Iris_MarchApril 2010

Complimentary

iris

March-April 2009

sumter’s magazine for women

Dare to Dream with Sumter’s Historic Homes

Fine Dining with a Local Flavor

Sumter’s Newest Restaurant

Thinking about Botox?

We Go Under the Needle

March/April 2009 w Iris w 1

Brown’s

Furniture & Bedding

“Where Quality Matters”

Brown’s Furniture & Bedding

“Where Quality Matters”

Stan

Cornelia

Jason

31 West Wesmark Blvd. Sumter, SC - 803-774-2100

We invite you to our store to see why we were voted #1 2 w Iris w March/April 2009 in Sumter for Best Furniture & Best Bedding.

$ What makes us different?

We advertise what we pay unlike those other guys.

CASH ON THE SPOT! Per Penny Weight 10k $12.00 14k $18.00 18k $24.00 1 oz. Gold Eagle Coin $88000 22k $32.00

Per Gram 10k $7.00 14k $10.00 18k $13.00 22k $20.00

All prices above based on gold market price at $880.00

Big T Jewelers Established 1969

520 West Boyce Street • Manning, SC 29102 March/April 2009 (803) 435-8094

w Iris w 3

Cover Story 34

Letter from the Editor 6

The Mansions of Sumter - Yours for the Asking

Sumter Seen 9

Sumter Calendar 15 What to do and Where to go

Lap of Luxury 18 Two dream SUVs for Women on the Go

Forever Young 22 The Frozen Chosen

Hot Couture 26 Fashion Week Around the World

Flower Power 30 Creating the Victory Garden

Administrative Professionals 46

features

sections

Photos from Sumter’s Inaugural Ball & Wine Fest

iris A publication of

Making it Happen Sumter

Fresh on the Menu 52 Fine Dining at Sumter’s Newest Restaurant

Hats for Sale 57 When You Want to Look Your Best, Duck for Cover

EDITOR Annabelle Robertson

Scrapbook Ladies 60 Playing for Keeps

Selling Sumter 64 Sumter’s Top Realtor Shows the Market is Still Going Strong

Home & Hearth 41 DIY for a Budget-Strapped 2009

PUBLISHER Jack Osteen

LAYOUT & DESIGN Cary Johnson Beverly Nelson PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Moore Keith Gedamke

Swan Song 66 The Balm of Spring

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Susan Holley

Want to feature your business in our magazine?

Call an advertising representative at 803-774-1236 or email sholley@theitem.com.

The Little Shop With Big Surprises!

Receive 15% Off any in stock purchase when you mention this ad through 1/31/09.

774-0406 7 74-0 0406

4 w Iris w March/April 2009

406 Miller Rd., Sumter, SC sumtercentral.com/gallery406

the beauty of spring... style

▼

lowlighting

highlighting

▼

▼

hair designing

▼

Manicure & Pedicure Facials & Cosmetics Microdermabrasion Massage Body Treatments Waxing - Face & Body

beauty

quick and easy application long lasting and water resistant certified organic anti-aging extracts uv protection properties safe for sensitive skin oil free, chemical free and paraben-free

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

spa

foils

Salon & Spa

721 B Bultman Drive • Sumter, South Carolina 29150

803.774.HAIR • 803.773.8661 www.NSalonandSpa.com

Gift Certificates Available All consultations are complimentary March/April 2009 w Iris w 5

We’ve got it all!

BRIDAL

PROM

PROM

PAGEANT

SOMETHING FUN!

New and Gently Used Men’s, Women’s and Children’s Designer and Brand Name Clothing and Accessories •Costumes and Vintage Area

Castaway Consignments

Wesmark Plaza • 773-5671 Open: Mon-Sat 6 w Iris w March/April 2009 10-6

Six Years in a Row!

letter from the editor It’s a new year, and Iris has a brand new look – along with a brand new staff.

I’m honored to have inherited the editor position of this publication from Mary Dolan, former staff writer at The Item.

Together with our publisher, Jack Osteen, Mary first brought Iris to Sumter in January of 2008. She and her team did a wonderful job this past year, and thanks to them, I have huge shoes to fill. You will be missed, Mary.

I’m thrilled about our plans for the re-launch Iris. Our reasons for this change of direction are simple.

We wanted Iris to be a reflection of Sumter. It is, after all, the magazine of Sumter women. With that in mind, we have focused content almost exclusively on local people and local issues. Iris is about you – and we want to know what you think.

In this issue, we’ll highlight some of Sumter’s finest jewels – three historic homes that are available, for the asking. These beautiful properties will escort you back in time, to a day when entertaining meant eight course meals and midnight balls, and tea was taken on the terrace. Take a good, long look at the Mansions of Sumter, and dare to dream.

In honor of Administrative Profes-

sionals Day (formerly Secretaries Day) on April 22, NiCole Williams, of Morris College, has interviewed four of Sumter’s hardest working women. With their infectious personalities and Sumter focus, their dedication makes our city what it is today, and we’re proud to introduce them to you.

Think real estate is slow? Not so, says Sumter’s top producer. This woman did more than $7 million in sales last year, and her story will show you that success is possible, even during trying times. We’ll also tell you about two gals who ignored the economic storm to start their first shop. They’re now helping Sumter scrappers keep it local.

Along with our beautiful gardening and home décor sections, we also have a beauty essay. Much to the amusement of fellow reporters at The Item, I became a Botox guinea pig, and the results may surprise you.

Last but not least, don’t forget our fashion pages, which showcase some of the best of three Fashion Weeks in New York, London and Madrid.

Thank you, Sumter. It’s a new day, a new season, and a new Iris.

And I’m delighted to be here with you.

Annabelle Robertson Editor

March/April 2009 w Iris w 7

We’re Moving!

Come see The Laser Center of Sumter’s beautiful new Day Spa at 327 Broad Street

Everything you need for a more beautiful you...

Relaxation Room • Manicure/Pedicure Facial Room • Massage Room • Cosmetic Filler Room Hydrotherapy Room • Sauna • Laser Room

327 Broad Street • Sumter, SC

774-2400

8 w Iris w March/April 2009

Wine Fest Sumter Senior Services presented its 11th Annual Sumter WineFest on January 15 at the Sumter County Gallery of Art and Patriot Hall. In addition to tasting dozens of fine wines, attendees enjoyed gourmet delicacies prepared by nine chefs and restaurateurs, live music and a silent auction. The annual gala benefits the senior citizens of Sumter.

Audrey Jones performed for the crowd

Danny Chandler and Les Carpenter taste the goods March/April 2009 w Iris w 9

Kim and Eric Reisenauer and another couple enjoy the music over a glass

The Lauren Decker Trio provided music

10 w Iris w March/April 2009

Inaugural Ball Dresssed in ball gowns, furs and tuxedos, more than 400 people came to the M.H. Family Life Enrichment Center on January 20, to celebrate the inauguration of our nation’s first black president. They sat at tables of 10 bedecked with white tableclothss, flowers white tablecloths, flowers and linen napkins. Presidentialblue bows adorned the chairs and 40 waiters served a four-course meal of surf and turf, as Sumter dignitaries spoke of the new beginning that this historic election represented.

Cheryl Weeks & Rep. David Weeks

Delina Hart & Alvina L. Ladson

Rev. Daryl McGhaney & Vivian Fleming-McGhaney

March/April 2009 w Iris w 11

Dorothy Chatman & Birnie Porter

Hazel Mack, Beatrice Thomas, Aretha Dix and Annie Meredith

Keesha Gibbons & Dr. Edna Davis

12 w Iris w March/April 2009

65

thANNIVERSARY

65

$

dis! n a t S V Then you purchaosoemth w Living R d 5 Piece tan 8" TV S X-cess 4 $ 179

t Valued a

Check out $65 deals throughout the store– our way of saying thanks for 65 great years!

Also available in Cameron Berry & Birch

Carlie Sage 5 Piece Living Room

Includes Sofa, Loveseat, Cocktail Table & 2 End Tables

1399

$

GET 3 FULL ROOMS FOR ONLY

mix & match 1 living room + 1 bedroom + 1 dining room and pay only $65/month for all 3!

Also available in Galaxy

Solara Espresso 5 Piece Living Room Includes Sofa, Loveseat, Cocktail Table & 2 End Tables.

* ! h t n per mo

Kira 5 Piece Bedroom

Hayley 5 Piece Dining Room

Includes Queen Panel Bed, Dresser & Mirror.

Includes 48" Square Counter Height Table & 4 Bar Stools

Maso n

Sumter

Monday-Friday: 10am-7pm Saturday: 10am-6pm

Rd

I-76 y Terr

2850 Broad St Sumter, SC 29150 803-469-7283

65

$

Br oa

d

St

Rd *On approved credit. Minimum purchase of $2499 required. Financing provided by CitiFinancial Retail Services. Finance Charges will not accrue on the purchase during the credit promotional period if the required minimum payment is made each billing cycle during the credit promotional period when due. The purchase price is divided by the number of months in the credit promotional period to determine equal monthly payments to be made during the credit promotional period. Credit promotional period may be terminated if you default under your account agreement. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. Some pieces and fabric prints may vary by region. Selection may vary by store. Although every precaution is taken, errors in price and/ or specification may occur in print. We reserve the right to correct any such errors. Prices valid for a limited time only. Participation times may vary. HomeStores are independently owned and operated. An amount equal to sales taxes and delivery charges must be paid at the time of purchase. Previous purchases excluded. Picture may not represent item exactly as shown, advertised items may not be on display at all locations. Š2009 Ashley HomeStores, Ltd. Expires 03/23/2009

March/April 2009 w Iris w 13

Open Sundays at Noon Curbside Takeaway also Available!

Free Aussietizer upon presenting this advertisement

2480 Broad Street • Sumter, SC 29150 803-469-4329 • Fax 803-469-4640

14 w Iris w March/April 2009

086-OBCRPP88560

Sumter calendar

What To Do And Where to Go

March 13 Sumter’s House of Classic Movies – Sumter Opera House – For more information call (803)436-2640.

Carolina Cup - Springdale Race Course, 200 Knights Hill Rd, Camden, South Carolina – For more information call (803)432-6513.

March 13 – 15 Sumter Jr. Challenger – Palmetto Tennis Center - For more information please call (803)774-3969.

April 2 – 5 “Henry & Ramona” – Sumter Little Theatre – For more information please call (803)775-2150.

March 13 – 15 Manchester Trail Ride - Mill Creek Park – For more information call (803)436-2248.

April 2 – May 22 Bivouac Project – New Media Curated by Frank McCauley - Sumter County Gallery of Art – For more information call (803)775-0543.

March 14 SCISA Softball Tournament – Dillon Park – For more information call (803)436-2248.

2009 Start! Sumter County Heart Walk – Sumter Chamber of Commerce – For more information visit http://www.startsumtercountysc.org.

March 18 Julius Caesar by the Georgia Shakespeare Company’s touring company- USC Sumter Nettles Auditorium – For more information call (803)938-3851.

March 20 – 21 9th Annual Scottish Country Fair and Celtic Festival – For more information or to purchase tickets contact The Sumter County Museum at (803)775-0908.

March 23 – 27 Fine Arts Festival – For more information call (803)934-3234.

March 26 Second Annual Jack Doyle Storytelling Festival – USC Sumter Nettles Auditorium – For more information call (803)938-3851.

