MINISTER TO HOMELESS FEELS ‘THE WEIGHT OF MERCY’ Page 21
SPARTANBURGJOURNAL Spartanburg, S.C. • Friday, September 28, 2012 • Vol.8, No.39
Clint Eastwood’s hometown costar. Page 17
SIX-STRING CLASSICS AT WOFFORD.
HIGHWAY ROBBERY
Page 21
The DOT’s decision to divert local funds into a statewide repaving effort leaves Upstate road improvement projects in the slow lane.
Work continues on the SCDOT I-385 project.
GREG BECKNER / STAFF
Page 8
Upstate Pathfinders walk the walk By APRIL A. MORRIS | staff
Lacing up your sneakers and taking a walk is one of the most affordable and easiest ways to get the 150 minutes per week of exercise recommended by health experts. Since the 1960s in Europe, groups have been getting together to walk in a social and noncompetitive way as part of volkssport, or “organized walking,” clubs, initially offering a variety
Volkssport group aims to see the sights and slim down the Upstate of sports with walkers participating in volksmarching (peoples’ march). In 1976, volkssport came to the U.S. and the American Volkssport Association was founded. Now there are about 300 clubs nation-
wide, and one of those clubs – Upstate Pathfinders, the first and only in South Carolina – was launched in April 2011. Robert McDaniel, Pathfinders president, said he was introduced to the fitness walking activity when he was overseas in the military. His first experience was at a volksmarch that he attended with a friend from Germany. Soon he was participating in two to three events each weekend, he said. Volksmarchers meet at a predeter-
mined location and follow routes that are 10K or 5K. The routes are carefully planned and typically showcase littleseen sights along the way. Local members suggest and map out walks to be recorded as official routes. The Upstate has walks in downtown Greenville, Travelers Rest, Wofford College, Paris Mountain, Lake Conestee, Converse College and the South Carolina Botanical Gardens in Clemson. Weekend VOLKSSPORT continued on PAGE 11
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Spartanburg Journal locally owned and operated since 1999 For delivery requests, call 679-1240 Publisher
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Super Free Saturday Saturday, Sept. 29, will be a busy day at the Chapman Cultural Center. Stop by to… • Recycle your old small electronics, such as computers and cell phones. Please, no big items, like refrigerators. • As part of the national Smithsonian Museum Day, visit the Spartanburg Science Center for free. Register online. • Visit the Spartanburg Art Museum for free. • Visit the Spartanburg Regional History Museum for free. • Attend the opening reception for the Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg’s 39th annual juried show, 6-9 p.m. for free. • See quilt and fiber art exhibit, Threads of Our Heritage, for free. • See the artwork of students from Spartanburg School District 4 for free. • Make a clay bowl as part of the Hub City Empty Bowls 2012 project, 10-noon & 1-3 p.m. Free.
David M. Robinson
For complete details, visit online… ChapmanCulturalCenter.org call 542-ARTS
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Downtown Spartanburg | 542-ARTS | ChapmanCulturalCenter.org
“
A few isolated showers or storms are possible each afternoon. Temperatures will start off warmer than normal, then gradually cool below normal.
61˚
FRIDAY
84˚
61˚ SATURDAY 80˚
61˚
SUNDAY
“
WYFF News 4 Chief Meteorologist
John Cessarich
For weather information, 24 hours a day, visit WYFF4.com
Mainly dry, isolated late
2 SPARTANBURG Journal | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
Isolated, warm
Scattered, cooler
76˚
journal community
Worth Repeating
COHEN’S KIDZ
They Said It
COVERALLS 2.00
“This is going to gut our program here.” Jim D’Amato, Spartanburg transportation planning manager, on the state transportation board’s decision to divert 20 percent of local road project funding to repaving state roads.
2 Days A Week! 2 Good To Be True!
“We treat them like a spa here; they really get pampered.” Greg Beckner / Staff
Cheryl Baird, owner of Upstate Equestrian Center/Friesian Marketplace, on the attention given the Friesian warhorses in her care.
“One year. You can’t ask more of me than one year.”
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Triune Mercy Center pastor Deb Richardson-Moore, on her bargain with God after accepting the pastorate at Greenville’s mission church to the homeless – seven years ago.
“It gives me a chance to rest my mind and walk my dogs.” Robert McDaniel, president of Upstate Pathfinders, on the volkssport, or “organized walking,” club he helped launch in April 2011.
“There is nothing we can’t do together.” Sheriff Chuck Wright, on the numerous tips and leads from the public that helped his deputies capture a 19-year-old Chesnee man suspected of multiple rapes.
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SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 | SPARTANBURG Journal 3
journal community
Shuck & Stomp
oyster roast
cool weather
fall party
Sat., Oct. 27, 2012
Celebrating
cozy
5 Years of Cultural Arts
fire
leaves
cold beer Action Printing, Belle Magazine, Delaney’s, The Showroom, and The Spartanburg Journal
Hosted By: Journal Action Printing, Belle Magazine, The Showroom, and The Spartanburg Action Printing, Belle Magazine, Delaney’s, The Showroom, and The Spartanburg Journal Action Printing, Belle Magazine, Delaney’s, The Showroom, and TheDelaney’s, Spartanburg Journal
Hosted HostedBy:By:
Hosted By:
acorns
10.25.2012
live music crisp
friends harvest
low country boil pinecones
6pm
pumpkins
bluegrass
hot soup apple cider hay bales
silent auction
Glendale Gym SPACE members - $40 Non-members - $50
For more info and tickets call 864-948-0000 or visit shuckandstomp.eventbrite.com All proceeds benefit SPACE.
Action Printing, Belle Magazine, Delaney’s, The Showroom, and The Spartanburg Journal
Hosted By: sponsors Thanks to our contributing
Friday, Sept. 28th 12:00 noon–1:00 pm
Printing, Belle Magazine, Delaney’s, The Showroom, and The Spartanburg Journal Action Printing, BelleAction Magazine, Delaney’s, The Showroom, and The Spartanburg Journal
Friday,Sept. Sept.28th 28th Friday, Sept. 28th Friday, Tickets are available Sept.10th 12:00 noon–1:00 Hosted By: Hosted By: 12:00 noon–1:00 pm 12:00 noon–1:00 pm at participating merchantpm Amy Wood from WSPA-Channel 7
locations below:
Couture Closets See the are Tickets areavailable available Sept.10th DK Boutique andSept.10th Spa Tickets are available Sept.10th Tickets latest fashions atatparticipating merchant participating merchant at participating merchant Edge Salon Friday,locations Sept.our 28th from locations locationsbelow: below: below: green papaya salon 12:00 noon–1:00 pm downtown boutiques! Petit Armiore
for a Cause!
Pink on Main Friday, Sept. 28th Friday, Sept. 28th Sweet Tea Salon 12:00 noon–1:00 pm Tickets are available Sept.10th 12:00 noon–1:00 pm
The Showroom
The Lemon Peel at149 participating merchant S. Daniel Morgan Ave. The Sock Basket locations below: in Downtown Spartanburg Tickets: $12 adv. Two Doors Down $15 at the door Tickets are available Sept.10th lunches and drinks YOGAlicious Yoga Studio atBox participating merchant provided by: Tickets are available Sept.10th locations below: at participating Zenmerchant Garden Yoga
locations below:
Portion of Proceeds to benefit the Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health
Tickets: $12 adv. $15 at the door
4 SPARTANBURG Journal | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
Tickets: $12 adv.
Tickets: Tickets:$12 $12adv. adv. $15 $15atatthe thedoor door
JOURNAL COMMUNITY
Deputies arrest Chesnee teen as serial rape suspect By CHARLES SOWELL | staff
Spartanburg sheriff ’s deputies arrested an alleged serial rapist early Tuesday morning, ending a two-county reign of terror, Sheriff Chuck Wright said at a Tuesday news conference. Wright identified the suspect as Rodney Maurice Davis Jr., 19, of Whispering Oaks Court in Chesnee. Davis was charged with burglary and criminal sexual conduct in connection with an attack at the Newport Apartments on Aug. 17, Wright said. Davis also faces kidnapping charges in connection with an attack on a woman in which the suspect allegedly tried to force her into the trunk of a car, Wright told reporters. “We expect to make additional charges in this case,” he said. Davis has given investigators written confessions in connection to two rapes and two attacks on women, the sheriff said. “This case was solved through the hard work of our investigators and tips from the public,” Wright said. “We’d get a description of the suspect here, the suspect’s car there, and a license plate from another citizen. There is nothing we can’t do together.” Wright also continued to advocate for women taking weapons training and getting a gun if they feel comfortable with that. “If you take the course, you’ll learn what to look for and what not to look for in a potential attacker,” he said.
He also advised women never to open their doors to a stranger. “If someone comes to your door that you don’t know them, don’t open the Rodney Maurice door. Instead tell Davis Jr. them to wait while you call the sheriff to get them help,” he said. “If they are legitimate, they won’t mind.” Wright said investigators are checking on rape reports in other counties to see if Davis can be linked to other attacks. “We have one in Anderson that we plan to look into. What we want to be sure of is that this suspect is charged with the crimes he’s committed and doesn’t just get charged with the ones he’s confessed to.” On Monday, Spartanburg and Cherokee County deputies connected two rapes and two attacks to the same suspect. The most recent rape happened in Cherokee County, where deputies were looking for a man they say raped a woman off U.S. 29 on Seminole Trail near Cowpens. The woman told deputies the man came to her home and asked to use the phone. He then used a handgun to force his way inside, where he sexually assaulted her, Cherokee County Sheriff Steve Mueller said. Contact Charles Sowell at csowell@thespartanburgjournal.com.
