Lakeside April - May 2014 by Cary Johnson Howard

1 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

Contents

16 12 52 4

COMMUNITY CALENDAR TURKEY SEASON

QUEENS OF THE HUNT

under way

Women embody principals of, passion for hunting

WOLF FESTIVAL UPCOMING FESTIVALS ON THE LAKE

A BITTERSWEET AGONY

FISHING REPORTS

DAYVENTURE:

50 52 54 56

FISHING AT

GET YOUR RV READY

100-plus compete in Winter Challenge IX events

WORKIN’ ON WATER FISHING TOURNAMENTS

24 28 42

Savage Bay Heritage Preserve Randolph’s Landing for Summer

EDITORS Rob Cottingham rcottingham@theitem.com Melanie Smith mbyer@theitem.com CONTRIBUTERS Jade Reynolds jade@theitem.com Raytevia Evans revans@theitem.com

Bristow Marchant bmarchant@theitem.com Tyler Simpson tyler@theitem.com COLUMNISTS Earle Woodward John DuRant Jolie Brown Ashley Steppe

2 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

PUBLICATION DESIGNERS Cary Johnson Howard cjohnson@theitem.com Manon Zamora Barwick mbarwick@theitem.com PHOTOGRAPHY Matt Walsh matt@theitem.com CLARENDON COUNTY MANAGER Gail Mathis gail@theitem-clarendonsun.com

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Waverly Williams Mark Pekuri Paige Macloskie Karen Cave To advertise in LAKESIDE contact Gail Mathis at 803-464-1157 or gail@theitemclarendonsun.com

from the lake Living close to one of our area lakes is as good as life can be. From fishing to hiking, from enjoying a long, lazy boat ride to riding jet skis, or just camping and relaxing, spring and summer are packed full of things to do. This issue brings you a long list of festivals that will be in our area. With events from Camden to Manning, Sumter and Orangeburg, there’s something for everyone. If you’re hunter, turkey season began the first of April. Be sure to read up on any new hunting rules. As far as stories go, we’ve got a spotlight on female hunters, which is our cover story for this edition. And we have a very special look at the Winter Challenge, a triathlon held at Dome Farms near Springfield. This edition also contains stories on dock building, RV maintenance and many other features. We also our have columns from our feature columnists. Our staff hopes you enjoy this LakeSide. It is our biggest one yet, and just may be your catch of the day. Until June, I hope you all enjoy the natural surroundings about you. Nature will be at its best this spring And for now, I have a picnic to go to.

GAIL MATHIS GENERAL MANAGER

2010 & 2011 2012 Best Award Speciality Winning Publication Magazine

ON THE COVER Photo by Matt Walsh Ashley Steppe is just as enthusiastic and talented as any die-hard hunter. Face paint, guns and camouflage are everyday items for Steppe, and as you’ll read, it’s not just for show.

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 3

Community Calendar

BERKELEY • CLARENDON KERSHAW ORANGEBURG AND SUMTER

SUMTER COUNTY Brad Mehldau Trio

Brad Mehldau Trio Palmetto Pro Open

When: Sunday, April 13, 7-10 p.m. Where: Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St., (803) 436-2500 Cost: Orchestra & Box seats $30; balcony $25; student tickets $20 One of the most lyrical and intimate voices of contemporary jazz piano, Brad Mehldau has forged a unique path, which embodies the essence of jazz exploration, classical romanticism and pop allure. Recording primarily for Nonesuch Records, Mehldau plays original compositions, jazz standards and jazz arrangements of popular music, especially rock music. With his trio, he has recorded arrangements of the music of Nick Drake, the Beatles, Radiohead and Paul Simon, among others, and recorded Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” on his 2008 album, Live. USC Sumter Nature Walk When: Monday, April 14, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Where: Swan Lake-Iris Gardens, 822 W. Liberty St., (803) 938-3848 Cost: Free Join this walk through Swan Lake-Iris Gardens as we welcome back the wonders of nature from a long winter’s rest. Participants will learn about plants, animals and their interactions as they stroll through the grounds. Bring binoculars.

Sumter County Museum

4 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

United Way Downtown Derby Day When: Saturday, May 3, 4-9 p.m. Where: Downtown Sumter Cost: $50 per person Ladies, grab your hats, and gentlemen, grab your bow-ties for what is sure to be downtown Sumter’s best-dressed event of the year. The Derby Day Sumter party is open to the public (21 years and older) and will feature food, music by Terence Lonon and the Untouchables and a Best Hat competition. Come out and support the United Way rain or shine.

Iris Jr. Championships When: Friday-Sunday, May 9-11 Where: Palmetto Tennis Center, 400 Theatre Drive This State Level 3 Junior Event pits some of South Carolina’s best junior tournament players against each other as they prepare for the state qualifier later in May. The winner of the Girls’ 18s will receive a wild card slot into the main draw of the Palmetto Pro Open. Palmetto Pro Open When: All day Saturday, May 17, and daily through May 24 Where: Palmetto Tennis Center, 400 Theatre Drive Women ages 14‐28 from more than 20 countries will participate in this $10,000 USTA Pro Circuit event. Often players from this tournament continue to succeed and emerge as some of the top players on the big circuit. Last year three of our former players competed at the 2013 U.S. Open. In the main draw, 16th seed Sloane Stephens lost to Serena Williams in the fourth round. Carolina Spring Backcountry Days When: Saturday, May 10 Where: Sumter County Museum, 122 N. Washington St., (803) 775-0908 2014 Recovery Road Race When: Saturday, April 12 – registration at Heath Pavilion at 7:30 a.m., race begins at 9 a.m. Where: Begins at Heath Pavilion at the end of Garden Street adjacent to Swan Lake-Iris Gardens and ends at Heath Gardens of Swan Lake. Cost: 10K Run/Walk online and mail-in on or before April 6 $25; online and mail-in after April 6 (including race day $30 5K Run/Walk online and mail-in on or before April 6 $20; online and mail-in after April 6 (including race day) $25 Participants who register before the day of the race will receive a commemorative T-shirt.

The 5K route is USATF certified and is part of the 2014 Palmetto Grand Prix. Prizes will be awarded to overall male and female winners and to age group winners. The proceeds from this annual race will benefit a recovery-related organization in Sumter. This year, emphasis is on physical and spiritual recovery. All proceeds will go to The Sounds of Grace, whose mission is to bring music into health care facilities, assisted living communities and special needs classrooms at no cost to the facility. Strollers welcome. No pets, please. Register online at http://www. strictlyrunning.com/ or mail in registration form to City of Sumter, Attn. Susan Wild, PO Box 1449, Sumter, SC 29151. Make checks payable to Recovery Road Race. No cash, please. Do not send registrations after April 5. Registration form and check can also be dropped off at one of the following locations: Sumter Family YMCA, Bronwyn McElveen at the Sumter County Courthouse or any of the staff at the Swan Lake Visitors Center. Make checks payable to Recovery Road Race. Deadline for drop-off is April 9 at 5:30 p.m. Participants must pick up their timing chips and bibs the morning of the race at Heath Pavilion. Parking will be available next to the Heath Pavilion for all participants. Participants can register the day of the race at Heath Pavilion at the higher rates listed. Participants who register the day of the race are also not guaranteed to receive a T-shirt.

CLARENDON COUNTY JJ Weeks Band Performance When: Saturday, May 3, 6-8 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m. Where: Weldon Auditorium, 7 Maple St., Manning, (803) 433-7469 Cost: Seating for this concert is limited, and advance tickets are recommended. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through the Clarendon Hall office by calling (803) 4853550. Tickets at the door will be $15 each, based on availability. Clarendon Hall will present the JJ Weeks Band. The JJ Weeks Band (www.jjweeksband. com), based in Macon, Ga., consists of David Hart (bass), Robbie Fritz (drums), Cody Preston (guitar) and JJ Weeks (vocal). Whether singing solos, performing in church musicals or leading worship, music and ministry go hand in hand for this group. The Taste at Weldon When: Saturday, May 10, early afternoon Where: Weldon Auditorium parking lot, 7

Maple St., Manning, (803) 433-7469 Entertainment includes the Blue Dogs, Blue Plantation Band and Gracious Day. Cost: Tickets are $45 each, which includes food, drinks and bands. This is an outdoor event, so bring chairs. No coolers allowed. Bird Fest XI - Blue Grass Music Festival When: Saturday, May 17 Where: Pineland Farms, 2377 Gaymon Road, Pinewood, SC 29125 Cost: Tickets are $10. Children under 12 are free. Taking the stage this year will be Town Mountain, Shannon Whitworth Band, Cosmic Possum, Barrett Smith, Randy Lucas and several other bluegrass favorites. Other entertainment will include several bands, a children’s play area, food vendors, T-shirts and much more. RV parking with hook-ups is available for $30 per vehicle, with space limited to 30 RVs. For more information, call Cassandra Brunson at (803) 435-8463, extension 3941, or visit http://www.birdfestbluegrass.com.

JJ Weeks Band

ORANGEBURG COUNTY Orangeburg SPCA Golf Tournament When : Wednesday, April 23, 1 p.m. Where: Hillcrest Golf Course, Orangeburg, (803) 534-6821 Omni-Fest Arts Festival at SCSU When: Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Where: The Visual Arts Department Fine Arts Building, South Carolina State University, 300 College St., Orangeburg The festival features a day of creative activities and performances by students, faculty and staff of SCSU as well as local artists. There will be live bands, spoken-word poetry, singers and dancers. In addition, there will be visual art exhibits, workshops, a “Kids Krafts Korner” with face painting, paintable T-shirts and a Vendors Village. For more information email Delvina Wescott at dwescott@scsu.edu or call (803) 536-7101 or 536-8918.

Bird Fest XI

Orangeburg SPCA Golf Tournament

Nature and Wildlife Photography Workshop When: Tuesday, May 6, 4 p.m. Where: Santee State Park, 251 State Park Road, Santee Cost: $279 person single occupancy, $199 person double occupancy New and inexperienced photographers are invited to attend a three-day workshop APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 5

giving them the opportunity to photograph waterfowl, raptors, alligators and other wildlife. Workshop includes two-night accommodations in Santee State Park cabins, two lunches, a Fish Eagle boat tour, and hands-on instruction by Perry Baker professional photographer, photojournalist and lifelong nature photographer. The Wizard of Oz When: Saturday, April 5, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 6, 3 p.m. Where: MLK Auditorium on the campus of South Carolina State University, 300 College St. NE, Orangeburg Cost: $12 adults; $8 children under 12 and seniors 55 and over The Orangeburg Civic Ballet will present The Wizard of Oz.

BERKELEY COUNTY CFRBA Rabbit Club “FUN Rabbit Show” When: April 19, 10 a.m. Where: Cypress Gardens, 3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner All rabbits are welcome to compete. There will be open and youth classes and Best Dressed Rabbit. Entry Fee is $2 per rabbit per class. All rabbits must be caged. Contact Rhonda Huller at (843) 513-8449 or Patty Strain at (843) 851-6321. Admission price into Cypress Gardens is $10 adults: $9 seniors (65 and older); $5 children 6-12; free children 5 and under. There are discounts for AAA members and military. Berkeley County residents get in free from 9 a.m. until noon with photo identification. Southern Flame Food and Music Festival When: April 26, gates open at 10:30 a.m. Where: The Ponds in Summerville Cost: Food and beverage available for purchase. $15 vehicle parking. All proceeds benefit the Summerville Miracle League. Confederate Railroad will headline this year’s all-day festival. Also performing will be Eddie Bush and the Mayhem as well as Common Ground with Alan Bibey. An official BBQ Competition will offer up delicious Southern delectables while bluegrass and rock bands will entertain the crowd during the day. Bring your lawn chairs. No coolers or pets. http://www.southernflamefestival.org

6 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

KERSHAW COUNTY Duck Drop When: May 17, 10 a.m.-noon Where: Kendall Park, Haile Street, Camden The Camden Rotary Club Duck Drop Cost: Buy a duck ticket for $5 each to enter the drop. No fee for spectators. Prizes awarded for first, second and third place. Call Karen Eckford at (803) 713-1106. Clinic Classic, McDonald’s 5K Walk/ Run KershawHealth 10K Run When: April 26, 7:30-11:30 a.m. The Clinic Classic features the McDonald’s 5K Walk/Run and the Clinic Classic Challenge, the KershawHealth 10K and the Camden Family Care One Mile. The certified course winds through Camden’s Historic District. It begins and ends at the Clinic, 110C E. DeKalb St., Camden, behind the United Way. Participants may enter by mailing registration and check or money order to the Clinic or online at www.strictlyrunning.com or www.cmcofkc.org. Wild Game Dinner and Silent Auction sponsored by the West WatereeLugoff Rotary Club When: April 5, 6-10 p.m. Where: Old McCaskill’s Farm, 377 Cantey Lane, Rembert Cost: $35 per person; $65 per couple. Tickets available from West Wateree Rotary Club members and at First Community Bank, Mid Carolina Credit Union and First Citizens Bank. The Wild Game Dinner and Silent Auction benefits the scholarship fund for Lugoff-Elgin High School seniors. The event will include a bluegrass band, pig pickin’ and all the fixin’s. Music by FairJam. Full cash bar available. Call Jennifer Collins, First Community Bank, Camden branch at (803) 572-8010. 8th Annual Sporting Clays Tournament When: Saturday, April 5 - The first flight of the day will begin at 9 a.m. and the second at noon. You may indicate your preferred flight time on the registration form/online registration and flights are given on a first come, first-served basis of paid entries. Registration may be individual or as a squad of four. If registering as a squad, please make sure to include all squad member names

upon your registration. Where: Hermitage Farm Shooting Sports, Camden Shooters will rotate through 14 challenging sporting clay stations at Hermitage Farm Shooting Sports in Camden, owned and operated by Joe Cantey, world champion clay shooter. This year, shooters can participate in either the Lewis Class Non-Registered Shoot or the NSCA Registered Shoot. All shooters will receive 100 rounds ammunition (12 or 20 gauge), food and beverages and a gift package, as well as the ability to participate in a silent auction, door prizes, local raffles and a national raffle to win a $12,500 Blazer Shotgun. Warm ups, side games and raffle tickets will be available for purchase throughout the day. (Shooter is responsible for providing ammunition for side events. Ammunition may be available for purchase through Hermitage Farm). A limited number of four-seat golf carts are available for rent ($65). You may reserve a cart prior to the tournament by calling (803) 254-0118; carts are available first come, first serve. If there are still unreserved carts the day of the tournament, they will also be available for rent. Awards will be given to registered shooters for first through third place in each NSCA class and first place in each concurrent and to non-registered shooters for first place in each Lewis Class. The number of classes is determined by the number of entries.

WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY South Carolina BBQ - Shag Festival When: April 10-12 Where: Hemingway Celebrate the 26th anniversary of the South Carolina BBQ-Shag Festival with cookoffs, fireworks, rides, pageants and a car show. Music will be provided by Too Much Sylvia and the Josh Brannon Band. For festival information, call or email committee chairman John Michael Collins at (843) 687-2240. For crafts and vendors, call Kelly Hucks at (843) 325-7048 or Michele Powell at (843) 621-2286.

Compiled by Rhonda Barrick

IT’S TIME TO FISH!

RODS & REELS Name brands you can trust! Lews Reels • Powell Rods • Fenwick Rods ABU Gercia Rods and Reels

844 Broad St. • 803-775-0212 Pickup your Lakeside Magazine Here!

For the Brides to Be...

Flatware, Stemware & 213 E. Boyce St., Manning, SC 29102 Christmas Patterns Also (803) 433-4696 Available Tuesday-Friday: 10am-5pm • Saturday: 10am-2pm

Sumter Family

DENTAL

CENTER

Eddie C. Durant, Jr., D.D.S.

Smile for the camera!

Now Carrying a Full Line of Lenox China, Dansk & Gorham!

Gregory A. Wheeler, D.M.D.

NEW PATIENTS ARE WELCOME MEMBER OF

CARDS

AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION

S. W Dr. ise S. W

Dr. Bultman

S. Wise Dr.

ise

St.

Bultman

Us!

Bro

Dr.

TEMPORARY LOCATION

ens

re Walg

Bro

St.

740 Bultman Drive Convenient Office Hours:

Dr.

7:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Monday–Friday

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT! OVER 65 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE

L&S MARINE Sales & Service Center

All Lowe’s boats Drastically Reduced!

Now Offering Lowe Boats! 2014 SEADOO SPARK • Indoor Showroom • Parts & Accessories • Lake Service Calls by Appointment • Pontoon Restorations Take advantage now with Incentives and Savings! • Certified & Master Technicians

(803) 505-8727

Hwy 521 @ I-95 Exit 122 • Manning, SC lsmarineinc.com

803.773.3328 www.SumterDental.com Vance Farmer’s Market

We sell fresh produce and seafood • Jumbo Snow Crab Legs - Steamed • Live Blue Crabs - Steamed • Large Shrimp, Easy Peel and Deveined • Florida Brim • Dungeness Crabs • Frog Legs • Oysters • Tilapia

• Flounder & Whiting Fillets •Baked Goodies • Pork Skins • Homemade Bread • Charleston Tea, Fruit, Jellies & Jams, Relish & Cider • Flowers • Propane Gas • Fruit Trees • Dogwood Trees • Hand Dipped Ice Cream

Restaurant Now Open! Take out only!

From Santee East on Hwy 6 at the Old McCurry Peach shed on right Store: 803-492-3021 • Text: 843-259-4975 Hours: Sun-Sat 9am - 6:30pm • We accept checks, all major credit cards, EBT and Wic

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 7

“Will my premiums go up if I file a claim?” is probably the most common question we receive in our office. My answer: Yes, probably so. It’s not what a client wants to hear, but it’s the honest one. If anybody tells you different, then they don’t want to tell you the truth, or they don’t know what they’re talking about. To understand why rates go up after a claim, one must understand how insurance companies determine rates. To begin with, you need to understand that insurance companies regard you as nothing more than a statistic. When determining rates, they don’t look at your account and simply say, “Henry looks like a pretty good fellow, so we will charge him a better rate.” Company actuaries use an enormous number of variables, such as age, sex, credit score, location, loss history and many others. If two strangers came to you and asked to rent your car, both providing MVR’s, would you be more apt to rent your car to the one that had three accidents in the last three years or the one whose record shows no accidents or violations? The clean record, of course. Because insurance companies represent strangers, they are going to find out everything they can about their clients before a policy is put into effect. If they come across a variable that indicates a higher risk, then they will charge extra for it. Loss history has a huge effect on your rates, as does the type of claim you have. A single-auto claim might not have the same repercussions as two or three. If fact, you wouldn’t think that a not-at-fault wreck would have an effect, but it can, especially if there are more than one. Insurance companies may decide that

Will

my rates go up

if I file a

claim? by JOHN DURANT

GOT QUESTIONS?

Dudley Osteen

CALL DUDLEY!

AUTO • TRUCK • TRAILER & RV

801 E. Liberty St. • Sumter, SC 803-775-6378 WWW.FULTONSAUTOMOTIVE.COM

8 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

if you have more than one not-at-fault wreck that you are prone to wrecks in general and that it’s just a matter of time before you have a liability claim. Some companies will now issue non-renewal if you have one at-fault wreck. Even claims such as a windshield claim can cause companies to refuse to write a new policy if you have more than one or two on your record. Many companies have slick advertising for accident forgiveness, evidently trying to convince you that they will forgive your first accident out of the goodness of their hearts. What they won’t tell you is that it’s not free; you have to pay extra for accident forgiveness. Think about that for a minute – you have to pay the insurance company an extra amount over and above your base rate so they don’t charge you extra if you get in an accident. Of course they won’t charge you extra because they’ve been charging you the entire time for the accident forgiveness. If you have accident forgiveness, you are basically pre-paying your rate increase. So how do you keep your rates down? Barring a general rate increase from the insurance company, you need to be more careful driving, not just your own driving, but also learn to drive defensively. That driver next to you on the road that is texting may not have the same affinity for lower insurance rates that you do. Keep your loss history as clean as possible. Whether it is your home or auto policy, do not file small claims – that’s not the point of insurance, anyway. It’s not a maintenance policy, so don’t treat it like one. John DuRant is the owner of DuRant Insurance in Manning, SC. He can be reached at 803-435-4800 or john@durantinsurance.com.

if you need...

• Diesel Service & Repair • Awning Repair • Axle Bearing Service • Hitch Sales & Service • Generator Service & Repair • Tires & Brakes • Pre-Trip Inspections • Battery Sales

Get Your Gift Cards Here!

• Lighting Repair • Winterizing • 24 Hour Towing Service • Pick Up & Delivery Available

then you’ve come to the right place!

OUR REPAIRS COME WITH: 24 MONTH/24,000 MILES NATIONWIDE WARRANTY

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 9

May 5K bringing color to your run S umter residents can get geared up for the area’s first public Color 5K. Sumter 360’s Matt Miller recently partnered with the University of South Carolina Sumter to organize the event for the community and to benefit the university’s softball team. The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 3 and has already received a good response, Miller said. If you’re unfamiliar with color run events, they are running and/ or walking events where participants are sprayed with non-toxic, non-rash-inducing, colored cornstarch throughout the race route. Runners are encouraged to wear white T-shirts to end their race with a newly colorful designed shirt. Miller is currently using his new mobile app, Sumter 360, to spread the word about the Color 5K. He said he will also start posting fliers in cooperating businesses in and around the Sumter area. “This will be helpful for the softball team, and it’ll be fun for the Sumter area. It’s different from your average 5K, and several teams have already signed up,” he said.

Party & Wine Shop

We carry a huge selection of wines, beer, and spirits. We have an assortment of wines ranging from Duplin, California Cults to a large selection of imports and sparklers with prices from $6 to $5000 a bottle. We make sure to keep your favorite spirts in stock whether it be rum, brandy,

vodka, tequila or whisky. We also stock the best microbrews from across the nation, imported beers from all over the world, and of course your favorite domestic brews. We have a Growler Section for you to enjoy.

TWO CAMDEN LOCATIONS TO BETTER SERVE YOU! 2412 Broad Street • (803) 432-7565 80 Dekalb Street • (803) 432-7500 10 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

by RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com

Miller said he wanted to organize a unique event for the Sumter area. After learning that USC Sumter attempted to organize a similar event last year but didn’t generate much interest, Miller decided to partner with the school to give it another try this year. The race is not timed and will occur rain or shine. Because of the sprayed starch, it is recommended that participants leave their pets at home. Registration for the Color 5K is now open, and Miller said runners and walkers are welcomed as well as families with small children. Participants can register in groups for $30 in advance or $35 during late registration the day of the event. Children 12 and under are free, and individual participants are charged $40 to play. With registration, participants will receive a free shirt, a packet of information, healthy options to munch on after the race and other items from sponsors. Not really interested in running or walking? The organizers are currently looking for volunteers for the color bomb squad. Visit sumter360.com for more information on how to volunteer and to register for the event.

830 South Broad Street Camden, South Carolina 29020 (Rt. 521 Downtown)

IN THE HEART OF CAMDEN’S ANTIQUES DISTRICT 803.432.0818 Daily 10-6 p.m. - Sundays 1-6 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas 18th, 19th & Early 20th C. Furniture & Decorative Arts

Not Happy With Your Current Hearing Aids? Miracle Ear Offers hearing aids at NO COST to Federal Workers & Retirees

Stop in for FREE In-Store Demonstration of our NEWEST Miracle-Ear速 Hearing Aids - Hear the Difference for Yourself!

Offer valid on ME-1 or ME-2 Hearing Solutions only. No other offer or discounts apply. Offer cannot be combined and does not apply to prior sales. See participating Miracle-Ear Representative for details. Offer expires 5.31.14

Be one of the First to Experience Our Newest Technology - Call today!

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 11

Turkey season underway by ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com

12 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

hen our forefathers were laying the groundwork for what would become the greatest country on Earth, nearly every component was up for debate. When it came time to choose our national symbols, perhaps the most humorous arguments pertained to choosing our national animal, a creature that would represent the ideals and power of a great nation. While most were sold on the bald eagle, old Ben Franklin stubbornly objected, stating the turkey was by far a better animal to represent America, as it is known for its “intelligence” and zeal. If you’ve ever had to hunt them, you might agree. Wildlife biologist Charles Ruth, the Deer and Wild Turkey Program Coordinator for South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, said intelligence is a relative term. “I wouldn’t say they’re intelligent in the sense of having cognitive abilities,” Ruth said. “But they do have great survival instincts and skills that make them very adaptable and formidable to hunt. They’ve got great eyesight and hearing.” Turkeys are so well-known for their wariness that it’s common knowledge for hunters. “They’re one of the hardest animals to hunt,” said Jeff Fralick of William’s Sporting Goods in Sumter. “Like many predatory birds, they’ve got some sharp eyes and are very, very leery birds.” “If their olfactory system (sense of smell) was better, hunters would rarely get close to them,” Ruth said. “Luckily, they can’t smell well, at all; their sense of smell doesn’t really help them avoid predators.” Perhaps one of the most anticipated hunting seasons of any year, turkey season began on March 15 in the Lowcountry and April 1 locally. The season ends on May 1. During that time, hunters can enjoy chasing America’s No. 2 mealtime bird from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Having such a narrow window to hunt them creates a fever for the birds, and the season becomes more and more

popular each year. “It’s very popular,” Fralick said. “Lots of people look forward to it all year.” Fralick said most of the rules have stayed the same, as hunters are limited to killing only two turkeys per county, five turkey tags total for the season. Gobblers, or toms, refer to male turkeys. “Your legal weapons are the same,” he added. “Shotguns, muzzle-loading rifles, crossbows and bows are allowed.” Fralick recommends using a 12-gauge shotgun and waiting until you’re at least within 40 to 50 yards of the bird before shooting. “That’s the toughest challenge with hunting these birds; you have to get so close,” Fralick said. “They’re so finicky. The smallest thing or most minor obstacle can make them change their minds.” Hunters aren’t allowed to use dogs, live decoys or electronic calls, and baiting is also off limits, he added. Shooting near public roads or from vehicles is forbidden, as is hunting on Wildlife Management Area land on a Sunday. Trapping and snaring turkeys are also illegal. Noting the birds’ keen vision, Fralick said camouflage is key to a successful turkey hunt, as is hunting during bright daylight hours. “Get some good camo,” he said. “Then be very still and very quiet. That’s the only way you’ll get ’em.” Fralick strongly recommends stocking up on mouth calls, box calls and slate calls. Mating season coincides with the hunting season, so decoys, especially gobbler decoys, are very effective in luring out the males. “They even make decoys now that have a gobbler mounted on top of a hen,” Fralick said. While this might seem odd to someone who doesn’t hunt, most experienced outdoorsmen will tell you that, even more so than being crafty, turkeys are known to become quite violent during mating season. “A gobbler will shred a gobbler decoy to pieces in just minutes,” Fralick said. “They can be really aggressive, but they’re not known to attack humans.” Ruth said that while turkeys can be aggressive, that anger mostly correlates to the mating season rather than a general demeanor. “It’s funny, when you think about it,” Ruth said. “During the fall and winter, you’ll see masses of turkeys, including lots of females and males interspersed in the group. Once spring comes along, you see those flocks break up for mating season. During that time, it’s rare two toms are in the same area, unless they’re part of a sort of sibling duo managing a group of hens.” Ruth explained that turkeys are necessarily territorial in nature. “Being territorial means that an animal protects a certain area,

patrolling a region in search of potential rivals,” he explained. “Elks do this, but turkeys, like deer, don’t. What happens is merely a ‘same place, same time’ scenario. If two toms come across each other during mating season, especially with a fertile hen nearby, they’re most likely going to fight, just like bucks do. In the fall, however, it’s not an issue.” Hunting an animal notorious for its evasiveness definitely requires many tools, as Fralick has listed, but he said perhaps the most useful piece of equipment is a turkey vest, which typically costs $30 to $50. “They’re really useful,” he said. “They have pockets and compartments for all your gear, even a pouch to store the turkey after it’s been shot.” He added that turkeys are generally safe to eat, and mounting the tails as trophies is fairly easy if a hunter wished to make one himself. Terry Coleman of TNT Taxidermy in Sumter has been in the business for 20 years, and he said turkey season is a busy time of year for him. “We usually mount five or six full turkeys each season,” he said. “As far as tails go, we mount at least 15-20 of those each year.” Brent Shirley of Brent’s Taxidermy in Camden said turkey season is especially busy for him. He typically mounts eight to 10 birds and as many as 30 tails in a season. “It’s a really busy time of year for us,” he said. “Kershaw County has a pretty hardy turkey population, and folks love to hunt them.” Coleman said there are quite a few options when it comes to turkey mounts, especially when mounting the tails. “Sometimes people want the beards or the feet mounted with the tails,” he said. “The number and length of a gobbler’s beards, as well as the length of the spurs, are part of what makes the trophy prestigious.” Ruth said the state doesn’t keep turkey records, but an independent organization does. “Turkeys are typically assessed by the weight of the gobbler, the length of the beard and the length of the spurs,” Ruth said. “We don’t keep state records for turkeys presently, but the National Wild Turkey Federation does.” The NWTF website does, in fact, keep records for turkey hunters. Should you happen to kill a nice-sized tom this season, go to http:// www.nwtf.org/for_hunters/how_to_score.html on the web to see how yours measures up. Fralick is looking forward to turkey season himself and offered one last bit of friendly advice. “Keep your eyes open and be patient,” he said with a smile. “They’ll come around.”

Santee Quick Lube Wash & Tire Tune-Ups

• Oil Changes • Hand Wash/Wax • New Tires • Mechanical Repairs ** NEW M5 Automatic Laser Car Wash • Open 24 Hrs. **

808 Bass Drive • Santee, SC 29142 • 803-854-5823 Mon. - Fri. 8:30 am - 5:30 pm • Sat. 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Fish Market and Grill AT BIG WATER

We offer a full bar Fresh steaks, Fish, Shrimp and Handcut fries DINE IN OR CARRY OUT Meat Market & Beer To-Go • Big Screen TV’s Boat Access, Sandy Beach & Marina

NORTH SANTEE 803-478-6572 Open: Thurs, Fri & Sat

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 13

FISHING PIER

GAME ROOM

Bands every Saturday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day!

Past Entertainment includes: Lorrie Morgan • Joe Diffie • Colt Ford John Michael Montgomery • Aaron Tippin • David Ball

14 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

CHECK OUR WEBITE FOR A SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING EVENTS! WWW.ROCKSPOND.COM

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE

Affordable Care Act? (Obamacare)

Let me help you sign up.

insurance

Judy Furse 803.435.4800

120 N. Brooks Street Manning, SC 29102 (ph) 803-435-4800 (fax) 803-435-4060 www.durantinsurance.com

J&J Marina, Inc. MILITARY DISCOUNT

RENTALS

Your full service marina on the water!

Head of Wyboo Swamp, Lake Marion–Off Rt. 260

Hours: 8:00am to 7:00pm Boat Sales • Service • Storage & Rentals

Kayak, Stand-Up Boards & Jet Ski Rentals Available

803-478-2490 • www.jjmarina.co • See website for more information!

life& leisure

TO LIST YOUR BUSINESS ON THIS PAGE CALL 803.435.4716 OR 803.464.1157

Lisa Bair Rentals Vacation & Long Term Rentals 323 S. Mill Street Manning, SC 29102

803.433.RENT (7368) Office 803.928.6095 Cell www.LisaBairRentals.zoomshare.com lisabairrentals@hotmail.com

Lisa Moore PMIC/Owner

Ruth Orsell

GENE’S HEATING AND AIR 4035 Raccoon Road • Manning, SC

505-4822 • 24/7 geneshvacap@ftc-i.net

Gene Floyd Archie Pierson

OWNERS/OPERATORS

www.geneshvac.com Serving your needs with compassion, understanding and trust. Pam Stephens Shayne Stephens

(803) 435-2179 304 N. Church Street Manning, SC 29102

www.stephensfuneralhome.org

PORTABLE STORAGE BUILDINGS ON THE SPOT & CARPORTS FREE FINANCING DELIVERY 803-473-9912 CELL 803-225-6618

Financing Available or Rent to Own Terry Truluck • 3217 Sumter Hwy., Manning, SC

•Above & Inground Pools •Spas •Services & Supplies •Pool Cleaning •Water Analysis •Outdoor Kitchen 216 Commerce Street • Manning, SC 29102

(803) 433-7946 • (803) 433-7665 FAX Mark & Amber Prickelmyer www.fb.com/theswimminholeinc

• Manning Farm •

& Garden Shop, Inc.