March 26 – 29 “Henry & Ramona” – Sumter Little Theatre – For more information please call (803)775-2150.

March 27 Sumter’s House Unplugged Live at the Sumter Opera House - For more information call (803)436-2640.

March 28 Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce Business Expo - Sumter Mall - For more information call (803)775-1231.

Youth Softball & Baseball Jamboree - Bobby Richardson Complex at Palmetto Park – For more information call (803)436-2248.

April 3 Sumter’s House of Comedy Live at the Sumter Opera House - For more information call (803)436-2640 April 4 Miss Lakewood High School Pageant – Patriot Hall –For more information call (803)436-2260.

April 7 The Sumter-Shaw Community Concert Association presents “USAF Academy Falconaires” – Patriot Hall – For more information call (803)469-2114.

April 8 – 9 Safe Kids Fest sponsored by Tuomey Healthcare System - Sumter County Exhibition Center - For more information call (803)774-8822.

April 9 Sumter @ Six Outdoor Concert Series Brody Pavilion Downtown on Harvin Street - For information call (803)436-2640.

April 10 Sumter’s House of Classic Movies – Sumter Opera House - For more information call (803)436-2640.

April 11 Easter Egg Hunt – Swan Lake Iris Gardens - For information call (803)436-2248

• Full service bridal • Alterations done on premises • Sizes 2-30 available to try on • Large selection of bridal gowns • Bridesmaids, Flower Girl and Mother of the Bride

April 17 Fridays at the Plaza Concert Series – Rotary Centennial Plaza - For more information go to www.sumtersc.gov or please call (803) 436-2640 or 1-800-688-4748.

April 17 – 19 Conference Carolinas Tournament – Palmetto Tennis Center - For more information please call (803)774-3969.

526 Broad St., Sumter

803-418-0448

March/April 2009 w Iris w 15

Your old Mattress set Is Worth up to:

16 w Iris w March/April 2009

Four West Hampton Avenue Sumter, South Carolina 29150

803-774-4400 hamptonsfoods.net

MARKET • RESTAURANT • BAKERY

Bakery Monday - Friday 7:00 - 6:00 • Lunch Monday - Friday 11:30March/April - 2:30 2009 w Iris w 17 Dinner Thursday - Saturday 5:30 - 9:30

Lap of Luxury

Riding in Cadillac and Lincoln each have a luxury SUV just made for the woman on the go.

I

The Cadillac Escalade

t’s been described as the ultimate luxury SUV. The 2009 Cadillac Escalade has unprecedented interior room – including a third row – loads of amenities and is a breeze to drive. Changing lanes?

Don’t worry about blind spots. This car will alert you. Concerned about drifting lanes, as you glance at the kids? It will let you know you’re doing that, too.

18 w Iris w March/April 2009

The Escalade turns on its own lights – including high beams, when you need them, which dim at approaching vehicles – and every gizmo imaginable, including remote start and heating, Premium Bose Surround Sound, OnStar, DVD navigation, Bluetooth, heated and cooled front seats, a rear camera and a computer hard drive to store your music. The only downside, in fact, to this all-star vehicle is its fuel economy. Although

it’s the best in its class, Consumer Guide still found that regular-length Escalades averaged 15.0-15.6 mpg on the highway, and 12.7 mpg during city driving, while ESV and EXT models averaged 13.8 mpg. Not exactly fuel efficient. Then again, that’s not what SUVs were made for, either.

Prices start at about $65,000

High Style

By Annabelle Robertson

A

The Lincoln Navigator

nother, slightly less pricy option, is the Lincoln Navigator. A unique feature is the car’s power running boards, which push out when you step down, so it’s not too far to the ground. The Navigator also boasts the most stor-

age space of any SUV, even with its third-row seating. Other amenities are similar to the Escalade, such as a THX Audio system, the Bluetooth-style “Sync” system, DVD player, a voice activated navigation system,

heated/cooled front seats, a rear camera, and more.

Prices start at about $51,000.

March/April 2009 w Iris w 19

SUMTER BUSINESS EXPO

Spring Fling

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Sumter Mall 9:00am - 5:00pm

Free to the Public - Fun for the Family!

Vendors from all areas of Business will be on hand to Display their Products & Services Entertainment at Center Court and Belk Pick up a stamp card at the Chamber Booth (located near Center Court) to qualify for Prizes which consist of Laptop courtesy of Bent Oak Computers; (1) $300 gift certificate and (3) $100 gift certificates towards phone/equipment courtesy of FTC Wireless *Restrictions Apply

Thank you to the following sponsors:

Gold: Adams Outdoor Advertising, Creative Image Productions, LLC, Flowers & Baskets, Inc., Limelite Photography, Sumter Workforce Center/OneStop, Bent Oak Computers

Silver: CableVantage Inc., Miller Communications, Product Location

Services, The Copy Shop, The Item, The National Bank of SC, FTC Wireless

Copper: Allstate Insurance-Brewer Agency, American Shipping and

Packing, BW Clark, Inc., Guignard Diner, Shoney’s, The Johnson Co.

Bronze: First Citizen’s Bank, PeeDee Medical Transport, Saint Leo University, Sign Wave LLC

For more information on this event or information on how to become a sponsor or vendor, visit

www.sumterspringfling.com or contact the Chamber (803) 775-1231 Presenting Sponsorship Available - Booth Location at Center Court

Registration 20 w Iris w March/April 2009 forms are available at Chamber of Commerce, NBSC (Wilson Hall Road) and Destinations Spa

Cards will be verified before the grand prize is given. Must be 18 years of age to participate. Proof of age required.

2 0 0 9

J

880E

DPVH 0J

H880

WPD

Change the way you look at laundry!

And get 100 back $

Profile

TM

March/April 2009 w Iris w 21 21 W. Wesmark Blvd. Sumter - 773-2737

Forever young

The

Frozen Chosen

By Annabelle Robertson

Go on, admit it.

You’ve been wondering about it.

Wondering if you need it. Wondering how much it costs. And if it hurts.

Wondering if it works. And, if it does, whether you’d be able to move your face afterwards.

If you’re like most forty-something women, you’re curious about Botox. If you’re like most fifty-something women, you’re very curious. But the fear of being frozen – literally – has you backing away.

To answer your questions, we sent our editor under the needle. And what she learned just may surprise you.

22 w Iris w March/April 2009

T

o Botox or not to Botox – that is the question. At least the one I’d been asking myself for years, as I stared at the deepening craters in my forehead.

Despite 20/20 vision, I’ve always been a squinter. Now, I have learned, the price for this little habit is high. Very high.

Kind of like Botox.

“No, it’s not expensive,” insisted my quasireformed California hippie friend. “I only spent $200. You should try it.” She looked really good, too. Then again, she was 34.

Another friend, Sullivan’s Island author Dorothea Benton Frank, nearly went into menopause when I asked about her Botox. “Don’t do it!” she screamed.

“I looked like Frankenstein!”

“What do you mean?” I said, deepening my forehead wrinkles.

“I can’t talk about it. It’s too upsetting,” she said.

“Just don’t ever get Botox. TRUST ME.” Then “before and after” photos of Angelina Jolie appeared in the tabloids, erasing Dottie’s predictions of doom. Before, Angelina had creases like mine.

After, she looked younger. Serene. And this, with five children under five.

I was sold. I would get Botox. I would write about it. And I would get someone else to pay for it. Okay, so it was botulin poison. But so is Splenda, right?

The gal who met me at the Laser Center of Sumter was highly qualified. She had both a nursing license and a bachelors of science. She had been injecting Botox for years. She used it herself. She wore a white coat.

For my consultation, she instructed me to squint as hard as I could: forehead, eyes, between the eyes. She took photos. She made notes. She agreed about my forehead wrinkles. They definitely needed to go. But then she showed me the “bunny lines” across my nose – another fall-out from squinting. And, I had crow’s feet. Great.

The good news was that this little lady could fix those things. For a small fee, of course. She would start conservative, and inject only minimal amounts.

I was still going to need a lot of Botox – fifty units.

Whatever that meant.

So far so good. She showed me the needle. One injection per unit, she said. Ah. Fifty. Then she informed me that they don’t numb your face or give you any painkillers. They just use ice. Ahhh.

I said a prayer, took some deep breaths and grabbed the sides of my chair. She went to work.

I have always had a low pain threshold. This is not, as my mother once said, all in my imagination.

After years of requiring double doses of anesthesia and jonesing for Ibuprofen at the slightest ache, my doctor informed me last year that pain is quantifiably different in each individual. Something to do with the location of our nerves, apparently, and their proximity to the skin. So there, Mama.

Nevertheless, the injections – fifty sticks, mind you – weren’t that bad. I tensed for them all, and heaved a huge sigh of relief when they were over. Afterwards, my face was splotchy and sore. Just cover it with makeup, said the nurse. It will return to normal in a few hours. She was right.

Total cost: $575. So much for the $200, Cali girl.

During the next ten days, I watched with increasing interest as the Botox took effect. One week later, I could still raise my eyebrows and squint, as I had before. But my forehead didn’t crinkle, and the bunny lines and crow’s feet were minimal. My “elevens,” however – those folds which appear between the eyebrows when we furrow our brow – were still as sharp as ever. I would need more Botox, she said. Another 20 units. Another $230.

Here’s the real kicker. Botox only works for two or three months. In other words, you have to repeat the procedure every quarter, otherwise it’s all for naught. There is some long-term benefit, however.

Over time, I won’t need it as frequently. Almost, but not quite. In addition to helping with my existing wrinkles, I will also be preventing more from forming.

Not all, but some. And those that do wouldn’t be nearly as bad.

Providing I keep it up, coughing up $805, four times a year, for a total annual cost of $3,220. Not including tip.

All this, of course, assuming that the per-unit price of Botox, which is currently at $11.50, doesn’t go up (or that I don’t go to Carolina Dermatology in Columbia, where it’s a whopping $17.50 per unit).

That’s also assuming I don’t need more, as I grow older.

A lot to assume.

Then again, my forehead looks fabulous. I don’t squint as hard. And I look younger. All of which begs the eternal question: at what price, youth?

March/April 2009 w Iris w 23

Good Stuff for Your Truck!

Euro Lights • Billet Grilles • Sports Mufflers and Tips Chrome Door Handle Covers • Mirror Covers Gas Tank Covers • Hitch Covers Tonneau Covers • Step Bars • Bed Liners Tool Boxes • Brush Guards

Interest FREE Financing

“The Truck Specialists”

Dixie Products 1255 N. Lafayette • Sumter • 775-4391

8:00am - 6:00pm Monday - Friday • 8:00am - 1:00pm Saturday

NEED A DIXIE BUILDING ?

We make it easy!

INTEREST FREE FINANCING OR RENT TO OWN - NO CREDIT CHECK! OPTIONS:

• Insulation • Workbenches • Paneling • Additional Doors & Windows

• 6’ Double Door • Garage Doors • Custom Pressure Treated Wood Ramps • Built to custom specs

FREE DELIVERY

Since 1975

24 w Iris w March/April 2009

Committed to Best Building Best Prices & Best Service

NEWMAN’S FURNITURE MART & Church Furnishings Huntboard 3 Piece Set

1299

$

We have furniture for every room of your home...

Church supplies on site and available for order...