851 Simuel Road Spartanburg, SC
DISCONTINUED
Drapery Fabric Sale $1 to $7 a yard October 5 & 6 • 9 am - 4 pm Includes trim, tiebacks, fringe & drapery hardware. Some ready mades. Off Business 85 Across From Spartanburg Community College
The 4th Annual Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival
Concert Featuring:
October 5, 6, & 7 Cashiers Village Green Cashiers, Glenville & Sapphire Fine Arts & Crafts Gourmet Food
Presented by: Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association
leaf festival Cashiers Valley
The best selection and newest styles are at Palmetto Home & Garden! www.PalmettoHG.com • 2422 Laurens Rd • 864.234.4960
Live Music Friday, Saturday, Sunday Rain or Shine, No Coolers
with the Jackson Taylor Band & von Grey at The Slopes at Sapphire Valley General Admission: $25 $30 Day of Event VIP: $50 (Meet & Greet with The Lovin’ Spoonful, Valet Parking, Hors d’Oeuvres, Beer & Wine, VIP seating)
Friday October 5 Gates Open at 5pm
Concert Sponsored by:
Children’s Area & Activities
Purchase tickets online at: www.visitcashiersvalley.com
Free Boat Rides on Lake Glenville Reservations Only: 828.743.2143
828.743.5858 | 828.482.2525
SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 | SPARTANBURG JOURNAL 5
JOURNAL COMMUNITY
OPINION VOICES FROM YOUR COMMUNITY, HEARD HERE
FROM THE EDITORIAL DESK
The cost of college No doubt, University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides did not mean for the $900,000 he says USC has spent on a national rebranding campaign to also serve as ironic counterweight to last week’s warning of a “perfect storm” bearing down on higher education. The warning came in the annual “State of the University” address Pastides delivered on the USC Horseshoe, offering up the usual mix of good news and bad: record enrollments and fundraising, academic and athletic honors, and the relentless decline in direct state funding of higher education. The Legislature has given crucial support on several key USC missions, Pastides noted with gratitude. However, state funding now hovers around 10 percent of the Columbia campus’ budget, compared to 38 percent in 2001. “We are nearing a perfect storm for higher education,” he said. “High tuition, high debt loads, poor state funding and limited financial aid.” Meanwhile, the university is pouring $900,000 into a rebranding campaign to boost its reputation and “push the needle” on college ranking surveys like U.S. News & World Report’s, where USC slipped to 55th among public schools this year. And there’s the $16.7 million more to spend that its record freshman enrollment and 3.15 percent tuition hike combined to deliver this fall. Despite the appearance of money to burn, neither are in conflict with Pastides’ warning. Half the tuition influx will go to state-mandated pay raises USC must cover because state funding has shrunk, while another major chunk is slated for staffing and student programs in service to the higher enrollments. And that $900,000 will be money well spent if it translates into a higher-quality faculty and student body, both gifts of pushing the needle higher in the national reputation wars. Clemson University has poured millions into the same race, with a 25thplace slot in the U.S. News ranking and a much-touted goal to crack the top 20. Much has been written about the cost and value of a college education, as well as the spending choices of postsecondary institutions. But there’s no argument strong colleges and universities are critical to any state’s economic competitiveness – or that jobs requiring postsecondary training will account for half of all future job growth nationwide. In its report to the Senate Finance Committee this spring, the state Commission on Higher Education said 56 percent of new South Carolina jobs and 63 percent of all jobs nationwide will require education beyond high school by 2018. All of which contributes to the national angst as tuition increases continue to outstrip annual growth in consumer prices and family income. While the state’s generous lottery scholarships may help more bright kids afford college, they haven’t kept tuition down because the Legislature uses them as one more excuse to cut higher education funding. Which returns us to the perfect storm Pastides wants to avoid, saying he is “ready to compete” if legislators will revisit changes to the state funding formula Gov. Nikki Haley proposed last year in concert with college leaders. Haley’s goal is to base state awards to four-year institutions on five measurable targets: graduation rates, number of in-state students, job placement rate, contribution to economic development and support for traditionally under-represented populations. The governor wants accountability; colleges want certainty – or something closer to it than they have now. Wary legislators should hear them out at next month’s higher education summit at the state museum. If South Carolina expects to remain competitive, finding a fair, consistent way to fund higher education must be part of the equation.
Protecting the vulnerable elderly A few months ago, a bank contacted a local Area Agency on Aging to speak to an ombudsman regarding a customer’s overdrawn checking account. After looking into the situation, it soon became evident that a staff member from a long-term care facility had befriended a resident who had vision and hearing difficulties. The patient had no family and depended on the staff member for help with various errands around town. After the staff member became associated with managing the resident’s banking transactions, he was able to change the patient’s statement address, order a debit card and withdraw thousands of dollars from the resident’s life savings. The Office on Aging then worked closely with the Attorney General’s office to prosecute the staff member, who is now serving time in jail. The Ombudsman Program is designed to help by advocating on a resident’s behalf, with the goal of improving the quality of life and quality of care for all residents in longterm care facilities in South Carolina. Ombudsmen receive complaints about long-term care services and act on behalf of the resident to relay the concerns to nursing homes, residential care facilities, and other providers of long-term care. In 2011 alone, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program investigated over 7,000 complaints. If you have a concern about a parent or loved one in a nursing home or care facility, our state’s Ombudsman Program is available to assist you in getting your issue resolved. A regional ombudsman can be found within your local Area Agency on Aging, and anything that is shared with an ombudsman is strictly confidential. Residents in long-term care facilities are often physically and emotionally vulnerable due to their age and various physical and health disorders. Mistreatment of a loved one can occur in a variety of ways, but the most common forms include:
IN MY OWN WORDS by GLENN MCCONNELL
Abuse, which encompasses physical or sexual assault or psychological abuse, such as threats and harassment; neglect, including failing to provide adequate food, housing, medicine or supervision; and exploitation, or taking advantage of a person or their money. Whenever problems arise, residents or families can call upon a long-term care ombudsman for help. Our office encourages you to report abuse, neglect or exploitation as soon as possible so that an investigation can be opened. Experience has shown that when residents and families understand the longterm care system, they are able to effectively act on their own when problems occur. By educating residents, families, and facility staff, the Ombudsman Program is able to foster an understanding and knowledge of the long-term care system. Steps you can take to minimize a loved one’s vulnerability in a long-term care facility include: • Attend the facility’s care plan meetings with the resident or as their family representative. • Visit the facility and ask questions. • Review your loved one’s financial statements regularly and encourage your personal banker to be aware of abnormal spending patterns. • Familiarize yourself with residents’ rights, which are located on our website (www.aging.sc.gov). Glenn McConnell is lieutenant governor of South Carolina. For more information, contact the Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging (803-734-9900 or 800-868-9095) or visit www.aging.sc.gov.
In last week's "In My Own Words" column, "Recovery pays back," the Journal failed to include a website address for FAVOR Greenville. The address is www.favorgreenville.org.
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 28, 2012
journal community
opinion voices from your community, heard here
‘Lightning bolts of grace’
History Hub
The flattening lessons that prompted ‘The Weight of Mercy’ in my own words by DEB RICHARDSON-MOORE
My seminary dean once told me that divinity school is a lot like the counseling profession. Troubled people become therapists, he said. Folks hurt by religion enroll in seminary. “So what we do,” he said, “is graduate a lot of educated, broken people.” I’m not sure a memoirist is much different: We explore difficult or hurtful areas of our lives in search of something. Meaning, maybe. Clarity. Direction. In my case, I wrote “The Weight of Mercy” because the memories of the most traumatic three years of my life were fading. I was glad to see them go, but I wanted those memories to teach me something. And so I wrote. The book is about my landing, fresh out of seminary, as pastor of a mission church to the homeless. As a longtime writer for The Greenville News and an occasional contributor to the Greenville Journal, I thought I knew Greenville. I thought I knew its issues. I thought I knew its poverty. I was mistaken. The Triune Mercy Center flattened me. I was like one of those bop-aclowns with sand in the bottom. Punch it and it bounces back upright. That was me – until I got to Triune. My experiences among the homeless and drug-addicted and alcoholic and mentally ill and mentally challenged staggered me. This was a population I scarcely knew existed, hidden under bridges and in abandoned buildings and in the woods. The surreal combination of everyday niceties and casual violence, of generosity and endless begging, of surprising compassion and shocking abuse, upended my balance. As I explored my horror and distaste, my nightmares punctuated by lightning bolts of grace, I bargained with God: “One year,” I prayed. “You can’t ask
more of me than one year.” Well, actually he could. And did. Along the way, I met some of his more intriguing children. One child-like man began burping so loudly during a morning service that I had to halt the sermon and ask him to stop. “But Pastor,” he called from the front pew, “I swallowed some wind.” Another man traveled the country, hopping trains from soup kitchen to soup kitchen. Smelling of cheap whiskey, he came into Triune one rainy Saturday, passed out, woke up and spied me. Leaping to his feet, he sent a metal chair clattering into a wall, and shrieked, “You BITCH! Don’t you know you’re not even supposed to BE here? Paul said women aren’t supposed to preach!” And that was before the sermon. When people find out what I do, they inevitably say, “That must be so rewarding,” or “You must love your work.” Dispensing mercy at a place with mercy in its title – what could be better? But mercy can have an underside, a heaviness, a weight. “I would rather smoke crack than live in a house,” one man told me. I pass him sometimes on my way to work, panhandling in the median of six-lane Pleasantburg Drive. Sometimes I roll down my window and remind him we’re still there, still feeding, still worshiping, still offering access to drug treatment. I never give him money. He knows better than to ask. I struggle constantly with the line between empowering and enabling, helping and hurting. This book is the story of that struggle. It is also the story of a dying church’s struggle to redefine itself in the face of a changing neighborhood. Police call our section of Greenville “the homeless triangle,” and every city has one. The question for a church in such a place is pretty basic: Do we become a forum or a fortress? In choosing “forum” at Triune, we’ve
Presented by the Spartanburg County Historical Association, the Spartanburg History Hub will meet at the Cowpens National Battlefield Thursday, Sept. 27, 7-8 p.m. for an educational program on the park’s pivotal battle in the American Revolution. Free.