• Feed & Seed • Insecticides • • Fertilizers • Pesticides •

Now is the time to plant your SPRING crops. We have all you need to make your garden grow.

A Complete Line of Garden Supplies

“When Better Seed Is Sold...We Will Be The First To Sell It”

803-435-2475 201 S. Mill St. • Manning, SC 29102

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 15

Queens of the hunt Women embody principals of, passion for hunting by ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com

16 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

Avid huter Ashley Steppe greets a deer recently. She said being outside amidst the wildlife and nature is as gratifying as making a kill.

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 17

he sun slowly creeps beneath the trees as it sets just beyond the horizon, but even it seems to move more swiftly than the forest around you. You’ve been waiting motionless for hours. The only perceivable movement belongs to the steam from your breath. Aside from the occasional chirping of birds, it’s beyond quiet. The silence is deafening, almost maddening for some, but each crawling minute adds to the effect. Nothing is certain, but you just know you’ve been waiting for something, and you’re sure it’ll be here any second. The anticipation boils to a point just a touch above frustration and just a hair below anxiety. You’ve been staring across the open field for so long that if so much as a twig twitches, you’ll know exactly when and where. It feels like an eternity, but it’s well worth the wait. Finally, you hear a scrape, perhaps some leaves rustling, and all your attention shifts to one corner of the vast lot. Somehow, you know exactly where it’s coming from. Very, very slowly, you raise your rifle to sight yourself in, to take aim at your prize. You only need to lift the gun a few inches, but it might as well be a mile, and moving too quickly will scare off your prey. With the scope finally to your eye, it’s time to take aim. Then you see it. “There,” you think, just beyond that bush with red leaves and a rotten log next to it, stands a massive 8-point buck. “I see you.” Your breathing begins to quicken, but you calm yourself to slow, deep breaths. You turn the safety off; this is what you’ve been waiting for. You slide your finger around the trigger; this is the moment you live for. You give it just a squeeze. Bang. What follows the kill isn’t necessarily the most exciting, but it’s by far the most rewarding. Before you figure the mounting costs, before you guess the food payload, you just stare at the beast before you, in awe of its grandeur. What you feel is more valuable than a trophy. It’s more satisfying than meat. There’s a connection, a truth more real than most of life’s trivialities, but it doesn’t have a name. It’s simply there, and its power is undeniable. After a moment, you note the fading sun and haul the bounty in for harvesting. Feeling the grit beneath your nails, you look back at your prize and take pride in your kill. It’s the third one this season. No one can take that away from you, even if your rifle is pink. Strong, patient, composed and reverent, women prove on a daily basis to be just as talented at hunting as men. Some face scrutiny for their interest in what is considered to be more of a man’s pastime, but that doesn’t steer them from their passion. Nor should it: It’s the lioness that provides for the pride. There was a time when the word “hunter” undoubtedly implied “male,” rugged and raw in his own masculine way. But in today’s world, it’s just as likely to be a woman, but far less likely to be a stereotype.

‘Pocahontas’

If there ever was a stark contrast between one’s profession and passion, it can be found in Sumter hunter Ashley Steppe. During the day, Steppe makes her living as an aesthetician. Soft, ambient music plays from the speakers in her dimly lit office as her clients lay on a massage chair, surrounded by damask wall paper and other relaxing features as she administers a facial or a chemical peel. “It’s all about peace and serenity, here,” Steppe said. “I want the entire experience to be pleasant for my clients.” While she enjoys her job, Steppe turns elsewhere for her own solace. The 33-year-old said on most days, she’s out of her scrubs and into her camouflage gear as soon as she can. “I go almost every day,” she said. “Think about how tough life is. You bust your butt for hours on end, several days a week, for what? To pay some bills? Nature is my escape, and hunting has been a 18 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

passion of mine for so long, it’s hard to remember when it started.” Steppe said the earliest memories she can recall having a gun in her hands was when she used to go dove hunting with her family at the age of 9. She then remembers the interest fading. That is, until her early 20s, when she suddenly got back into it by hunting deer. Though she’s much more composed now, Steppe admits to some early immaturity. “At first, I was that immature girl who just wanted to be cool,” she said. “But once I killed my first buck, I was hooked on it, and my feelings began to change almost instantly.” As time passed, Steppe’s enthusiasm gained her a nickname. “My friends call me Pocahontas,” she said, smiling. “I’m always out in the woods, scouting, tracking, hunting and setting up deer stands.” But it’s more than her frequency in the woods that warranted the nickname. Though she is a Christian, Steppe’s spiritual connection with the wild coincides with her Native American roots. “I have to be connected with nature on a constant basis,” she said. “I feel terrible if I don’t go. I have to have it. It’s more than an escape; it’s a lifeline.” That fervor extends to the animals, as well, even her prey. “Every time I kill an animal, I say a prayer,” she said. “I honor both what God has provided and what the animal has lost to provide for me.” Steppe cares so much for the animals on her land that she does whatever she can to help protect them. “Coyotes are definitely a big problem,” she said. “I came across an 8-point buck carcass the other day that had obviously been attacked by coyotes. Sometimes, I’ll hear them at night. I’ve taken a few shots at them, but I haven’t killed one yet. I often fire shots to keep pressure on them, keep them moving.” As far as being a skilled hunter goes, Steppe said she’s often patronized by male hunters, mainly older men who offer her advice, whether she asks or not. She doesn’t get upset about it, though. She’s quite confident in her abilities. “It’s not luck,” she said. “I regularly pass on the younger bucks to let them live a while before I claim them. And when I decide to shoot, my aim is good enough that I rarely have to chase down a deer I’ve shot; they don’t make it very far. I shoot so that they die as quickly as possible. I don’t want them to suffer.” Listening to her yearly routine, it’s obvious she knows what she’s doing. Steppe begins scouting for antler sheddings from the end of winter and into spring. As the fall comes around, she looks for scrapes on trees, mainly oaks, as deer are prone to enjoy acorns, she said. Steppe isn’t selfish with her prowess, either, as she shares the meat with a less fortunate man who lives near her. Over the years, Steppe finds her love for hunting has grown with each day she spends in the woods. She said it’s the basic principles of life that keep her going out day after day. “It takes you back to the original order of the world,” she said. “It gives you a perception nothing else can; a look at the world as God created it.”

A gavel and a gun

If you walk into a judge’s office, you expect to see certain things: photos with law enforcement, framed degrees and certifications, memorabilia from specific cases and probably a gavel somewhere in there. But what about a 9-point buck mounted on the wall? Judge Lee Tindal, who works as a magistrate court judge in Sumter, has all that and then some in her office. She looks as anyone would expect of a professional woman: makeup, a little jewelry, her hair is well-kept and she dresses very sharply. When she’s not at her desk or wielding a gavel in court, there’s only one place you can expect to find her. “I love being outside, especially in the woods,” Tindal said. “If I

Judge Lee Tindal watches as Campbell deHoll takes aim recently. Tindal took Cambell under her wing 3 years ago, and has taught him some of the finer aspects of hunting. cared as much about the inside of my house as I do the outside, it would be immaculate.” Judge Tindal is proud of that buck on her wall. After all, she shot it. If you’re into the sport, she won’t ever shy away from a conversation about hunting. Chances are she knows more than the average hunter. “I’ve been hunting since I was 10 years old,” Tindal said. “I had five brothers growing up, and most of them hunted often.” She was No. 8 in a lot of 11 children, but she stood out in her own way, thanks to genetics. “My brothers used to love taking me squirrel hunting with them,” Tindal said. “I was already 5 foot 8 inches tall by the time I was 12, and I was really good at climbing trees. Fetching squirrels was pretty easy.” Eventually, her brothers let her shoot. From that moment on, she was hooked. Her brothers were more than supportive of her enthusiasm. Tindal still has and uses the same .22-caliber rifle she had as a child. “For as long as I could remember, as a kid, I just wanted to be one of the boys,” she said. “No one ever really gave me grief for it, not if they knew me at all.” Despite growing up during a less accepting period in American history, Tindal said people accepted her hobby. The only complaint she’s had in the realm of sexism in hunting is the clothing. “Hunting clothes don’t fit women very well unless you spend a lot of money,” she said. “They’re certainly not very flattering.” For the most part, her adventures mainly consisted of squirrel or rabbit hunting. That was the case until her late husband, Joe, got her into deer hunting. “I was probably about 40 years old at the time,” Tindal said. “He pushed for me to try it, and I really liked it.” Tindal’s passion for hunting led her to share it with others over the years. She’s taken several children on their first hunting trips and continues to teach some of them today. “I’ve taken my daughter, my 9-year-old granddaughter and even coworkers’ kids,” she said. “One of my neighbor’s kids comes over all the time to go hunting.” That kid Tindal refers to is 12-year-old Campbell deHoll, who

began hunting with Tindal when he was 9. Campbell has been hunting with his dad his “whole life,” but said hunting with Judge Tindal is a different experience. “I have a lot of fun hunting with her,” he said. “She’s funny and she knows a lot. I don’t necessarily prefer her over Dad, but it’s a change of pace.” Campbell said his father has taught him a lot about hunting, such as following tracks, looking for scrapes on trees and keeping an eye out for other signs of deer. What his dad didn’t teach him, Tindal did. “It’s always funny having that first conversation with the kids about how the rut works with deer,” she said. “You talk about the birds and the bees and how the buck’s tarsil glands attract females. I always ask the parents’ permission, first.” Like a lioness, Tindal’s work in teaching children to hunt involves far more than lectures. “It can be a lot of work,” she said with a chuckle. “You’ll find yourself climbing into a deer stand with a backpack on, your rifle over your shoulder and a kid tucked under your arm. It’s worth it, though.” With squirrel, rabbit and deer crossed off her list of hunting trips, Tindal said she’s now looking into hunting turkey. “I’ve been before,” she said, “I must’ve crawled for 100 yards trying to scout and get a clear shot. I got just far enough that I could see him, but I couldn’t hit the tom.” As her passion for the sport would imply, Judge Tindal isn’t discouraged in the slightest. She’ll continue to hunt as she always has. “I’ll be back out there,” she said, eager to give turkey another shot. “Even though all I got was a tick the last time.”

Shaming the boys

Danielle deHoll is a lot like any other 14-year-old girl today. Her room is painted a very girly shade of green, she loves her iPhone and might even be a One Direction fan. However, if she’s out and about (especially with her dad), you usually won’t find her shopping for the latest fashions. Chances are she’s on a duck hunt. “I love hunting,” deHoll said. “It’s so much fun.” APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 19

Danielle deholl, a Wilson Hall High School Softball State Champion, is also an avid duck hunter. She said she was essentially raised with a gun in her hand.

deHoll began hunting with her father when she was about 8 years old, and she’ll never forget the experience. “I was out with a bunch of men; I was the only girl there,” she recalled. “They were making fun of me because all I was doing was playing with the dog.” Eventually, she decided to take a crack at it. “I’d been shooting many times before,” she said. “So I felt like I knew what I was doing.” As the first wave approached, deHoll lifted her gun and fired. She missed. Then the second wave came. She missed again. Determined to prove her mettle, she kept trying until she finally shot one. “It felt so good retrieving my first duck,” she said. “I proved that I could hunt, too.” That excitement is what keeps her passion going, deHoll said. “It’s an adrenaline rush,” she said. “I love every bit about being in the woods with my dad hunting.” Hunting is also appealing to her because it sets her apart. “Not a lot of girls do it, especially at my age,” deHoll said. “It feels special to me.” deHoll also hunts for deer but said she prefers the faster pace of duck hunting. “I’m too chatty to sit quietly and wait for a deer to come around,” she said. “Dad always jokes about me never sitting still or being quiet.” Though most of her stories involve hunting ducks, deHoll particularly enjoys telling the story about her first time killing a buck. The deer walked out and provided the perfect opportunity, and she seized it. Her shot was so accurate, the buck fell as soon as the bullet struck. When she and her dad took the buck to be processed, something happened that still makes her laugh. “While we were waiting, there were several other hunters there,” deHoll said. “There was an older man there with his 20-somethingyear-old son. The buck I shot fell so hard that its feet got tangled in its 20 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

antlers, and when the old man saw it, he turned to his son and said, ‘Why can’t you shoot like that? We chased your buck for hours and never found it.’” Putting the boys to shame certainly put a smile on her face, but her main reason for hunting is much more humble. “I like spending time with my dad,” she said. “We always have so much fun hunting together.” deHoll has tried introducing the sport to friends. Not many show the same amount of interest. She doesn’t receive much criticism for being an avid hunter from her peers, but some have said they don’t understand. “Some of them say they don’t know why a girl would like hunting so much and that they’d never do it themselves,” she said, laughing. “All I say back is, ‘I do, and I love it.’” Despite her age, deHoll said she’s very wary of gun safety and the laws about hunting. She said her dad is adamant about both. He’s revoked her gun privileges before as punishment for joking with a gun, even if it was unloaded and disassembled. Having a gun in her hand is second nature for deHoll, and just as other girls might find amusement in her love for hunting, she finds humor in their disinterest. “It’s always funny to see a girl hold a gun when she’s never shot before,” deHoll laughed. “It looks so awkward and they act like they don’t know what to do. Seems pretty straightforwad to me.” deHoll boasts many other talents, also, such as volleyball and softball. She played on Wilson Hall School’s varsity softball team as an eighth-grader last year, and after a long, difficult season, she and her team were crowned champions. The pride she has in her championship ring is perhaps the only thing that trumps hunting, but she’s quick to dismiss those who might judge her for hunting. “Whenever someone says something about it, all I do is laugh,” deHoll said, “and tell them they’re the ones missing out.”

SANTEE LAKES CAMPGROUND

On Lake Marion At I-95 Exit 102 North Santee Swimming Pool Family Camping 200 Scenic Heavily Shaded Pull Thru Sites Kiddie Pool Sandy Beach A/C in Restrooms Permanent Sites Available Club House

Call For More Info!

803-478-2262 www.santeelakes-campground.com 1268 Gordon Rd. • Summerton, SC 29148

Safe. Sound. Secure.® Since 1916 Save money with Auto-Owners Insurance Multi-Policy Discounts!

2014 Striped Bass Festival Events APRIL 3RD APRIL 5TH Striped Bass Festival Hometown Parade Pageant at Weldon beginning at 10 am Auditorium Arts & Crafts Vendors, 5 pm and 8 pm Carnival Rides, 3.5K Run/Walk, Boat Show sponsored by L&S APRIL 4TH Marine, Truck & Car Opening Ceremonies Cruise-In sponsored by beginning at 6:30 pm the Sumter Cruisers, featuring Wildlife Wonders Gracious Day Animal Show and Carnival rides, food, Petting Zoo fun for the whole family Children’s Art Show at the Billie S. Fleming Kiss My Protective Services Striped Bass Bldg (Manning City sponsored by Miss Fire Dept.) Clarendon 2014, 9 am - 4 pm Hannah Henshaw and Miss Clarendon Teen Santee Cooper 2014, Haley Erickson Open Team Fishing Tournament at Lion’s Club Fish Fry John C. Land, III at Manning Restaurant Fishing Facility 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Weigh-in at 3 pm $8.00 Adults $4.00 Children 4-12 Under 4 years free APRIL 11TH & 12TH Master Gardeners Plant Sale at the Land Law Office Courtyard Friday 9 am - 5 pm Saturday 9 am - 2 pm APRIL 12TH Striped Bass Festival Poker Run at the John C. Land, III Fishing Facility 9 am - 5pm

Creech Roddey Watson Insurance Call or visit us

AGENCY NAME

25 Town E. Calhoun • Sumter, SC NameStreet • 555-555-5555 803-775-1168 website 803-435-4405 1.800.731.LAKE chamber@clarendoncounty.com

TITLE SPONSOR

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 21

Hey, Y’all!

Watch This!

The Best Value in Digital TV

Plus 4 options FREE

FREE for 2 months! • • • •

Starz/Encore Premium Pass High-Definition Programming Whole-Home DVR Vision Xtra (36 additional channels)

888-218-5050 www.ftcvision.com Find Us on Facebook Normal retail rates apply after promotional period. Whole-Home DVR not available in all areas. Set-top Box will be an additional $6.95 per month. Vision Xtra not available with Vision only programming package. Certain restrictions may apply.

