FLOWER
POWER
Are plug-in hybrids the next big green thing? E N E RGY S M A RT S
SAVING BIG WITH ENERGY TAX CREDITS H o metow n p ro u d
Dillon : TOWN GEARING UP FOR THE FUTURE LO C A L N E W S
JULY 2009
Businesses offer savings
THE MAGAZINE FOR COOPERATIVE MEMBERS Vol. 63 • No. 7 (ISSN 0047-486X, USPS 316-240) Published monthly by The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. 808 Knox Abbott Drive Cayce, SC 29033-3311
July 2009 • Volume 63, Number 7
F e a t ur e
Tel: (803) 926-3 175 Fax: (803) 796-6064 E-mail: letters@scliving.coop
16 Driving on the cutting edge
EDITOR
John Berry Bruce
Driving on the cutting edge 100-MPG cars and $1-a-gallon fuel are closer than you think. Electric cooperatives including Central Electric Power Cooperative in South Carolina are testing plug-in hybrids and demonstrating them at co-op annual meetings.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Shima Thakor Patel FIELD EDITOR
Walter Allread EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Lou Green
ADVERTISING MANAGERS
Co-op Connection
Dan Covell Keegan Covell (800) 984-0887
4
PUBLICATION COORDINATOR
Pam Martin
Executive Letter Cooperative News
6 On The Agenda
DESIGNER
Susan Collins COPY EDITOR
Susan Scott Soyars CONTRIBUTORS
Becky Billingsley, Mike Couick, James Dulley, Scott Gates, Carrie B. Hirsch, Jan A. Igoe, Charles Joyner, Rhonda Matthews, Bob Polomski, Pat Robertson, Don Strobel, Beth Williams E-mail ads@scliving.coop.
July events Upgrade efficiency with tax credits PLUS: The most mouthwatering eateries in the state of South Carolina, Good Neighbors of the Month, SC Mailbag and Fish-Game locator
POWER USER
Advertising:
Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication. Should you encounter a difficulty with an advertisement, inform the Editor. Address Changes: Please send to your local co-op. Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to Address Change, c/o the address above.
Periodicals postage paid at Cayce, S.C., and additional mailing offices. The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. No portion of South Carolina Living may be reproduced without permission of the Editor. © Copyright 2009,
South C arolina Living is brought to you by South Carolina’s memberowned, taxpaying, not-for-profit electric cooperatives to inform you about your cooperative, wise energy use and the faces and places that identify the Palmetto State. Electric cooperatives are South Carolina’s—and America’s— largest utility network.
Electric cooperatives ascribe to the seven cooperative principles: ff Voluntary and open membership ff Democratic member control ff Member economic participation ff Autonomy and independence ff Education, training and information ff Cooperation among cooperatives ff Concern for community
Dialogue
10 Time for a change!
We have accomplished our goal: To make the magazine more convenient to read, more legible and more useful. Energy Q&A
12 Keep cool and trim costs
Using less air-conditioning, especially during the hottest summer weekday afternoons, can save you money. Smart Choice
14 Microchip magic
Recent microchip progress is going to dramatically affect our electronic products in fantastically favorable ways. Home RUN
15 Using insulation
There is a huge movement in the green world today to utilize foam in place of standard insulation.
SC Life Stories
21 Kristin Scott Benson picks She’s one of the top bluegrass banjo players. Scene
22 Hometown proud in Dillon Home to the Federal Reserve chair, this town basks in the national spotlight.
16
Outside
26 Reptile rapture
SC Gardener: Garden's best friend Outdoor tips TRAVELS
28 Berry-picking time is now
Spanning the state, the National Heritage Corridor is lined with “you-pick” fruit farms. Recipe
30 Summer favorites
30
Cheesy pimento hominy Strawberry summer sparkler Cabbage coleslaw Oven-steamed herbed corn
28
Chef’s Choice
32 Summertime pasta pleaser Chef Cathryn Matthes brings healthy, sumptuous servings to the table. Humor me
38 Just vote me off the island! Ode to a family camping trip gone awry.
34 Marketplace 36 SC EVENTS
Will plug-in hybrid vehicles herald the blossoming of 100‑mpg fuel economy and dollar-a-gallon gas?
FLOWER
POWER
Are plug-in hybrids the next big green thing? E N E RGY S M A RT S
SAVING BIG WITH ENERGY TAX CREDITS
Printed on recycled paper
H O M E TOW N P RO U D
DILLON : TOWN GEARING UP FOR THE FUTURE
ILLUSTRATION by RALPH BUTLER
LO C A L N E W S
CH WE SEE PAGE 10 AN ’ V GE E D!
Member of the NCM network of publications, reaching more than 7 million homes and businesses
JULY 2009
BUSINESSES OFFER SAVINGS
July
On the Agenda
Highlights
AUGUST 7
Craftsmen’s Summer Classic Arts & Crafts Festival
FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF EVENTS, SEE SC EVENTS ON PAGE 36
Myrtle Beach is the setting for original work from more than 250 talented artists and crafts people. All juried exhibitors’ work has been handmade by the exhibitors and must be their own original design and creation. See the creative process in action with several exhibitors demonstrating their craft in their booths. Something for every taste and budget with items from the most contemporary to the most traditional. Adult admission is $7 and $1 for ages six to 12. For information, log onto gilmoreshows.com or call (336) 282-5550.
AUGUST 7–8
JULY 17-18
Pageland Watermelon Festival Sit back, relax and watch a watermelon-themed parade travel down Main Street in Pageland, a historic community in northeast South Carolina near the North Carolina border. Local beauty queens compete for the title of Watermelon World Queen. For admission and other information, access pagelandchamber.com or call (843) 672-6400.
AUGUST 15
TOP PICK FOR KIDS
POWERS OF NATURE The incredible forces of wind, water and earth are demonstrated vividly in the South Carolina State Museum’s exciting blockbuster exhibit Powers of Nature, on display through September 7. The exhibit explores the science behind natural disasters with more than 50 interactive stations. For information, visit museum.state.sc.us or call (803) 898-4921.
Battle of Musgrove’s Mill Anniversary Celebration Musgrove Mill State Historic Site will be presenting the Battle of Musgrove’s Mill Anniversary Celebration. The battle, which took place on August 19, 1780, was one of the early turning points in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution, and stands as an excellent example of the guerilla conflict and civil war that raged in the Carolina Backcountry during America’s War of Independence. The event will feature an interpretive talk on the Battle of Musgrove’s Mill and its significance, a period firing salute, as well as commemorations by the Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Free with park admission. Call (864) 938-0100 for information.
6
SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | SCLIVING.COOP
South Carolina Pelion Peanut Party Farmers in Pelion have been producing and harvesting peanuts for years. It has long been a tradition for the townspeople to gather for the annual boiling of the peanuts. Visit scpeanutparty.com or call (803) 606-9522 for event information.
Send us comments, questions and Good Neighbors by e-mail to letters@SCliving.coop
Upgrade efficiency with tax credits
The idea of living in a more efficient home — and paying lower utility bills — has widespread appeal. But finding ways to fund improvements can be difficult during hard economic times. Fortunately, the federal government offers two ways to recover some of your expenses when planning upgrades: energy efficiency tax credits and renewable energy tax credits. Through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act — known as the federal stimulus bill — Uncle Sam offers a personal tax credit of up to $1,500 for energy-efficiency measures made at existing homes in 2009 and 2010. You can recover 30 percent of the cost of adding insulation materials and exterior doors, windows, and roofs designed to help reduce your home’s heat loss or gain. The credit also covers efficient central air conditioners, air-source heat pumps, hot-water boilers, and biomass stoves. With a maximum value of $1,500 for all improvements made in 2009 and 2010, the credit may be applied toward material costs on all projects. You can also use it on installation costs for heating, ventilation and airconditioning systems and biomass stoves. If you want to start generating your own power, consider taking a renewable energy tax credit covering 30 percent of the cost of materials and installation for solar panels, solar water heaters, and geothermal heat pumps. This credit applies to both existing homes and new construction. Projects must be placed into service between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2016. Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, provides guidelines on what qualifies for both tax credits at www.energystar.gov, keyword “Tax credits.”