Lunch & Learn Presented by the Spartanburg County Historical Association, this educational and entertaining program will feature John Boyanoski, the author of Ghosts of the Upstate. Friday, Sept. 28, 10:30-1:30 p.m. at the Chapman Cultural Center. $5. Bring your lunch, if you like.
Reception: Guild’s Juried Show Presented by the Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg, this opening reception and awards ceremony of the 39th annual Juried Show is open and free to the public, Saturday, Sept. 29, 6-8 p.m. in the Spartanburg Art Museum at the Chapman Cultural Center. See some of the finest art of the Carolinas and Georgia and who will win in the four categories.
Free Museums The Spartanburg Science Center, the Spartanburg Art Museum and the Spartanburg Regional History Museum will all be free on Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in recognition of national Smithsonian Museum Day. Normal price is $4 per museum, per adult. All at the Chapman Cultural Center.
“The Weight of Mercy: A Novice Pastor on the City Streets” is published by Monarch Books, a division of Lion Hudson in Oxford, England, and distributed in North America by Kregel Publications of Grand Rapids, Mich. It is available in local bookstores and online.
done some counterintuitive things to bring housed and homeless people together. So in addition to things you might expect – hot meals, clothes, groceries, laundry services – we offer some things you might not: gardening, art, volunteerism, opera. I hope this book will show people in other cities what can happen when a church opens its doors to the homeless, when it allows ministry to flourish not to them but alongside them. I hope it launches conversations about the complexity of life among the homeless. I hope it encourages others to take on the weight of mercy. Deb Richardson Moore is pastor at Triune Mercy Center in Greenville.
Recycling Electronics Got old gadgets? Have them recycled by bringing them to the Chapman Cultural Center on Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m-3 p.m. Please nothing bigger than breadbox and nothing with hazardous materials. Think computers and cell phones.
Make a Pottery Bowl The Hub City Empty Bowls 2012 project will have another bowlmaking event on Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. It’s free, including clay and professional instruction. The bowls you make will be used as a fundraiser for the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen.
Pink Mouse on the Red Carpet Ballet Spartanburg presents the internationally acclaimed Angelina Ballerina for her Spartanburg debut. The giant pink mouse, made famous in her Saturday morning cartoon, will walk the red carpet at 4:15 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 1, at the Chapman Cultural Center. Fans and paparazzi are invited.
Music Sandwiched In The Music Foundation of Spartanburg presents the Foothills Oompah Band for some live beer-drinking German music at the main library downtown Spartanburg, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 12:15 p.m. Bring your lunch (sorry, no beer) or buy one there.
Exhibits… • Invitational Contemporary Still Life, Spartanburg Art Museum • Secrets from the Repository, Spartanburg Regional History Museum • 39th Annual Juried Show, Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg • Artwork by students from Spartanburg School District 4 • Threads of Our Heritage, quilts and painted fabric by Jody Raines • Keith Spencer, an expressive painter and colorist from Tryon, NC, presents in the Guild Gallery.
542-ARTS ChapmanCulturalCenter.org 200 E. Saint John St. Spartanburg
SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 | SPARTANBURG Journal 7
journal community
Local road improvement hits a pothole State funds for road projects are bypassing the Upstate By CHarles Sowell and April A. Morris staff
8 SPARTANBURG Journal | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
fund local projects, the scenario is the same but on a slightly larger scale. “I suspect this will be the funding formula for the foreseeable future,” said John Owings, who leads both the Greenville County planning department and the Greenville-Pickens Area Transportation Study. He said GPATS has an estimated $4 billion in longterm local road needs. D’Amato said the DOT decision to take 20 percent from local transportation funding turned on a comment from DOT commissioner John P. Edwards about the recently killed bike lane project on Old Buncombe Road in Greenville. Edwards, who represents Greenville, Laurens, Spartanburg and Union counties, said the fact that local transportation boards have money to spend on projects like the bike lanes and sidewalks show they can afford to help the state out in its time of need. “I was just floored,” D’Amato said. “Bike lanes and sidewalks are required by DOT.” Greenville County Council Chairman H.G. “Butch” Kirven said the DOT is effectively robbing Peter to pay Paul. Greenville has “a long-range project list that goes out to 2035, and there’s very little funding for the projects on that list anyway. You’ve heard about the state’s efforts to repave roads, it’s been well publicized. They’ve found a way to do it by taking it from projects in the local area.” Upstate lawmakers have accused the infrastructure bank of playing favorites on funding projects, routinely channeling nearly all the major road project funding to the coast. State Sen. Harvey Peeler, R-Cherokee, said in a flurry of op-ed pieces carried in papers across the state that the bank is beholden to special interests and legislative pet projects of powerful Lowcountry lawmakers. That’s not the way it is, D’Amato said. The coastal counties have a one percent sales tax for road projects that can be used as a match to qualify for loans from the bank. Upstate voters and local governments have shied away from such a tax. “For years we used the Southern Connector to count as the match in Anderson, Pickens and Greenville. That credit has run out,” D’Amato said.
Greg Beckner / Staff
The roots of the current crisis in Upstate highway funding can be found in Greenville and Spartanburg’s own backyards, local transportation officials say. The problem for Upstate road planners is essentially twofold, said Jim D’Amato, transportation planning manager for the Spartanburg Area Transportation Study. The first issue is a lack of financing for major road projects from the state Transportation Infrastructure Bank, a highway bonding agency created in 1997 to leverage limited state funding for bridge and highway projects through borrowing. The second is a recent Department of Transportation Board decision to divert funding for local road projects to mend the state’s woefully inadequate repaving program, D’Amato said. Upstate voters’ aversion to new taxes is driving the Infrastructure Bank issue, D’Amato said, while a Greenville County DOT board member was a force in pass-
ing the local funding diversion. The DOT board voted in August to divert 20 percent of state funding intended for local road projects to pay for state repaving needs instead, as well as half of the funding formerly set aside for sidewalks, bike lanes and crosswalks. “This is going to gut our program here,” D’Amato said. Before the change, Spartanburg received $6.7 million from the state gasoline tax for local projects, D’Amato said. About $2.2 million of that went to debt service for past projects, leaving about $4.5 million for the county’s laundry list of road needs. Under the scenario now going into effect, the state will take 20 percent off the top plus cuts on sidewalks and bike lane funding, he said. Add to that an estimated seven percent cut in federal road funding and the SPATS program in Spartanburg will virtually grind to a halt. In Greenville, which will get, after funding cuts, $7.8 million in gas tax money to
Work continues on the SCDOT I-385 project.
“Counties like York, Charleston and Horry all have the one percent sales tax option in place for highway projects. They’ve each got something on the order of $100 million in hand to fund matches on infrastructure bank loans. We don’t.” A referendum on the penny tax has been tried in Spartanburg County before, D’Amato said, and it went down in flames. There may be no political appetite in Spartanburg County for the one percent road sales tax, but Greenville County officials are investigating how the tax has worked for York County, Kirven said. “Once we get all the data together we plan to present it to council in November.” During a special meeting called last month in reaction to the DOT action, Councilman O’Neal Mintz urged state lawmakers to raise the gas tax, citing the disparity of the state having the fourthlargest road system in the nation but a gas tax that ranks 37th. Spartanburg Sen. Shane Martin promptly quashed the idea. “With the financial mess the DOT’s in, you could keep piling money into it and it’s not going to fix the problem. That’s where the problem is and I can promise you that on my watch, the gas tax will not be increased,” Martin said. Contact Charles Sowell at csowell@thespartanburgjournal.com. Contact April Morris at amorris@thespartanburgjournal.com.
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journal community spartanburgregional.com
News and information from Spartanburg Regional
healthmatters 18 spartanburg regional physician practices receive national recognition The Spartanburg Regional Physician Group (SRPG) announced that 18 practices including family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics received recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as Patient Centered Medical Homes (PCMH).