Delivery and Set Up Available

1426 Camden Hwy. • Sumter

803-469-9992

March/April 2009 w Iris w 25

Hot Couture

Fashion Week Around the World It may be spring, but in New York, London and Madrid, designers were showing off their fall/winter collections. This year, the look is “ tailored,� with a definite return to the conservative. Get rid of your baby-doll, A-line dresses and jackets. Throw out the slouchy, hobo bag. Think Jackie Kennedy, all the way. Here are the top trends, according to Michael Fink, vice president & women's fashion director of Saks and Avril Graham, executive fashion & beauty editor at Harper's Bazaar.

Massive Necklaces. Look for large, inventive, colored stones, crystals and big architectural pieces. This, they say, will be the single statement piece that will modernize everything in your wardrobe, even a classic white shirt.

26 w Iris w March/April 2009

London, England; Jenny Packham

New York; Chaddo Ralph Rucci

A Tailored Dress. The

“basepoint” of every woman’s wardrobe this season, look for Jackie style silhouettes.

Top-Handled Bag. If you can

only buy one thing this season, advises Avril, replace your slouchy hobo with a ladylike tophandled bag.

Popular colors will include aubergine, putty, camel, dark green and chocolate.

New York; Tommy Hillfiger

New York; Tommy Hillfiger March/April 2009 w Iris w 27

A Sensational Shirt. Bowneck shirts will be big, although they’ll need a feminine twist so you don’t look like you’re in Congress.

Boots. All boots, whether they are over-theknee, mid-calf, scrunchy or shoe booties, are the musthave shoe of the season.

London, England; Vivienne Westwood

New York; Ralph Lauren

Wedding of Sally Kolb at 35 Paisley Park

at The Rustic Market

433 North Guignard Drive • 774-0204 28 w Iris w March/April 2009

Mention this ad and receive free delivery

Love Triangle

You. Her. EntrĂŠe.

The Imperial 451 Broad St. Sumter, SC 29151

803 774 6327 803-774-6327 www.imperialdining.com

March/April 2009 w Iris w 29

Flower Power

Growing Victory In this age of increased emphasis on sustainability, food miles, good health and, more recently, the downturn in the economy, people have turned toward an old example to set a new standard in gardening

T

he victory garden is not a new idea. In fact, these gardens, also known as “war gardens,” were planted at private residences and on public land (including prominent areas such as Boston Commons and Golden Gate Park) during the two World Wars to boost the public’s food supply.

They were considered a morale booster, and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt even planted one on the White House grounds despite the objections of the Department of Agriculture. One historical account has victory gardens contributing to 41 percent of all the vegetable produce consumed in the nation. Using this example, there is a movement toward implementing the victory garden, both privately and publicly, going on all across the country.

Driving Factors Now that the recognition of a looming environmental crisis has pervaded the public’s consciousness the effort to be more “green” to help combat the effects has become downright trendy in its popularity. But trendy isn’t necessarily a bad thing if the efforts are really green. One issue is that of “food miles”– how far food travels from ground to table – which includes not only the lengthy transportation but the total energy expended.

Additionally, says Roger Doiron, founding director of Kitchen Garden30 w Iris w March/April 2009

ers International, people are concerned for their health and that of their family.

There’s an emphasis on organic produce, seasonal eating and buying local. But the best way to know where your food is coming from is to grow it yourself.

Certainly, the economic situation is contributing to this movement as well.

Buying organic produce is expensive, even at a local farmer’s market. Doiron, who grown numerous vegetables, best illustrates this point. “We spent about $100 last year on seeds and we’ve converted that investment into over six months of organic vegetables for a family of five,” he says.

Lastly, Vanessa Richins, a writer for Web site Urban Garden Casual, thinks that victory gardens are growing in popularity due to a desire to return to simpler times as the reliance on technology increases and the current economic and environmental situations get tougher.

Where the Gardens Grow The definition of a victory garden is loose. In order to grow one, all that’s needed is the impetus. While yard space is ideal, if you’re in an apartment or other building without access to a plot, vegetables can be grown in containers and still supplement your regular produce buying.

Some cities offer community garden spaces to residents as well.

Container gardening expert Kerry Michaels loves growing vegetables and feels

you can grow almost anything you want depending on what makes sense for your region and the season.

She also notes that contained herb gardens can make a beautiful centerpiece.

“Perfect for the center of the picnic table and then you can put it on your salad,” she says.

Mary Ellen Chambers, a sixyear gardener who had no prior experience to planting her first vegetable garden, came up with a novel way to procure some space.

She and her husband live in a historic section of Baltimore and their yard was almost entirely in shade rendering it less than ideal for growing veggies. However, the property next door was owned by an absentee landlord and the yard was perfectly sunny although quite unkempt.

Chambers and the landlord made a deal: We’ll care for your yard if you let us do what we want with it. She and her husband now grow a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, leeks, asparagus, corn, artichokes, squash and much more.

When they reap more than they can consume, they share the bounty with other members of the community.

Beyond those options though, there is one plot of land often ignored and it’s prime gardening space. That is the front yard. Doiron thinks there is starting to be a trend more toward what’s known as the “edible landscape” and that people are forgoing the perfectly manicured lawn and

Always There For You

©

landscaping, once the jewel of suburban affluence, to use that space for fruits and vegetables.

Doiron notes that in Europe, “People put gardens in where the sun shines. For different cultural reasons, we tuck our gardens behind our houses.”

Doiron himself has a garden “smack dab” in the middle of the front lawn and says it’s “been really encouraging to see people’s reactions.”

How to Start There are several Web resources devoted to victory gardens if you’re interested in learning more about this specific trend, but in terms of starting to grow your own vegetables, don’t be afraid to seek out help from local gardening

experts. If you have the land to garden, great, but if not, consider the container garden.

Start modestly so you don’t get overwhelmed. Doiron also suggests succession planting – planting seeds over a period of weeks so your harvest is extended over a number of weeks. Chambers feels that the work to maintain her large garden could be done in as little as a couple of hours a week but she usually spends 10-12 hours a week as for her it’s a peaceful retreat. “It’s a form of meditation,” she says. “You can get away with a lot less [time] and get a lot out of it.” Also, learn good storage techniques so you can take advantage of your food for much longer.

Doiron employs a variety of storage methods and at the start of the New Year hadn’t store shopped for produce since the previous May or June, he says.

A National Campaign Inspired by Eleanor

Roosevelt’s planting of a victory garden at the White House, Doiron has the “seed of an idea” about a year ago about how he and several of his fellow gardeners could have more of an impact on the home-grown movement. The product of that idea is the “Eat the View” campaign to encourage the new First Family to plant a victory garden on the White House lawn. His efforts have not gone unnoticed and the campaign has received a lot of attention.

At press time, the proposal was the leading idea out of nine finalists posted at ondayone.org, an initiative sponsored by the Better World Fund, which works to build a stronger relationship between the United States and the United Nations.

Doiron hopes that if the idea wins it will garner even more support and perhaps come spring, the Obamas will be the proud new owners of a puppy and a vegetable garden. © CTW Features

I would like to thank all of my family, friends and clients for a Great 2008.

May 2009 bring you peace, joy and happiness!

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

691 Bultman Drive • Sumter, SC

774-SOLD

www.erawilderrealty.com

March/April 2009 w Iris w 31

Isabella Poster Bed by youngAmerica

Exclusive to

JUST KID’S FURNITURE BEDDING AND ACCESSORIES

1422 Hwy 521 North 469-9060

Restoration - Gold Leaf Guilding Large selection of frames - Museum Quality Acid Free Matting and Foam Core Backing Board - Contemporary and Traditional Framing - Framing of Artwork and Photos - Stained Glass and Mirrors Designed - Innovative Custom Designs

Gérald Haefelin, Master Framer

1420 Camden Hwy. y • Sumter • 469-6638 • www.modularframery.com y

32 w Iris w March/April 2009

Sumter’s #1 Top Producing Agent

Jan Epps

With Only 9 Years of Experience

Jan Epps’ Trusted Reputation has earned her the #1 Top Producer in Residential Sales Award in Sumter for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008.

Jan further earned top honors as Russell and Jeffcoat’s #1 agent out of their six hundred realtors in both 2007 & 2008.

She was voted by Sumter Consumers as Best Realtor in 2003 & 2005.

She is a Full Time Realtor who has resided in Sumter County for 24 years.

Jan’s Goal is your Goal!!

Along with her Professionalism, she is determined to provide you with 100% Client Satisfaction.

With her Enthusiasm and Extensive Knowledge of Real Estate, Jan has that Special Winning Combination to help you get the job done.

803-968-9888 www.janepps.com

jepps@russelland jeffcoat.com

Jan will accomplish all of your Real Estate Expectations, Call her today!

1229 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150

Sumter’s Most Preferred Real Estate Company

1

# BOB GALIANO

from 2005 - 2008

BROKER IN CHARGE, CRB, GRI SE HABLA ESPANOL

JAN EPPS REALTOR 968-9888

JEANIE MCCONNELL REALTOR, GRI, ABR 316-5790

SAM HOPKINS CRS, GRI, ABR, REALTOR 468-7472

TONY MYERS REALTOR 469-6350

ASHLEE HUGHES REALTOR 934-6218

in Sales in Listings in Closings

1229 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 469-6350 www.russellandjeffcoatsumter.com

PATSY STOKES FREEMAN ABR, GRI, REALTOR 795-8199

RICHARD GREGG REALTOR 460-6462

1-800-556-7119

DOT ELLIOTT ABR, REALTOR 968-6896

JOYCE SHORTER BROKER, GRI 840-5127

JAMIE ELDRIDGE CARLA HUTTO JOSEPH MCINTOSH REALTOR, SRES REALTOR, ABR/SRES, GRI REALTOR 464-5723 840-0449 840-4329

ARNOLD HALL BROKER, GRI 983-1568

JUDY WELTIN REALTOR 464-0091

FELICIA MAPLE REALTOR 236-9000

MARK BIZZACO REALTOR 983-2609

CHARLENE SMITH REALTOR 464-5299

STAN MCLEOD REALTOR 468-3417

TONYA LONON REALTOR 316-1264

DON TRAWICK REALTOR, GRI, ABR 968-3503

LAMON O'NEAL REALTOR 481-4013

MEREDITH DEAN ABR, BROKER 983-1776

PAMELA HOLLAND REALTOR 840-4844

ROGER RICHARDSON REALTOR 840-1482

CRYSTEL JONES REALTOR 983-9142

ROY FLOYD REALTOR 968-5127

GRACE LONG REALTOR 464-1747

SHELLY STONE BROKER, SRES 316-5461

CHUCK FIELDS BROKER 236-9687

TODD NEWMAN REALTOR 464-2875

CHARMAINE GRIFFITH REALTOR 468-0421

IRENE WHITE REALTOR 983-8162

JUDY MORRIS REALTOR 983-6995

March/April 2009 w Iris w 33 Serving Sumter, Lee & Clarendon Counties

The Mansions

By Annabelle Robertson

34 w Iris w March/April 2009

of Sumter Sometimes, dreams really do come true.

If playing house in a historic home has ever been on your wish list, this may be your lucky day.