Tax credits ease heating and cooling costs Heating and cooling accounts for almost half of your monthly energy bill. New federal incentives can help you lower this expense. Receive a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost of materials and installation for qualifying improvements — up to $1,500 over 2009 and 2010. Guidelines are at energystar.gov, keyword ‘tax credits.’ Examples:
Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
JIM HUFF
CURRENTS
Central Air For split systems, an energy Conditioning efficiency ratio (EER) of 13 or Air-Source higher and a Seasonal EER (SEER) of 16 or higher. For package systems, a 12 EER or higher and a 14 SEER or higher. Heat Pump
TECH NOTES
Will hydrogen fuel your home?
For split systems, a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) of 8.5 or higher, a 12.5 EER or higher, and a 15 SEER or higher. For package systems, an HSPF of 8 or higher, a 12 EER or higher, and a 14 SEER or higher.
Aiken County is a growing center for research into tapping the lightest and most common of elements, hydrogen, for a clean, safe and unlimited energy source. Officials from Aiken Electric Cooperative, Santee Cooper and the Center for Hydrogen Research (CHR) joined there recently in the dedication of a solar panel array to advance hydrogen generation from renewable energy sources. The array allows the CHR researchers to work on applications of hydrogen as a storage solution for solar energy. Gary Stooksbury, chief executive officer of Aiken Electric Cooperative, notes that the project is supported by people who are paying a premium for renewable energy. “Sales of Green Power, supported by the electric cooperatives, are used to enhance and expand renewable programs in South Carolina,” he says.
Geothermal All Energy Star geothermal Heat Pump heat pumps qualify, and unlike for other HVAC systems, there is no limit to the tax credit amount. For this credit, the unit must be placed into service before Dec. 31, 2016. Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan
No more than 2 percent of furnace total energy use.
For tax purposes, the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement and receipt are generally required. Use IRS Form 5695 to claim the credit.
Source: energystar.gov
HOME IMPROVEMENT
AVERAGE HOME ENERGY COSTS The first step in reducing your home energy costs is to review last year’s utility bills and see where your energy dollars are going. The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy claims the average homeowner spends the most energy dollars on heating and cooling.
Computers & Electronics 9% Other 8%
Appliances & Lighting 20%
Refrigeration 8%
Water Heating 12% Space Heating & Cooling 43%
Source: 2007 Buildings Energy Data Book, Table 4.2.1, 2005 energy cost data.
scliving.coop | JULY 2009 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING
7
On the Agenda
July
Good Neighbors of the Month
Walter & Dee Stanbury There is no doubt that Walter and Dee Stanbury of Hartsville are the best neighbors we have ever had. Walter cuts our grass when needed, takes our trash dumpster to the curb every week and even bought and installed weatherstripping on our doors to keep the cold out. Walter and Dee check on my Mom when I’m at work, especially if they don’t see her out and about during the day. Dee brings my Mom food, has made us several delicious cakes and even brings our cat his favorite treat! On December 13, 2008, my Mom began to have severe stomach pains. My Mom ended up having emergency colon surgery and spent 2½ weeks in the hospital and another month in rehab. During this time, Dee and Walter did anything and everything they could to help us through this ordeal. I don’t know what we would have done without them. Cheryl D. Shepherd, Hartsville
Do you know a good neighbor whom you wish to commend? Write Good Neighbors, South Carolina Living, 808 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, South Carolina 29033 or e-mail letters@scliving.coop.
SCL To-Do List 11th Annual BBQ Pick! We’re taking votes for readers’ favorite barbecue places for the 11th Annual Best-inSouth Carolina Barbecue Pick. Please include your name, address, restaurant’s name, location and telephone number, and why its barbecue is the best. Selected entries will be considered for publication. No ballot stuffing, please. Mailed entries must postmarked and electronic entries should be sent no later than July 31, 2009. Send to BBQ Pick, South Carolina Living, 808 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033, e-mail letters@ scliving.coop or fax (803) 739-3041.
Write us!
We want to hear from you – comments, suggestions, opinions. Your letter must be signed and legible. We edit for grammar, style and length. Please write LETTERS, care of any of the addresses found in the paragraph above.
8
BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB
GONE FISHIN’
STOP WHERE THE PARKING LOT’S FULL: A COLLECTION OF SANDLAPPER’S FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
Uldrich-VECTOR SOLUNAR DATA
By Aïda Rogers and Tim Driggers, published 2008 by Sandlapper Society, (800) 908-0308, sandlapper.org, P.O. Box 1108, Lexington, SC 29071. Paperback, 301 pages, $24.95.
Minor
JULY 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
The most mouthwatering eateries in the state of South Carolina are the subject of a culinary road trip through the Palmetto State. Stop Where the Parking Lot’s Full covers two decades of statewide restaurant reporting. From gourmet to gizzards, seafood to soul food, roving taste bud journalists Aïda Rogers and Tim Driggers sample the state’s finest fare. They offer their recommendations and commentaries in this guide to food, fun and the good people serving both. Rogers covered approximately 215 restaurants until 2005, when Driggers took over. About 300 restaurants have been covered in Sandlapper magazine since 1989, with about half still in operation today. So, whether your taste buds long for the exotic, the inspired, the affordable or the just plain good-old-fashioned when it comes to food, this book of culinary delights will faithfully escort you on your explorations of South Carolina’s varied cuisines.
AM PM Major Minor Major
12:52 2:07 3:22 4:22 — 1:07 1:52 2:37 3:22 10:07 11:52 — — — 12:52
9:22 10:22 11:07 11:52 5:22 6:07 7:07 8:07 9:07 4:22 5:22 6:22 7:52 8:52 9:52
9:37 10:52 11:37 12:22 8:07 8:37 9:07 9:22 9:52 3:52 4:07 2:37 — 8:52 10:22
5:52 6:22 7:07 7:37 12:37 1:22 2:07 2:37 3:22 10:07 10:37 11:07 11:37 6:07 6:22
10:37 11:22 11:52 5:07 5:52 6:22 7:07 7:37 2:52 3:22 4:07 5:07 6:22 7:52 9:07 10:07
11:07 11:37 12:07 7:37 7:52 8:07 8:22 8:37 8:52 2:52 3:22 12:07 — 6:07 10:07 10:52
6:37 6:52 7:07 12:22 12:52 1:22 1:37 2:07 2:37 9:22 9:37 10:07 10:37 11:52 5:52 6:07
AUGUST 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
2:22 3:22 4:22 — — 1:07 1:37 2:07 8:22 9:22 10:22 — — — — 1:52
Fish and game feeding and migration times. Major periods can bracket the peak by an hour. Minor peaks, ½ hour before and after.
S.C.RAMBLE! B
L
Letters have been substituted for digits in these two multiplication problems. Repeated letters stand for repeated digits. Given E=6, can you replace the digits that give the value of MEMBER SERVICE?
SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
By Charles Joyner
O
C E
I
A
K
D
6
6 V
See Answer ON Page 35
V
E
S
6
R
M A E
B
U
C
6
6
X 6 M E M B
E
X
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6
6 E
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6 R
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I
INTRODUCING
SOLAR SHIELD MOBILE HOME INSULATED ROOF SYSTEM DEVELOPED ESPECIALLY FOR MOBILE HOME ROOF OVERS
What is a Solar Shield Roof System? 12″ Overhang
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ENERGY SAVERS
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SHELTERCRAFT SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS South Carolina owned and operated! LICENSED
Living green is making sure the air in your home is healthy for your family to breathe. Test your home for radon and build radon-resistant. It’s easy. That’s living healthy and green.