Following a roadmap developed by Dr. Patricia Bouknight and Dr. Petra Warren, these practices underwent a rigorous nine-month, two-part application process. All 18 practices received PCMH level III recognition by the NCQA, the highest level accreditation possible. With this designation, Spartanburg Regional now has the largest contingent of PCMH—recognized physicians in the state as almost one-third of South Carolina’s PCMH—recognized physicians are employed by Spartanburg Regional. The Spartanburg Regional Physician Group has practices across upstate South Carolina and North Carolina including Simpsonville, Inman, Boiling Springs, Spartanburg, Pacolet, Chesnee, Gaffney, Woodruff, Duncan, Forest City and Rutherfordton. This initiative was spearheaded by Regional HealthPlus, a Spartanburg-based, 490-physician member of the Physician Hospital Association (PHO). Regional HealthPlus has a 15-year history of working with its member physicians, focusing on quality and efficient healthcare delivery across the spectrum of medicine. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality defines a patient-centered medical home as a patient-centered, comprehensive, coordinated-care model that delivers superb access to care, while maintaining the highest commitment to quality and safety. PCMH practices focus on efficient healthcare delivery that forms partnerships between patients and their medical team, working together to meet the acute care, chronic disease and wellness needs of patients of all ages. This highly integrated care-delivery model has proven to be key in providing processes for physicians to significantly improve quality and successful patient outcomes using, the most proven pathways of care. “These practices were given a Level III designation, the highest awarded,” says Nick Ulmer, M.D., vice president of case management and clinical services. “Spar“Spar tanburg Regional’s primary care practices are the only ones in the Greenville-Spartanburg area to receive this honor.” Spartanburg Regional and its employed physician group are proud to be recognized for their continued commitment to quality patient care and look to use this standard of excellence as a springboard for continued collaboration with our patients and corporate partners. For more information, visit spartanburgregional. com\physicians.
let’s paint our town pink October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Join us at this special event: Paint our Town Pink Friday, Oct. 5 • 5:30-8 p.m. Morgan Square Downtown Spartanburg Join the Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health at this fundraiser for the center during the City of Spartanburg’s Jazz on the Square concert series. There will be opportunities to support the center through purchases and chances to learn more about the center and to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
tune in to discover health Discover Health is a 30-minute television program, focused on the innovative and patient-centered care provided through Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. The show airs Sundays on WYFF, Channel 4. The current episode has information about: • Robotic surgery that benefits heart patients • Spartanburg Regional’s highly trained Neonatal Intensive Care Unit • Tumor ablation, a procedure that involves heating or freezing tumors to kill cancer cells • Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, a minimally invasive procedure that is an alternative to orthopaedic surgery • Spartanburg Regional’s 15,000-square-foot rehabilitation facility at the new Thomas E. Hannah Family YMCA • How hospitalists provide inpatient care • Plans for Gibbs Cancer Center at Pelham, a 10,000square-foot facility that will open on the Village Hospital campus in the spring of 2013 • Spartanburg Regional Hospice Program • The ways that AccessHealth Spartanburg removes roadblocks to health care that are commonly experienced by the low income MKTG102H
Tune in To discover healTh on WYFF News 4 on Sundays to learn more about the latest advances in medical care at Spartanburg Regional.
10 SPARTANBURG Journal | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
journal community
upcoming events mobile mammography
Spartanburg Regional’s mobile mammography unit will be at the following sites on the dates listed below. Call 864-560-7999 to register. Oct. 4: Family Physicians at 290, 1575 E. Main Street, Duncan Oct. 31: Inman Family Practice, 12230 Asheville Highway, Inman
christopher’s camp
Saturday, October 6 • St. John’s Lutheran Church Christopher’s Camp is a memorable day camp program for children and adolescents, ages five to 16, who are grieving following the death of a family member or a friend. Call Spartanburg Regional Hospice at 560-3944 to register or for more information.
freedom from smoking Members of the Upstate Pathfinders enjoy a volksmarch. volkssport continued from Cover
events often consist of a group walking together; however, anyone can walk anytime along the self-guided walks. The Upstate currently has a total of 15 sanctioned walks, said McDaniel. The Upstate Pathfinders group has about 30 official members. There is usually a small fee for group walks. Anyone can participate and everyone moves at their own pace, McDaniel said. Often walkers will stop into stores along urban routes and children pause to visit playgrounds. In addition to providing exercise, volkssport has a social component, resulting in lifelong friendships, he said. Local events, two or three walks per month, often include a meal and a meet-and-greet component, he said. “I love the friendship, meeting people and talking. It also gives me a chance to rest my mind and walk my dogs.” Though not a competitive activity, many volksmarchers keep track of their walks in record books, including stamps from “walkboxes” at certain locations. There are also Special Event Programs that allow walkers to complete them within a certain time period, including baseball walks, classic American diners, gristmills and main streets. If they wish, walkers can pay a small fee to receive a patch, pin or other item to commemorate events. Dave Beisser, a volksmarcher for more than 26 years with his wife, says he was part of a club in Wisconsin and discovered the Upstate before retirement when he visited for a walk. He began walking for health reasons and says it has turned into a fantastic social activity and even a guideline for the couple’s vacation destinations. Beisser has logged 375 events, is
working on completing a 3,500-kilometer book and has walked in 28 of the 50 states as part of a Walking the United States program. “It’s just a way of life for my wife and myself,” he said. He especially enjoys the celebratory atmosphere when a weekend walk is paired with a local festival or larger community event. And the health benefits are evident, said Beisser: He’s maintained a healthy weight and feels limber because of walking. And brisk walking, considered a moderate aerobic activity, can burn as many calories as volleyball, downhill skiing, golf or bicycling, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control says people who are physically active live longer and are at lower risk for heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, depression and some cancers. McDaniel is also interested in the health benefits of volksmarching, especially for addressing childhood obesity. He says the club wants to host a Master Program, where teams of youth and adults participate together in six sanctioned AVA events during a 12-month period and earn awards. In addition, a Walk-Together program would allow the Upstate Pathfinders to host a group of young people, like Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or a church youth group, on an official walk. And just before Halloween, the club is planning a 5K night walk that is going to feature the Springfield Cemetery and five haunted pubs. Upstate Pathfinders is also walking Oconee State Park and Oconee Station in early October. For more information on Upstate Pathfinders, go to www.upstatepathfinders.com. Contact April A. Morris at amorris@thespartanburgjournal.com.
Mondays, October 8-November 19 • 6:30 - 8 p.m. Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab, 299 East Pearl Street
This exciting new smoking cessation program by the American Lung Association meets weekly for support and guidance through the smokefree journey. The $75 fee covers all materials. Call 560-4472 to register.
medical weight loss information session Tuesday, October 9 • 4-5 p.m.
Spartanburg Regional Cafeteria Conference Room
This free class covers information about our medical weight loss programs: Rapid Weight Loss, Healthy Lifestyle and 9- or 18-week Optifast.® These programs are designed for long-term, sustained weight loss and include vitamins and supplements. For more information or to register, call 560-7070.
surgical weight loss information session Wednesday, October 10 • 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, October 17 • 6:30-9 p.m.
Family Medicine Conference Room, Regional Outpatient Center
These free classes cover detailed information about LapBand,® gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy surgery. For more information or to register, visit spartanburgweightloss.com or call 560-7070.
walk to remember
Sunday, October 14 • 2-4 p.m. Spartanburg Regional — Cancer Survivors Garden
Spartanburg Regional will host the Walk to Remember in recognition of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. This is a free event, but participants should register by calling 560-6591 or 560-6864.
surviving stroke: a support group Monday, October 15 • 6-7 p.m.
Regional Outpatient Center • Family Medicine Conference Room — Fifth Floor
This support group is for stroke survivors, their families or other support persons. Call 560-2132 for more information.
safe kids car seat inspection Thursday, October 25
Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health Parking Lot
Safe Kids will have certified child passenger safety technicians available to provide hands-on instruction on installing car seats and booster seats. Call 560-6845 for an appointment.
MKTG102H
SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 | SPARTANBURG Journal 11
JOURNAL COMMUNITY
BOOK SIGNING after the performance!
CITY COUNCIL
FROM THE SEPTEMBER 24 MEETING
Spartanburg City Council spent most of its Monday night meeting discussing the transfer of three lots on Brawley Street to the Spartanburg Housing Authority. The housing authority plans to put townhomes on the lots, said Mitch Kennedy, community services director. The Northside Development Corp. also plans to transfer three Brawley Street properties to the housing authority. The homes are to be used as part of the Northside redevelopment surrounding the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. The Northside is the city’s next major redevelopment project, which is part of a drive to upgrade the neighborhood around VCOM, city officials said. Kennedy said the housing authority plans to use federal funds to build highquality townhomes on the lots. The townhomes will initially be rental properties, but will eventually be converted to homeownership units. If possible, the housing authority will rehabilitate the houses, but that might not be possible because of the age of some of the residences, Kennedy said. The project will serve as a catalyst for other Northside redevelopment, Kennedy said. In other action, council approved a bid for the South Hampton Drive storm drainage pipe replacement from P.A.R. Grading and Hauling Inc. of Spartanburg for $69,250. Transfer of two vacant lots in the Timberwood Acres subdivision to Lower Spartanburg Habitat for Humanity also cleared council at final reading. Also, restrictions on areas and times in which Internet cafes and body-piercing shops can operate received final reading approval. Council took no action on a staff recommendation on restrictions on parking large equipment in residential neighborhoods. City council next meets at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 8 in council chambers at City Hall, 145 West Broad St. Contact Charles Sowell at csowell@thespartanburgjournal.com.
February 22–23, 2013
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12 SPARTANBURG JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
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SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 | SPARTANBURG Journal 13
JOURNAL COMMUNITY
OUR COMMUNITY
LOVE LIFE!