22 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

RENOVATING? We have everything you need.

ELLIOTT’S LANDING & CAMPGROUND 2010 Elliott’s Landing Rd. • Pinewood, SC 29125

(803) 452-5336

Located On Lake Marion At Rimini

• 47 Campsites • Full Hookups • Showers

Live Crawfish

• Fishing Pier • Camp Store On Site

riminisan@ftc-i.net

Where Boating Fun BEGINS! WE SELL Boating Accessories Motor Parts • Fishing Seats Trailer Parts • Propellers Boat Covers • VHF Radios

www.sumtermarinesupply.com

ALWAYS go to the Boating Authority

Santee

Hardware

800 Bass Drive | (803) 854-2223 Monday - Friday 8am-6pm | Saturday 8am-5pm | Sunday 2pm-5pm

Santee Do It Best Hardware 800 Bass Drive (803)854-2223 Mon - Friday 8am-6pm Saturdays 8am-5pm Sundays 2pm-5pm Display Model Closeout!

Save over $14,000 on in-stock modular home.

No Cost Options

On display model only. 9’ ceilings, hardwood floors, upgrade cabinets with self-closing doors, walkable attic space, gas fireplace with TV nook, tray ceiling, century stone tub and shower and MORE! One only, save now on this beautiful modular home!

3590 Broad St. • Sumter, SC

www.cchomes.biz (803) 494-5700 SC Dealer ID# 7084

1410 Hwy 15 S. Sumter, SC

803-775-1324

w w w.sumtermarinesupply.com

Looking for Land?

FOREST MANAGEMENT • TIMBER APPRAISALS • LAND AQUISITION

DWIGHT STEWART, JR. AND ASSOCIATES CONSULTING FORESTERS 26 E. BOYCE ST., MANNING, SC 29102

803-435-2301

Coastal Stoneworks, llc Granite • Marble Fabricators Kitchens • Bathrooms • Fireplaces • & More GENE DICKERSON

803.713.1003 Office 803.968.2648 Cell coastalstoneworksllc@gmail.com

1990 Boykin Road Rembert, SC 29128

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 23

The Boykin Spaniel Society shows off their dogs at the Wild Outdoor Life Festival in Camden.

WOLF by JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com

fter days of rain, many people were happy to get outside and check out WOLF in Camden. “We like it,” said Dawn Schmitt of Columbia. “It’s a pretty day, and there is a lot of stuff to see.” She and her two children were at the inaugural Wateree Outdoor Life Festival, March 8 at the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County. It started off with John Clarke, WOLF committee chairman, looking for a venue for the S.C. Association of Taxidermists 34th Annual Show and Competition and grew into a wildlife-themed festival held in conjunction with the competition. “We’d been talking about something similar for years, and it just never got off the ground,” he said. The event featured dog demonstrations by Matt Rush of Rushcreek Kennels and his Labrador retrievers, as well as Heath Moore with the Boykin Spaniels Society. “I got a lab in the 70s and started duck hunting a lot,” Rush said. “I fell in love with the dogs. They’re just so much fun to train.” Vice president of the S.C. Falconry Association Mitch Brantley and Tyler Wright of Wild Child Adventures showed off hunting

24 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

techniques with red-tailed hawks. “They can see a mouse from a mile high in the air,” Brantley told a group of women. Nationwide supplied a race simulator, and the Department of Natural Resources brought a wildlife simulator. Tom Ryan, pro-staffer with Ironman Outdoors, gave fly-casting lessons. “It was very helpful,” said Mike Clarke. “I just got into town, and when I saw they had something like this, I said, ‘I don’t want to miss that.’” It also featured vendors from food to wildlife art to birdhouses and weapons. “I like the format,” said Jerry Moore, who creates guns modeled after historical specimens. “I like that it’s outside so people can come and go instead of being herded inside.” If parking was any indication, more people were coming than going. Judging by the way Clarke was hopping, it was a busy and successful first run of a festival aimed at celebrating everything outdoors.

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 25

Sandwiche Castle

9134 OLD NO. SIX HWY SANTEE, SC 29142 803.854.0202

SANDWICHES • SUBS • PIZZAS • FRIES • SALADS • DESSERTS & MORE

Thursday & Friday Nights

PORK LOIN, STEAKS & SALMON Bringing you the finest quality meat, prepared to perfection!

Done Well Every Time!

525 SOUTH MILL STREET • MANNING • 803-433-4634 Please Drink Responsibly. Open Since 1997

Lyles Package Store Manning Restaurant

Exit 119 @ Hwy 261 and I95

(803) 435-4212

MANNING (803) 473-7333

Beside Horizon Station

476 N. Brooks Street • Manning, SC 29102

Mon-Fri 6 am - 2 pm • Sat 6 am - 11 am • Sun 11 am - 2 pm

WINE. DINE. Locally Owned and operated since 1947

DAILY BUFFET

SAVOR. ENJOY.

Dine In. Drive Thru. Catering

Sun: 11am-2pm • Tues-Sat: 11am-8pm

803-433-2189

412 S. Mill St., Manning, SC

(Next to Clarendon Memorial Hospital)

FULL SERVICE BAR & RESTAURANT TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY KITCHEN 4PM-9PM • THURSDAY KITCHEN 2PM-9PM FRIDAY-SATURDAY KITCHEN 6:30AM-10PM • SUNDAY BUFFET 11AM-2PM

6322 M.W. RICKENBAKER RD. • SUMMERTON, SC • 803-478-7337 Now Featuring

Open Faced Pot Roast Sandwich

Breakfast Club Sandwich

Pancake Combo

3014 Paxville Hwy • Manning, SC (LOCATED INSIDE THE TA) • 803-473-2568 ext. 21 26 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

GOOD STUFF FOR YOUR TRUCK

NO TRAVEL PLANS NEEDED

for the backyard!

CB RADIO SUPPLIES

• Custom Pickup Covers Fiberglass/Aluminum • Euro Lights • Billet Grilles • Sports Mufflers & Tips • Chrome Door Handle Covers • Mirror Covers • Gas Tank Covers • Hitch Covers • Tonneau Covers • Step Bars • Bed Liners • Tool Boxes • Brush Guards

VISIT US AT OUR NEW LOCATION IN MANNING!

Gift Certificates Available “The Truck Specialists”

Dixie Products 775-4391

Linda’s

1255 N. Lafayette Sumter

COME SEE OUR SPRING ARRIVALS FOR 2014 HOURS: TUES-FRI 10-5:30 • SAT 10-2

1170 S. Pike West Sumter, SC

469-0211

531 S. Mill Street Manning, SC

Sustainability. Powered by Duke Energy.

At Duke Energy, sustainability is about making decisions and taking actions that are good for today – and better for tomorrow. It’s about being environmentally progressive, honest and ethical, and committed to making our communities better places to live. Sustainability is about doing the right thing – even when it’s not the easy thing to do.

35 N. BROOKS ST. • MANNING, SC 803.433.6245 www.duke-energy.com

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 27

Striped Bass Festival

Gettin’Fishy at the Striped Bass Festival by ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com

f there’s one event the folks in Clarendon County wait for all year long, it’s the Striped Bass Festival, and this year’s edition is set to be the biggest ever. A celebration of all things Clarendon, the festival highlights the beauty of the county and pays homage to the fish that brought fame to lakes Marion and Moultrie and made them a prime fishing destination: the striped bass. The festival is full of entertainment, including a fishing tournament (see details in fishing report section), dances, boating events, a parade and much more. Just remember to take a moment to soak in the scenery, as Clarendon County is known for its elegant and vibrant display of flowers, including azaleas,

wisteria, irises, geraniums, roses and gladiolas. Before the actual kickoff, Weldon Auditorium in Manning will be hosting the 2014 Striped Bass Festival Pageant, with winners being announced at a later time. On Friday, April 4, a street dance will kick off the festival weekend and will feature the band Gracious Day out of Charleston. Several vendors will also be there to provide food and children’s games. The next day, called “Super Saturday,” begins with a parade through Brooks and Boyce streets in downtown Manning at 10 a.m. After the parade, venture over to the Clarendon County Courthouse grounds to join more than 100 vendors in celebrating the occasion.

The American Pontoon Company Get a Free Estimate on

Cleaning Done Right! Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Water & Fire Damage • Smoke/Odor Removal Mold Sampling and Remediation

flooring

No Traile No Problemr ! 11141 Hwy. 260 Manning, SC

(½ mile before the Dam)

24/7 Emergency Service

1500 Airport Road Sumter, SC 29153 28 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

803-938-5441

www.spittlescleaning.com

New Siding • Floors-Furniture Complete Restorations

Call us at 803-478-BOAT 2628

Visitors will be able to purchase items, engage in crafts and enjoy a vast assortment of festival foods. While you’re chowing down, get to know organizations in the area by visiting them at vendor kiosks. When you’re finished eating, head over to Manning Police Department on Boyce Street and take a look at artwork submitted by children from several local schools in the Striped Bass Festival Student Art Show. Although it doesn’t take place during the actual days of the festival, the Goat Island Boat Club will sponsor the Poker Run at the John C. Land III fishing facility on Saturday, April 12, at 9 a.m. Stop by for door prizes and dancing at this Striped Bass Festivalassociated event. For more information, reach the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce at (803) 435-4405 or 1-800-731-LAKE (5253), or go to http://clarendoncounty.com/stripedbassfestival.html.

Schedule of events:

Thursday, April 3 Miss Striped Bass Festival Pageant at Weldon Auditorium 5 and 8 p.m. Friday, April 4 Lion’s Club Fish Fry at Manning Restaurant – 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children 4 to 12 and children younger than 4 are free. At the Gazebo Amusement Rides – 6 to 10 p.m. Food and fun for the whole family Opening Ceremonies – 6:30 p.m. Free Concert featuring Gracious Day – 7 p.m. “Kiss My Striped Bass” sponsored by Miss Clarendon 2014 Hannah Henshaw and Miss Clarendon Teen 2014 Haley Erickson. Saturday, April 5 Striped Bass Festival Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk, sponsored by Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce 8 to 9 a.m. (estimated) Super Saturday Festivities Parade – 10 a.m. Vendors and crafters in town square Children’s Art Show at Manning Fire Department Boat Show sponsored by L&S Marine Wildlife Wonders Animal Show Akintunde at Weldon Auditorium – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12 Poker Run at John C. Land, III Sport fishing facility

Prothro Chevrolet Your Family Owned Dealer since 1926! 452 N. BROOKS STREET | MANNING 803-433-2535 OR 1-800-968-9934 WWW.PROTHROCHEVY.COM APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 29

Orangeburg Festival of Roses Stop and Smell the Roses at Orangeburg Festival

by ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com

f there ever was a running for the perfect setting to host a festival, Edisto Memorial Gardens in Orangeburg would definitely be a main competitor. Situated on Riverside Drive in Orangeburg, along the banks of Edisto River, the gardens are full of award-winning roses and other flowers, and it’s the blooming of these gorgeous plants that warrants the annual Orangeburg Festival of Roses, which runs from May 1-4. Things get quite lively starting the morning of May 2, when the streets around the garden are shut down for the festival. Vendors will be set up throughout the day, and visitors can partake in numerous activities, such as a softball tournament that starts at 7 p.m., followed by a street dance hosted by musical group Men of Distinction at 8 p.m. at Downtown Orangeburg Plaza. Saturday, May 3, will have far too much fun in store for visitors. Part of the Rose Festival Road Race series, the day kicks off with a 12K run that begins in front of the Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center at 7 a.m. Other races also take place on Saturday, including a 5K at 9 a.m., a Kids Fun Run at 10 a.m. and the Blackwater River Race that launches at Baughman’s Landing at noon. The Blackwater River Race is one of the most unique competitions held during the weekend, with solo and two-man canoes and kayaks competing in several categories If running isn’t your thing, don’t fret. There’ll be multiple stages set up to provide an assortment of entertainment. American Gymnastics Center, High Steppin’ Cloggers and Pinehill Ramblers are just a few of the many acts performing through the day. The softball tournament continues on Saturday, as well, and ends on Sunday, May 4. Never been on a plane? Head over to Orangeburg Municipal Airport on Saturday or Sunday to catch a ride in the sky with New Hawthorne Aviators and get a bird’s-eye view of Orangeburg County. Bringing the kids? No problem. A kids area will be set up throughout the festival in front of the fine arts center, complete with rides, inflatable activities and food vendors that cater to children. For information, call (803) 534-6821 or (803) 533-6020, or go online to www.festivalofroses. com. For a quick look at the full schedule, visit http://www.festivalofroses.com/images/pdf/2014_ Schedule_of_Events_Website.pdf.

Mary Wilson

821 and 823 Bentwood Circle, $10,000 each

Adjoining lots in gated golf course community

1071 Snug Harbor Road • $209,900 Well-maintained waterfront home. Screened Porch, Deck, Sunroom, Private Dock, 2 garage-style bldgs.

Fisherman’s Retreat minutes from Lake Marion. 2 Bdrm, 1 bath, storage building.

By the Lake 30 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

1394 Forest Lake Drive $45,000

Cell (803) 460-4251

(803) 433-7355 326 S. Mill Street Manning, SC

Puddin Swamp Festival Stompin’through Puddin Swamp by ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com

f you drive down U.S. Highway 378 near Turbeville, you might have noticed – and probably laughed at – a street sign that reads, “Puddin Swamp Road.” That’s right; no “g.” But if you’re one of the people who shrugged it off, you might be missing out on one heck of a party. Every year, the town of Turbeville rallies together to throw the Puddin Swamp Festival, which is perhaps one of the most unique festivals you could attend. This year, the festivities begin on Thursday, April 10, with the Taste of Puddin Swamp, which runs from 6 to 10 p.m. or so at Pine Grove United Methodist Church’s gym. The Plaids will be filling the air with music as guests help themselves to servings of delectable and undeniably Southern-style treats such as frog legs, alligator, shrimp and grits, cheesecake and barbecued pork. Tickets for the event are $15. Simultaneously, Garbrick Amusement Rides will provide ample entertainment for the kids with features such as a Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, a bouncing castle and many other rides. Tickets for the rides are sold separately. On Friday, April 11, head on down to Turbeville’s town square, where vendors, live entertainment and amusement rides will keep you busy all day until the street dance at 8 p.m., which will feature the music of Not Yo Mama. Saturday is the highlight of the festival and features more entertainment than you can shake a stick at. From 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., an assortment of craft and food vendors will be serving up some of the best knick-knacks and snacks you could imagine, and there sure won’t be any shortage of live music. Be sure to take advantage of the tunes, for if the festival is known for anything as well as its food, it’d have to be the Puddin’ Swamp Stomp, the area’s signature dance. Other entertainment will include a cornhole competition at 4 p.m., a classic car show from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a slew of impressive on-stage performances. Be sure to play a few games and enjoy some carnival rides while you’re walking around. There will also be a kids’ karaoke contest at 6 p.m., followed by the adult competition and street dance at 7. The highlight of the festival begins at 9 p.m. with a massive fireworks display that certainly warrants some “oohs” and “ahs.” The pyrotechnics are the perfect setup for the D.J.-hosted open dancing party that runs from 9 to 11…ish. For more information, go to www.puddinswamp.com.