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30 YR. Fixed 30 YR. Fixed 30 YR. Fixed 30 YR. Fixed 30 YR. Fixed
4.90% 5.21% 4.90% 5.12% 4.90% 5.06% 4.87% 5.03% 4.87% 4.98%
Samples are Fixed Rate conforming loans, 75 LTV rate/term transactions and 720 FICO scores. All products allow principle payments at any time without penalty. All rates and terms subject to change with market conditions. Other Rates, Terms and Products available. Call about Cash Out, FHA to 95%, Debt Consolidation, JUMBO Loans, Double Wide w/Land and MORE! Ask about our 40, 20, 15 and 10 year terms and Interest only programs to get your LOWEST payment!
WOW! 4.87%
scliving.coop | JULY 2009 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING
9
Dialogue
Time for a change!
Mike Couick President and CEO, The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina
FLOWER
POWER
Are plug-in hybrids the next big green thing ? E N E RGY S M A RT
SAVING BIG S ENERGY TAXWITH CREDITS
H O M E TOW
N P
DILLON TOWNRO U D GEARING UP FOR THE FUTUR E LO C A L C U TLIN ANNUAL MEETIENG DRAWS CROWDS
Keep the conversations going Let Congress know where you stand in this critical debate. We thank those of you who have already started a dialogue with your elected officials through the campaign, and ask that you keep those conversations going. Visit ourenergy.coop today and send an e-mail to your elected representatives sharing your concern. Tell your family and friends to do the same. We’ll all be impacted by future energy policy changes. Now is the time to work together and take a stand for affordability. We simply can’t afford not to.
10
What in the world is going on here? You opened this magazine as you usually do, expecting to see what you usually see, and then… good gravy! Everything looks different. Familiar elements are in strange places, and there are things you’ve never seen here before. Even the name is slightly changed, from Living in South Carolina to South Carolina Living Magazine. Change can be hard when you’ve looked pretty much the same for years, as we have. But the world has moved on, and we didn’t want to be the publishing equal of our great-aunt Sally, who still wears the same bouffant she had during the 1960s. We knew it was time for a change. PAGE ’ VE ED! WEANG CH 10
SEE
More than skin deep We did much more than just spruce up our look. We took the opportunity to introduce major new parts of the magazine, including On the Agenda, Power User, Smart Choice and Home Run. In a world where newspapers and magazines are closing because they did not adapt to changing reader and commercial needs,
SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
we bucked the trend and invested in a redesign, while fueling the magazine with deeper analysis. We believe we have accomplished our goal: To make the magazine more convenient to read, more legible and more useful for cooperatives, their members (you) and magazine advertisers. We believe that our beautifully designed magazine presents an ideal environment for advertisers looking to reach the engaged cooperative member. We are pleased with everyone’s enthusiastic reaction to the magazine and recognition of our unique editorial position. We hope you enjoy the new South Carolina Living. Our mission is to deliver the information you need to be an informed cooperative member, and that all happens in South Carolina Living Magazine. Comments, questions or suggestions are welcome.
Some things are constant While we’ve changed the magazine, other things will remain the same, namely, protecting electric cooperative members from unnecessarily increasing electricity bills and making certain that electric co-op members are treated fairly. Your cooperative remains committed to providing you with safe, reliable and
affordable power — but we’ll always need your help. Through the “Our Energy, Our Future” grassroots awareness campaign, co-op members across South Carolina are speaking out about the importance of keeping electric bills affordable. New energy and climate change policies being debated in Congress could turn your monthly budget upside-down. Now is the time to ask our elected officials: Will you please work with electric cooperatives to be sure public policy meets my need for affordable electricity? Working together, we can make sure that happens. Ask your U.S. representative and senators if they will work with electric cooperatives to develop policies that will keep electricity affordable. Co-ops were created to make safe, reliable, and affordable electricity available for all Americans. We take our role seriously, and have resources in place to help lawmakers find ways to address our nation’s energy crisis. We can find the right solution together.
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Built On Your Land
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The Rosemont Carole, diagnosed in 2005 Geoffrey, diagnosed in 1987
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LockridgeHomes .com
Upstate (864) 553-2311
Midlands (706) 504-1455
Low Country (843) 571-0010
We eXiSt to MAKe SUre it DoeSn’t Join the MoveMent jointhemovement.org
Cremation Remember what happened to you the last time you went to a funeral home and asked for cremation?
You can trust your cremation society. www.southcarolinacremation.com Endorsed by American Legion Dept. of South Carolina
1910 Jefferson Davis Hwy Graniteville, SC 29829 1-800-758-9115 www.southcarolinacremation.com
scliving.coop   | JULY 2009   |  SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING
11
EnergyQ&A
By JAMES Dulley
Keep cool and trim costs this summer
Q
I want to try to use less energy this summer. I know I will have to air-condition less, but I like it comfortably cool in my house. What things can I do to make me feel cooler with less air-conditioning?
A
Using a central air conditioner or heat pump during summer can significantly increase your utility bills. In today’s economic climate, everyone is trying to reduce his or her housing budget in every way possible. Using less air-conditioning, especially during the hottest summer weekday afternoons, can save you money on electric bills while helping your electric cooperative reduce peak demand. This helps hold down future rate increases because less investment will be needed for additional electric generating plants.
you become accustomed to the warmer ambient temperature, being in highly air-conditioned spaces will feel chilly. Installing a whole-house fan accomplishes two of these methods. At night, it typically brings in cooler air and exhausts the hot air from your house. A large whole-house fan can also create quite a pleasant breeze throughout your house. A typical unit uses just a small fraction of the electricity a central air conditioner does. By installing a solar chimney, the sun itself can be used to create a breeze
There are four good methods to keep comfortable without air-conditioning: bringing in cooler outdoor air when possible; increasing the air velocity inside your house; minimizing the indoor humidity level; and blocking heat transmission into your house. Using all of these methods or a combination of a few can make a significant improvement. Once 12
James Dulley
Create a breeze
A solar chimney can create a breeze in the house without the use of electricity.
SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
throughout your house using no electricity. A solar chimney is a tall chimney made with standard lumber. Two sides of it are covered with clear acrylic sheets and the inside is painted flat black. An opening at the base of the solar chimney is ducted through your house wall. When the sun shines through the acrylic onto the black interior, it gets hot and heats the air inside the chimney. Since hot air rises, it vents out the top and draws air in the bottom from inside your house to create a breeze indoors. To make it more effective, mount a turbine vent over the top outlet opening. A solar window heater with a summertime outdoor vent flap is another option. Increasing the velocity of the indoor air can make a room feel 5 to 10 degrees cooler than still air at the same temperature. This is the theory behind using ceiling paddle fans. They use very little electricity and can create a comforting effect — even though they actually make the room air slightly warmer. During summer, set the ceiling fan blade rotation so it blows the air downward (turning counterclockwise as you look up) and run it on medium or high speed for the most comfort. During winter, reverse the blade rotation so the air
Use grills or other small cooking appliances outdoors during summer to reduce the amount of heat created inside the house.
blows upward (turning clockwise as you look up) and run it on low speed. This will gently move the warm air at the ceiling out to the walls and down. On low speed, the fan will not create a chilly draft during the winter. If you do have sliders, all is not lost. Fully open the windows on the downwind side of your house (facing away from the wind). There usually is a slight lower pressure on this side so some air will be drawn from your house. Open the windows just a bit less on the windward side (the
side facing into the wind). This creates a faster air flow in through these partialopened windows making you more comfortable if you sit near them.
Chill and grill Need a few more quick tips for keeping things cool? Run your kitchen and bathroom vent fans whenever you are cooking or bathing to remove the moisture. Use the summer weather as an excuse to grill outside more often and reduce the cooking heat in your kitchen. Make sure the clothes dryer vent duct is not leaking and allowing hot humid air to stay indoors. Block heat from entering your windows and glass doors with awnings and window film. Install reflective foil under the attic rafters to block radiant heat from a hot roof. And make sure you have adequate attic ventilation and that insulation is not blocking soffit vents. By following some of these steps, you’ll be saving money while keeping cool in no time. Have a question about wise energy use? Please write Jim Dulley, South Carolina Living Magazine, 808 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033, e-mail energyqa@scliving.coop or fax (803) 739-3041.