COMMUNITY NEWS, EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS
Carolina Alliance Bank is holding Wash, Shop & Eat, a car wash, yard sale and hotdog lunch, to benefit the March of Dimes starting at 7 a.m., on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Carolina Alliance Bank, 200 South Church St. All proceeds will benefit the March of Dimes. For additional information, call 208-2265 or visit www.carolinaalliancebank.com. To celebrate South Carolina’s vital role in the nation’s independence, Kings Mountain National Military Park, Cowpens National Battlefield, the Overmountain Victory Trail and Walnut Grove Plantation are teaming up to present An Upstate Revolutionary War Weekend Oct. 5-7. The 20th Annual FestiFall at Walnut Grove Plantation in Roebuck features 200 re-enactors and artisans who camp and present military re-enactments and dozens of demonstrations of colonial-era crafts and trades. In addition, on Oct. 6, Cowpens National Battlefield near Chesnee presents “The Night before Kings Mountain,” a special program about the events leading up to this pivotal battle. On Oct. 7, Kings Mountain National Military Park in Blacksburg will present a day of activities, including musket and rifle demonstrations and children’s militia drills. Some events are free and others have a $5-$9 charge. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/cowp/specialevents.htm, call 576-6546 or email walnutgrove@spartanburghistory.org. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Spartanburg Downtown Association, in partnership with Sweet Tea Salon, Miss Marion’s School of Dance, Spartan Outdoor Advertising and The City of Spartanburg, announces the Third Annual “Paint Our Town Pink.” Participating shops will decorate their storefronts in pink and will be judged by local breast cancer survivors. Winners will be announced at the Oct. 5 Jazz on the Square in Morgan Square, 5:30 until 8 p.m. A family celebration will be held that evening. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health. For more information, visit www. downtownspartanburg.com, call 494-9621 or email kathydowntown@charter.net.
IMMERSE.
Twenty-five Spartanburg County residents were honored at the graduation ceremony of the 2012 Grassroots Leadership Development Institute. The graduates are Allie Ballenger, Sherry Barrett, Larry D. Black, Bennie Brewton Boyd, Sarah C. Butler, Demian Carpenter, Susan M. Pfister Cartwright, Stacey Dulin, Kara Ferguson, Jasmine Horton, Brenten Johnson, Michael Lamont Lee, Stella Marlene McJimpsey, Lekesa P. Miller, Shawntae Moore, Theron Moore, Brenda S. Oglesby, Patrick Prince, Richard Rhodes, Cheryl Somerset, Gwen Suber-Wilson, Meredith M. Talford, Ashley Thomason, Cindy Tobias and Lawyer Watson, Jr. Applications for the 2013 session are now being accepted. For more information, contact Tara Weese at the Spartanburg County Foundation, 582-0138, or visit www.spcf.org.
Whatever you do – family, work, friends, interests – you’re all in! When you care, you’re involved. That’s why it’s important to make your health a priority. Get tips on diet, exercise and image from our female experts in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Totally You: Diet, Exercise & Image for Every Woman Thurs., Oct. 18 • 5:30 p.m. The Davenport, Greer This event is free and refreshments are served, but registration is required. Please visit ghs.org/360healthed or call 1-877-GHS-INFO (447-4636). Take care of your health today, so you can love life tomorrow.
The Spartanburg Jaycees recently announced that the 2012 Spartanburg Christmas Parade will be on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m. in downtown Spartanburg. The Jaycees are currently accepting applications for entry into the parade and have a range of entry options, including the rental of professional floats. Registration packets and sponsorship opportunities can be found at www.spartanburgjaycees. net. Additional inquiries can be made by contacting the Christmas Parade Hotline at 864-381-8838.
Community Journals 14 SPARTANBURG JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
120616GJNL
In partnership with
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
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TOWN MAGAZINE
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Faith
Forward
Pick up the October issue at these locations:
WE PRESENT SIX UPSTATE LEADERS WHO CONNECT US TO THE EXPERIENCE WE CALL FAITH
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PLUS TOWN Magazine is available at over 200 locations. For a complete list, visit TOWNgreenville.com
SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 | SPARTANBURG Journal 15
journal community
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16 SPARTANBURG Journal | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
JOURNAL BUSINESS
Unemployment rates head downward
THE FINE PRINT • BARTER EXCHANGES LET BUSINESSES TRADE INSTEAD OF SPEND
A lucky curveball Two Upstate Friesian
By DICK HUGHES senior business writer
warhorses run the bases for Clint Eastwood By CHARLES SOWELL | staff
Business owners don’t often dance to describe their main product, but Cheryl Baird does when trying to illustrate the sheer beauty of her Friesian horses in motion. The Friesian, with roots as a European Low Countries warhorse, is a stunning creature. The horses are sable black and so large that Baird had to come up with her own version of English saddle to handle their girth. And their gait is so free and bouncy that novice riders – and even some experienced ones – need special training in riding before they are ready to take their newly purchased animals home. Two Friesians based at Baird’s Upstate Equestrian Center/Friesian Marketplace HORSES continued on PAGE 18
GREG BECKNER / STAFF
Maverick, one of two locally owned Friesian horses appearing in the movie “Trouble with the Curve.”
Unemployment declined across the Upstate, albeit slightly in most cases, and stayed essentially unchanged statewide in August. The state rate was 9.6 percent, a tenth of a percentage point lower than in July with a fifth consecutive month of decreasing employment, according to the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce. “Noteworthy, the labor force participation rate of 58.4 percent is the lowest since 1976 (the oldest data available) and is reflective of more people choosing not to participate in the labor force than ever before,” said SC DEW. The national unemployment rate fell from 8.3 percent to 8.1 percent in August, a decline likewise “primarily driven by fewer people participating in the labor force,” the department noted. Greenville County, where unemployment declined from 7.9 to 7.6 percent, and Dorchester County have the second-lowest jobless rate in the state behind Lexington County, which stayed flat at 7.2. Improvement was more pronounced in Spartanburg, where the rate fell from 10.1 to 9.5 percent. The rate declined ever so slightly in all the other 10 UNEMPLOYMENT continued on PAGE 18
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JOURNAL BUSINESS HORSES continued from PAGE 17
have landed a spot in “Trouble With the Curve,” Clint Eastwood’s latest movie, which is now playing Upstate theaters. The tale of the horses’ film debut dovetails neatly with the story of Baird’s business, most particularly the love affair that
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18 SPARTANBURG JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
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sage, others would do well as show horses,” she said, trotting out a young male with a mane long and luxurious enough to drag the ground. All of the animals are trained by Baird, who charges $1,000 a month for room, board and training. “We treat them like a spa here; they really get pampered,” she said. The payment might sound exorbitant until you consider these horses sell for $15,000 to $60,000. Baird admits it takes a lot of work to keep such high-end animals looking their best. Baird said she was approached through a friend for the Eastwood project. “I thought it would be wonderful and knew just the horses to send,” she said. She contacted Castellani and Davidson and the two women were eager to give their horses a chance at a film debut. “We took them over to Georgia for the filming. We only had a couple of weeks to train the horses for a national horse event,” Baird said. The directors needed the horses to run the base pads, charge across a darkened ball field and stop on command. “Maverick was the winner in the Liberty event – a national championship. I know Friesians are smart, but what was required by the directors was something different. I knew if any of our horses could do what they needed, it was Maverick.” For all of Baird’s love of the Friesians, their sale doesn’t cover her operation’s basic expenses, she said. Board, training and tack make up the rest – and there’s enough UNEMPLOYMENT continued from PAGE 17
counties of the Upstate. Manufacturing, which underpins much of the Upstate’s economy, continued to see job stagnation in August, as it has for most of the year, losing 400 jobs last month. The sector, which propelled job growth in the state last year, is being held back because Europe’s economic doldrums are cutting into exports, economists said. “Manufacturing employment in South Carolina is clearly waning,” said TD Economics. “The state added 6.4 thousand goods-producing jobs in 2011, but factory payrolls are unchanged from January of this year.” The sector showing the most improvement in August was government, which gained 2,200 jobs, the result of a seasonal increase with schools reopening. Construction showed encouraging growth of 800. SC DEW reported that online job ads
PHOTOS BY GREG BECKNER / STAFF
Rachel Castellani, 11, left, and her mother, Lisa Castellani, with their Friesian horse Maverick, one of two locally owned Friesian horses appearing in the movie “Trouble with the Curve.”
has sprung up between the horses, their owners and Baird. “When they start to move, they are just incredible,” Baird said as she swayed and danced around the small reception area at the Equestrian Center while Lisa Castellani and Kim Davidson looked on. Castellani is the owner of Maverick, the steed charged with running the bases in a dream sequence of Eastwood’s baseball movie. Davidson owns Inne, seen standing at the base pads in the movie. “I started dealing with Friesians when I realized that in order to even see one, would-be buyers had to travel all over the country,” Baird said. “They are an outstanding animal. I knew they’d be popular if enough potential customers saw them.” She searched the Netherlands for suitable Friesians to introduce to the American market, flew them to New York to clear customs and veterinary inspections and then trucked the animals to her farm near Williamston. It was slow in the beginning for Baird. She had to learn about the animals herself and then teach potential customers about their sterling properties. “Every animal is different. Not only in things like physical appearance, but in temperament. Some are perfect for dres-
Cheryl Baird
left over for Baird to offer a free riding program for girls in elementary through high school. “There is no cost to the students,” she said. “Our teachers are all members of the Clemson equestrian team, so the training is as good as one might expect.” Bard said young girls and horses have “a natural bond, and I don’t think a lack of money should deny that to any young girl who wants it.” For more information on Friesian Marketplace, contact cheryl@friesianmarketplace.com. Contact Charles Sowell at csowell@ thespartanburgjournal.com.
in South Carolina, as reported by the Conference Board, showed a decrease of about 300, but August online ads were higher by 6,600 from a year ago. Contact Dick Hughes at dhughes@thespartanburgjournal.com. Unemployment in the Upstate COUNTY
AUGUST
JULY
AUGUST 2011
Greenville
7.6
7.9
8.6
Pickens
8.5
8.8
9.4
Anderson
9.2
9.5
10.3
Spartanburg
9.5
10.1
11.0
Laurens
9.7
10.1
10.7
Oconee
10.0
10.4
10.5
Greenwood
10.7
10.8
11.7
Abbeville
10.7
10.9
12.3
Cherokee
12.2
12.5
13.7
Union
14.7
14.8
16.7
State
9.6
9.7
10.4
journal business
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SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 | SPARTANBURG Journal 19
journal business
Let’s make a deal
Barter exchanges let businesses trade instead of spend By Jennifer Oladipo | contributor
The idea of bartering has been around since time immemorial, but the modern version – barter exchanges – allows for greater flexibility. Each barter exchange works differently, but they share the underlying structure of a business-to-business bartering pool that allows people to acquire what they need without using cash. Tradebank Greenville is one of a series of franchises that operates throughout the United States and Canada. Rather than barter directly with other businesses that might not have exactly what they need, members’ products and services are “banked,” and the value retrieved later in the form of services or goods from any other members. They can use their credits for business or personal needs like uniforms or healthcare.