T

hey represent the epitome of Southern gentility – that unreachable echelon of society that some only dream of. Even those who are content with their place can’t help but admire the historic Southern home Precious few escaped the wrath of Sherman, whose flames left far too many towns bereft of record. Those that did survive now dot the landscapes of Southern cities, rare jewels among trinkets. With their wide front porches and

white-columned entrances, they beckon.

Come and sit a spell. Take a stroll under my old oaks. Doze on my sleeping porch. Warm your hands by my fire. Fall in love.

Locked into the same families for generation after generation, however, these extraordinary properties, all marked by the South’s triumphant, tragic story, only rarely come up for sale.

Their welcome, therefore, is but temporary. A Sunday lunch, an afternoon wedding, an elegant

dinner. Then, while visiting, the fantasy is fanned into flame once again.

But dreams are made for those who believe – and Sumter could hold your key. We’ve found three manors that are available and just begging for new residents – at a fraction of the cost of counterparts. So if the Southern mansion has ever been on your wish list, we invite you to take a step back in time.

March/April 2009 w Iris w 35

The Barnett House

N

estled behind a rambling old oak on the corner of Warren and North Washington Streets, in front of the NBSC, sits the Barnett House (see previous page).

Visitors can’t help but admire its expansive grounds and columned porches. The Neoclassical Revivalstyle home was built in 1912 by a Philadelphia architect who designed several Sumter homes, on instructions from owner Henry Davis Barnett and his new bride,

36 w Iris w March/April 2009

Emma Klein. Their son, Henry Davis Barnett Jr. , inherited the home and lived there until recently with his wife, Patti Levi.

The Barnett House boasts more than 5,000 square feet overlooking landscaped gardens that include former stables behind an ivy-covered wroughtiron fence. It is available for rent at $2,500 per month.

B

uilt in 1845 by James Haynesworth of Sumter, the McLaurin House began life as a one-story, four-room cottage. It stayed that way until 1895, when it was purchased by Dr. McLaurin.

McLaurin transformed the home into its current 5,000 square-foot manor by adding a second story, a kitchen, a back porch and gables on either side.

During the Civil War, it housed band members of Brigadier General Edward Potter, of the infamous Potter’s Raid, as they marched through Sumter, post-surrender, while searching for a North Carolinabound railcar filled with Confederate supplies. The troops found the railcar in the Wateree Swamp – but not before a soldier donated a silver flute to one of the Haynesworth children. The instrument is still in the Haynesworth family.

Jim McQuage and his wife, Brandon, purchased the property in

1977. They lived there with their six children, through Brandon’s death several years ago. It is now for sale. Asking price is $375,000.

The McLaurin House

March/April 2009 w Iris w 37

The O’Donnell House

W

ith room for 450 people, nearly 9,000 square feet of living space and a commercial kitchen, our cover house was created for entertaining. The original O’Donnell House was constructed circa 1840 in the Italianate style. In 1905, owner Neill O’Donnell, a successful Sumter businessman and banker, commissioned architect Frank Pierce Milburn to transform it into a Neo-Classical Revival showcase.

The house’s fiveranked, three-story façade is dominated by an imposing, semi-circular,

38 w Iris w March/April 2009

full height porch and four Corinthian columns. Milburn added a gable-end roof, which created a third story, with elaborately detailed cornices and Palladian windows. The former stables at the rear of the property have been converted into warehouses, flanked by a paved parking area. The listing price is $345,000.

AGES ANTIQUES NOW OPEN

Come see our unique blend of old and new Furniture, Accessories and Gifts Hours: T-F 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. or anytime our “Antiques” Flag is out 803-968-1378 ~ 462B Guignard Drive ~ Corner of GuignardMarch/April and Adams 2009 w Iris w 39 Karla Dickerson

Swim.

Relax.

Enjoy.

Fun. Where doing it right the first time makes a difference!

40 w Iris w March/April 2009

Financing Available* 1170B S. Pike East 469-0211 www.allaboutpoolsandspas.com

Home & Hearth

DIY

Comes Down to Earth

Rooted in sweat equity, the new home-improvement movement guides homeowners through a budget-strapped 2009 By chuck ross CTW Features

S

1. Downsize your dreams Not so very long ago, do-ityourselfers were dreamers, with visions of the sprawling decks and spa-like bathrooms paid for by their homes’ evergrowing equity. Now, experts say, handy homeowners are hunkering down with scaledback plans they hope will help their homes simply maintain value without the added expense of paying sky-high fees to professional tradespeople.

“Their DIY projects are more involved with care and maintenance, and not overthetop, elaborate projects,” says Kirsten Kemp Becker, host of TLC Network’s “Property Ladder” and “Hope for Your Home.” “People are really going back to the basics, saying ‘Hey, it’s time to replace the water heater or put in that new water filter.’” In fact, “Hope for Your Home” illustrates this trend. Where earlier home-design reality shows focused on helping owners flip their houses for skyrock-

Veer

o, are you finding yourself eyeing your leaky bathroom faucet or outdated porch light with a new sense of personal possibility, wondering how hard it really could be to fix the problem yourself? If so, you’re not alone. With home sales – and home values – falling, today’s do-it-yourselfers are paying more attention to practical improvements and less time on McMansion-sized plans.

eting profits with large-scale renovation projects, this new program aims, simply, to help participants pull themselves out of underwater mortgages.

With help from a professional contractor and their own sweat equity, homeowners make improvements designed to raise their homes’ value high enough to qualify for a mortgage refinance. “They’re more gung-ho than ever, because their home is on the line,” she says. “Improvements could mean a new or better loan. It’s interesting to be the host of a reality show and see people actually coping with reality.”

2. show your pride Debbie Hernandez, who helps homeowners hone their skills by teaching clinics at a Glendale, Ariz., Home Depot, is on the frontlines of this new enthusiasm. “The customers for our clinics want to learn more and practice, so they don’t have to put out the money for installation,” she says. “Now it’s, ‘I have to do it myself,’ and we’re happy to help them with that.” Younger homeowners are jumping onto the DIY bandwagon with enthusiasm, Hernandez says. And, she adds, their motivation is often based on positive feelings of accomplishment, rather than

fear or basic frugality. “I think the youngsters are extremely eager to try this themselves – they’ve got the energy and muscle,” she says. “The younger crowd has probably just bought a new home and they’re very excited and they want to do it themselves.”

3. Know your boundaries If you’re among those reconsidering your DIY options – or beginning to wonder what repairs you could tackle yourself – the pros urge you to make sure to avoid overextending yourself. While following instructions from your favorite DIY show may seem an easy way to save a few bucks, it also can lead to disaster. Becker, who also owns a contracting company with her husband, has been called in to fix a number of such failed efforts. “The biggest one was a woman who moved a wall two feet to fit in a crib,” she says, noting the woman had failed to realize the wall’s load-bearing role. “The ceiling literally came tumbling down.” Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s Helpful Hardware Man, and a frequent “Today”show contributor, has similar tales from the contracting front.

He offers some cautions to those who call in to the weekly home-improvement radio show he hosts regarding potential pitfalls. “For the average homeowner, there’s a level of what you can and can’t do,” he says. “If you’re really going to go out on a limb, you really need to ask yourself, ‘Am I going to hurt myself? Am I going to hurt anybody else? And am I going to cause any irreparable harm March/April 2009 w Iris w 41

“ There’s a lot of opportunity right now for the people who’ve been sitting on the sidelines and saving their money.” to my house?’ The average DIY-er should not be running circuits themselves or rodding out their mainstack.”

4. embrace your strengths For the DIY newbie, both Manfredini and Kemp suggest painting as a good place to start – a little investment can pay off big returns in both personal satisfaction and personal-space improvement.

Next, Manfredini suggests some light carpentry work, such as replacing the front doorknob or changing out kitchen-cabinet hardware.

More extensive projects, such as fully renovating a bathroom or a kitchen, may be beyond the scope of an inexperienced DIY enthusiast, Manfredini says, but you might be able to work out an

Something for everyone Don’t know whether a do-ityourself project is right for you?

Take it slow

By carley ribet CTW Features Deciding to start a do-it-yourself decorating project is a little scary.

In order to succeed, it’s essential that you know your limits and make sure not to cause more harm than good with your handiwork.

For decorating projects, Cathie Filian, creator and co-host of “Creative Juice,” a do-it-yourself show on HGTV and the DIY Network, says when it comes to decorating, it’s everybody’s game. “I think most projects anybody can do. But one of the first things you want to ask yourself is, ‘What tools and materials are needed for this 42 w Iris w March/April 2009

Image courtesy of TLC

–Kirsten Kemp Becker

Catch the wave: A faltering economy can create unforeseen possibilities. Home-improvement veteran Kirsten Kemp Becker encourages homeowners to take advantage of DIY opportunities, while also being mindful of their finances and handyman limitations.

apprentice deal with a renovation contractor. For example, doing bathroom demolition under your contractor’s direction could mean some bottom-line savings and help add to your home-improv ment education.

“I did close to 10 projects like that, where people were directly involved with the process,” he says. “You learn a lot by taking stuff apart.”

5. Make your move Any added knowledge can specific project?’ See if you have those tools or whether you want to spend the money to buy them,” she says. Additionally, deciding whether the project is worth your time is something to consider.

“Before you start on a do-it-yourself project, ask yourself what your time is worth,” says Terry Meany, a former contractor and author of “Home Repair & Maint nance: An Illustrated ProblemSolver” (Knack, 2008).

“Are you willing to spend the time and money to get decent tools?

If you are working 60 or 70 hours a week, it won’t be worth the money you are saving because you are spending every spare minute on a project.

“You also have to ask yourself, ‘If I mess up on this, what are the consequences going to be, and

give you a leg up in today’s otherwise dismal real estate market, Becker notes. If your income and credit situations allow you to think of exploring the many bargains now crowding the classified ads in many regions of the country, having the skills to do improvements yourself could open the door to some great opportunities. A recent poll

by Angie’s List, a Web community source for local homeimprovement needs, revealed that half of its members

believe that now is the time to jump on the home-improvement bandwagon because of the sagging economy. And they are not alone. “I think in this real estate climate, there are so many situations where homes that need a little work can be had at an affordable price,” Becker says. “There’s a lot of opportunity right now for the people who’ve been sitting on the sidelines and saving their money.”

can I fix them?’ If it’s not going to be very major and it’s simple, then it’s fine. If it’s major, then you may not want to take a risk on this.”

yourself introduced to crafts and it may not be something you put out all year-round,” she says. “It’s not something that you’ve done permanently to a wall.”

Instead, start on smaller, more isolated projects. “If you’re going to paint the inside of your house, start with the closet. Get familiar with the tools, and then once you’ve decided that it’s a project you want to stick with, go ahead and paint the rest of the house. ” When it comes to smaller, less invasive decorating projects, Filian recommends starting with seasonal projects. That way, if it doesn’t come out exactly how you want it, it does not need to be on display forever.

“I would say that a good beginner thing would probably be something that’s holiday-themed or for a party. That’s a good way to get

© CTW Features

According to Filian, there might be some wiggleroom when following directions for a project.

“Don’t be afraid to deviate from the instructions. If you want to try something that you think might work better, have fun with it.

Take chances and risks with your project.” She also notes that the project is your own and does not need to match the picture in the magazine exactly.