Thanks to the Economic Recovery Act, there’s now a 30% “renewable energy” tax credit for homeowners who install a qualifying WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system. WaterFurnace geothermal units use the clean, renewable energy found in your own backyard to save up to 70% on heating, cooling, and hot water. They don’t burn expensive fossil fuels, they reduce our dependence on foreign oil and also happen to be great for the environment. Call your local dealer and discover for yourself the benefits that only WaterFurnace can provide.
YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS
Beaufort Carolina Air (843) 524-2581
Greenville Carolina Heating Services (864) 232-5684
Rock Hill Panther Htg & Clg, Inc. (803) 327-2700
Barnwell/Denmark/Orangeburg Neeley Heating & Air (803) 793-3370
Hilton Head/Blufton Gochnauer Heating & Air (843) 342-4822
Comfort Systems (800) 315-4328
Charleston B&D Heating & Air (843) 225-5212
Mount Pleasant/Charleston Custom Climate Heating & Air (843) 881-3960
Columbia Drawdy’s Heating and Air (803) 782-3546
Myrtle Beach Carolina Temperature Control (843) 651-6000
Spartanburg Davis Services (864) 578-9233 Sumter Briggs Air Systems (803) 773-9090
Coastal Cooling & Refrigeration (843) 626-4423
waterfurnace.com | (800) GEO-SAVE WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.
scliving.coop | JULY 2009 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING
13
SmartChoice
By Becky BILLINGSLEY
Microchip magic that uses 70 percent less energy, can be powered by your body’s movements and natural heat, and has 10 times greater battery life than today’s chips. Recent microchip progress will dramatically affect electronic products in fantastically favorable ways. “The opportunities that are going to be possible given the advances in microchips are really unimaginable,” says Ralph Heredia, vice president of business development and a co-founder of Zipit Wireless in Greenville. The always on, always available Internet will help, too. “Our ability as an industry to connect every device and every person will open up amazing new opportunities and applications,” Heredia says. He credits significant advancements in the integration in semiconductors (microchips), lower power consumption and increased performance. Smaller is better with microchips because size matters when it comes to cost effectiveness. Here are a few devices already on the market.
Imagine a microchip
VIEWING PLEASURE botanicalls An unassembled kit with instructions for creating a connection from your houseplant to your computer so the plant can communicate with you through Twitter.com with messages such as “Urgent! Water me!” $100. (888) GEEKSTUFF (433-5788); botanicalls.com.
Amazon Kindle 2 More than 270,000 books, newspapers and blogs in a wireless electronic book store; space for more than 1,500 books in 2 gigabytes of memory; read for days without a recharge. $359. (866) 321-8851; amazon. com/kindle2.
TALK & LISTEN Motorola Evoke QA4 A cell phone and social media center with A-GPS navigation and built-in social media widgets. $100 with two-year Alltel contract, or $323. (866) 289-6686; motorola.com.
Jabra SP200 Speakerphone Allows wireless Bluetooth hands- free talking; attach to a car cup holder or kitchen cabinet. $60. (800) 826-4656; jabra.com.
Xacti Waterproof VPC-CA9 Sanyo digital HD video/still camera that is ready for beach, rain and water skiing; submersible up to 4.5 feet. $350. (818) 998-7322; sanyo.com.
Voltaic Solar Backpack Embedded solar chargers produce enough power in one day to charge the typical laptop. $249. (877) 304-6861; voltaicsystems.com.
Royal PF115 Rechargable 1.5-inch digital keychain photo frame stores up to 70 photos. $15. (888) 261-4555; royal.com.
POWER PUNCH Belkin 1-amp Quick-Charge Car power port for charging your iPod and some GPS devices. $15. (800) 2BELKIN (2235546); belkin.com.
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SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
DON STROBEL
HomeRun
Using insulation to reduce energy use Insulation is near the top of the list of the many elements involved in creating and maintaining a safe and healthy home with minimal impact on the environment. In addition to helping combat global warming, insulation helps provide comfortable temperatures and humidity levels in a residence. It reduces the amounts of energy and money otherwise necessary to achieve these levels. Before insulating, however, residents should first get an evaluation, or energy audit, by a seasoned professional who determines where to insulate and air seal. Then, after air sealing the building envelope, or filling the holes in walls, windows, and doors, residents should insulate their homes.
Order of events Homeowners should first increase the amount of insulation in the attic, and then, if the basement is unfinished, insulate the ceiling above it and above the crawlspace, in between the basement and the home. To determine whether an area of the home already has enough insulation, measure the insulation’s thickness, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Web site (www1.eere.energy.gov/ consumer/tips/insulation.html). Contractors use R-values to identify insulation’s effectiveness; the higher the R-value, the better the ability of the insulation to protect a home from heat transfer. The best R-values for a home depend on the climate in which it is located. Guidelines include the following: the foundation wall R-10, the slabs below grade R-5, standard walls R-16, windows R-1.7, with low-E film recommended, and floors R-19 insulation. Most attics in the United
Applying weatherstripping can help stop air leaks around a doorway.
States should contain insulation between R-22 and R-49, with at least 6 inches of cellulose or 7 inches of fiberglass or rock wool, according to the DOE’s Web site. The two places that should be insulated first include the attic (because oftentimes this is where heat is lost) and the basement, especially if your remodeling plans include finishing the basement, or crawlspace.
What’s your type? There is a huge movement in the green world today to utilize foam in place of standard insulation. Higher R values per inch are possible, and it provides soundproofing, too. The application of these products is usually done professionally because it’s too technical for most homeowners. Some of the foam insulation products are soy-based so they contain no VOCs and are very green. Foam insulation products are particularly
Insulation Guide ff
Foundation wall R-10
ff
Slabs below grade R-5
ff
Standard walls R-16
ff
Floors R-19
ff
Attics between R-22 and R-49
well suited for the hot, humid climates in the South because they allow the entire envelope, or house, to be wellenclosed and protected from moisture. Insulating the home is one step in a series that will help to decrease energy use and cost. is a design/build contractor who is a Green Certified Professional through the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). For information, please access nariremodelers.com.
Don Strobel
scliving.coop | JULY 2009 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING
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DRIVIN on the
Is an era of 100-MPG cars and dollar-a-gallon gas about to bloom? By SCOTT GATES
Today, a small fleet of
specialized electric cooperative demonstration vehicles, drawing on the power of both gasoline and electricity, are currently wheeling down rural roads. Under optimum conditions, they can travel 150 miles on each gallon of gasoline. Sound far-fetched? The Cooperative Research Network (CRN), an arm of Arlington, Va.-based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, has been conducting a project involving these cars, called plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), for the past two years. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory and seven electric co-ops across the country have joined the effort, with at least a dozen cars on the road. “Part of the program is gaining real-world data on what it’s like to drive one of these vehicles day to day, and part of it is public outreach,” explains Alan Shedd, who logged 45,000 miles in a plug-in as a commercial-industrial marketing engineer at Jackson Electric Membership Corporation in Jefferson, Ga. Shedd picked up the co-op’s PHEV, a retrofitted 2004 Toyota Prius painted two-tone green and white, from a conversion shop outside Los Angeles in February 2007. He adds: “You can’t really drive anywhere without people asking about it. It’s kind of flashy—especially
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SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
NG Cuttıng Edge with ‘100+ mpg’ painted right above the gas tank.” In its study, CRN hopes to determine how PHEVs will perform as part of an electric co-op fleet. Any positive attention co-ops enjoy as a result provides an unexpected bonus. “It’s really great that electric cooperatives got involved in this technology early on,” comments Shedd. “Participating co-ops deserve a lot of credit for getting out there and making this initiative happen.”