A member for 10 years, Jonathan Gosnell, owner of Pizza and Then Some in Berea, said he purchased his children’s braces and many dinners out with Tradebank credits. Others buy food at his restaurant with their credits. The transactions are taxed, but Gosnell said they are simpler and ultimately cost less. He brings in several thousand dollars in barter business each year. “Trade sometimes gives you clients that you wouldn’t normally see. Barterers look for barterers, so they may come from a different area that they’re not normally doing business in, so that helps,” Gosnell said. Liberty Trade Exchange in Spartanburg also covers the Upstate, and some businesses participate in more than one exchange. According to the International Reciprocal Trade Association (RTA), there are several exchanges in Charleston and at least one in Columbia. About
400,000 businesses participate in barter exchanges throughout the country. “There has been a marked increase in organized barter exchange transactions in the last three years due to the prolonged recession,” said RTA Executive Director Ron Whitney. “Businesses are looking for new markets to make up for the lost sales resulting from the recession.” Tradebank Greenville owner Brian Smith said his franchise has operated in the Upstate for 16 years. Smith has run it for nine years, and said the recession did not show much effect. About 300 businesses participate in his territory, which includes Pickens, Anderson, Greenville and Greenwood counties. Smith said membership has typically increased by five to 10 members each month. He solicits members “based on how they will affect the system in the Greenville area. It’s management so each and every client
gets the most they can out of Tradebank.” An overabundance of professionals in one field diminishes the variety and value of services for the entire pool, he said. “We always concentrate on food industry, automotive, contractors, and now we’re getting more into technology over the past several years,” said Smith. That has meant increased focus on recruiting businesses that deal with computers, search engine optimization, Web design and online marketing. Other exchanges may be less selective in their recruitment. It takes a critical mass of members for an exchange to be valuable, and many attempts fail. However, members of successful exchanges report numerous benefits, citing new business and reduced costs as chief among them. Contact Jennifer Oladipo at joladipo@thespartanburgjournal.com.
The fine print by dick hughes
Europe’s Woes Reach Upstate
The economic collapse in the eurozone and cuts in defense spending are dimming South Carolina’s economic growth projections for next year, according to TD Economics. The TD Bank Group economists said those factors likely would make the state’s economic growth slower than that in Georgia and Florida but still faster than the rest of the nation. Especially worrisome is the negative impact of a recessionary Europe on South Carolina’s manufacturers, the lion’s share of which are in the Upstate. “Europe accounts for nearly one-third of the state’s exports, with auto-related equipment the state’s largest export commodity,” the economists said. “As foreign demand for South Carolina-manufactured autos falls, the sector will have to lean more on domestic market strength to drive growth next year.” Because South Carolina “ranks high among the states for exposure to federal defense spending,” TD Economics said even the inevitability of “some degree of federal military downsizing” will be a drag on growth. “In light of these risks, South Carolina’s economy is likely to grow around 2.4 percent next year, softer than Florida and Georgia but faster than the nation as a whole.” In the main, however, the TD economists are bullish on South Carolina. They noted that manufacturing, while being flat this year, had above-average
20 SPARTANBURG Journal | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
growth last year, and the state “is still an attractive destination for manufacturers thanks to below-average business costs.” They said that because the state is in “decent fiscal shape” with a modest budget surplus, it should be able “to better weather federal spending cuts slated to hit next year.” On the bright side, as well, TD Economics said housing prices have turned positive and tourism is gradually improving.
BMW Tops in Exports
The National Association of Foreign Trade Zones (NAFTZ) named BMW in Spartanburg as the Exporter of the Year, and recognized it as the manufacturer showing the most improvement in value of exports. Lewis Leibowitz, chairman of NAFTZ, said BMW “has proven to be especially successful to ensure the U.S. remains a strong global competitor. BMW’s plant in South Carolina continues to be a leader in the passenger vehicle segment, and we applaud their results.” BMW produces more than 1,000 vehicles daily in Spartanburg and exports approximately 70 percent to more than 130 global markets. The U.S. Department of Commerce ranks BMW here as the nation’s largest automotive exporter based on value.
In another honor, the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index lists BMW as the leading automotive company in developing vehicles that contribute to reducing fuel consumption and therefore emission of greenhouse gases.
New Plant for Fort Mill
Shutterfly Inc. plans to triple its East Coast manufacturing capability with a new plant in Fort Mill. The company said it would build a new 300,000-square-foot plant about 10 miles from its smaller existing facility in Charlotte, N.C. The new plant will open in the second quarter of 2013, the company said. In addition, Shutterfly said it would base a customer service center in Fort Mill. The company said it would be adding jobs in the next three years but did not say how many.
Shred That Wastepaper
The public is invited to bring unwanted paper to Cohen’s Closeouts in Spartanburg for free shredding Friday, Oct. 5. The free-shred day is co-sponsored by Shred 360, an information management firm. It will be held at Cohen’s Closeouts warehouse outlet store at 307 W. Main St. from noon until 2 p.m.
JOURNAL SKETCHBOOK Honoring the Old Troubadour
Wofford music series celebrates Carl Sandburg and his love of classical guitar By CINDY LANDRUM | staff
A perfect way to introduce college students to unfamiliar styles of music is with an instrument they know. That was part of John Akers’ philosophy when he started the Troubadour Series, now in its 12th year at Wofford College. “Student audiences in general are more receptive to the guitar than they are the violin,” he said. “They’re familiar with the guitar because it is an important instrument in the music they listen to. A lot of students these days haven’t listened to classical music before.” They’ll get their chance over the next month at three Troubadour Series concerts at Leonard Auditorium featuring classical guitar. Akers said he fell in love with the classical guitar after he heard a fellow student at Middlebury College in Vermont play. The classiTROUBADOUR continued on PAGE 22
Ministering to the homeless Journalist turned Triune Mercy Center pastor finds out what they don’t teach in seminary Even before her official starting date as pastor at Triune Mercy Center, a run-down inner-city church on Rutherford Street where the homeless gathered, former journalist Deb Richardson-Moore had second thoughts about her first job after seminary.
Richardson-Moore from her secondfloor office last week. Now in her seventh year as Triune’s pastor, she said that first year of ministry was “by far the hardest year of my life. I thought I knew Greenville. I thought I knew poverty.” During her early days on the job, Richardson-Moore found herself thinking about leaving. “I told God I’d give it a year. I didn’t want to be called a quitter,” she said. She counted down the weeks she had left, although spiritually and emotionally Richardson-Moore didn’t think she deserved another job in the ministry. TRIUNE continued on PAGE 22
GREG BECKNER / STAFF
By CINDY LANDRUM | staff
The position had sounded magical to her, a place where important work was being done and the gospel was being played out at a primal level. But that’s before somebody with a 2-by-4 came into Triune on a Saturday morning and allegedly took a swing at somebody, hitting an employee in the head on his backswing. There was no blood, but the employee was lying in the hallway having what looked to be a seizure. Richardson-Moore later found out the employee was on drugs and would buy prescription painkillers from the church’s addicted parishioners. “If I had known what I was getting into, I never would have come,” said
Pastor and director of the Triune Mercy Center Deb Richardson-Moore has written a book about her first three years at the center, “The Weight of Mercy: A Novice Pastor on the City Streets.”
SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 | SPARTANBURG JOURNAL 21
JOURNAL SKETCHBOOK TRIUNE continued from PAGE 21
ROBERT NEJAKO
On Oct. 12, the Presti Guitar Trio, the first professional all-female guitar trio in the United States, will perform in Leonard Auditorium. TROUBADOUR continued from PAGE 21
cal guitar is separated from other types of guitar by the uniqueness of the instrument itself, he says: It typically has nylon strings and its design and tuning goes back 200 years. Before he started the Troubadour Series, Akers brought in classical guitar students from the North Carolina School of the Arts to perform at Wofford. The Troubadour Series gets its name from Carl Sandburg’s “The Guitar: Some Definitions.” Akers learned of Sandburg’s love of the instrument after he moved to Saluda, N.C., and visited Sandburg’s house in Flat Rock, now a national historic site. After reading “The Guitar,” Akers, a foreign language professor before he started the Troubadour Series, began collecting some of Sandburg’s writings and learned more about his interest in the classical guitar. Akers said he could tell Sandburg wasn’t just talking about simply strumming a few chords. “I knew he was talking about the study of the classical guitar and the tradi-
SO YOU KNOW What: The Troubadour Series Where: Wofford College Who and When: Oct. 4: Zane Forshee Oct. 12: Presti Guitar Trio Oct. 29: Stanley Alexandrowicz Time and place: 7 p.m., Leonard Auditorium Admission: Free
22 SPARTANBURG JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
tion of the instrument.” Sandburg bought his first guitar when he was 32 years old, Akers said. “He had played banjo until then. But after he bought the guitar, he put the banjo away for good,” even playing songs during his poetry recitals. Sandburg was called “the old troubadour” by Frank Lloyd Wright, Akers said. Zane Forshee, who is described by Fingerstyle Guitar magazine as one of his generation’s finest guitarists, will perform at Wofford on Oct. 4. Forshee performs as a soloist and in chamber ensembles. He is the winner of the top prize in the National Guitar Workshop International Solo Guitar Competition, the top prize in the Montpelier Artist Recital Competition and first prize in the Baltimore Music Club String Competition. He recently was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to Spain in support of his current recording project of contemporary Spanish works for solo guitar. On Oct. 12, the Presti Guitar Trio, the first professional all-female guitar trio in the United States, will perform in Leonard Auditorium. The group’s name pays homage to Ida Presti, considered by many to be the greatest woman guitarist to date and one of the best performers in the history of the instrument. And, finally, on Oct. 29, classical guitarist Stanley Alexandrowicz will perform. He has premiered and commissioned more than 100 works by composers from Europe, Asia, North America and South America. The event is being co-sponsored by The Music Foundation of Spartanburg. Contact Cindy Landrum at clandrum@thespartanburgjournal.com.