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 31

Jazz at the Center

Smooth Tunes at the Fine Arts Center

by JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com

f you’re in the mood for jazz this April, then Camden’s Fine Arts Center has something special to offer you. Modeled after the well-known Carolina Downhome Blues Festival held in October, Jazz at the Center will be held April 25 through April 27. It features a variety of musicians spread out across the oldest South Carolina inland city. Power Drive Band is kicking it off that Friday with a free outdoor concert from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The group features: • AJ Cooke from Camden on drums. He’s the owner of Cooke Funeral Home Inc. • Robert Gibbs from Sumter on guitar. He’s the owner of Gibbs Guitars. • William Rhinehart from Saluda on keyboards and vocals. He’s CEO of Keyed-Up Productions. • Senior Master Sgt. Mark Sobus from Sumter on bass. At 9 p.m. at The Venue on Broad, The Mike Frost Jazz Band is scheduled to perform. The Aiken band features vocals and saxophone performances by Lauren Meccia, who leads the University of South Carolina Aiken’s University Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, among other talents, and Mike Frost – composer, studio musician, educator and recording engineer – on bass. Their approach to jazz standards and modern ballads is performed with “soulful spirit,” according to mikefrostband.com. Saturday, the Maddy Winer/Vince Lewis Allstars will perform at the Wood Auditorium at the Fine Arts Center. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Winer has headlined many tours and is known for her “jazz styling of the American Popular Songbook,” according to maddywiner.com. Vince Lewis is a veteran jazz performer, composer and recording artist who has co-headlined and headlined numerous jazz festivals with a variety of jazz legends, according to vincelewis.com. Tickets are $20. Edwin G. Hamilton Quartet Band will also perform at The Venue on Broad on April 26. The time is still to be determined. Hamilton is the minister of music at Olive Branch Baptist Church in Batesburg-Leesville and drums for a number of groups in Central Savannah River Area. Many events are free, said Kristin Cobb, executive director of the Fine Arts Center, and some of the late-night performances will be $5. Others vary by venue. More information will be available online as details are finalized. For more information, visit fineartscenter.org or call (803) 803-425-7676.

RELIABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

246 Broad St. • Sumter, SC • 934-9212 WE HAVE A CERTIFIED PROSTHETIST / ORTHOTIST ON STAFF VOTED #1 PROSTHETICS COMPANY 7 YEARS IN A ROW!

ARTIFICIAL LIMBS & BRACING

DIABETIC SHOES We have a certified Diabetic shoe fitter on staff.

COME SEE US AT OUR NEW LOCATION ACROSS FROM FIRESTONE

32 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

Springfield Frog Jump

Hop on down

to the Springfield Frog Jump by ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com

f you like festivals with unique themes, a quick trip to Springfield would definitely be in your interests. Just be sure to bring a frog. That’s right; a frog. The town’s annual festival, the Governor’s Frog Jump and Egg Strike, is slated for Easter Weekend. Its name stems from exactly what you think. The festival’s main event is a competition in which contestants supply their own choice bullfrog – not a toad – and pit it against others in a three-hop measurement contest. The festival begins on Thursday, April 17, with the Cow Drop. In this game, contestants choose marked spots on the ground and place their bets. Once the bids are all in place, cows are let into the area. If a cow … y’know … “drops” on your spot, then you win a prize. On Friday, the carnival opens at 5 p.m. with vendors and an assortment of entertainment. At 7:30 p.m., head over to the Frog Jump Arena for a free dance hosted by DJ Bob Bonnett. Saturday kicks off at 8 a.m. with the 4th Annual Frog Jump 5K Run, sponsored by Strictly Running of Columbia. The T-shirt booths and country store opens at 8 a.m., as well, followed by the arts and crafts vendors. The festival’s parade begins at 11 a.m. in the downtown area of Springfield. After the parade, Springfield United Methodist Church will be hosting a children’s Easter egg hunt at noon. The Egg Strike Contest begins at 1:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 1 p.m. at the Frog Jump Arena. According to the festival’s website, the tradition originates from Irish and other European immigrants who brought it to America. The game became a regular pastime in some parts of Orangeburg County, especially Springfield. The website describes the order of operations as, “(Egg Striking is) accomplished by striking the ends of two boiled eggs against each other until it breaks. The person whose egg is broken forfeits his egg. A flip of the coin determined which contestant would hold his egg down and which would strike it.” The last one standing with an unbroken egg is crowned the winner. Immediately following the Egg Strike, registration for the Frog Jump begins at 2 p.m. The competition begins at 2:30. The carnival will be open all day, so take your time and soak in the festivities before heading back to the Frog Jump Arena at 5 p.m. for some good ol’ fashioned turnbuckle action as CWA Pro Wrestling caps off the festival. Happy hopping, y’all.

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 33

Sumter Iris Festival

True Southern Charm by ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com

ost days, Swan Lake – Iris Gardens in Sumter has a fairly moderate flow of traffic; not too crowded, not too empty. But boy, does that change once May comes around. For longer than 70 years, the Sumter Iris Festival has been a staple for festivalgoers across the Southeast. For about four days, Swan Lake may as well be New York City as thousands storm the festival for an assortment that never disappoints. The first Iris Festival was held on May 24, 1940, and was sponsored by several area organizations, including Sumter Kiwanis Club. The festival has gathered momentum each year and has wedged itself into the hearts of anyone who has ever attended. Before things get crazy busy, Sumter High School will host the Iris Festival Pageant in its auditorium at 10:30 a.m. May 17. Fast forward to Thursday, May 22, and things really start to liven up with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the crowning of the Iris Festival King and Queen at 5:15 p.m. Live music provided by band 4-Way Stop on the Garden Street Stage offers the perfect entertainment for the Taste at the Gardens, which offers a bevy of Southern food to enjoy. Tickets for the Taste will be sold at the gate. On Friday, May 23, Tuomey Community Health initiatives will be offering free health screenings for diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol at Swan Lake Visitors Center from 9 to 11 a.m. Those interested are asked to fast for 12 hours before to the screenings. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., “Just Kidding Around” will be hosting the Children’s Area. There will also be a children’s art exhibit running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both features will be available throughout the weekend, with adjusted times on Sunday. Petco and SAFE Kids Sumter County will be teaming up to present Education Day: “Wild about Education and Safety” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All Children’s Area activities are free unless otherwise indicated and will be held in and around the playground at Swan Lake. Saturday’s festivities begin with the 9th Annual Shrine Day Parade, presented by The Jamil Streakers at 9 a.m. on West Liberty Street. Be sure to catch one of the Iris Festival’s signature events as marching bands, dancing troupes and go karts race up and down the street. Are you a fan of Swamp People? If so, you’ll definitely want to stop by the Swan Lake Visitors Center between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. for a chance to meet Troy Landry. Tickets are required. Just about everyone from Sumter and the surrounding counties knows of the legendary

34 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

work of topiary artist Pearl Fryar, who was featured in a documentary titled “A Man Called Pearl.” He’ll be in the Bland Gardens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Don’t miss the chance to meet a one-of-a-kind artist. At 10:45 a.m., the Iris Kings and Queens will be introduced on the main stage at the festival. Immediately following is the Diaper Derby and Parade, presented by dancers from Dreamworks Dance Academy. Sponsored by SAFE Kids Sumter County and The Tuomey Foundation, the SAFE Kids Adventureland will have numerous activities for children, including Kiwanis Kids Fingerprinting, a bike rodeo, a rollover simulator and other informational displays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The kids will also love the Children’s Pet Show hosted by Sumter SPCA at the Health Pavilion. Bring the family pet along and register before the show begins at 11:30 a.m. Remember, pets are not allowed inside garden gates. On the Visitors Center Lawn, check out the East Coast Golf Cart show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If cars are more your thing, Head Turnerz will present a classic car show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Garden Street. Perhaps the most elegant and gorgeous display of the festival, the Iris Festival Flower Show will be available from 2 to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the Alice Boyle Garden Center. On Sunday, the show will run from 2 to 4 p.m. And wrapping things up on Sunday is the Sumter Cruisers Show & Shine, which is hosted on Garden Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food and craft vendors will be open throughout the festival, and if you can imagine it, you can probably find it among the many tents, kiosks and other displays at the one and only Sumter Iris Festival.

Termite Season is Here! Send those household pests packing with our professional exterminating services. We’re safe, reliable and 100% effective, GUARANTEED!

CALL FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE! Get details at superguarantee.com

803-436-5583 | MOBILE: 803-968-5057 midcarolinaext@frontier.com

NOW OFFERING Moisture Control Services

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 35

Annual Spring Fling

Family Fun at the Spring Fling Car Show

by RAYTEVIA EVANS revans@theitem.com

ommunity Angels Fund Inc. is gearing up for its 5th Annual Spring Fling Car Show. The festival is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 7 at the John C. Land III Boating and Sports Fishing Facility in Summerton. CAF’s Angela Reyes said local band Chaos will be there as it has been in the past. Patrons can also enjoy a Chinese auction, a car show, music, games and food. In late March, Reyes said they had about 70 entries for the show. “We just want to have a fun and family-friendly event,” Reyes said. “It’s open and free to the public. It’s also pretty cool for kids, and the Chinese auction is always awesome because we always have some high-end stuff.” The car show brings between 400 and 500 people to the Summerton area every year, Reyes said. To enter a car into the show, registration costs $20, and pre-registration costs $15. In early March, they were still looking for more vendors for the show. The Annual Spring Fling Car Show is organized by CAF, which Reyes and her husband, Adrian, started to help the residents of Clarendon County. The organization is a nonprofit and encourages community members to help each other in times of need. Reyes said the organization collects donations to help community members pay rent, buy food and handle other necessities when needed. The show will also help collect donations so the organization can continue in its goal to use the fund to improve the community’s outreach to other Clarendon County residents when they need a helping hand. Reyes said they don’t have a rain date planned but are praying for decent weather on their originally scheduled date. The show is also open to those who are looking to sell goods such as crafts and other knick-knacks. CAF currently has a sponsorship program for the car show. The organization also welcomes donations from surrounding areas and those planning to attend the show in June. Members will be collecting donations throughout the show. Those interested in helping can also donate to the fund by visiting CAF’s website at http://www.communityangelsfund.org/.

36 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

Black Cowboy Festival

Cowboy Up! Rembert’s Black Cowboy Festival sure to impress by ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com

Perhaps one of the most original -- and equally surprising -- festivals of the season is the Black Cowboy Festival in Rembert. Hosted by Greenfield Farms on Spencer Road, the festival teaches visitors about one of the most overlooked figures in western folklore: the black cowboy. But don’t expect any boring lectures. This festival brings it all to life, making the experience incredibly enjoyable and memorable. The fun begins on Thursday, May 1, with live demonstrations of lye soap making and cracklin’ cooking from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. Cracklins were a staple among many cowboys, as the fried pig fat contained salt, energy and a few other nutrients essential to surviving some of the rough west conditions. They taste pretty good, too. Kids from local schools are invited to come out and learn about the various survival skills every cowboy had to know. There will also be several workshops, including a storyteller, a quilter and a farrier, who will demonstrate the many crafts of blacksmithing, as well as the proper care of horses’ hooves. There will also be a carpenter, who will give lessons on building several smaller objects. Farmers and newcomers alike are encouraged to take part in the many agriculture workshops on Thursday, hosted by USDA agencies. Feel like sitting down for a spell? Take a seat and enjoy a documentary featuring Danny Glover from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. titled “The Untold West - The Black West.” Learn all about the untold story of the black cowboy. Tickets for this event are $5. Later in the evening, take part in the highlight of the day and chow down during the Opening Fish Fry at 6:30 p.m. Plates are $10 each. On Friday, early risers can enjoy a meal of grits, bacon, sausage, ham, salmon and stewed tomatoes during the Cowboy Breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. Once breakfast is done, join dozens of modern cowboys who will saddle up to guide visitors on a beautiful tour of the festival property as part of the Cowboy Trail Ride. For those who might not have their own horse, the ride includes 3-4 wagons for ride-alongs. Seating is limited, however, so you’ll need to call in ahead of time to reserve your place. Those same wagons will be offering short rides throughout the festival. Itchin’ to get a dance in? How about learning some of the classic Western dance moves while you’re at it? There will be a line-dancing class from noon to 2:30 p.m. Cap off the day with the All Famous Western Dinner and Dance at 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dinner will be served from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and includes either steak or baked chicken with awhole bunch of fixings. Saturday is the heartiest day of them all for the festival. Once the gates open at 9:30 a.m., visitors will have far too much to do in a day, as the headlining events include a big mix of horse shows in the corral. Watch show horses perform fancy maneuvers and quarter horses take on obstacles of all sorts. Horses will race, jump barrels, compete in relay races and, for first time, go head to head in a calf-roping competition. In between shows, be sure to check out the many food vendors who will be offering treats from funnel cakes to turkey legs. Vendors will also be selling all kinds of items, such as cowboy apparel, souvenirs and much more. And don’t forget all the demonstrations and presentations. The Saturday Night Jam wraps up Saturday’s festivities as several musical acts take to the stage to get the crowd moving. Tickets for Saturday’s offerings are $15 for ages 13 years and up, $5 for kids aged 4 to 12. Children younger than 4 are free. Finally, on Sunday morning, join fellow visitors in a church service at 10:30 a.m., followed by a delicious brunch. Donations of $5 are greatly appreciated. Once you experience the Black Cowboy Festival, you’ll definitely be coming back. See you ‘round, pard’ner. APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 37

38 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 39

Main Street Manning Matchless for Beauty and Hospitality

BRUNSON’S PHARMACY

Diana 803.840.8015 Pam 803.460.1050 Kimberly 803.316.1854

IN–TOWN DELIVERY AND CURBSIDE SERVICE AVAILABLE WE ACCEPT MEDICARE PART D • MEDICAID • ALL MAJOR INSURANCE COMPANIES

12 N. BROOKS STREET • MANNING, SC 29102 803-435-2511

Becca 803.410.4420

Jamie Mathis PharmD RPh or

803-435-2365 AFTER HOURS

322 S. Mill Street | Manning, South Carolina

COTTINGHAM INSURANCE AGENCY AUTO-HOME-MOBILE HOME COMMERCIAL-MOTORCYCLE-BOAT WE CAN FINANCE FOR YOU!

Specializing in Women’s Children’s and select Men’s apparel

AMY BRIGGS JUNE BRIGGS 10 WEST RIGBY STREET MANNING, SOUTH CAROLINA 29102

Lisa Gibbons 803-435-2368 OFFICE 803-435-8292 FAX

9 E. Boyce Street • Manning, SC 29102 • (803) 433-4287 thegigglinggator@yahoo.com

The Shoppe on Brooks

BROW SERVICES AVAILABLE Find out how a little brow shaping can make a big difference. Book your appointment today!

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Saturdays 9am-1pm Nilda, Nick, Kayla, & Ruth

Walk-Ins Welcome! 17 N. Brooks St. • 803-433-4257

TO LIST YOUR BUSINESS ON THIS PAGE CALL 803.435.4716 OR 803.464.1157

Great Selection. Great Prices.

LOCATED AT THE MANNING WAL-MART PLAZA

JIA

Jeffords Insurance Agency

40 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

803.433.9000 Please drink responsibly

Every Auto-Owners policy comes with a local agent! As a local independent agency, proudly representing Auto-Owners Insurance, we live in your community and are here for you 24/7. Offering you more insurance choices, why would you go anywhere else?

John Mathis, Agent 803-473-6205 mobile

Ben Jordan, Agent 803-460-2036 mobile

Dennis R. Bolen, Agent Alfreada Pearson, Agent

Call or visit us today for all your insurance needs.

40 N. Mill St • Manning • 803-433-0060

126 E. Church St. • Bishopville 800-948-5077 office 803-316-1969 mobile

803-374-9655 mobile

GIVE THAI A TRY WITH A SIDE OF FRIED RICE

PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE The popularity of Thai food in North America continues to rise. But even the most devoted of Thai food fans may not know how easy it can be to prepare their favorite Thai foods at home. Fried rice is one of the more popular Thai dishes that

can be easily cooked up from the comfort of your own kitchen. Those who want to try their hand at Thai cuisine can use the following recipe for “Pineapple Fried Rice” courtesy of Katie Chin’s “Everyday Thai Cooking” (Tuttle).