Hybrid versus plug-in The public exposure Shedd and others provide by displaying the cars at co-op meetings, fairs, and other community events in South Carolina and elsewhere lets them explain what PHEVs actually do. Today’s hybrid cars, which many automakers are now offering, achieve greater fuel efficiency by adding an electric motor and 1.3-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery that takes over for the gasoline engine at low speeds. The
gas engine kicks on during long cruises, or when the battery gets used up. Both the gas engine and a regenerative braking system constantly recharge the battery pack. Plug-in hybrids, though, take the idea a step further by replacing the nickel-metal hydride battery with a 9-kWh lithium-ion model — a much larger version of those used in cell phones and laptops — that delivers more electric power and better fuel economy. A plug-in charging system that can be accessed above the car’s left rear bumper is then installed. When the battery runs down to where a onethird charge remains, the PHEV starts acting like a regular hybrid, using the gasoline engine to maintain that level. But the engine and brakes don’t recharge the battery much more. Instead, a full charge requires a regular 110-V outlet. Before being converted to a plug-in, Shedd’s off-the-shelf hybrid averaged 45 to 50 mpg. He now gets 75 to 90 mpg driving the same routes.
scliving.coop | JULY 2009 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING
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“ In charging, the car draws less energy than a hairdryer.” Jackson EMC
Alan Shedd plugs his PHEV in at home and monitors how much electricity it draws with a small voltmeter. In recharging, the car uses less energy than a hairdryer.
On trips in-town of less than 20 miles, the car can average between 120 and 150 mpg. That means far fewer trips to the gas station, as long as Shedd can plug his car in at the end of the day. “When plugged in, a PHEV can recharge in four hours,” says Ed Torrero, CRN executive director. “Doing so consumes around 4 kilowatthours, or about 40 cents, of electricity. It’s cheaper to fully recharge the battery this way than charging it with the gasoline engine.”
Plug-in promise Charging can also be done at night, when demand for electricity is low. A PHEV can run on the equivalent of $1 per gallon for gas — a price not seen in this country for a decade. Plug-ins also offer the promise of reduced reliance on imported oil and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Combined, electricity generation and transportation account for close to 18
three-quarters of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, blamed as a principal contributor to climate change. Even in a scenario where few changes are made to the nation’s current electric generation mix — with coal continuing to provide about half of all power produced — widespread adoption of PHEVs could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 500 million metric tons a year by 2050, according to a recent study by the Palo Alto, Calif.-based Electric Power Research Institute, a nonprofit research consortium for electric utilities, and the National Resources Defense Council in New York City. That’s equal to permanently taking more than one-third of cars off the nation’s roads. At the moment, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle development remains hampered by costs and still-evolving battery technology. Nickel-metal hydride batteries, for their part, are plagued by low energy density — the
SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
charge held relative to size. On the other hand, lithiumion batteries, such as those being deployed by CRN, are not yet proven. However, a report by the California Air Resources Board found them “making impressive technical progress worldwide,” especially in regards to longevity and safety. Another technical hurdle involves electric utilities’ ability to handle a surge of electric-driven cars. If PHEVs are charged during times of low electricity demand, the current power grid could “fuel” as many as 180 million without the need for new generation, according to the U.S. Department of Energy Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash. But a rapid and more widespread adoption of the technology could severely strain distribution systems, such as those owned and maintained by your local electric co-op. “Plug-ins have the potential to create the greatest end-use product, and greatest challenge, for electric utilities since air conditioning was introduced in the 1950s,” explains Torrero. “Air conditioning load grew much faster than expected and caught a lot of utilities unprepared. This research project is contributing to an early understanding of the technology so we can avoid any similar unintended consequences.” When driving his PHEV, Shedd often fields questions along these lines. A popular concern is: if everyone on my block drives a plug-in hybrid, and comes home from work and plugs in at the same time, won’t we have brownouts? “In my opinion, it’s a non-issue,” insists Shedd. “In recharging, the car draws less energy than a hairdryer. And we don’t have brownouts in the morning when everyone is getting ready for work, drying their hair, and
Fuel of the future?
BIOELECTRICITY Switchgrass: next energy crop?
offer an alternative to petroleum for powering our cars, but growing energy crops to produce them can compete with food crops for farmland, and clearing forests to expand farmland will aggravate the climate change problem. How can we maximize our “miles per acre” from biomass? Researchers writing in the online edition of Science magazine say the best bet is to convert the biomass to electricity, rather than ethanol. They calculate that, compared to ethanol used for internal combustion engines, bioelectricity used for batterypowered vehicles would deliver an average of 80 percent more miles of transportation per acre of crops, while also providing double the greenhouse gas offsets to mitigate climate change. “It’s a relatively obvious question once you ask it, but nobody had really asked it before,” says study co-author Chris Field, director of the Department of Global Ecology at the Carnegie Institution. “The
BIOFUELS SUCH AS ETHANOL
kinds of motivations that have driven people to think about developing ethanol as a vehicle fuel have been somewhat different from those that have been motivating people to think about battery electric vehicles, but the overlap is in the area of maximizing efficiency and minimizing adverse impacts on climate.” The researchers performed a life-cycle analysis of both bioelectricity and ethanol technologies, taking into account not only the energy produced by each technology, but also the energy consumed in producing the vehicles and fuels. For the analysis, they used publicly available data on vehicle efficiencies from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other organizations. Bioelectricity was the clear winner in the transportationmiles-per-acre comparison, regardless of whether the energy was produced from corn or from switchgrass, a cellulose-based energy crop. For example, a small SUV powered by bioelectricity could travel
making coffee.” Jackson EMC recently retired its PHEV when the odometer reached 103,000 miles, and Shedd has since moved on to work as a Southern regional manager with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
nearly 14,000 highway miles on the net energy produced from an acre of switchgrass, while a comparable internal combustion vehicle could only travel about 9,000 miles on the highway. Average mileage for both city and highway driving would be 15,000 miles for a bioelectric SUV and 8,000 miles for an internal combustion vehicle. "The internal combustion engine just isn't very efficient, especially when compared to electric vehicles,” says Campbell. “Even the best ethanolproducing technologies with hybrid vehicles aren't enough to overcome this." The researchers found that bioelectricity and ethanol also differed in their potential impact on climate change. “Some approaches to bioenergy can make climate change worse, but other limited approaches can help fight climate change,” says Campbell. “For these beneficial approaches, we could do more to fight climate change by making electricity than making ethanol.” The energy from an acre of
But wanting to continue his participation with CRN, Shedd “put his money where his mouth is” and bought the car from the co-op. “I’m a huge fan of the technology— it works very well,” Shedd concludes. “This car and I, we go way back.”
switchgrass used to power an electric vehicle would prevent or offset the release of up to 10 tons of CO2 per acre, relative to a similar-sized gasoline-powered car. Across vehicle types and different crops, this offset averages more than 100 percent larger for the bioelectricity than for ethanol. Bioelectricity offers more possibilities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through measures such as carbon capture and sequestration, which could be implemented at biomass power stations but not individual internal combustion vehicles. While the results of the study clearly favor bioelectricity over ethanol, the researchers caution that the issues facing society in choosing an energy strategy are complex. “We found that converting biomass to electricity rather than ethanol makes the most sense for two policy-relevant issues: transportation and climate,” says Lobell. “But we also need to compare these options for other issues like water consumption, air pollution, and economic costs.”
