which I have seen about 50 times), and they’ll flood me with recommendations. I’ll get a pop-up that says something like, “Hey, Bill, since you liked ‘Pulp Fiction,’ we think you’d like the ‘Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ or Driller Killer’” – as if I might be watching my movies on death row or through a mask like that of Hannibal Lecter.

Sometimes they go for geographical identity. Even if I ordered the Met’s production of “Aida” (which is unlikely), they’d send me a pop-up about what they think people in South Carolina like to watch. That gets us to “Smokey and the Bandit.” Occasionally they get artsy with a recommendation like “Deliverance” or some other orthodontic extravaganza, but mostly they stick with stuff about moonshine and stock cars or chain gangs.

I like to dig out some old favorites – “Zorba the Greek,” for example. The flick company spots me for an old man who used to like to dance and sing, and they recommend “Singin’ in the Rain.”

The “Greek” reference sends them into their atlas of titles like “Blue Hawaii” or “Springtime in Paris” or “Roman Holiday” – perfect stuff for geezers. In any event, they recognize an opportunity to sell some ad space to the hearing aid people or to some reverse-mortgage company which wants me to renew the mortgage I have finally paid off.

I use some of those shopper loyalty cards. I don’t like them much, but I hate to go into a grocery store or a pharmacy and pay the exorbitant prices levied on

non-members or on those who can’t find their loyalty cards. The corporate guys know not just who I am but what kind of canned soup and deodorant I use. They can tell you if my dental floss is waxed or unwaxed or give you the details of my acid reflux.

We recently did a long driving trip through New England, and I liked stopping at some of the chain stores where I used my loyalty cards to get discounts on some more bottled water and potato chips.

I can imagine the corporate bean counters of those companies trying to figure out why a fan of “Smokey and the Bandit” was noodling around in Vermont and New Hampshire where most people have never driven a stock car or tasted moonshine. I bet that stumps them. I’m pretty sure they will give up and send me an email: “Hey, Bill, what the heck were you doing in Vermont and New Hampshire? Could we interest you in a GPS?” When I checked into a popular chain motel, the desk clerk asked me if I was a member of their “Platinum and Beyond” loyalty club. I wasn’t, so, there on the spot, she offered me a family membership in this exclusive outfit.

The benefits, she explained, included a free breakfast buffet and an upgraded plastic room key that would prove to the breakfast hostess that we were entitled to a free breakfast. Plus, I’d get 500 points towards another free breakfast. I didn’t even have to fill out a form, she said, since she had everything but my passport and floss type in her computer.

Believe me, I sprang for it.

I worry a little about my privacy; I’m pretty sure there is a corporate “Big Brother” out there. But I have to admit that I like being “Platinum and Beyond” almost as much as I like a free breakfast.

And I am flattered that this company thinks that a “Smokey and the Bandit” fan might be a great fit for their five-star hotel in the Bahamas.

Bill Koon lives in Greenville. He can be contacted at badk@ clemson.edu.

TOWN

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