“Create for yourself. Don’t be concerned with perfection. Take your time,” she says. “It’s not something that needs to be rushed. You should enjoy the creative process.” © CTW Features

Into the Great Wide Open

Rediscover your outdoor space through DIY projects – and fall in love with your backyard, front porch and garden all over again

By chuck ross CTW Features As snow begins to melt and birds invite us into our backyards, we see the outside of our homes in a new light – and it’s not always a pretty one. From worn walkways to limp lighting, peeling paint to pathetic planters, there’s lots of work to do. But little money to do it with. Hiring a handyman can be out of the question for many of us.

Enter the increasingly popular do-it-yourself project. Many magazines and associations offer instructional articles and videos on everything from tile work to installing windows and doors. But how do you choose the right project for you and your home? If you are a beginner, you may want to start small and build up your skills.

If DIY is old hat for you, remember that new ideas and tips are always popping up to help your projects go as smoothly as possible. But regardless of skill level, you can avoid mistakes by doing your research. For now, consider this your first DIY research assignment. Read on:

Light Up Your Life “Some of the best ‘bang-foryour-buck’ improvements for outdoor spaces are also some of the most approachable,” says Justin Fink, associate editor of Newtown, Conn.based “Fine Homebuilding” magazine. “A project that has become more accessible in the last few years is installing low-voltage landscape lighting. The 12-volt fixtures are safer for homeowners to work with, and are easily adaptable as the landscape matures or changes.” Consider lighting the walkway that runs from your sidewalk to your front door or other ideas.“ It’s lowvoltage lighting, so you’re not working with a very dangerous electrical situation,” says Brian Pontolilo, managing editor, “Fine Homebuilding” magazine. “You can run a wire through a small trench and just plug it in. And often you can buy everything you need in one kit. A very affordable project. It’s a nice way to add to your home’s appearance.”

Walk This Way Laying a flagstone walkway is another easy outdoor project,

though you should be careful how you do it. “If you scrape up that grass and lay the flagstone on dirt, that walkway is gonna be a mess in a couple of years,” Pontolilo says.

“However, if you do your research and learn how to build an appropriate base for your climate, such as tamped stone dust, then you could lay a walkway that would last 10 or 15 years.”

Plant Away Bruce Hartman, a Sylmar, Calif., construction expert who builds luxury homes, says you don’t have to spend a fortune to make some green. He suggests creating redwood planters to grow your vegetables or herbs outside. Start with two 8-foot long 2”-by-12” redwood planks. Cut them in half, then nail together the planks to make a 4”-by- 4” foot box. If you want to place the box onconcrete, line the bottom with plastic, poke holes in it for drainage and put in potting soil. “It’s very simple, easy to walk around and access all of the plants,” Hartman says. “Andit’s 12 inches off the ground, so people with bad backs can

reach it better.” save it For A Rainy Day As publisher of “SmartHome Owner” magazine, Tony Napolitano keeps his ears open for ideas that are not only good for your home, but good for the environment.

“You don’t have to have a completely green home to make a difference,” Napolitano says. “I think there a lot of incremental opportunities.” One of these, he says, is a rainwater catchment system. By placing a rain barrel beneath the drop spouts, you can catch and collect the rainwater that falls from the gutters on your roof. Drip irrigation hoses run from the barrel through your garden, cutting down on your water bill. “Depending on the size of the barrel and the amount of rainfall, a rain barrel can save up to 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months and can provide enough water to water about a 220 square foot of garden,” says Anca Novacovici, president of Eco- Coach, Inc., a Washington, D.C.-based consulting company. Rain barrels March/April 2009 w Iris w 43

Image courtesy of the National Council of the Housing Industry

start around $70 and can run upwards of $200. Complete kits, including the hoses, can be found in local hardware stores. “Be sure to choose one that is made of recycled or environmentally friendly material,” Novacovici says.

Get All Decked Out “Another great way to make your outdoor space stand out from the crowd is by trading traditional deck railings for more creative custom designs,” Fink says. “By varying the material dimensions and/ or spacing while still meet-

ing code requirements, the railings can offer a chance to really show off. Also, the wide variety of synthetic decking planks creates a great opportunity for beginners to swap worn pressure-treated planks with longer-lasting replacements.”

Synthetic decking materials are made by dozens of different manufacturers, offering a variety of colors, styles and textures that are maintenance free and available at many local distributors. © CTW Features

Get Over Yourself

What’s the biggest barrier to completing a successful DIY project?

It just may be you.

Failure to acquire detailed DIY instructions, use the proper materials and master the required skills are among the top obstacles. Here are a few quick tips from the experts: Budget For Instructions “Our Web site has a lot of free stuff, but there’s a lot of great information out there. The trick is if it’s worth paying for,” says Brian Pontolilo, managing editor of “Fine Homebuilding” magazine, Newtown, Conn.

“Sometimes you turn away from Web sites that you pay for, but it’s worth subscribing to the Web site for a few months. If a small percentage of your budget is for information, it’s going to be worth it.”

Know Your Materials “The biggest mistakes I see in DIY renovations is a lack of understanding of the materi-

WE MAY NOT BE SISTERS, BUT WE’LL TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY!

DAGMAR KINNEY 803-934-6346

CONNIE HALLMAN 803-236-7362

2573 Broad Street

44 w Iris w March/April 2009

469-2000

als being used,” says Justin Fink, associate editor, “Fine Homebuilding” magazine.

“It’s not enough to buy the best, you need to know how to install it, too. All that it takes is a vapor barrier to be facing the wrong direction on fiberglass insulation, or the wrong nails being used with a brand new deck, and the project will lead to more problems than good.”

Be Realistic When you are looking for a DIY project in a magazine or a Web site, remember these words from Pontolilo: “Sometimes it is not as easy as it sounds. If you buy materials that are not durable, in a few years, whatever you build is going to be falling apart.

People should get enough information about the materials and the right construction techniques. Do your research.” © CTW Features

It’s Not About the Car...

Your Total Home Decor Store...

It’s about the precious cargo it carries.

As a local independent agent, we can design an insurance program that’s just right for you and your family. Give the people you love Safe.

Sound.Secure.© protection from Auto-Owners Insurance Company.

Lamps • Accessories • Wall Art • Chandeliers Rugs • Light Fixtures

Insurance

25 E. Calhoun StrEEt SumtEr, SC 29150 775-1168

56 Market Street • Sumter, South Carolina

803-469-8620

Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

March/April 2009 w Iris w 45

Administrative Professionals

By NiCole Williams

On April 22, good bosses everywhere will take time to celebrate Administrative Professional’s Day. We introduce you to four of the hardest working ones in town. These ladies are making things happen in Sumter - and without them, we don’t know what would.

Jamie Hudson Wilson Executive Assistant to the City Manager

If Jamie Hudson’s name rings a bell, you’re probably remembering her byline in The Item, where Jamie worked for four years. Covering the city and county government beats, Jamie reported on some of the hardest-hitting news. Today, the newly wedded Mrs. Wilson is on another kind of honeymoon – with the City of Sumter. She’s working for Deron McCormick, city manager, and her infectious personality is on center stage, yet again.

Place of Employment: City of Sumter Number of years in the position: 3 months Describe Sumter’s unique form of government: The City of Sumter is nationally known for establishing the first council-manager municipal 46 w Iris w March/April 2009

government, is a council that creates all the city policies.

those calls. Also, there are no story deadlines.

I try to play kickball at least once a week.

What is the biggest thrill about what you do? The constant interaction with people. This job affords me with varied opportunities to work with a lot of Sumter residents, and my coworkers are wonderful.

What is your biggest challenge? The transition – I’m still learning the ins and outs of the job.

What is something most people don’t know about you? Half of the stuff I own came from yard sales. I go every Saturday with my mom. Also, I’m working on a masters degree in Christian counseling.

How is your new job different from being a reporter? When I was with the newspaper, I would call the city. Now I’m on the other side of

Describe a typical workday: My day starts with The Item and checking email. From there, the daily routine tends to change, which creates a unique experience every day.

What does the kid in you like to do?

What is your hope for the job, one year from now? That residents will recognize that they’ve gotten more help.

plan and buy quality investments to hold. Also, that the best sales on quality stocks are found in a down market.

What do you consider your biggest life investment? My family. They are my biggest asset and always come first, in any decision I make.

Where do you consider home and how did you end up in Sumter? I was born in California, but at the age of 10 we relocated to Lancaster, my mom’s hometown. After high school, I wanted to be a city girl again, so I moved to Georgia, where I met and married my husband. Eventually, his job directed our paths back to South Carolina.

The kid in you still does what? I love watching animated movies. And, from time to time I still enjoy coloring in a coloring book that I keep stashed under my bed.

Sandra Denise Franklin

Brand Office Administrator, Edward Jones Investments If you ever call Edward Jones Investments and Sandra Franklin doesn’t answer, you’ll know that her boss, Mitch Williams, is feeling the pain. Sandra’s ability to navigate the company’s non-stop demands leaves many wondering – as Mitch does – how they ever did it without her.

Job Title: Branch Office Administrator Place of Employment: Edward Jones Investments Number of years in this position: 3½ years What makes your job rewarding? I love helping people. By working at Edward Jones, I get to help people plan for their biggest goals – like retirement, vacations, home ownership and financial stability.

What is a typical day like for you?

The office I work in is very fast paced.

It stays busy all the time. I have never had a boring day at the office, which makes the days go fast.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learned about finances from Mitch Williams? Write everything down, keep track of your goals, stick to the

What is your office supply “musthave?” Our office system is virtually paperless, but I can’t seem to give up the use of brightly-colored sticky notes.

March/April 2009 w Iris w 47

and if I tried to add any feminine touch to my office or any other office, I would catch it from everybody in the fire department. Nowadays, I just feel like one of the guys. But there are three other females at the main fire department, and we dominate that station -- without a doubt.

Mona B. Christmas

Secretary, Sumter Fire Department Some people look forward to Fridays. Mona B. Christmas looks forward to Mondays. She adores her job with the Sumter Fire Department and wishes she had come to work for them 20 years ago, instead of two, when she left the personnel department for the City. The firefighters love her, too. “She loves to talk,” said one.

“Loudly,” added another. “We call her our secondary emergency broadcast system.”

Truth is often stranger than fiction.

Apparently, the nearby Piggly-Wiggly once called and asked if the fire department could turn down its PA system -- which Christmas mans.

“I guess I am a little loud,” she laughed. “But you have to be, with these guys!”

Job Title: Secretary

48 w Iris w March/April 2009

Place of Employment: Sumter Fire Department Number of years in this position: 2 years at Fire Department; 18 years with the City of Sumter What is the biggest thrill about what you do? I enjoy being around all of the firefighters and not knowing what pranks these crazy guys are going to attempt next. They love to pick and do things to scare me, but all I do is laugh. And then, of course, get them back.

What is a typical day like for you? I am responsible for switchboard operations and entering fire reports and pre-fire plans. I also assist with any administrative duties needed during their shift(s).

In this male-dominated world, how do you add a feminine touch? It’s hard to add any touch to this place.

These firefighters are set in their ways,

What is it really like to work with the hunkiest men of Sumter? Do you mean hunkiest or chunkiest?

These guys are one big family. We all work well together and I look at the firefighters as if they are my brothers.

Some of they could be my father and some, well, I could be their mother.

We are a big family, and I love them all. I never had any sons – just three daughters that are very special to me and my husband.