Scott Gates writes on technology and energy efficiency for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.
scliving.coop | JULY 2009 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING
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SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
SCStories
SC Life
Kristin Scott Benson
Dean Hoffmeyer
OCCUPATION: Award-winning banjo player ODD JOB: Performing with The Grascals at actor Steven Seagal’s birthday party COMING UP: The Indigo Bluegrass Festival on August 1 in Spartanburg
Kristin Scott Benson’s musical journey has taken her from Union to the White House to, oddly enough, Steven Seagal’s LA home. She’s a member of The Grascals, who in April played a birthday party for the martial arts master/action star. Kristin joined after being named Banjo Player of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association in October. Seagal isn’t the only heavy hitter she’s entertained. In November, the group played for the former president, vice president and their wives. “We received a private tour of the White House,” says Kristin. “The Grascals got a picture with President Bush and Mrs. Bush.” It’s a long way from Union, where parents Fred and Carolyn Scott are Broad River Electric Cooperative members. Kristin’s father and her “Papaw,” Arval Hogan, taught her mandolin. Kristin first stepped on stage at age five. She got a banjo for Christmas at 13. By 19, while attending Nashville’s Belmont University, Kristin had joined the Larry Stephenson Band and played the Grand Ole Opry. Six songs from her latest CD, “Second Season,” can be heard at myspace.com/ kristinscottbenson. The album features top talent, including her husband, Wayne Benson of IIIrd Tyme Out. She and Wayne moved from Nashville to Boiling Springs with their son, Hogan. Kristin’s journey comes close to home August 1, when The Grascals play the Indigo Bluegrass Festival at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. See: indigobluegrassfestival.com. — Walter Allread
scliving.coop | JULY 2009 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING
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SCScene Ho m et o w n p r i d e : D i llo n
The Little Town With the Big Buzz By Beth Williams
The Pee Dee town of Dillon has recently been in the spotlight on both state and national levels, having earned impressive bragging rights for a town with a population of less than 10,000.
Headline news
Built by the tracks, the city of Dillon has made steady progress but faces the challenges of today’s economy. Ty’Sheoma Bethea is embraced by First Lady Michelle Obama during Barack Obama’s first address to Congress. A letter from Ty’Sheoma inspired the President to include her in his speech.
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SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
For starters, the 2008 football season produced not one but two state championship teams: Dillon Christian Warriors and Dillon High Wildcats. It was the Wildcats’ first championship victory in 60 years. Coach Jackie Hayes, a member of the House of Representatives, was named High School Sports Report’s Statewide Coach of the Year. In early 2009, during President Barack Obama’s first televised address to Congress, Ty’Sheoma Bethea was introduced to millions as a junior high school student from Dillon. She was the President’s invited guest because of a letter she wrote to Congress concerning the condition of her school, J.V. Martin, and the desire of her classmates to persevere rather than quit in the face of challenging circumstances. Ty’Sheoma’s unique experience was lauded by none other than Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke during a visit to his hometown of Dillon for the dedication ceremony and naming of the Ben Bernanke Interchange at Exit 190 off of Interstate-95. Dr. Bernanke, who has visited Dillon twice since his 2006 swearing in, has been ranked as the fourth most powerful person in the world, according to Newsweek Magazine. Bernanke’s comments at the wellattended ceremony suggest insightful reflection of his years growing up in Dillon. He admits that he “itched to get away” but realizes now how much he learned while here. Bernanke was later interviewed by Scott Pelley of “60
On the National Register of Historic Places, the 1911 Dillon County Courthouse remains as one of the few examples of Beaux Arts Style that blends classical French and American styles of architecture.
Minutes” on a Main Street bench in front of what was once Jay Bee Drug’s, the Bernanke family-owned drugstore.
Centennial celebrations The sound of rumbling freight trains may momentarily interrupt classes at J. V. Martin, but trains are the very essence of Dillon’s existence. In the late 1880s, a right-of-way dispute between the railroad and the people of Little Rock motivated James W. Dillon to seize the moment. Dillon obtained options on 50 acres of land, moved his established yet meager mercantile to a section of it and made the rest available to the railroad. Others followed and before long, J. W. Dillon & Son Company was prospering; the community that followed suit was incorporated in 1888 and named for its founder. Dillon is the county seat of one of the youngest counties in South Carolina. In 1910, residents voted to split from Marion County to form their own, which means a centennial birthday is on the horizon. According to Dillon County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Johnnie Luehrs, The boyhood workplace of Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke was then his family’s drugstore, today a restaurant, on Dillon’s Main Street. Federal Reserve
the chamber will kick off a full year of celebratory events in February 2010, many of which will piggyback with established county annual events — Springfest, Celebrate Main Street and Taste of Dillon to name a few. As a native of Dillon County and a 14-year veteran of the chamber, Luehrs has had her finger on the community’s pulse, making her better qualified than most to see things for what they really are. “For every negative point you give me,” Luehrs says, “I can show you 25 that are positive.” Recalling a list of the county’s who’s who suggest the area is a “corridor of fame” not shame. Jack Stutlz, Commanding General, U. S. Army Reserve; the late Major General Kathryn George Frost, the highest-ranking woman in the Army; Raymond Felton, point guard for the Charlotte Bobcats; composer Robert MacDonald, and of course, Ben Bernanke.
Quietly progressive “You’ve really got to love your city to be mayor,” says Dillon native Todd Davis. In the past two years, an increase in economic development inquiries, addressing infrastructure needs and dealing with the news media due to school and national
DILLONData Founded:
1888 Named for:
James W. Dillon, major landowner SIZE: roughly five square miles, on the Little Pee Dee River POPULATION: 6,892 (2000 Census)
$34,758 LOCAL CO-OP: Marlboro Electric Cooperative MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME:
Famous Sons (and daughters):
Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke ff Jack Stutlz, Commanding General, U. S. Army Reserve ff the late Major General Kathryn George Frost, highest-ranking woman in the Army ff Raymond Felton, point guard for the Charlotte Bobcats ff Robert MacDonald, composer
scliving.coop | JULY 2009 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING
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A well known landmark, South of the Border started as a beer stand more than 50 years ago.
DILLONDirectory Getting There
Dillon is near the North Carolina line at I-95 exit 193 and 110 miles via I-20 and I-95 northeast of Columbia.
Don’t Miss
issues has required more of Davis’ time than during his first term as mayor.. The vision for the city’s Wellness Center, a $4.1-million project, was already in place when Davis took office. Open for two years now, the center is carrying itself in memberships that number approximately 900, and it greatly increases the sellability of Dillon. Marlboro Electric Cooperative’s service area stretches across Dillon County lines into two rural districts. In January, the co-op was ranked fifteenth in the nation out of 25 co-ops that serve a large percentage of commercial and industrial consumers in relation to total sales. That translates into keeping power costs down for all co-op consumers. Currently, Harbor Freight Tools is the Co-op’s only largeload consumer in Dillon County. Board representatives Sue McLaurin and Sam P. (Bo) McInnis, Jr., along with Board Chairman Melvin Carabo, appreciate Marlboro Electric’s initiative toward economic development and understand cooperating with community “You’ve really got to love your city to be mayor,” Mayor Todd Davis says.
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Elegant surroundings and fine dining are available nightly in nearby Latta at Abingdon Manor (307 Church St. /888-752-5090/ www.abingdonmanor.com), a AAA four-diamond country inn and dining room. Dinner reservations are required 24 hours in advance. The circa 1905 Greek Revival mansion is available for special events. A recent grant allowed streetscape improvements to Latta’s business district, including the addition of handsome iron arches that frame green spaces. Nice lunch and supper choices are available here: King’s Famous Pizza (241 S. Richardson St./843-752-4370), Lighthouse Café (107 W. Main St./843-752-7797) also serves breakfast daily, MoJo’s (108 W. Main St./ 843-752-5510) and Shuler’s Barbeque (419 Highway 38 W./843-752-4700).
The county’s historic buildings and sites are listed and described on the County Historical Society’s Web site (www.dillonmuseum.com). Hours of operation are posted and tours may be scheduled by appointment (843-774-6122/843-845-3018).
Arts & Entertainment
The arts are alive and well in Dillon County. Artist Jeff Osborn recently opened J. Osborn Fine Art Gallery & Studio in Latta (104 S. E. Railroad Ave./843-229-1277/www. artbyjeffosborn.com).