“If I couldn’t deal with them, it wasn’t fair to give me an easier flock,” she said. Richardson-Moore changed careers after having worked for 27 years as a reporter for the Greenville News. Her journey to ordained ministry started when the paper’s managing editor asked her to take the religion beat at the News. “Religion never showed up in reader surveys, but they knew in Greenville, S.C., religion was a big thing,” she said. Richardson-Moore, who grew up Baptist, agreed. She knew Christianity, but decided she wanted to go to school to learn more about other religions. Furman University and Clemson University did not offer comparative religion degrees, so Richardson enrolled in Erskine Seminary in Due West. “I went to seminary with no notion to be a minister,” she said. “I just wanted to learn more about my beat.” She became mesmerized in her first class. For the next three years, Richardson-Moore said she prayed for the answer to a question that had popped into her head: Would her career in the religious field be as a writer or as a pastor? The managing editor played a part in that decision as well. He told his writers to think of their dream story, the one they would be proud to submit to the New York Times as a clip. Richardson-Moore told him she wanted to do a story on how people know what God is saying to them. She spent the next months asking pastors about their call to the ministry. “Some heard God audibly,” she said. “Others were floundering around like me. Sometimes they would see it in hindsight, never in foresight.” A friend of hers in seminary was leaving as Triune’s minister. Triune had dissolved as a Methodist church and Richardson-Moore, who saw the scarcity of women pastors in Baptist churches, had the opening she needed. On her first Sunday, Richardson-
Moore preached about welcoming strangers. In walked a stranger claiming to be a preacher from Laurens on his way with his youth group to sing at a church in Simpsonville. He claimed his van had broken down and he needed $23.60 to pay for a taxi. Richardson-Moore grabbed the money from her purse and volunteered her husband to take him to his van. An hour later, she remembered what a former Triune pastor had told her: “Never give money. Never give rides.” She pieced together the details of the stranger’s story that were not adding up. She realized she had been scammed – and that she hadn’t heard from her husband and daughter. She called and was relieved when her husband answered. When she told him it was a scam, her husband said, “But Deb, no one would go to all that trouble for $23.” A big part of Triune’s mission is ministering to the homeless, though many of its members are anything but. Many live in Greenville’s suburbs in nice, tidy subdivisions: doctors and lawyers and schoolteachers. “We’re bringing people of different socioeconomic levels together around a common table,” she said, to a place where the homeless can come and be told, “We’re glad you’re here.” A place where those blessed with homes can learn about a population that otherwise would be invisible to them. Contact Cindy Landrum at clandrum@thespartanburgjournal.com.
SO YOU KNOW: WHO: Triune Mercy Center pastor Deb Richardson-Moore, author of “The Weight of Mercy” WHAT: book launch events WHEN AND WHERE: Oct. 18 Triune Mercy Center, 2 to 4 p.m. Fiction Addiction, 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 15 Fiction Addiction’s Book Your Lunch, noon, The Lazy Goat. $25, reservations required. Call 675-0540
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scene. here.
the week in the local arts world
$500 O FF any jo b $7,5 00 or mo re
We’re so much more than decking
(exp. 1 2/31/1 2)
Pergolas · Sunrooms · Screened Porches · Hardscapes & Patios Gazebos · Outdoor Kitchens · Outdoor Living Rooms · Shade Structures · 3-Season Rooms · Deck & Deck Replacements Jane Allen Nodine, a professor of art and director of the Curtis R. Harley Gallery at the University of South Carolina Upstate, will have her works of encaustic on display in two shows this fall. Wax Foundations: Encaustic in the Southeast will run through Oct. 28 at Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C. More details about the show can be found at www.meredith.edu/art/gallery-info.htm. Her second show, Heated Exchange: Contemporary Encaustic, will be at Upstairs Artspace in Tryon, N.C., through Nov. 17. Nodine will also lead a workshop on Nov. 10 at the gallery called Working with Wax Resists, Inks and Dyes. More information about the show and this workshop is available at www.upstairsartspace.org. The International Education Center at Greenville Technical College and the Presbyterian College Confucius Institute present “The Peking Opera” on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. in the J. Verne Smith Auditorium on the Barton Campus of Greenville Tech. The opera presents the audience with information on Chinese culture as it entertains with unfolding stories, beautiful paintings, exquisite costumes, graceful gestures and martial arts. In “Peking Opera,” there are four roles: the male and female roles, the painted face role and the comedic role. These roles have the natural features of age and sex, as well as social status, and are artificially exaggerated by makeup, costume and gestures. A $5 donation is requested. For more information, call 864-250-8000.
Greenville 864-235-6302 | Spartanburg 864-542-9404 | archadeck.com C92R
Ballet Spartanburg is hosting Community Dance Jam on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2-3:15 p.m., and everyone — regardless of ability or disability — is invited to participate. This event at the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg will be free and will provide professional instruction by a teacher with special training in teaching dance to handicapped people. Community Dance Jam is designed for those people who might think dance is beyond their abilities. Participants must be at least 15 years old to participate. The 75-minute class will include a warmup session, improv techniques and movement exploration to fit any ability. The event’s teacher will be Melanie Gladstone, who grew up dancing and performing in New York for more 20 years. For more information, call 864-583-0339. The Spartanburg Youth Theatre’s first production of the 2012-2013 season, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” will be on Oct. 5 at 4:30 and 7 p.m., and on Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. While the awkward and superstitious Ichabod Crane competes with his brutish rival Brom Bones for the affections of the young Katrina, a ghostly apparition awaits Ichabod, ready to pursue him on his night ride through the forest. With plenty of chills, laughs and the perfect combination of comedy and suspense, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is exciting family entertainment and the perfect Halloween treat. All performances are at the Chapman Cultural Center. Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for students, and can be purchased by phone at 864-542-2787 or online at www.chapmanculturalcenter.org. Send us your arts announcement. Email: spartanburgarts@thespartanburgjournal.com
Saturday, September 29 Fluor Field, Greenville Race Hotline (864) 234-5035 Register at www.KomenSCMM.org SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 | SPARTANBURG Journal 23
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Broadway is 715 miles from Spartanburg… But you can experience THE BEST OF BROADWAY at the Peace Center!
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our schools activities, awards and accomplishments
The Spartanburg Writing Project (SWP) at the University of South Carolina Upstate will host its annual Fall Renewal Conference for educators on Oct. 18, from 3-7 p.m., at the University Readiness Center. The conference is called “Authentic Reading, Writing and Research: Because Literacy Is the Common Core” and it addresses the need to integrate reading and writing skills with the study of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The event is open to all public and private school educators in the Upstate. However, seating is limited. The cost of registration is $45 per person. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. All participants will be eligible for recertification credits. Registration forms are available at www. uscupstate.edu/swp or by emailing Tasha Thomas at tthomas@uscupstate.edu. The deadline to register is Oct. 8. The First Tee of Spartanburg recently announced a National School Program (NSP) affiliation with Lone Oak Elementary. Students will be taught The First Tee golf and life skills as part of their physical education instruction during school hours. The curriculum promotes character and wellness education through the game of golf. One of more than 4,800 schools nationwide, including 14 Spartanburg County schools, to be certified through The First Tee, Lone Oak Elementary is sponsored by Phil Roper. For information on school or student sponsorships and programming offerings, visit www.thefirstteespartanburg.org.
Tickets to our 2012-2013 Broadway line-up are now on sale – six blockbuster shows with 16 Tony Awards among them. Pick your favorites or subscribe to all six. The magic of Broadway awaits you in downtown Greenville at the new Peace Center! ONLY AT
24 SPARTANBURG Journal | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
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Spartanburg Community College has narrowed a search for its fifth president since its founding more than 49 years ago. Four finalists have been selected from 112 applicants and were presented to the Spartanburg County Commission for Technical and Community Education. Search committee members include Bruce Johnson, chairman of the Spartanburg County Commission; Tammy Devine, member and 4th congressional representative, State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education; and Dr. Ronnie Booth, president of Tri-County Technical College. The final presidential candidates include Dr. Ben P. Dillard, III, of Piedmont, S.C.; Henry C. Giles, Jr., of Rutherfordton, N.C.; Dr. Richard J. Gough of West End, N.C.; and Dr. Randall E. Lee of Decatur, Miss.