The kid in you still does what? Color. Since I started working at the fire department, I have colored the whole Sesame Street gang and named them after some of the firefighters. We have an Ernie, Big Bird, Little Bird, Oscar, Grover, Zoe, Cookie Monster, Snuffleeffagus and so on.

Your office supply “must-have?”

White out. To correct some of the fire reports the guys turn in.

Have you become a fire marshal at home? Yes! I am the fire marshal, the house cleaner, the bill payer, the dish washer, the dog catcher and a shoulder to lean on for all.

Any other fun facts about yourself?

I love to TALK and enjoy meeting new people and laughing. I just have a good time, no matter where I am.

ou’ve trusted the blondes at Dixie Carpets for 30 years with your flooring needs. Now let the experts help you with your custom cabinets, counter tops, bathroom upgrades, as well as the ceramic, laminate, hardwood and carpet floorings...all in one place...free estimates, expert installation, quality names you can trust, interest free financing for labor and materials. The Dixie Blondes are your complete one stop shop for your home needs! Every woman wants a beautiful home, and if the economy’s got you strapped you can still have your new home just by upgrading and redecorating. It’s your home, make it new even if it’s not.

Knowledge...Experience...Talent

1255 N. Lafayette Drive • Sumter, SC • 803.775.4391 Monday - Friday 8:00am -5:30pm Saturday 8:00am - 12:00pm

March/April 2009 w Iris w 49

Mary Brabham Sheridan

Public Information Specialist

If the Energizer Batteries marketing team ever needs a new icon, Mary Sheridan would be a viable candidate.

Her youthful outlook, keen attention to detail and stamina transform challenges into triumphs every single day.

It’s a unique blend of talents – but one that is oh-so-necessary for someone managing a communications career.

Just when you think she’s about to slow down, Mary keeps going and going.

Place of Employment: Sumter School District Two Number of years in this position: 8 What is the biggest thrill about what you do? I love the people I work with, and I’m proud to represent Sumter School District Two. It’s exciting to get the word out to others about outstanding programs.

Describe a typical day on the job: I don’t really have a typical day. Every day, I record an announcement for the Miller Communications radio stations, and every week, I write announcements for The Item. I’m the webmaster for the district. Then, depending on the time of year, I’m involved in various projects. In June and July, I’m compiling information for back-to-school. In August, I work on the opening meeting and new teacher orientation. In September, it’s Industry Appreciation. In February, it’s Employee Appreciation. We have retirement and years of service ceremonies in May, and graduation in June.

Each day, I’m available to the media if they’re doing a story on the district,

50 w Iris w March/April 2009

and to the superintendent, for anything he needs. This job is definitely NOT boring.

What does the kid in you enjoy? I still love to laugh and have fun with family and friends. I love to travel with my husband and son and go on “girls’ weekends.” I just had my 49th birthday, but on the inside, I’m still 18.

What is it like to be in the vortex of the Consolidation? It’s an interesting time in the history of Districts 2 and 17. At this point, it is a reality that the consolidation will take place in 2011. so we’re just doing all we can to make it a smooth transition.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing for a living? If I wasn’t in education, I would love to work as a travel agent or in some

capacity in the travel industry. My first job after college was with Eastern Airlines, and I really enjoyed helping people plan their trips. I also love to write, so I wish there was a novel in my head somewhere.

What is something that people don’t know about you? My big passion is planning a trip. Half the fun is the pre-planning. Hunter and I also have two dogs, Lady and Lucy, that we are CRAZY about. They rule our house.

New Lower Auto Rates In SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH CAROLINA NewRates LowerIn Auto SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH CAROLINA Auto In SOUTHRates CAROLINA

® ® State Farm you'll more than a great rate.

You'll agent dedicated At At State Farm you'll getget more than a great rate.

You'll alsoalso getget an an agent dedicated to helping right coverage at the right price.

Call agent today discover why to helping youyou getget thethe right coverage at the right price.

Call an an agent today andand discover why State Farm is trusted more drivers than any other insurance company.

State Farm is trusted by by more drivers carcar insurance company.

At State Farm® you'll get more than athan greatany rate.other You'll also get an agent dedicated to helping you get ®the right coverage at the right price. Call an agent today and discover why At State Farm ®you'll get more than a great rate. You'll also get an agent dedicated trusted more drivers than anyYou'll otheralso car get insurance company.

AtState StateFarm Farmisyou'll getby more than a great rate. an agent dedicated to helping you get the right coverage at the right price. Call an agent today and discover why to helping you get the right coverage at the right price. Call an agent today and discover why State Farm is trusted by more drivers than any other car insurance company.

State Farm is trusted by more drivers than any other car insurance company.

P070093 70093 04/0704/07

SOUTH CAROLINA

At State Farm® you'll get more than a great rate. You'll also get an agent dedicated to helping you get the right coverage at the right price. Call an agent today and discover why State Farm is trusted by more drivers than any other car insurance company.

Bill Denny Ben E Griffith Jr

Bill Denny Ben E Griffith Jr West Liberty Street 2577 Broad Street Extension Bostic Insurance Agcy 848848 West Liberty Street 2577 Broad Street Extension Bostic Insurance Agcy IncInc Sumter, SC 29150 Sumter, SC 29150 Charles Bostic Sumter, SC 29150 Sumter, SC 29150 Charles Bostic Jr Jr 803-773-2269 803-469-6800 Sumter, SC 29150 Bus:Bus: 803-773-2269 Bus:EBus: 803-469-6800 Sumter, SC 29150 Bill Denny Ben Griffith Jr bill.denny.bw7x@statefarm.com ben.griffith.sslx@statefarm.com 803-775-8371 bill.denny.bw7x@statefarm.com ben.griffith.sslx@statefarm.com Bus:Bus: 803-775-8371 848 West Liberty Street 2577 Broad Street Extension Bostic Insurance Agcy Inc Sumter, SC 29150 Sumter, SC 29150 Charles Bostic Jr Bill Denny Ben E Griffith Jr Bus: 803-773-2269 Bus: Sumter, SC 29150 BillLiberty Denny Ben803-469-6800 EStreet Griffith Jr 848 West Street 2577 Broad Extension BosticBus: Insurance Agcy Inc bill.denny.bw7x@statefarm.com ben.griffith.sslx@statefarm.com 803-775-8371 848 West SC Liberty Street 2577Sumter, Broad Street Extension Bostic Insurance Sumter, 29150 SC 29150 Charles Bostic Agcy Jr Inc Sumter, SC 29150 Sumter, SC 29150 CharlesSCBostic Bus: 803-773-2269 Bus: 803-469-6800 Sumter, 29150Jr Bus: 803-773-2269 Bus: 803-469-6800 Sumter, SC 29150 bill.denny.bw7x@statefarm.com ben.griffith.sslx@statefarm.com Bus: 803-775-8371 bill.denny.bw7x@statefarm.com ben.griffith.sslx@statefarm.com Bus: 803-775-8371 Bill Denny Ben E Griffith Jr 848 West Liberty Street 2577 Broad Street Extension Bostic Insurance Agcy Inc Sumter, SC 29150 Sumter, SC 29150 Charles Bostic Jr Bus: 803-773-2269 Bus: 803-469-6800 Sumter, SC 29150 Gary Herlong Tammy Adams Kelly Gary Herlong Adams Kelly bill.denny.bw7x@statefarm.com Tammy ben.griffith.sslx@statefarm.com Bus: 803-775-8371 1214 Alice Drive E Wesmark 1214 Alice Drive 105105 E Wesmark BlvdBlvd Sumter, SC 29150 Sumter, SC 29150 Sumter, SC 29150 Sumter, SC 29150 Gary Herlong Tammy Adams Kelly 803-469-6430 Bus: 803-773-8322 Bus:Bus: 803-469-6430 Bus: 803-773-8322 1214 Alice Drive 105 E Wesmark Blvd gary.herlong.g4z3@statefarm.com tammy.kelly.ngge@statefarm.com gary.herlong.g4z3@statefarm.com tammy.kelly.ngge@statefarm.com Sumter, SC 29150 Sumter, SC 29150 Gary803-469-6430 Herlong Tammy Adams Kelly Bus: Bus: 803-773-8322 Gary Herlong Tammy AdamsBlvd Kelly 1214 Alice Drive 105 E Wesmark gary.herlong.g4z3@statefarm.com tammy.kelly.ngge@statefarm.com 1214 Alice Drive 105 E Wesmark Blvd Sumter, SC 29150 Sumter, SC 29150 Sumter, SC 29150 Sumter, SC 29150 Bus: 803-469-6430 Bus: 803-773-8322 Bus: 803-469-6430 Bus: 803-773-8322 gary.herlong.g4z3@statefarm.com tammy.kelly.ngge@statefarm.com gary.herlong.g4z3@statefarm.com tammy.kelly.ngge@statefarm.com Gary Herlong Tammy Adams Kelly 1214 Alice Drive 105 E Wesmark Blvd Sumter, SC 29150 Sumter, SC 29150 Bus: 803-469-6430 Bus: 803-773-8322 gary.herlong.g4z3@statefarm.com tammy.kelly.ngge@statefarm.com

s tatefar m.co s tatefar m.co m® m® statefarm.com

March/April 2009 w Iris w 51 ® StateMutual Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, StateIndemnity Farm Indemnity Company – Bloomington, IL State Farm Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Company – Bloomington, IL

fresh on the menu

By Annabelle Robertson

If you haven’t heard, you need to. Sumter finally has fine dining. And even though Hampton’s will make you feel like you’ve left town, they’re still managing to keep it local.

L 52 w Iris w March/April 2009

ocal farmers have a new place to peddle their produce – and afficionados of fine cuisine are already reaping the rewards.

After months of construction, Hampton’s restaurant, located in downtown Sumter on Hampton Avenue near North Main, is open

for business. Its chef, Laurence Gottlieb, is prepared to change Sumterite’s experience of fine dining.

“I want people to feel like they’ve left Sumter,” he said. “Someone recently told me that’s what it feels like here, and it’s the best compliment I’ve received so far. We’re not just about the food. We’re

about creating an experience one that hits all the senses.”

Gottlieb, 36, cut his gastronomic teeth under Patrick O’Connell, aka the “pope of American cuisine,” at the Inn at Little Washington near Washington, D.C. He spent six years with O’Connell before decamping to Kennebunkport, Maine,

March/April 2009 w Iris w 53

where he became the executive souschef at the historic White Barn Inn. But the dream of running his own restaurant propelled Gottlieb home to Savannah, Ga., where his family had operated a bakery from 1884 to 1994.

Gottlieb retooled the bakery concept, along with many of its recipes, into Gottlieb’s Restaurant and Dessert Bar. Soon, it was receiving wide acclaim.

When building maintenance issues forced the restaurant’s closure in 2007, Gottlieb moved to Sumter.

He worked as a private chef for Greg Thompson, a local businessman, for the next two years. During that time, the pair planned Hampton’s.

“I love food. I love wine. And we’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel,” Thompson said. “We felt like Sumter deserved to have something of this caliber here.

We’re a big supporter of making things happen for Sumter.”

“Greg is such an infectious person,” Gottlieb said, about his motivation for the move. “He has the business knowledge for this, and I have the restaurant knowledge. I was just trying to see into the future.”

The future appears to be one dominated by locally-grown produce and ingredients - a huge piece of the Hampton’s puzzle.