The Dillon County Theatre is the venue for numerous plays and musical programs throughout the year (114 N. MacArthur Ave). South of the Border (Highway 301 & I-95/ 843-774-4711) started as a small beer stand more than 50 years ago. There’s shopping, amusements, accommodations and dining that includes the Peddler Steakhouse. The Dillon Motor Speedway (843-774-1888/ www.dillonmotorspeedway.
leaders as a means to the end. “That’s what we want,” says Carabo, “more commercial consumers at Dillon County’s industrial park, which will mean jobs for the community.”
Preserving resources In 2005, a 48-mile stretch of the Little Pee Dee River through Dillon County was given Scenic River status by the Department of Natural Resources. Nine rivers in the state have this designation but none have received it without a strong community-based effort proving they are behind
SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
com) hosts races from spring to fall and is a testing track for NASCAR teams. Lake View’s dirt track has a spring and summer season. Dillon’s B & W Auction Company (2239 Highway 9 E./843-774-8742) is open every other weekend. Latta’s Southern Sisters (210 NW Railroad Ave./843752-2111) conducts auctions every Wednesday evening.
Accommodations
Visitors to Dillon via I-95’s Exit 193 (Highway 9) have several national motel chains from which to choose and dining options that range from fast food to country buffet to international cuisine, including two Japanese restaurants. Downtown there is Kintyre House (200 W. Main St./843-8411484/www.kintyrehouse. com), Whistlestop Café (105 E. Main St./843-7741734), Charcoal Grill (107 N. 1st Ave./843-774-0128), Carolina Seafood and Market (210 S. 1st Ave. /843-774-9671) and King’s Famous Pizza (100 S. 2nd Ave./843-774-3811.
promoting the river’s preservation, conservation and enhancement as an important natural resource. The river designation goes hand-inhand with Dillon being a Preserve America Community, one of 18 in the state. This White House initiative encourages and supports community efforts that preserve and enjoy cultural and natural heritage through education, heritage tourism and community development. is a professional writer. She lives in Blenheim. Beth Williams
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SCOutside
Park Profiles: Huntington Beach Huntington Beach State
has many faces. In bird-watching circles, the 2,500-acre Georgetown County park is considered among the best places to bird in all of South Carolina. The park is also located near the worldrenowned Brookgreen Gardens and is the site of a Spanish-style castle, Atalaya, former winter home and studio of noted American sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington.
Park
Walks enable visitors to find out cool facts about these secretive reptiles.
Now the secret is getting out that Huntington Beach State Park is a great place to view alligators. Alligators thrive in the park’s freshwater lake and can be seen from the causeway feeding, sunning or just cruising through the water. A free (with park admission) one-hour walk offered on Thursday mornings and Friday evenings in August will enable visitors to find out all kinds of cool facts about these secretive reptiles. Alligators are one of the greatest conservation 26
success stories in South Carolina, rebounding from being an endangered species. Now, it again is being legally hunted, but not at Huntington! To learn more about alligators, meet at the park’s causeway parking lot and bring binoculars if you have them. The walks, which take place at 10 a.m. August 20 and 27 and 6 p.m., Aug. 21 and 28, are a “Children in Nature” program. The Children & Nature Network was created to encourage and support the people and organizations working to reconnect children with nature. For information about the alligator walks, call Huntington Beach’s Environmental Education Center, (843) 235-8755. Located near Murrells Inlet, Huntington Beach State Park offers sea-breeze camping, surf fishing, coastal hiking trails and three miles of uncrowded, unspoiled beach. Outstanding examples of South Carolina’s natural coastal environment are represented at Huntington Beach with the park’s freshwater lagoon, salt marsh, maritime forest, a jetty for fishing and sand dunes to explore. Huntington Beach’s Coastal Exploration program offers field trips that include not only alligator viewing but marsh and nature trail exploration and a
SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
SCGardener By Bob Polomski
Garden's best friend
Q
I want to reap the harvest of my springtime labors. How can I keep my garden productive in midsummer?
A
Two words: Water properly. Vegetables should never be short of water because it affects yield, fruit size and quality. Vegetables need an inch of water per week delivered by either rainfall or irrigation. This converts roughly to six gallons per square yard per week. On sandy soils, water twice per week 1/2 inch each time. Clay or loam soils can receive 1 inch of water once per week. Rely on common sense and observation to determine when to water. Check the soil. A sandy soil that’s dry to a depth of 2 to 4 inches would indicate a need for water. close-up look at the history and mystery of Atalaya. Art lovers will converge on Atalaya September 25– 27 for the prestigious 34th Annual Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival, which will feature more than 100 of the finest artisans,
In clay soil, simply not being able to dig easily down to this depth is enough to know that it’s dry. To save water, maintain a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch at the feet of your vegetables and water only when absolutely necessary. Besides the first few weeks after germination, certain vegetables require water at critical growth stages. Lima, pole, and snap beans need water when they’re flowering. Water is especially necessary on sweet corn during silking, tasseling, and ear development. Eggplant, pepper, and tomato require water from flowering until harvest. is consumer horticulturist for the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. Questions? Please access hgic. clemson.edu.
BOB POLOMSKI
Lowcountry and area musicians. This article is one in a series of State Park profiles presented in celebration of the park system’s 75th anniversary. For information, please access southcarolinaparks.com.
OutdoorTips
August winners
RASH REMOVER When you get a poison oak rash, rub on some Germ-X hand sanitizer. Mine was instantly itch-free and almost gone within 12 hours. Being an outdoorsman, I’ll never leave home without it. Tyler Sheldon, Greer
FAT CRICKETS Slicing an apple or orange into quarters will fatten bait crickets quicker. Micky Martin, Mullins
To keep deer from eating your expensive shrubs, use a spray bottle with water and spray young and tender leaves they like the most. Then lightly sprinkle with cayenne pepper. Reapply after a heavy rain.
BYE BYE BUCK
Carolyn Appleton, Georgetown
Win free stuff!
Readers whose original tips are published win prizes from Black River Tools, (803) 473-4927, fathernature.org , or South Carolina Wildlife Federation, (803) 256-0670, scwf.org. Our randomly awarded Outdoor Tips Grand Prize Package consists of an annual pass to all 46 state parks plus a round of golf for two on a parks service course and a Black River Tools Father Nature Bird Feeder, pictured here. The high-quality, squirrel-proof feeder is designed to save money by keeping seed dry and reducing waste with all-metal construction to last a lifetime. For state park information, call (803) 734-0156.
Disaster Victims Need Food, Shelter and Counseling.
You Can Help. HELP TODAY: Call 1-800-RED CROSS Visit redcross.org
Send entries with name and mailing address to: Outdoor Tips, 808 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033 or outdoors@scliving.coop.
scliving.coop | JULY 2009 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING
27
SCTravels
By Pat Robertson
Berry-picking time is now than a buttered biscuit, fresh out of the oven and spread with homemade blackberry jelly. Half the fun of enjoying that culinary delight comes in picking the berries and sampling some fresh off the vine.
Nothing is better
Blackberries and blueberries will continue through late August and into early September
Peak picks July is berry-picking time in South Carolina. Blackberries and blueberries are at their peak all month long. “Blackberries and blueberries will continue through late August and into early September,” says Walker Miller at The Happy Berry in Six Mile, one of numerous “You-Pick” farms scattered along the National Heritage Corridor (sc-heritage corridor.org), which
The enjoyment of berries comes in harvesting the fruit, Greg and Cindy Pickett attest.
runs 240 miles across South Carolina from the mountains of Oconee County, along the Savannah River to the port of Charleston. The 14 counties of the Heritage Corridor offer a cross-section of the state’s historical, cultural, and natural resources that tell the vibrant story of South Carolina’s centuries-long evolution and culture. The area describes the progression of Upstate and Lowcountry life, from grand plantations and simple farms to mill villages and urban centers, and how their history affected South Carolina as a state and America as a nation. Locations of great natural beauty, recreational opportunities, military history, birding, local arts and crafts, agricultural traditions, and the state’s rich African American heritage are identified and interpreted along the entire route of the Heritage Corridor.