INGREDIENTS • 1 whole pineapple • 2 large eggs • 1 teaspoon salt, divided • 2 tablespoons high-heat cooking oil, divided • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 small shallot, finely sliced • 1 fresh hot red or green chili, preferably Thai (deseeded if you prefer less heat), finely sliced • 3 cups cooked and chilled Thai jasmine rice • 2 tablespoons fish sauce • 1 tablespoon soy sauce • 1 cup cubed cooked chicken breast • 1 cup cubed cooked shrimp • 1/2 cup fresh or thawed frozen peas • 4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh coriander leaves (cilantro), plus more for garnish • 4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint • Pinch of ground white pepper

ALL INGREDIENTS CAN BE FOUND AT YOUR MANNING PIGGLY WIGGLY

1. Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise, and cut the fruit from the middle, leaving shell halves intact. Cut out the eyes and core. Set the shell halves aside. Dice the fruit. Dry the diced pineapple with paper towels and set aside. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and the pinch of pepper. 3. Heat half of the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook eggs, stirring, until set but still moist. Transfer eggs to a plate. Wash and thoroughly dry the wok or skillet. 4. Heat the remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, shallots and chili, and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the rice and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, chicken, shrimp, peas, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the reserved eggs, pineapple, fresh coriander leaves, and mint; stir-fry for 30 seconds. 5. Scoop the fried rice into the pineapple shells and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve immediately. SERVES 4 TO 6 AS A SIDE–NOTE: If you dice the pineapple ahead of time, rinse the pineapple shells with boiling water and dry with paper towels before serving. PC144091

piggly wiggly Local Since FOREVER

36 Sunset Dr., Manning, SC 29102 803-433-2118 • Deli: 803-433-8544 Pharmacy: 803-433-2412 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 41

On Lake the

PHOTO PROVIDED LORI SPINKS

PHOTO PROVIDED JERRY MCCOWN

PHOTO PROVIDED LORI SPINKS

PHOTO PROVIDED JOHNNIE TAYLOR

Please submit photos to cjohnson@theitem.com or rcottingham@theitem.com Deadline for submissions for the next edition is May 19, 2014.

42 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

PHOTO PROVIDED LORI SPINKS

PHOTO PROVIDED JERRY MCCOWN

PHOTO PROVIDED JERRY MCCOWN PHOTO PROVIDED LINDA PEKURI

PHOTO PROVIDED NANCY BYER

PHOTO PROVIDED JOHNNIE TAYLOR

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 43

A rider braves the elements on a wet trail during the Winter Challenge Off-Road Triathlon in Springfield, SC in February.

Bittersweet

Agony

100-plus compete in Winter Challenge IX events 44 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

by ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com

o many of the aphorisms and idioms we use on a daily basis originate from competitive sports. Whether it’s references to bases and strikes from baseball, the witty quips of Muhammed Ali, or a quick Heisman pose, these memes are nearly universal; everyone understands them, even if they don’t know where they came from. Though no one really knows the true origin of the saying, whoever first coined the phrase “No pain, no gain” must’ve been a triathlete. “It’s the most addictive and miserable passion you can have,” said Matt Bagnal, who’s competed in several triathlons. Those words resonate with anyone who competes in such events, and more than 100 triathletes were present to punish and champion themselves at the Winter Challenge IX Triathlon at Dome Farms near Springfield on Feb. 15. Though Bagnal wasn’t competing in the challenge, he certainly understands the motivation for the punishment that lay ahead of competitors as they neared the starting line. “It’s all about the personal challenge,” Bagnal said. “You’re improving yourself with every push.” The brutal task before them is broken into three segments: a seven-mile run, a six-mile kayak race and a 10-mile cycling course. Twenty-three miles of agony and ecstasy. Other forms of competition were also available, such as the duathlon and a relay competition. The Winter Challenge is a real passion for co-organizer Chris Williams. With his brother, Michael Williams, who joined the effort five years ago, Chris fights hard to keep the tradition he started 11 years ago alive. “It started when a friend of mine, Danny White, asked me about

catering his triathlon in Santee,” Chris said. “Eventually, he suggested I give it a try, put a team together and compete. We did.” The connection was instantaneous. “I immediately fell in love with it,” Chris said. The 46-year-old said the idea of Winter Challenge came to him while he was on the farm. “I looked around and thought, ‘This would be the perfect backdrop for it,’” he said. “We had 70 people show up that first year, and it’s been growing ever since.” According to his brother, Chris has the best support in the world. “There are people who judge the success of triathlons and other athletic events by their attendance and participation,” Michael said. “This one can’t be judged that way. Far more than half the people here are returning competitors. They’re dedicated, they’re very strong. There are no casual triathletes here, for the most part.” Unfortunately for this edition of the event, winter storms prevented many from attending and created quite a mess for the brothers to clean. “We spent close to 50 man hours here between Thursday and Friday (Feb. 13-14),” Michael said. “There were nine or 10 men out here with chainsaws. We were still clearing some of it up this morning.” The contagious nature of that level of determination was obvious when looking into the eyes of each and every competitor present that Saturday morning. Some are from just down the road. Others come from as far away as Georgia, Virginia or Indiana. That collective fervor adds to the mix, Michael said. “We’re probably $1,000-2,000 in the hole from getting things together,” he said. “Being around these people in such a beautiful location makes it worth it, though. We do it for them, the friends APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 45

John Wellens begins the 6-mile kayak portion of the Winter Challenge in Springfield on Feb. 15.

we’ve made while doing this.” The Winter Challenge is known for its difficulty. As a cold-weather event, there’s no warmth for comfort, no paved roads to even strides, just raw wilderness versus the human will. “This is a hardcore group,” Michael said. “While it’s beautiful out, the weather can be rather gruesome this time of year. It just goes to show you how special this group is. We much prefer to have a small group of true competitors than a large group who aren’t as dedicated.” Despite the grueling dynamic of the race, some have decided to make it a little more lighthearted, such as Jeff Corwon and his wife, Monsi Corwon. “This is our fist time competing in the Winter Challenge,” Jeff said, “but I’ve competed in several others. This is her first event ever.” Monsi laughed, saying, “It should be interesting. I’m really going to enjoy pushing myself through this.” “This is actually a Valentine’s Date for us,” Jeff added with a grin. “It’s so I can put her through what she puts me through.” Seeing the 100-plus people take off from the starting line was like watching a horde of Spartans charge into battle. They’re eager, they’re fierce, but above all, they’re wary of the challenge ahead. No one is sprinting or shouting a battle cry. They’re in the zone. Only their own

weaknesses can slow or stop them. As the runners finish the loop and jump into their kayaks, the toll paid by their bodies and minds is more than evident. Veterans and first-timers alike breathe heavily as they push forward, forcing themselves to stave off the pains of sore muscles and aching joints. The fire in their lungs is outshined by the fortitude of their hearts. “This isn’t for babies,” said 6th-year competitor Pete Chaplin. “It’s one thing to think about winning, but this challenge is tough. Many don’t even finish.” “The condition of this course vary so much,” Chris said. “It’s not a cushy trail; you’re gonna get your shoes wet.” And on they pushed. On foot, through water and on wheels, the dozens and dozens of competitors pushed themselves forward, and after 2 hours, 27 minutes and 52 seconds, a winner was crowned. John Wellens actually had a demanding lead in the competition. He was first to finish his run and jump in his kayak by more than a few seconds. But it was during the kayaking portion that things got a bit sticky. In his third lap, Wellens admits he dropped his guard, and while avoiding a thick cypress tree, he leaned over too far and fell into the freezing-cold water.

Santee Associates Realty Great team of Real Estate professionals ready to help you buy/sell your Lake Marion (North & South Shore) property.

Call one of our friendly agents to assist you! Karen Hardman • Roland Schock Catherine Shuler • Maggie Griffin Donna O’Neill • Kristie Anderson Bob Hickman 803-854-3000 or 1-800-476-0059

Buck Travis (Owner), Scott Clark (B.I.C.) Eletha Travis (Office Coordinator) 46 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

“After falling into the shockingly cold water, it took a while to regain any rhythm in my breathing,” Wellens said. “It was more like hyperventilation at that point.” Fortunately for Wellens, the camaraderie shared between competitors is stronger than the need to win. Three others stopped and helped him get back into his kayak, refusing to leave him behind to struggle. Once he was back in his boat, Wellens summoned all his grit and eventually regained his lead. “I finally worked my way up into the top three, and even won the darn thing. I was ecstatic,” Wellens said. “The ceremonial champagne was to be opened soon and some really cool prizes were waiting at the table. I’m very pleased to also get my name on the trophy to join some good company, all of whom I’ve met over the years.” Read more of Wellen’s personal account of the competition at http://tinyurl.com/prtmyrp. All in all, simply trying is worth a nod. Winning is a personally relative term. “We do it because we love it,” Chris said. “It’s a strong chemical mix of endorphins and adrenaline. You’ll find yourself asking, ‘What am I doing out here?’ every now and then, but you know why.” If you’re considering getting into the sport, the longtime advocate says it’s as simple as buying some new shoes. “Go out and buy a set of trail shoes,” Chris said. “Once you get started, you’ll find out pretty quickly if you like it or not. You just have to experience it, first.” Fortunately, Chris said a great opportunity to test the water is the Santee Surf & Turf on April 26 at Santee State Park. For more information, go to http://tinyurl.com/mcknd2w. “It’s a three-mile run, a three-mile kayak trail and an 8.1-mile mountain biking portion,” he said. “If you’re interested, you should try it out.”

McLean Marine, Inc.

Runners embark on a 7-mile run during the Winter Challenge .

For all of your appliance repair needs...

Authorized Sales and Service Since 1957 • • • Award Winning Dealer Master Technician Master Certified Mechanic

WESCO TRAILERS USED BOATS AND MOTORS

773-2290

455 E. Liberty St. Sumter, SC

APPLIANCE SALES & SERVICE 21 W. Wesmark Blvd. Sumter, SC 29150

Phone: 803.773.2737 803.775.2737

CLARENDON COUNTY’S BEST NEW DEVELOPMENT Trinity Heights is now offering lots from 1-to5 acres starting at $25,000 and lots with Turn-Key Home Packages by Pelican Bay Enterprises starting at $189,900. Beautiful Country setting with wooded lots and ponds. Private wells and septic. Located 301 North beside Trinity Heights Methodist Church just off 521. Minutes from Manning and I-95; 7 miles from Georgia Pacific and only 14 miles from ContinentalTire. FREE home plans based on your desires. Financing plans available. Call Davis or Ron for an appointment.

Davis Ron Welch 473-8713 Byerly 473-5268

by the lake

Trinity Heights

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 47

summerton WELCOME TO E-Z IN & OUT Care NEW OWNERSHIP C a r Off Exit 108 on Hwy 15/301

Roadside Service • 24-hour Towing • Technician On Duty • Brakes • Mufflers Exhaust • Tune-Ups • Computer Diagnostics • High-Speed Balance • Alignments ATV Repair • RV Tires • 18-Wheeler Tires (New & Used) Used Tires $15 + Mount • Used Batteries $30 • Oil Change $18.95 • Penzoil $36 We Pay Top Dollar for Junk Cars • We Do All Types of Mechanical Work

56 S. Church St. Summerton | 803/485/8118

Summerton Baptist Church 215 East Main Street In Summerton • 803-485-6023

SUNDAY SERVICES

8:30 AM Worship Service 9:45 AM Bible Study 11:00 AM Worship Service

Didn’t bring your church clothes to the lake? Don’t worry, Come as you are!

Bagnal LANDSCAPING

803-488-8784 TO LIST YOUR BUSINESS ON THIS PAGE CALL 803.435.4716 OR 803.464.1157

“Whatever it takes to see God’s purposes accomplished!”

• 70+ flavors of fudge • Pralines • Carolina Girls Shirts • Hand Painted Wine Glasses • Fireworks

Spring Merchandise arriving daily!

Smith’s Exxon

Cigarettes from $25.99 carton

Huge Variety of Gifts (803) 854-2687 Exit 98 in Santee

BETWEEN SHONEY’S & HUDDLE HOUSE OPEN 24 HOURS

$2 Off

WHEN YOU SPEND $10 OR MORE 438 Broad Street • Sumter, SC 803-773-5456 EXPIRES 5-31-14

Monday - Saturday 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM Sunday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

803-773-5456

438 Broad Street • Sumter, SC 48 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

It’s Tom Time by EARLE WOODWARD earlew@theitem.com

In my mind, one of the true success stories provided by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is the story of the Eastern Wild Turkey. When I was just a lad – let’s just say somewhere about 40 years ago – there was only a handful of wild turkeys in the entire state, most of which were in the Francis Marion Forest or in the mountains of the Upstate; I never even saw a turkey in the wild until I was in my late 20s. SCDNR began a trapping program and with the help of hundreds of private landowners and state forests began to repopulate the birds into areas suited for their existence. Since those early days, the eastern wild turkey population has exploded so much that there are birds all over the state. SCDNR has even begun trapping birds to export to other states to help them rebuild their populations. Kudos to SCDNR. I think, of all the hunting and fishing I do, I would rather hunt wild turkeys than anything else. Turkey hunting has it all; calling like duck hunting and patience like deer hunting. An expanded knowledge of the hunting area is also paramount. A hunter needs to spend an awful lot of time in the woods learning the whereabouts and habits of the birds that dwell in their particular neck of the woods. With the season having just opened in most of the state, let’s go over a little about hunting wild turkeys. First and foremost, “turkey tags” are required by SCDNR to hunt wild turkey. They are free of charge but must be in your possession while hunting. You can go by an SCDNR office or order them online on the DNR website. As the saying goes, “don’t leave home without ’em.” Full camouflage is the order of the day. Turkeys have extremely keen eyesight and also see in color, so blaze orange might not be the color you want to hunt in. Full camo

includes shirt, pants, face mask, hat and gloves. Even a little skin or a white sock may set them off. Except for very close-range shooting, I would recommend a 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells and in full choke. While I’ve known some folks to be successful with a 20-gauge and have taken my fair share with 2¾-inch shells, that little extra can come in very handy when the gobbler stops just a little way out there. I prefer a No. 6 shot size, but No. 4 and No. 5 will more than do the job. Because buckshot is illegal, a body shot is almost never effective because of the bird’s large size, so a head or neck shot is a must; the smaller shot sizes provide a denser pattern for a quick, knockdown kill. There is a multitude of different types of calls, but they pretty much break down along just a couple of lines: box calls, diaphragm calls and friction calls. Box calls have been around since before time began and have probably accounted for more dead turkeys than any other type of call. Basically, they are a long, thin wooden box with a paddle attached to the top; as the paddle is drawn across the upright edges of the open side of the “box,” a hen turkey sound is made. I find them very effective at times, and the sound seems to carry well in the wind. A diaphragm call is nothing more than a thin piece of latex stretched across a small metal frame that fits in the roof of your mouth. With practice, almost every sound a turkey makes can be made with a diaphragm; it’s my favorite call. Friction calls, also known as slate calls, are generally a round piece of slate or other hard material that fits in the palm of your hand, and a “striker” is drawn across it. They make the most beautiful “soft talk.” I carry at least one of each type of call with me when I venture out on a turkey hunt.

So, opening morning has arrived, you’ve done plenty of pre-season scouting, and you’re pretty sure you know where the birds will be. Set out before dawn and take up a listening station in the area you’d like to hunt, and listen. In the spring, gobblers, which are the only turkeys legal to shoot in South Carolina, will often, but not always, gobble while they are still up in the trees and roosting. Finding an early morning gobbling bird really helps pinpoint where you need to set up. Once located, find a nice, wide tree to sit under and begin calling; if you’re lucky enough to get the bird coming your way, sit still. More than one hunter has been busted because he or she coudn’t be still. They have great sight and will pick up even the slightest movement. Only move when the bird’s line of sight is obstructed by a solid object, such as a tree. I have mixed feelings about using decoys. I have seen days when a decoy will bring the birds running, and on other days, I’ve seen birds turn tail and run at the first glimpse of a fake turkey. I guess it’s just according to the day and the individual bird. There’s nothing in nature that can compare to the sight of a big tom with a beard dragging on the ground, strutting in the early morning sunlight. The range of colors you’ll see run from black to blue, to bronze, to reds, greens and almost every other color you can imagine; it is one of the best shows on earth. It’s almost a shame to touch the trigger, but you can’t have a wild turkey sandwich without touching a shot off. I’ve been watching several toms on the property that I lease and can assure you that I will be “amongst ’em” just as soon as I get a chance. With that, another special thanks to the good folks at SCDNR, without whom I’d never have had a chance to see the show. APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 49

April excellent for fishing on

Wateree by JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com

he fishing is about to get a whole lot better. “April on Lake Wateree can be one of the absolute best months of the year to catch large numbers of really big fish,” said Andy Owens, owner of Vengeance Tackle, 2618 Liberty Hill Road, Camden. “If the weather cooperates, the water temperatures should be in the mid-60s to low 70s with lots of sun.” It’s spawning season for largemouth bass, so the fish will be in the shallows more and can be found near secondary rocky points, docks near the back half of creeks and pockets, Owens explained. “As April progresses and the waters continue to warm, the fish will be found in some of the shallowest water they will be in all year,” Owens said. “Look for stumps, retaining walls, docks, rocks, old tires and fallen trees. The fish will use all of these to make bedding areas.” He recommends using large, thumping spinnerbaits, shad raps, other crankbaits and the jig and pig in a variety of sizes and colors. Start out moderately slow with all these lures and pick up the pace until you find what works best, Owens advised. “The fish will bite, and once you lock into the right color and speed, you could end up with one of your biggest weights of the entire year,” Owens said. Crappie fishing is also promising this time of year as they, too,

50 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

will be moving to more shallow water in creeks and deep brush piles. “Minnows and crappie jigs in a variety of sizes and colors are a sure bet to end up with a mess of some of the best eating fish in the lake,” Owens said. In the beginning, the white perch and stripers should still be out in the 20- to 25-foot range, but as the water continues to warm, they, too, will move into shallower water. “Vertical jigging a slab spoon in the ½-ounce to ¾-ounce range will work great,” Owens said. “If you are a bream fisherman, try red worms and crickets around boat ramps and boat docks. Another good bet is beside pontoon boats, as the algae will start forming on the bottoms of them this time of year.” If your taste runs more toward catfish, you’re still in luck. “The blue catfish bite will remain good, and your chances are good of catching one in the 30- to 40-pound range,” Owens said. “Try cut bream, shad, chicken livers and other prepared dough baits in the 10- to 20-foot depth range. Keep in mind that it is illegal to use any game fish with a size limit – such as crappie and largemouth bass – as cut bait.”