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Roots Ruth’s Chris Stella and Dot Studio.7 The Clothing Warehouse
This free, public event promotes local shopping, dining, and fashion! Rally your friends and pick-up your passport at any of these locations beginning October 1. Use your passport (filled with exclusive coupons) to guide you through the crawl on Oct. 4 & 5. As you collect stamps, you will be qualified for a chance to win a ton of great prizes including a grand prize of two round-trip tickets, two nights in a luxury hotel, and $500 spending money for you and a guest to New York City! FREE TROLLEY SERVICE will be available to shuttle between JB Lacher (N. Main Street) and MUSE Shoe Studio (Augusta Street).
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For updates, information, participants, & all things Fashion on the TOWN, be sure to…
28 SPARTANBURG Journal | SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
journal sketchbook
the week in photos
look who’s in the journal this week
Crossword puzzle: page 30 Spartanburg Day School’s first-grade classes recently held Clifford Day. Students dressed up to celebrate and all of their academic lessons involved Clifford. The first book in the series, “Clifford the Big Red Dog” by Norman Bridwell, was published on September 5, 1963. Clifford will be 50 years old next year. Spartanburg Day School first-graders from left to right, Michael Bayiha, William Jobe, and Arden Harley in their Clifford Day attire.
Sia Patel tries a dog bone-shaped cookie snack during Clifford Day at the Spartanburg Day School.
The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus partnered with the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and Spartanburg Emergency Medical Services to host the second in a series of simulation exercises on the medical school campus. Here Chris Martin, director of simulation at the VCOM – Carolinas Campus, monitors each simulation from the VCOM control room.
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= Tobby Bishop and Michael Alexander discuss simulation exercises after viewing video playback of each paramedic’s experience. Debriefing is a benefit to both the paramedics and the study itself, as it allows participants to gain a better understanding of emergency medicine in realistic situations.
Jamie Moore provides emergency medical care to a simulated patient who experienced symptoms of a heart attack. The Laerdal SimMan 3G is a life-sized simulator that can be programmed and monitored from the nearby control room to act as a patient and react to treatment during the simulation exercise.
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Ian Andrews watches the simulation playback. The emergency medical care providers are given the opportunity to view video footage of their work and discuss their experiences during playback.
Sudoku puzzle: page 30
SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 | SPARTANBURG Journal 29
journal sketchbook
figure. this. out. Group practice
By Gail Grabowski
Easy 107 Pension law acronym 108 Major function 109 Bailiff’s request 110 Disastrous 111 __ system 112 Birthstone before topaz 113 Settled down 114 Growl relative 115 They may be emotional 116 It may get hot under your collar
Across 1 Find a space 5 Baking aid 10 Surrounded by 15 Project leader’s selection 19 Ingredient in some soaps 20 Scandinavian wife of comics 21 Redder inside 22 Joyful dance 23 That-say connection 24 Under control across the board 25 Group providing pro bono services?
27 Group overseeing porch furniture? 30 Land chronicled by Lewis 31 Some Little League volunteers 32 Punished, in a way 34 Mazatlán munchie 37 Teammate of Pee Wee and Duke 40 Hive member 42 When many shovels may be seen 44 Meadow matriarch 45 Group dealing with hard stuff?
49 Santa __ 50 Blunder 52 Crypts, e.g. 53 ESPN pitch, say 54 Record holders 55 Océan sight 56 Eyelashes 57 Garbo of “Grand Hotel” 58 Jerry Rice’s record 208, briefly 59 St.-finding aid 60 Scary noble gas 61 Online newsgroup system 62 “Here we are!”
64 Sensitive spots 65 CIA briefing info 66 Soldiers’ org. formed during WWII 68 Gaucho gear 69 Alarming way to go? 70 One of four in Massachusetts: Abbr. 72 Prayer object 73 Remains unsettled 74 The Snake R. runs through it 75 Morocco’s capital 77 Edinburgh girl 78 Bashes 79 Island republic near the
Malay Peninsula 81 Ristorante suffix 82 Group supervising subs? 85 Pursue, as a deadbeat 86 Risky stock category 88 Faculty officials 89 “Despite that ...” 91 Maternally related 92 On the ball 94 Radio-active sort? 95 Comedian’s sidekick 97 Group testing antipasto tidbits? 103 Group specializing in spinal complaints?
Down 1 Two of a kind 2 Besides 3 Univ. recruiter 4 Iowa city named for a Sauk chief 5 Wrinkly dogs 6 Goes to bat for 7 “The First Lady of Song” 8 Austrian painter Schiele 9 Assume to be 10 Lab greeting 11 Seine tributary 12 Mountain nymph 13 “Oh, thou did’st then __ love so heartily”: Shak. 14 Moms’ moms, familiarly 15 Bad thing to be caught in 16 Quite a stretch 17 Detour, perhaps
Sudoku answers: page 29 18 Kentucky Derby time 26 Humongous 28 Pugilist Griffith et al. 29 R.I. governor Chafee 33 “Very creative!” 35 Group assisting St. Peter? 36 Highly decorative 37 Mutt’s mate 38 Look forward to 39 Group handling handheld phone sales? 40 Dramatic one-on-ones 41 It might be skipped 42 Chicago Sky’s org. 43 Egyptian Peace Nobelist 46 Cotton-on-stick cleaners 47 Ties with clasps 48 “Call,” in poker 51 Sonnet sections 53 Syrup source 56 Course rentals 57 Prime meridian std. 59 NASA’s Grissom 60 Shoulder location 61 A, in Arles 63 Squalid quarters 64 Tendon 65 Old Colgate competitor 66 Improvise 67 Nasty sort 68 No longer working: Abbr.
69 “Later, amigo” 71 1983 Golden Boot Award winner Lash 73 Phnom __ 74 Library ID 75 “It’s Always Something” autobiographer 76 Shelter near a fire 78 Open confrontations 80 Wall-mounted grips 82 Brief brawl 83 Uno minus uno 84 Like ballplayers during the national anthem 87 “A-Tisket, A-__” 90 Smaug in “The Hobbit,” for one 92 Tummy trouble 93 Old Renault 94 Composer Franck 96 End-era link 98 Camaro __-Z 99 ‘80s “This Old House” host Bob 100 Western wine region 101 Give the band a hand 102 Robust 103 Uplifting item 104 Have a bug 105 Drama set in Vegas 106 Letter opener?
Crossword answers: page 29
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clueless in gramling with steve wong
A tale of a three-legged dog By the time you read this, I’ll have a happy threelegged dog. As I write, I know that Bella, a mixed-breed black and white dog we rescued out of a street-side donation box, is at the vet’s office having her left front leg amputated. For the past week, I’ve wrestled with myself trying Bella to decide if Bella should lose her leg or be put down. It started a week ago, on a lazy Sunday morning. My wife and I were in New York City visiting my starving artist daughter. We were treating her to a gourmet brunch when I got the call. “Do you have a black and white female dog named Bella? I found her on the road. She’s been hit by a car. She’s not dead, but I think her leg is broken.” For the next hour, cellphones between New York City and Spartanburg blazed as we arranged for family and friends to take Bella to the emergency vet. Her first stop was the local golf course, where Bella, being the good ol’ girl that she is, often hangs out. I knew Bella would be welcome there until I could find someone to take her to the vet. Thankfully, the golf course manager volunteered. For the better part of the day, the family worried. We considered leaving New York early but knew being 12 hours away there was really nothing we could do. The vet called later that day and told us Bella would live, but her left front leg had suffered major nerve damage and was at the time useless. He said she might fully recover. He also said she might not and that the leg would need to be amputated. It was a long trip home the next day while I weighed the options in my mind. Bella is a muscular, active outdoors dog that holds her own (plus some) in the family pack. I guess she is the alpha female, always teaching BaBa, our big pup, the ropes of running deer through the peach orchards, or keeping Futar, the only male, in line. Bella is the most friendly, high-spirited dog you’d ever expect to find thrown in a donation box. I was having a hard time picturing her not running full-tilt around the side of the house, racing the other dogs to their dinner. I was having an even harder time picturing myself telling the vet to put her down.
I tried to keep an open mind, but I let it be known in the family that if I was not convinced Bella would lead a happy life with three legs, I would have her put down. This was not sitting well with anyone, myself included. All last week, my hopes were pinned on one comment from the vet: Bella might fully recover despite the fact that her leg dangled from her body. I hated that the vet was right: If the leg didn’t soon start to recover, it would get dragged around, incurring further damage. After work, I’d let Bella out for a little exercise and playtime with BaBa and Futar. For a three-legged dog, she was doing pretty good. She was learning to walk (even up the porch stairs) and run a bit, but the limp left leg was getting beat up. Mid-week, the vet asked me how Bella was doing. I was honest. She said she’d try a cortisone shot to stimulate the nerves. Last night, Bella was more restless than usual. Instead of resting peacefully on the rug in the library, she would hobble through the house to find me and lay her head in my hands. I have to believe she could sense my own apprehension. I literally carried Bella to the vet this morning. She’s getting to be a big dog, weighing in at over 50 pounds. But once in the vet’s office, she refused to be afraid or sad. Her tail wagged harder as each vet, vet assistant and secretary patted her head. She made it a point to investigate any open room. She had seemingly made up her mind to face the facts of her life with optimism. Two vets told me in their professional opinions that Bella was an excellent candidate for a full and happy life as a three-legged dog. The vet just called. Bella is out of surgery and walking on three healthy legs. Come Wednesday, I’ll take her home to a slightly different life. She may not ever chase another deer through the orchards, but if I know Bella, she’ll be fine. She’ll find something else, probably better, to do. Isn’t that what good ol’ girls always do? Steve Wong is a writer from Spartanburg. He and wife live in a peach orchard with a menagerie. He can be reached at Just4Wong@ Gmail.com.
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SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 | SPARTANBURG Journal 31