“Working with local farmers is very important to me,” Gottlieb said. “It’s not a trend. The trend was prepared foods, SYSCO and one-stop shopping.

This is going back to what it used to be.”

He buys honey from a local beekeeper, produce from nearby farmers and dairy products from Ovis Hill Farms, whose handchurned butter is high on his list of priorities. Gottlieb wanted to make his own butter. This, he said, was his compromise.

“I’m so impressed with the restaurant and the bakery every aspect of it,” said Ovis Hill owner Charlie Caldwell. “The quality of the ingredients, their willingness to put the best stuff they can into what they’re

54 w Iris w March/April 2009

preparing. And Lawrence’s attitude.

Over the years, I’ve worked with chefs, and he seems very dedicated to using local ingredients.”

That dedication has already earned Hampton’s a rare “Fresh on the Menu” designation - the only one in Sumter. The restaurant phase of the Certified South Carolina Grown program, “Fresh on the Menu” functions as a cooperative effort among producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) to brand and promote South Carolina-grown produce and products.

“This is our first year, our first season. So it

will take a little time,” Gottlieb said.

“But my goal is to have local farmers knocking on the back door with turnips and blueberries -- everything that’s in season.”

Even those who don’t dine at Hampton’s will benefit from that

thinking. By early March, Gottlieb will add a fresh market to the restaurant’s offerings. On-the-go diners will then be able to purchase salads, sandwiches and prepared meals, along with beef, poultry, fish and even produce.

Local wines, on the other hand, could be another story. Thompson is an oenophile who favors the French, and their labels dominate his list. But Gottlieb is slowly adding a mix of California grapes, while also striving to make the wine selection process as simple as possible.

“We want people to feel confident coming in here to buy bottles of wine,” he said. “We don’t want them to feel intimidated or that they’re being upsold. We want the wine to be friendly. And, we want people to be able to pick a mid-range wine and know that they’re getting a good bang for their buck. Even if you just shut your eyes and pick, I’m fairly confident that you’re going to like that wine.”

Gottlieb’s menu is also a work in process. A master of transforming the mundane into the magnificent - at least according to his awards and reviews - the chef was known in Savannah for his “shrimp dogs,” a combination of Gottlieb’s favorite childhood snack, the corndog, with shrimp, one of the South’s true loves. He’s brought many of his former recipes to Sumter everything from the family’s 125-yearold chocolate “chewy” cookies to Gottlieb’s braised beef short ribs.

The menu changes daily, but boasts an abundance of surf and turf, as well as lighter fare, like fontina-topped flatbread and chinese chicken salad with bits of pickled ginger.

Dinner appetizers start at $8, while entrees range from $25 to $49. A stuffed bacon salad with caramelized onion vinaigrette, for example, is $8; a plate of seared-beef tenderloin carpaccio is $16. Gottlieb’s ovenroasted chicken with creamed braised cabbage and potato gratin runs $31, while his pecan-crusted rack of lamb with black-eyed pea saute and collard greens will set you back a cool $46.

During the day, when the lunch menu makes dining more affordable (entrees average between $10 and $15), Hampton’s casual, upscale feel makes it a welcome retreat for nearby office workers.

At night, its exterior awnings, gas lights and white linen tablecloths transform the restaurant into a more intimate space. An outdoor brick terrace, which will feature a fireplace and twinkling lights, Tuscany-style, is under construction.

Thompson’s wife, Danielle, handled

the decor, with interior designer Randy Abbott, after workers had merged three neighboring offices -- a barbership and two small finance companies -- into Hampton’s current 3,000-square-foot location.

“We wanted it to be very warm and inviting, but also have a different feel for lunch and dinner,” she said.

In the tradition of the California wineries, they opted for a stained concrete floor with wide-cut joints and heartpine tables crafted by a local artisan. A long copper bar, where guests can enjoy a drink or eat a full meal, accents the left side of the robin’s egg blue room. For the culinarily curious, a second, marbletopped bar overlooks its bustling kitchen.

On the right side is the restaurant’s piece de resistance, a bakery with a revolving 24-sheet, steam-injection Picard oven. Beginning at 3.a.m., when baker Brett Self arrives, it hums with artisanal-style breads, sans preservatives, and pastries like chocolate croissants (the real kind, with bars of chocolate wrapped inside puff pastry), red velvet cupcakes and

March/April 2009 w Iris w 55

seasonal items such as King Cakes, for Mardi Gras.

Self, 38, practiced his craft at the Austin Creek Bakery and Restaurant on Cape Hatteras then at the Sanctuary on Kiawah Island, where he was head baker, before joining Gottlieb. He prides himself on making “anything made with yeast.”

“I’m much more of a boulanger than a patissier,” he said, emphasizing the French distinction between “baker” and “pastry chef.”

Judging from the results, no one is complaining.

Opening a restaurant even one without hefty prices is always a risk, even during a booming economy. But

For the Ragout 4 pounds King Crab Claws. Remove meat from shell and reserve. You will yield about 2 pounds of meat.

For the Fish 10 portions of Grouper - 4-5ounces each Salt Pepper 2 tablespoons butter Oil to coat pan (clarified butter is best and then vegetable oil or grape seed oil) 1. Be sure bloodline is cut out of each portion of fish.

2. Place large cast iron skillet on stove over high heat.

3. Season fish with salt and pepper on both sides.

4. Place oil in skillet and heat until starting to smoke.

5. Place fish in pan and cook until golden brown on one side. Add butter into pan. *Depending on thickness you may cook the fish only on one side. If the fish is thick you may flip it over and cook on second side for an additional minute or two.

56 w Iris w March/April 2009

3 pounds French Beans, tips snipped.

Cook beans in salted boiling water for about 4 minutes or until tender then shock the beans using cold ice water. Drain and Reserve. This can be done hours before you use them.

4 cups of sweet onion, julienne 1 cup bacon, diced 3 cups mushrooms sliced 2 tablespoons shallot, diced small 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped Salt, to taste Black pepper, to taste Pinch of sugar, to taste 1. Blanch Beans and Reserve.

2. In a large sauté pan, render bacon until fat has rendered out and bacon bits are crispy.

3. Add onions and sauté until caramelized. You may need to add a couple drops of water or stock to the pan.

4. Add mushrooms and cook until starting to brown.

these trying times make Thompson and his fellow investors seem like maniacal gamblers.

“The timing is terrible,” he agreed, with a slow smile. “But if we can perfect what we do, put out a good product and create a great atmosphere, we’ll create a loyal following.”

5. Add shallot, parsley and thyme cook until shallots are translucent.

6. Add the crab meat and beans and a splash of water or chicken stock. Cover. Cook until crab and beans are hot and season with salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar.

For the Sauce ½ pound plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed ¼ cup white wine, Chardonnay ¼ cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon shallot, diced 1. Using a medium size saucepan place the 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat.

2. When the butter starts to foam slightly whisk to brown milk solids.

3. When butter is nutty in aroma add shallot, white wine and lemon juice, and reduce by half.

4. Remove from heat and whisk in the remaining cubed butter. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar. Strain if desired. *Hold sauce in a warm spot near the stove or in a warm water bath. This can be made 2 hour in advance. You just don’t want to let it get too hot or cold because it will separate.

She’s a little bit country. She’s a little bit rock and roll.

And she’s got some Motown in her soul. But if there’s one thing Shivern Harris has, it’s hats – and in every style, shape and size imaginable.

Barack and Michelle Obama made history in January – but so did another African-American. And now, a Sumter store owner is being inundated with calls.

During President Obama’s historic inauguration, singer Aretha Franklin set fashion mavens a’chatter with her striking silver hat. The move brought the iconic accessory on to center stage once again.

“I’ve had at least 10 people call me, asking for her hat,” says Shirley Sanders Harris, owner of Shivern’s, a hat shop on South Main. “And believe me, I’m working on it. I’m going to find that hat.”

Harris has always felt a fondness for frilly things. She enjoyed dressing up as a child and made sure that her three daughters were always outfitted in matching dresses and bows.

“Wearing hats is like kids playing with toys,” she says. “It’s little girls playing dress-up.”

Harris carries more than 300 hats in her shop, in addition to dresses, suits,

handbags and jewelry. For her customer’s communion Sundays, she has white suits. But Shivern’s isn’t limited to formalwear. She also carries jeans – although quite a few do boast sequins.

Her large selection is one of the reasons customers keep coming back.

But mostly, it’s for the hats.

“A lot of women feel as if they aren’t fully dressed up unless they have a hat,” she says, with a broad grin, before reaching for wide-brimmed white one and placing it on her head. Then she adds a swath of lipstick and some earrings. “See?” Most of Harris’ customers are bishop’s wives, minister’s wives, choir members and churchgoers – all of whom model the latest fashions, every Sunday morning. This may explain why Shivern’s is weathering the economic storm. She’s seen a dip in sales, but business is still strong, she says.

After graduating from Sumter High School in 1975, where she was the

class queen, Harris became the first black fashion fair cosmetic consultant in Sumter. She worked for Capitol Department Store for seven years then opened her own hair salon, called Shivern’s Hair Design, on Liberty Street.

The salon kept Harris styling tresses for 18 years. During that time, she also began selling children’s clothing.

Soon, she had added adult clothing to the salon as well.

“They were buying them as fast as I could put them in there,” she says.

A retail store seemed inevitable.

March/April 2009 w Iris w 57

Shivern’s – a fusion of Harris’ first name and that of her ex-husband, Vernon – held its grand opening on Liberty Street in 1994. They moved to South Main, right across from Cut Rate Drugs, in 2000.

This spring, Shivern’s will celebrate its 15th year in business.

Part of Harris’ success may be due to our next-door neighbors in Camden. Plenty of hats from Shivern’s are on display every year at the Carolina Cup and the Colonial Cup, courtesy of her customers. They come in the week before the races or order by phone, months in advance.

Harris also handles special

“

orders for brides, wedding parties and mothers-of-the-bride and groom, as well as prom dresses and accessories. All in all, she considers herself “blessed” – by the work, her customers and her success.

The blessing might have to do with her church-going clientele. Or perhaps, it’s Harris’ sassy style.

“Honey, it was a pretty hat,” she says, with a wink. “But I’m telling you, Aretha ain’t got nothing on Shivern’s.”

Shivern’s is located at 9 South Main Street in Sumter.

Wearing hats is like kids playing with toys,..

It’s little girls playing dress-up.

58 w Iris w March/April 2009

-Shivern Harris

”

Shivern’s Fashions

Ladies Apparel • Hats • Dresses • Suits Jewelry • Handbags • Weddings Special Occasions • Group orders for Choirs & Gospel Singers • Personalized Shopping Delivery • White Suits for Communion 15 years experience in Ladies Apparel

9 South Main Street Sumter, SC

775-4658

March/April 2009 w Iris w 59

scrapbook ladies

By Annabelle Robertson

Two women are braving the economic storm to open their first business and keep scrappers in Sumter.

60 w Iris w March/April 2009

I

t’s been said that half the fun of remembering is the rearranging. When it comes to “scrappers,” or scrapbook hobbyists, never has this been more true. Now, thanks to a couple of Sumter entrepreneurs, fans can hunt for supplies and practice their craft without leaving town.