Crappie on the rise as weather

warms up by ROB COTTINGHAM rcottingham@theitem.com

s spring moves in, fishing expert Don Drose Sr. said the fishing will surely liven up in lakes Marion and Moultrie. “The fish are going to start moving around a lot more in the next few weeks,” Drose said, “but the fishing is already looking good.” Warmer weather certainly makes getting into the water more appealing and practical. While many fishers aren’t daunted by cooler weather, certain fish are more difficult to catch when things get too cold. If there’s one fish anglers are looking forward to targeting, it’s crappie, Drose said. “The crappies are already moving,” he said. “Folks are catching nice-sized fish off piers, creeks and in crappie beds. They’re really popular this time of year.” Drose said angling for catfish has proven pretty successful for fishers, as well. He’s received several reports of the whiskered fish being caught along the shallows but said catfishing will really liven up once the water temperatures rise. This goes for several species. “The last temperature reading I got was 53 degrees,” he said.

“Once the water warms back up to 58-60 degrees or more, crappie, bass and catfish will all start moving to the shallows.” As far as stripers go, Drose said anglers have reported much success using deep-running lures with large bills, especially when trolling at a depth of 12 to 15 feet. “Wyboo, Taw Caw and Potato creeks are the hot spots right now, from what I hear,” Drose said. “I’ve heard reports of some pretty decent sizes, too.” Bass have been biting really well around beds, the guru said. In the next few weeks, he recommends using worms and spinner baits near the shallows where some of the fish will be spawning. Unfortunately for anglers who prefer fishing for stripers, the season is coming to an end. “June 1 is the last day you can fish for stripers,” Drose said. “After that, you’ll have to wait till Sept. 30 before you can target stripers.” It might be sad news for some, but Drose approves of it. “This regulation really helps save fish,” he said. “The more we save and let grow, the more big fish we’ll have to fish for later.”

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 51

Wharton walks down a nearly complete dock on Lake Marion recently.

Workinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

on Water by BRISTOW MARCHANT

52 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

bristowm@theitem.com

Wharton notches a decking board to a pylon of an unfinished walkway recently.

randon Wharton steps out onto the wooden planks resting on an unfinished walkway onto a Lake Marion dock. “Don’t worry,” he says. “They’re steady.” It’s a warm, sunny winter day, a good time for this marine contractor to complete some work on a private dock jutting into the lake. There’s no season for dock building, but the winter months are usually when prospective dock owners start looking forward to enjoying warmer weather on the water. “They normally call a month or two before spring,” Wharton said. “But I’d prefer to get started a year before they want it up.” Wharton has been building docks and other marine structures for 10 years with his company, Wharton Land and Marine Construction. The “land” part comes from the Sumter-area contractor installing decks and fences on dry ground, but he prides himself on being certified to install large maritime docks like this one and a couple other projects he’s currently working on along the coast of Clarendon County. A marine contractor needs a specialty license from the state, with slightly different requirements than a general contractor’s license. Santee Cooper, which governs Lake Marion and regulates the docks along its shores, requires a licensed contractor to do work on any dock structure that costs more than $5,000 to build. “That’s really nothing if you’re building a dock,” Wharton said. “If you hire a marine contractor, you want to make sure he’s licensed.” Wharton uses a power saw to notch the decking lumber so it fits around the pilings holding the deck above water, while filling in the last gaps in his walkway. He has two workers helping him with construction, but Wharton always likes to be involved with the work on site, and today it’s just him installing the deck planks. Working around the lakes and waterways in this region gives him plenty of opportunities to do everything from boat and floating docks to coverings and the installation of boat lifts. “I don’t even travel out of South Carolina because we’ve got plenty of water here,” Wharton said. “I’ve done docks on Lake Wateree, John’s Island, Wadmalaw...” When putting in any dock, a builder will face a number of challenges a construction crew wouldn’t normally face because of the difficulties of working around deep, cold water, the shifting ground below, and an extra layer of regulations. The most obvious challenge is laying a foundation that reaches well below the surface. “When you build any post-and-frame construction, you need to have a solid foundation,” Wharton said. “But when you’re working in

Wharton takes a power saw to some lumber at the site of a lakeside dock still under construction. a foot to 20 feet of water, that can be hard to find. Along Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, you’ve either got sand or clay or a sand-clay mix.” To install the posts for a dock, a contractor has to clear wet, loose sand out of the way by jetting high-pressure water into the soil until a firmer level is reached to hold the support structure. Santee Cooper requires a dock be at least two feet above the high-water mark. But building below the surface, under deep water and loose soil, can exponentially increase the size of a construction project. “You wouldn’t know it from looking at it above the water, but that dock could be two stories tall,” he said. Floating alongside the current dock is a pontoon boat Wharton uses as a platform for work where standing on solid ground isn’t an option, such as installing electrical wiring for lights or an overhead fan if it’s a covered dock, or other electrical outlets. Wharton calls in a Manning electrician for those jobs to ensure the wiring is installed safely. “All wiring needs to run through a conduit that is put in before the decking goes on,” he said. “To work on it, you have to get underneath (the deck) on a little boat.” The alternative is doing most of the dock work standing in the lake itself, sometimes wading into deep waters. “In winter, you have to wear a wetsuit, and it’s cold,” Wharton said. “Without a platform like a boat, it’s impossible to build in 18 feet of water.” A builder can run into other challenges as well. Specially treated lumber is needed to keep the wood from rotting away in the water, and Wharton is particular about how the dock is screwed and bolted together to prevent boards from splitting. And then there are the rules imposed from outside. For many years, Santee Cooper banned docks with a roof covering as unsightly, detracting from the view of the lake. Wharton helped overturn that decision when he built one of the more recently approved covered docks for a Lake Marion campground. A bigger challenge to the average dock owner is the cost. Putting a price tag on your dock can be tricky, because much depends on the specifics of each site. “The price per square foot is dependent on the water depths and whether it’s in a high-energy area (of boat traffic) where you have to take rough surf into consideration, and soil’s a consideration.” But once pricing, conditions, equipment and local laws and regulations are squared away, Wharton says building is a pretty straightforward process; depending on the size of the project, a dock can be completed in about a week or two. APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 53

For more information, visit www.catttrail.com or call Brett Owens at (803) 413-7521.

Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie Saturday, April 12 2014 CATT Santee Cooper Qualifier 4

Saturday, May 3

2014 CATT Santee Cooper Qualifier 5

Saturday, May 10

2014 CATT Santee Cooper Finals

Lake Wateree Saturday, April 26 2014 Catawba Clash

Saturday, April 5

Santee Cooper Open Team Tournament

Location: John C. Land III Landing Entry fees: $150, plus $10 for optional Big Fish competition Entries received after April 2 are subject to additional $25 fee. First place guaranteed $5,000, bonus for top youth team Tournament hours will run from safe light to an agreed-upon weighin time to be determined prior to blast off. Blast-off order will be determined by the order of entry. The late penalty is one pound per minute. There’s a five-fish limit, black bass only. Culled fish must be released immediately. No dead fish may be culled. Penalties for dead fish are 4 ounces for the first dead fish, then 1 pound per additional dead fish. Fish must be at least 14 inches in length. Submitting a fish less than 14 inches long will result in the loss of that fish, plus the largest fish from your catch. Only artificial baits are allowed. No live bait. No snagging if sight fishing. No fishing within 50 yards of another contestant unless both parties agree. No alcoholic beverages on boats during tournament hours. All contestants must wear a United States Coast Guard-approved life vest at all times. Payback is based on one place per five boats entered. Polygraph exams will be given to top finishers and at random. Protests of other competitors must be submitted in writing within 30 minutes of weigh-in conclusion. For more information, go online to http://clarendoncounty.com/ images/2014fishingapplication.pdf, or call (803) 435-4405.

Carolina Angler’s Team Trail 2014

Membership fee is $30 to participate in a trail. Members under the age of 16 will not have to pay a fee. Teams consist of two anglers. If an angler competes in a qualifier alone, he or she must also compete alone in finals. One member must be at least 21 years old. Each angler must have a valid fishing license. A team has to enter only one qualifier to be eligible to participate in the finals. Most CATT events begin at safe daylight and end at 3 p.m., unless otherwise specified. All CATT events have a five-bass limit. Length limits are determined by SCDNR for the host lake. A 4-ounce penalty will be levied against any dead fish submitted and will be applied to the team’s total weight. A team that brings more than five fish to weigh-in will lose the team’s big fish. A team must have a working live-well. 54 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

Hosted by Vengeance Tackle at Clearwater Cove Marina, 2029 Baron Dekalb Road, Camden, (803) 432-5315. Event begins Entry fee is $160, $170 at ramp, with an optional $25 buy-in for a side pot. An optional fee of $10 goes to Big Fish pot. Tournament runs from safe daylight to 3 p.m., 1st flight weigh-in. Limits are five bass to a team, 14 inches minimum length per bass. CATT rules apply. For more information, visit www.catttrail.com or reach Vengeance Tackle at (803) 669-2624.

Saturday, May 31

2014 CATT South Carolina Championship

$5,000 first-place prize Entry for championship is $180 per team, $190 if paid at the ramp. For more information, visit www.catttrail.com or call Brett Owens at (803) 413-7521.

“Happy” W

by ASHLEY STEPPE

e’ve all searched for it. Every day we wake up and start our day with the hope it will find us. We contemplate the true meaning of it. It’s the one thing we want to be. Happy. Where is your happy? I’m proud to say that I am blessed to have found mine, but it isn’t where most would think it would be. She’s in my barn, in a cage filled with fresh hay, cracked corn and chopped fresh kale. She bobs her head back and forth and looks deep into my heart. She’s a duck – a mallard hen to be precise. On May 25, 2012, I was on my nightly walk to the barn when I heard a chirp. After searching relentlessly, I found a faded blue green egg with a small crack. Inside was the little creature that would change my life. I brought her inside, wrapped her in a warm damp towel and started cheering her on. I mean that literally: “Be aggressive. Be, be aggressive!” And she would make another crack. After about two hours, she finally popped her little peanut head out, and it was love at first sight. Now, what I didn’t know at the time was that a hatchling thinks the first thing it sees is its mother. After months of trying to get her to acclimate to the pond, with other ducks and dealing with her flying to wherever I was in a panic, I finally gave up on the idea she was going to be an average duck. She was my daughter now, so I had to treat her like one. She likes to perch on my shoulder and nibble on my hair and has even popped out my earrings too many times to mention. But all of that is just the surface. What she has really done for me, I could never repay her. She opened my eyes. Her simple ways of showing me her undying affection, her unconditional love, the innocence in her eyes ... it all brings me back to the core of who I am. Every night, I let her out to frolic and swim, and all I see is what’s right in front of me; my happy … I finally found my happy. It’s letting go of the superficial world, it’s going to a quiet place, it’s looking into the eyes of one of God’s creatures and seeing myself in her: a girl with wings who holds onto our special moments together and looks forward to them as much as I do. At some point, I realized … I’m her happy, too. APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 55

Red bay trees are commonly found in Carolina bays and helped give them their name. The elliptical wetland phenomenon is found along most of the East Coast.

DayVenture: Savage Bay Heritage Preserve by JADE REYNOLDS jade@theitem.com

hile I don’t picture myself hiking a mountain trail, I have been known to enjoy a walk in the woods. So when I learned about the Savage Bay Heritage Preserve not far from my home town, I had no problem checking it out. It’s free and open during daylight hours year round. Turns out, the place is steeped in history, which isn’t surprising, given that it’s located not far outside of Camden, the oldest inland city in South Carolina. Owned and managed by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, it’s named in honor of Henry Savage Jr. A long-serving Camden lawyer –1926 to 1990 – and mayor of the city from 1948 to 1958, Savage was known as a pioneer environmentalist, according to the University of South Carolina’s School of Law website, bit.ly/1cxzNwQ. He was co-founder and second president of the S.C. Forestry Association 1969-1970 and a board member of the State of S.C. Heritage Trust Program 1981-1986. He authored seven books, including “The Mysterious Carolina Bays” in 1982. Carolina bays are elliptical wetlands oriented northwest to southeast and are found in coastal plains from southern New Jersey to northern Florida, with the majority of them in North and South Carolina, according to “The South Carolina Aquarium Guide to Aquatic Habitats of South Carolina.” The Savage Bay Heritage Preserve was first established in 1987 with 59 acres purchased by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources from the Natural Conservancy, according to dnr.sc.gov. With seven additional property acquisitions, it has now expanded to 110 acres. About half of Savage Bay Heritage Preserve is covered by two Carolina bays and the other half is made up of old agricultural fields. “All of the DNR’s lands, and practically all the (about) 19 million acres in South Carolina, have had human use at some point,” said 56 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

Johnny Stowe, heritage preserve manager for 12 years and certified wildlife biologist with the SCDNR. “Properties such as Savage Bay, being near a long-ago settled town like Camden, have had a lot of use over a long time. Obviously, arrowheads and such are extremely important and it is against the law to remove them from the preserve, but some of the things that later cultures left behind are important, too. We often tend to look at the remains of old home places as historically important and leave them alone unless they pose a safety hazard. … It is not a hard and fast rule, but in general, cultural remains 50 years or older are important.” As an example, he mentioned old wells as a safety hazard, but said this tract of land doesn’t have any to his knowledge. His duties include preventing damage such as timber or pine straw theft, abuse such as dumping, keeping the boundaries maintained and assisting the public in various ways, Stowe said. In the bays, which are fed by precipitation rather than a stream or river, the dominant canopy vegetation is pond cypress. It was easy to spot the bays the day I visited by the almost wall-like collection of the trees with their wide bases. As for animals, I saw some birds, but unfortunately I’m not skilled enough to tell if they were some of the ones commonly found in such bays – brown-headed nuthatch, common yellow throat, prairie warbler, rufous-sided towhee or swamp sparrow, according to the Aquatics Habitats Guide. And while I didn’t see any white-tail deer, another critter common to the bays, I did see tracks. Venison lovers, don’t get excited. No hunting is allowed on the property at any time. There are also no public facilities. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own water and to take all trash out with you. There are no

receptacles. On the other hand, take only what you brought in. No natural or cultural materials, artifacts, animals or plants may be taken from the site. The area is not wheelchair accessible. ATVs and horses are prohibited. While the signs do not prohibit bicycles, at least one specifies “foot travel only.” “We have had trouble with ATV abuse and folks tearing down trail signs,” Stowe said. “Trails are mostly old firebreaks and roadbeds. One of the best ways to enjoy the preserve is to simply walk through the woods off-trail. The boundaries are well marked with green paint and signs.” I would recommend printing a map from the DNR website and having an app on your handheld device that can help locate your position via satellite, just to be safe. For more information on the Savage Bay Heritage Preserve, including directions, visit dnr.sc.gov. Reindeer moss with its fruiting red bodies covers a patch of the preserve. Though called “moss,” it’s technically a lichen. White and green signs help mark the boundaries of Savage Bay Heritage Preserve as well as give guidance to its use. It’s open yearround during daylight hours.

BONANZA Flea Market Business Center • Free Daybreak Breakfast Free High Speed Internet • Pets Allowed • Pool 400 Buff Blvd. • Summerton, SC 29148

803-485-2865 www.daysinn.com

1048 Bonanza Crossing Rd. • Manning, SC Hours: Th-F 10-5 • Sat 8-4 • Sun 12-5 803-460-0014 • bonanzafleamarket@aol.com Vendors Welcome Inside and Out Daily, Weekly, or Monthly

Like Us on

THE AREA’S BEST LISTINGSLakeside or In Town!

Alfred Kelley 803-460-4422

1014 Varner Dr. WATERFRONT Octagon house with wrap porch on second floor, ground floor is storage and laundry room with 1/2 bath, ground floor also has workshop to its self. Elevator and outside stairs, Views from all rooms, most rooms open onto porch overlooking lake. 4BRs, 3.5BAs, MLS# 119030 $399,900 Alfred 803-460-4422

www.alfredhkelly.com

1283 Grove St. Second row home on golf course with lake view, screen porch, storage shed, gazebo, fish cleaning stand, oak trees, fenced yard. Very nice home with two car shed, only minutes from boat ramp and Goat Island Restaurant and Lounge. must have appointment. 3BR/2BA. MLS# 118476 $139,900. Go to www.alfredhkelley.com to see all pictures

1106 Shore Dr. Nice Waterfront on two lots in small gated community, 3br, 2ba, 1537 sq ft, living room, kitchen, DR, master, and 1 guest room have fantastic views of water and all rooms have doors for access to wrap around deck, new heat pump, fire place. MLS# 118472 $450,000. Call Alfred to see.

803-460-4422

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 57

Fishing at

Randolph’s Landing by TYLER SIMPSON tyler@theitem.com

58 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

Randolph’s Landing is located next to a dam on Lake Marion at the end of Highway 260. The landing offers a quiet getaway for anyone wanting to spend a couple of days fishing on the lake.

The landing’s restaurant, Fayz Place, offers some good country cooking for visitors on the landing. The restaurant is open seven days a week.

ith the cold weather coming to a close and the sun fixin’ to bring warmer days to the South, South Carolina residents are making plans to spend their weekends by the lake to enjoy boating, jet skiing, family life and fishing. Randolph’s Landing can provide families and frequent fishermen with everything they need to enjoy a relaxing weekend of sun, water and some good ole’ fishing. The landing, founded by Randolph Matthews in 1945, has been a thriving landmark for fishing and camping thanks to a combination of new and repeat customers, according to its current owner Nick Lucas. “We mostly just attract people who want to come down and fish either on the weekends or for the whole week,” Lucas said. “It’s just a nice, quiet place to get away to.” Lucas said the landing attracts the most attention between March and November, when many regulars return to immerse themselves in the outdoors and be able to enjoy their favorite activity after a season full of cold winds.

The landing includes everything that people need for a relaxing fishing getaway on Lake Marion, including a seven-room motel, a campground for trailer homes and bait and tackle shop. As a private lake landing located at the north end of the Lake Marion dam at the end of Highway 260 in Manning, the small resort provides all the basics for a weekend getaway of fishing, including a motel, two beach areas, a 24-hour guide service, a bait and tackle shop, cottages and campsites. Though guests would normally have to bring their own boat if they want get farther in the water, the landing’s pier helps them get the most out of the experience without one. Since Lucas gained ownership of the landing in 2005, the landing became a popular location for both state and national fishing tournaments, including the Randolph’s Championship Catfish Series, which attracted plenty of boaters and media attention. Anyone hoping to partake in any fishing competitions will be disappointed to learn that Lucas and his staff were forced to cancel future events. “We would have two tournaments a year, but after the economy went south, we’ve done away with them,” Lucas said.

SUMTER P RO S T H E T I C S &ORTHOTICS

See us for all of your artificial limb and bracing needs. Covering all the latest technology and advancements in prosthetics & orthotics.

Over 70 years of combined experience

259 BROAD STREET • SUMTER

803-883-4356

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS! 3250 Carter Road | Sumter, SC 29150 | Phone: (803) 775-5025 | Fax: (803) 775-3595 OFFICE HOURS MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:30 - 5:30 | SATURDAY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! | WWW.PIEDMONTPLANTATION.COM APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 59

Summerfield checks the wiring of an RV’s generator recently at Fulton Automotive. He said the most difficult RV repairs are usually electrical, as there is quite a bit of wiring throughout the vehicle, and schematics can be hard to attain.

Get your RV ready

for Summer by RAYTEVIA EVANS

revans@theitem.com

ith summer right around the corner, families will start packing their hiking and overnight gear and spend a little more time in their recreational vehicles in South Carolina’s intriguing outdoor destinations. After a rough winter that brought on quite a bit of snow, freezing rain and thousands of power outages, your RV will be in need of some serious maintenance before it’s ready for proper and safe usage. Dudley Osteen of Fulton Automotive in Sumter said the winter storms will definitely have impacted families’ RVs. “After the ice storm, if they haven’t winterized their RVs, they need to bring them to us for maintenance,” Osteen said. “We’ll check them for busted pipes, rusted water heaters and anything else dealing with water on the vehicle just to make sure it’s ready for use.” Osteen said it’s also important to check the roof of your RV. He explained that manufacturers started using EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) roofs on RVs that are good for 20 years if properly maintained. 60 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

“You just want to check that roof to make sure it’s secure. Make sure your skylights are closing and sealing properly, as well,” he said. At Fulton Automotive, Osteen said they will do brake inspections, wheel barrow inspections and make sure the vehicle is safe for use before you and your family hit the road. Also, for those who were prepared and did winterize their RV before those cruel winter months crept up on us, Osteen said it’s just as important to de-winterize before taking long journeys in your RV. Osteen said Fulton Automotive also offers pre-trip inspections, generator services, winterization and de-winterization and any services regarding the coach department of your RV. As for parts for the RV, they can get any parts needed for repairing and maintaining your vehicle before you go through with your planned travels. For more information on RV maintenance, contact Fulton Automotive at (803) 775-6378. Be safe out there and enjoy the beautiful outdoors right here in South Carolina.

Recycle yard and kitchen waste by composting by JOLIE ELIZABETH BROWN jolie2@clemson.edu

ny time is a great time to start composting. South Carolina has the perfect climate for composting – hot and humid. For the folks who want high-quality organic fertilizer that is virtually free, composting is the way to go. Composting yard waste and kitchen scraps instead of throwing them into the landfill will provide you with rich, brown, crumbly humus and a warm, bubbly feeling for keeping this “waste” out of the landfill. Why should you consider composting? Well, it’s easy. It creates a useful soil enricher, and it’s an environmentally sound way of reducing yard waste. A compost pile is a complex environment; there are tiny organisms (mainly bacteria, fungi and protozoa) that work to break down garden and landscaping trimmings, along with kitchen scraps, in a moist, aerobic (oxygen-demanding) environment. Organic materials for composting all contain nutrients that provide energy and growth for microorganisms. A complete compost pile requires sources of carbon and nitrogen, or you can think of them as browns and greens. A good carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio is crucial for a compost pile to break down. Leaves, straw and sawdust are high in carbon, while grass clippings, manure and vegetable scraps are higher in nitrogen. A quick list of household items suitable for your compost are tea leaves, paper, bread, coffee grounds and filters, egg shells, fruit and vegetable rinds, peelings, etc., dryer lint and cereal. Yard trimmings are a great source of carbon for your compost. Any pruned stems, grass clippings, leaves, dead-headed flowers or vegetable plant leftovers from your last season’s garden are wonderful additions to your compost. There are certain items that are not suitable for your compost pile, such as dairy products, meat, pet waste, bones, charcoal ash and diseased plants. Keep in mind that pet waste, or your dog’s waste, has 2.5 times the amount of bacteria as human waste. You definitely don’t want that in your compost pile. A great way to remember what to throw away and what to keep for compost is to type a list and post it above your trashcan. I did this as a reminder for my husband so if he was making coffee for the next day, he would remember to not throw out the grinds and filters, but put them in my compost can.

Compost is a great soil amendment. Adding compost to sandy soils, which is the most common type we have down here, can help the soil retain soil moisture and nutrients. Compost can be added to your vegetable garden or flower beds for extra nutrients. Compost can also be used as mulch or potting soil. Slow composting is the least labor-intensive method and is ideal for folks who do not have a large amount of yard waste to compost at one time. This type of composting takes six months or longer to produce that rich, brown humus. However, if you are passionate and dedicated, you can follow the fast method and produce compost in two months or less. This technique is very labor intensive. It requires you to check the moisture content of your pile and internal temperature. When the internal temperature of your pile reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit, it is time to turn your pile. You will most likely turn your pile every three to five days. The key to the fast recipe is to layer your pile. Begin with browns (high in carbon), then add a layer of greens (high in nitrogen), and continue with this pattern. If the greens are not fresh, add another nitrogen source such as cottonseed meal or poultry manure. Mix well and add water if necessary to moisten. Adding a layer of garden soil or manure to each brown-green layer will introduce more critters to speed up the process. As temperatures rise and the days get longer, folks begin thinking about gardening and doing their yard work. This year, take your kitchen and yard waste and recycle it into something useful. For me, composting is a way to avoid spending money on fertilizers and those big black bags for yard waste. I enjoy reusing my throwaways to improve my soil and help my veggie plants grow into something delicious. If you would like to learn more about composting, please visit Clemson’s HGIC website at http://www.clemson.edu/extension/horticulture/, and if you are interested in other environmentally friendly gardening and landscape techniques, please visit our Carolina Yards website at http://www.clemson.edu/extension/natural_resources/water/carolina_yards/index.html. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.

Tammy S. Cupp

Broker Associate/Shareholder “For all of your real estate needs, contact your friendly real estate professional.” Mobile: (803) 460-7090 E-fax: (843) 725-7072 tammycupp@gmail.com www.tammycupp.com APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 61

Things to consider before

downsizing your home Once their kids have left the nest, many men and women over 50 begin to consider downsizing their homes. Downsizing to a smaller home can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, including less home to clean and maintain, more affordable utility bills and lower property taxes. But the decision to downsize is rarely black and white, and men and women often struggle with that decision. Perhaps the most difficult part of the decision of whether or not to downsize to a smaller home concerns the sentimental attachment many homeowners, especially those with children, have to their homes. The home might be too big for your current needs, but it also was the same place where your son took his first steps and where your daughter lost her first tooth. Saying goodbye to a place that was home to so many memories isn’t easy. But there’s more than just sentimental value to consider when deciding whether or not to downsize your home after the kids have grown up and moved out.

Personal finances

Your financial situation merits significant consideration when deciding if the time is right to downsize your home. If your retirement nest egg is not as substantial as you would like it to be, then it would seem as though downsizing to a smaller, more affordable home is a great opportunity for you to start catching up on your retirement savings. But that’s only true if your new home won’t incur any additional expenses that are already taken care of in your current home. For example, your current home may be fully furnished, while a new, smaller home may require you to buy all new furniture because your existing items simply won’t fit. The cost of such furnishings can be considerable. If you plan to move into a condominium, you can expect to pay monthly homeowners association fees, and such fees are often substantial. So while the condo itself might be smaller, the additional expenses associated with the property may end up making the smaller home more expensive and preventyou from saving more money for retirement.

Real estate market

There are seller’s markets and there are buyer’s markets, and

CALL US, WE’LL SAVE YOU HUNDREDS!

Lake Marion Area Monthly & Long Term Rentals

Jimmy’s

Town, Lake Area, Waterfront Homes and Condos

Heating and Air, LLC LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

Serving Clarendon County For Over 33 years!

Space

How much space do you really need? Once the kids have moved out, couples may feel like all of that extra space is going to waste. But that can be a knee-jerk reaction, and upon a more thorough examination of the space and your needs you may just find that you can put all of that extra square footage to good use after all. If you have always wanted your own art studio, then now might be the perfect time to make that a reality. Always wanted a room devoted to home theater? Get to work on converting your basement from an all-purpose game room to your own private movie theater. If, after considering the space in your home, you find that the extra square footage really is just upkeep you aren’t especially interested in doing, then you would no doubt like a cozier home that’s less of a responsibility to maintain. Downsizing a home is something many men and women over 50 consider after their children have moved out. Such a decision is rarely easy, so homeowners should take as much time as they need before making a final decision to move or stay put.

Dee's Rentals

LOWER YOUR POWER BILL WITH AN ENERGY EFFICIENT HEAT PUMP

Chris Mathis

ideally you would like to sell your home in a seller’s market. But keep in mind that this might be the same market in which you hope to buy a new home. The nature of the real estate market depends on a host of factors, including geography. If the city or town where you currently live is in the midst of a seller’s market and you are planning on moving to a location where buyers have the upper hand, then now might be a great time to move. But if you currently live in a buyer’s market and hope to move to a seller’s market, then you may end up paying a steep price, even when downsizing to a smaller home. Things may even themselves out if you want to downsize to a smaller home within your current community, but do your homework nonetheless, researching the time of year when you’re most likely to get the most for your home and find the best deal on your next place. The advantage men and women considering downsizing haveis that they are rarely in a rush to move out of their current home and into their next one. This gives them ample time to make the real estate market work for them.

Jimmy Mathis

803-460-5420 OR 803-478-5957 SALES & SERVICE ON ALL BRANDS 62 APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE

www.deelakerentals.com 326 South Mill St. • Manning, SC

803-433-7355

20 Years Property Manager Experience

DEE OSTEEN

HOME FOR SALE 3 Bedroom, 2 and a half Bath

Southland Log Home with 3 waterfront lots , Two story with full walkout basement garage. The floor plan boasts a formal foyer with kitchen and dining open to the great room. Great room features an impressive glass window wall with full view of lake. Cathedral ceilings with loft and stone gas fireplace. Half bath is located in great room. Kitchen has large walk-in pantry with microwave and refrigerator. It features a European 4-oven AGA gas cooker. Dishwasher is raised for comfort. Solid surface Corian counters feature a breakfast bar. Spacious dining room overlooks lake and easily seats 8-10 table. Master bedroom has generous space for a king size bed and sitting area. French doors open to the deck. His and Her walk-in closets lead to a spacious master bath with a corner shower, large vanity and Jacuzzi tub. It has a spacious linen closet that offers lots of storage. The second floor has two

bedrooms with large closets. Both rooms have view of lake. Large bath has tub/shower combo with glass sliding doors. Unfinished walkout basement has ample space. Laundry room and 2 car garage. French doors lead to the 40,000 gallon Lazy L pool with salt generator. Automatic pool cleaner and cover are included. Home features a commercial grade steel roof; 2 heating and air units with Zoned heating and air for master suite. Security System is installed as well as Invisible underground dog fence. Large deck with staircase leads to pool. Front has covered porch that is spacious. Home is built in center of 2 waterfront lots and third waterfront lot has storage building with deck that could easily be converted to cabin. Tree house for the kids is a bonus. All windows have custom plantation shutters that are energy efficient. Hardwood floors throughout house.

Contact

Jim or Kathy 803.478.5963

www.ForSaleByOwner.com/23971184

APRIL - MAY 2014 | LAKESIDE 63

Spring Time AT DISCOUNT FURNITURE OUTLET means Great New Looks Great Prices Great Service

Your local hometown store with over 40,000 sq.ft. of furniture to choose from. Why wait for your furniture? What you see in our store, you can take home today! Discount Furniture Outlet Voted #1 Place to Buy Furniture & Mattresses by The Item Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice Award 2012 & 2013

BACK-TO-BACK WINNER

Live Better For Less!

Like Us On Facebook!

2891 Broad Street | Sumter, SC 29150 | 803-469-8733 Open: Mon-Fri: 9:30am-7pm | Sat: 9:30am-5pm | Closed Sunday

64 APRIL - MAYCHECK, 2014 | LAKESIDE CASH, CREDIT CARDS & FINANCING ARE AVAILABLE. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. -LAYAWAY AVAILABLE-