Located on Rast Street, next to Allstate Insurance, Sumter Scrapbooking opened last November and boasts a bevy of scrapbooking supplies.

“We’ve been doing pretty well,” says Jessica Ferrence, 27, who coowns the shop with Stephanie Durham, 36. “It’s growing by word of mouth.”

Lindsey Nafe, 25, has been scrapbooking since Ferrence taught her how, four years ago. For her wedding, she created a scrapbook that combined her childhood photos with her husband’s. That way, relatives – who were meeting each other and the bridal party for the first time – could get to know the couple better.

Now, Nafe scraps all the time.

Unlike Ferrence, whom she calls a “chronological scraper,” she relies on her gut instinct for what to put on the page and how. It’s more about what strikes her in the moment, she says, than any particular outcome.

Sumter Scrapbooking is new, but

Ferrence credits its growing success, however sad, to the demise of Memory Lane’s scrapbook section. Ferrence worked there for two years under owner Angela Keller, and insists that while it’s challenging to open a new business – especially during a recession – she expects location to play a key factor.

“Because the economy is so bad, it’s easier for people to come here rather than go to Columbia. There’s nothing I can’t get,” she says.

Also, since this is neither Ferrence’s nor Durham’s sole source of income – both are married, and Durham works as a teacher – the pressure isn’t as high as it might normally be.

Neither woman has ever owned a business, but they’re learning.

Durham handles the paperwork; Ferrence, an avid scrapbooker,

March/April 2009 w Iris w 61

Come Relax in our Big Red Cadillac

20% Discount to Military and Tuomey Employees Mention this ad and receive a FREE Lotion sample

Ingrid Tyler, Owner

57 W. Wesmark Blvd. (across from Simpson’s Hardware)

773-5017

Monday - Friday 10:00-7:00 Saturday 10:00-4:00

“Tanning those Who Know the Difference”

62 w Iris w March/April 2009

mans the store and oversees orders. She also teaches scrapbooking classes, for both beginning and advanced scrappers.

“Other than dealing with the strange people who walk in off the street,” she jokes, “it’s not been too bad. I had to learn to teach scrapbooking classes and order supplies, but it was pretty easy.”

The shop hosts two classes a month. One is a “project” which participants create from scratch. In January, they used a tin cookie sheet to make a monthly calendar that could be swapped out from month to month. In February, they constructed mini Valentine’s scrapbooks out of cardboard.

The second monthly event is a “page” class. Participants work for several hours then leave with themed pages, mounted and ready to place in their scrapbooks. In January, the pages used the new year theme. In February, they held Valentines Day photos and memories.

“A lot of people are very uncomfortable starting out from scratch,” Ferrence explains, “so that’s why we have the classes. I try to make it as easy as possible, but still encourage them to go outside the box.”

In the end, it doesn’t matter how scrappers work, the women insist.

It’s the act of preserving memories that counts.

“These are done for future generations,” Nafe says. “My children and my grandchildren will know what I was feeling on my wedding day, and on all the other days that I’m journaling about in these scrapbooks.

That’s something a picture can’t convey by itself.”

tics,L L C tho

c e n d a v Ca d A r

Or

P e

e h t t i s c s& o r

• Comprenhensive Family Prosthetic & Orthotic Care • Canes, Walkers & Crutches • Extra Depth Diabetic Shoes

• Latest Technology in Prosthetics • Mastectomy Products & Garments • All Items Are Custom Fit By Board Certified Professional

116 Broad Street Sumter, SC

803.774.5462

March/April 2009 w Iris w 63

By Annabelle Robertson

Everyone “always told me I could sell ice to an Eskimo

”

M

Selling Sumter Real estate? Dead? Last year, Jan Epps racked up more than $7 million in sales.

Now she’s about to do it again.

64 w Iris w March/April 2009

ortgage applications rose during the early part of the year, indicating a jump in sales. In Sumter, one Realtor may be driving the trend.

Jan Epps, a local Realtor with Russell and Jeffcoat Realtors Inc., was recently recognized as the top sales and listing producer among the Sumter Board of Realtors, an honor she’s now held for two years running. According to Darlene Hebert, executive director of the Sumter Board of Realtors, this means that Epps sold more properties, dollarwise, than any other Realtor in town during 2007 and 2008. She also listed more properties than any other Realtor last year and concluded more transactions.

“The real estate started out as a prayer,” Epps said, navigating the GPS of her white Mercedes SUV, while also fielding phone calls and answering interview questions. “Everyone always told me, ‘You could sell ice to an Eskimo.’”

Born in Camden, Epps graduated from Camden High School and briefly attended Midlands Technical College before joining Dupont in Columbia, where she worked as a stenographer for nine years. She married her husband, Tim, an engineer with Allied Signal, in 1981. The pair moved to Boykin and had three children.

During the next few years, Epps alternated working as a church secretary with homemaking, before finally deciding to become a Realtor in 1999. She received her real estate agent certification then launched her business in January 2000, with a small Sumter company. Three years later, Russell and Jeffcoat called and asked Epps to join them.

“Jan is the epitome of a dedicated real estate agent,” Hebert said. “We’re very grateful to all of our Realtors for their hard work and professionalism.”

“She’s excellent a top-notch person with integrity,” said Bob Galiano, broker-in-charge of the Sumter office of Russell and Jeffcoat. “Jan takes care of her clients like they’re family. I’ve told her before that she doesn’t work with

people; she adopts them.”

Epps relies heavily on her faith to guide her.

She’s been a born-again Christian for 27 years and continually highlights the importance of word choice.

“Words are powerful,” she said. “Words are either blessings or curses. That’s why I’m careful about what I say. I don’t estimate numbers, for example. I get the facts.”

Clearly, Epps’ business strategy works because those numbers are good.

Last year, she concluded 84 transactions, produced more than $7 million in sales and listed another $7

million in property.

“Honestly, I don’t pay attention to the numbers,” she said. “I really don’t.

For me, it’s all about the customers and the work.

I’m just a simple person. I work very hard. I take very good care of my clients.

And to do that, I treat them like I want to be treated. And most importantly, I know where my help comes from. God is my source.”

I can show you today how good grades pay.

Save up to 10% with the Good Student Discount.

Good students tend to be good drivers. So if your teen driver has a "B" average or better, I can reward you with a discount. They get the good grades, you can get the savings. Call today to learn more.

Bobby Beatson (803) 778 6579 Bobby Beatson Agency, Inc. Sumter bbeatson@allstate.com

Come and compare your current policy with one from Allstate Insurance subject to availability and qualifications. Actual savings will vary. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company; Northbrook, IL © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company

L

adies! Want a service center you can trust?

•

nationwide labor warranty • work guaranteed • professional service • in business 22 years

Destiny Praise Center Cook’s Bumper to Bumper Auto Service 2115 Thomas Sumter Highway - 521 North Sumter, SC 29151 • 803-469-6613 www.destinypraisecenter.org

3170 Frierson Rd. • Dalzell, S.C. 29040 Phone: 803-499-9086 • Fax: 803-499-4388 Email: ccooks@ftc-i.net

Dr. James & Tracy Stewart Senior Pastors

Those who worship in spirit and truth, as mentioned in John 4:23-24, learn to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead. His realm is called the kingdom of God. The throne of God, which becomes established upon the praises of His people, is the center of His kingdom. It’s in the environment of worship that we learn things that go way beyond what our intellect can grasp and the greatest of these lessons is the value of His presence.

CARRY COOK - OWNER BOBBY HALLMAN March/April 2009 w Iris w 65

Swan Song

The Balm of Spring

by Annabelle Robertson

C

hange is in the air. Can you feel it? The sun is warmer, the breeze is gentler and the sky has exploded into a brightblue light. All around us are signs of the season, pushing their way through hardened ground, in search of life.

“The winter is over. The rains have come and gone,” wrote Solomon, in his Song of Songs.

I moved to Sumter late last summer, after three years in California.

Six months pregnant and grieving my father’s death, I had left Atlanta in 2005 to join my husband, an Air Force chaplain so eager for his first activeduty assignment that he drove ahead, leaving me and our toddler to pack the house and say our goodbyes alone.

California had topped my “Anywhere but There” list, but Santa Barbara’s rolling hills, balmy weather and ubiquitous wineries delighted the senses.

I threw away the umbrella; I lived outdoors. I grilled fish on the terrace, grew tomatoes from March through October and donned sweaters against the evening chill. I ate oceans of sushi and practiced my Spanish. And I

66 w Iris w March/April 2009

tasted wines – robust merlots, glorious grigios, heavenly pinots – all bursting with flavor from their sun-drenched vines.

But two babies, one book and the weight of a shattered marriage had taken their toll. I didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror, and it wasn’t the extra pounds confounding me. It was the person I had become. So I made the decision to hire a personal trainer, and do the work that I had long avoided. Two years later, after dropping several sizes and completing my first triathlon, I realized that I had bought into an age-old lie. What I looked like did matter.

It revealed who I was.

And it empowered me, for better or for worse.

Having finally conquered the scale, I knew I could overcome anything – including my darkest fears. Somewhere in the world was a life of warmth and kindness and goodness, and I had no option but to find it. Before packing the U-Haul that hauled me from mar-

ried life to single parenthood, however, I saw the looming specter of winter.

I had long dreaded its reckoning, its solitude, its isolation. And yet, I had embraced its bitter chill for 15 years.

Winter had been my captor.

But as surely as the ice withers the autumn leaf, so did the sun begin to warm my frozen heart. Winter’s cold had soaked my skin, crept into my bones and installed itself into my soul.

But along with the narcissi and crocuses, hope finally began to claw its way to the surface. As the first days of spring arrived, I turned my face toward the sun and heard the echoes of a thousand ancient voices: There is a balm in Gilead, to make the wounded soul There is a balm in Gilead, to heal the sin-sick soul

Spring. Life. Resurrection.

I can feel it. Can you?

Celebrate the luck O’ the Irish with Edible Arrangements ! ®

Same day pickup & delivery available

or the f y l r a E r e Ord Holidays! ©2006

Shamrock Celebration™

©2005

St. Patrick’s Day Gourmet Dipped Strawberries

Say hello to Spring with Edible Arrangements ! ®

105 E. Wesmark Blvd., Ste. 3 Sumter, SC 29150

803-774-GIFT (4438) Visit us and

*

Save 3 $

*Offer valid on select products. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer code must be used when placing the order. Offer expires 4/13/09.

Code IRIS0874

©2004

Easter Celebration™

EdibleArrangements.com Copyright © 2007 Edible Arrangements, LLC

2009 w Iris w 67 Franchises Available.March/April Call (203) 774-8070

Since 1935, Galloway & Moseley Jewelers has specialized in quality diamonds, in various shapes and sizes.

Choose from round brilliant, marquise, oval, princess cut, heart or pear shaped diamonds. Every diamond is backed by our value and price guarantee! Our sales staff will assist you in selecting the perfect mounting for your diamond in 14k or 18k gold, or platinum.

Charleston Gate Jewelry

Come visit our friendly, experienced staff, including a Certified Jeweler and Certified Gemologist, in Sumter. Repairs and custom made designs in platinum and gold done in store.

Available at:

FINE JEWELERS SINCE 1935

444. N. Guignard Drive • Sumter, SC - (803) 775-1209 • www.gallowayandmoseley.com

68 w Iris w March/April 2009