The Happy Berry
The Happy Berry
28
SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
Situated on the east side of Lake Keowee, The Happy Berry is a fruit farm that covers land rich with a long and colorful history. As you enter the farm, the driveway is actually a part of the old road that led down to the eastern capital of the Cherokee Indians in Keowee town. Arrowheads and old musket balls that
The Happy Berry
SC’s Heritage Corridor is lined with ‘you-pick’ farms
Connie Lee enjoys sampling fruit right off the vine.
may be from a battle of the Cherokee Indian war of 1761 are common around the farm. At one point during that war, a young lieutenant, Andrew Pickens, was entrapped by the Cherokees, possibly in the hollow on the backside of the farm. Pickens, a militia leader in the American Revolution, later served in the U.S. House of Representatives and as Governor of South Carolina. The Heritage Corridor Farmers Association’s guide to all the farms on the Heritage Corridor Web site provides an opportunity to explore the agriculture of the region and discover its significant impact on the state of South Carolina.
Don’t miss these
Truly Southern Events! Teen Rally
Bennettsville Community Center ThuRsday, July 2
At The Happy Berry, you can bring your own bucket for gathering blackberries, blueberries and other fruits in season or use one provided by the farm. “We charge by the pound,” Miller says. “We weigh your container and subtract that weight when we weigh it filled up.”
BeaCh BlasT
lake Paul Wallace saTuRday, augusT 15
JuBilee aRTs FesTival saTuRday, novemBeR 21
Bring shoes! Miller has some advice for berry pickers. “Dress for the weather. We also encourage shoes because of the mulch, and this is hill country so shoes are more comfortable. And, if you have to travel some distance, bring an ice chest to keep the fruit cool in until you get it home.”
asK QuesTions: 843.479.3941
visitbennettsville.com
I'm glad you thought of this vacation.
There's nothing like fresh fruit in the summer!
Yes dear.
The Happy Berry is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to dusk, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 12 noon to dusk on Sundays. For information, call (864) 8682946 or visit happyberry.com.
An easy drive from anywhere in South Carolina. BEAUFORT . BLUFFTON . DAUFUSKIE ISLAND . EDISTO BEACH ESTILL . HAMPTON . VARNVILLE . HARDEEVILLE . YEMASSEE HILTON HEAD ISLAND . PORT ROYAL . RIDGELAND . WALTERBORO
Free Lowcountry Visitors Guidebook:
SouthCarolinaLowcountry.com 800.528.6870
scliving.coop | JULY 2009 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING
29
SCRecipe
Rita Jacobs
Summer favorites
Strawberry Summer Sparkler
Perry Gerenday
About submitting recipes Entries must include your name and mailing address. When writing recipes, please specify ingredient measurements. Instead of “one can” or “two packages,” specify “one 12-ounce can” or “two 8-ounce packages.” Please note the number of servings or yield. Recipes are not tested. Rhonda Matthews, Abbeville County extension agent and home economist, and others provide nutritional facts. 30
Cheesy Pimento Hominy
Press strawberries through a sieve into a bowl to make the pulp. Stir in lime juice. Cover and chill. Put pulp into a large punch bowl. Carefully pour grape juice and soft drink into chilled pulp, stirring with an up-and-down motion. Garnish punch cups with lime slices. Serves 24.
1 15.5-ounce can white hominy ½ cup chopped pimentos 1 cup sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded 1 egg, beaten 2 ⁄3 cup whole milk ¼ teaspoon black pepper 4 bread and butter pickle chips, chopped (for garnish)
Kathy M. Blackwelder, Rock Hill
Each serving provides 22.9 calories, .1 grams protein, 6.5 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, .4 grams fiber, 5.3 grams sugar, 8.1 milligrams sodium.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, add hominy and break apart any clumps. Add pimentos, Cheddar cheese, egg, milk and black pepper. Mix well with wooden spoon. Bake in a buttered baking dish, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove top and continue to bake, uncovered for 3 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Serve it using an ice cream scoop, then sprinkle each portion with chopped pickle chips. Serves 4 as a side dish. Lester Allen, Fort Mill
Each serving provides 243.5 calories, 11.8 grams protein, 20.9 grams carbohydrate, 12.6 grams fat, 86.9 milligrams cholesterol, 5.6 grams sugar, 3.4 grams fiber, 511.6 milligrams sodium.
SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
Will Rennick
Selected original recipes win $10 and a shot at winning the outof-print Best-of-Living in South Carolina Magazine cookbook containing hundreds of Cook’s Corner recipes. Send recipes to Cook’s Corner, South Carolina Living Magazine, 808 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033, by e-mail to cookscorner@scliving.coop or by fax to (803) 739-3041.
Kelly Cline
Send us recipes!
16 ounces frozen whole strawberries, thawed ½ cup Real Lime reconstituted lime juice 1 24.5-fluid-ounce bottle sparkling pink grape juic chilled 1 quart sugar-free lemonlime soft drink, chilled 3 limes (to make 24 slices, for garnish)
Parmesan is optional
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In a medium bowl, toss together the Napa cabbage, sesame seeds, almonds and spring onion. Whisk together the dressing ingredients until well blended. Toss dressing with salad when close to serving. Serves 8.
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Each serving provides 367 calories, 3.4 grams protein, 18 grams carbohydrate, 32.4 grams fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 14.4 grams sugar, 2.2 grams fiber, 259.6 milligrams sodium.
Oven-Steamed Herbed Corn
6 ears sweet corn, cleaned and halved Water, as needed 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons butter, melted ¼ teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place corn in baking dish with ½-inch of water. Cover tightly with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Mix parsley, butter and salt in small bowl. Remove and drain corn. Pour mixture over corn and coat before serving. Serves 12. Vickie Roberts, Rock Hill
Each serving provides 55.9 calories, 1.5 grams protein, 8.6 grams carbohydrate, 2.5 grams fat, 5.1 milligrams cholesterol, 1.2 grams fiber, 1.5 grams sugar, 69.2 milligrams sodium.
scliving.coop | JULY 2009 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING
31
SCChef’sChoice
By Carrie B. Hirsch
Summertime pasta pleaser Chef brings healthy, sumptuous servings to the table Cathryn Matthes, certified executive chef
Cathryn Matthes
of Hilton Head Health, a state-of-the-art weight loss spa, celebrates optimum health with sound nutritional choices, and she does so in style. Chef Matthes’ culinary path includes writing cookbooks and columns, television appearances and speaking engagements. Her career began when, as a teenager, she worked in a vegetarian café in Canada. There, she remembers being surrounded by vibrant and happy co-workers and customers. She immediately recognized the benefit of healthy and sumptuous foods.
Chef C's HEALTHY Tomato Basil Pasta
1 teaspoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup onion, diced 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped 1 tablespoon granulated sugar ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 4 ounces dry Barilla Plus Angel Hair pasta (a higher fiber, light wheat pasta)
Tomato, basil and garlic flavors combine to enhance this dish.
On medium-high heat, add oil to sauté pan. Add garlic and onion and cook until translucent, approximately 2 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes and cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Add parsley, basil, and sugar and cook for another2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer pasta in boiling salted water until it reaches desired tenderness. Drain pasta and toss with hot sauce. Serves 8 (½ cup portions). Each serving provides 89.4 calories, 3.6 grams protein, 16.8 grams carbohydrate, 1.3 grams fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 2.5 grams fiber, 5.3 grams sugar, 84.7 milligrams sodium.
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SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
Originally from California, Chef Matthes is well rooted in South Carolina and owns a Chihuahua that loves cantaloupe. Known as “Chef C,” she talks about her vision of an exciting menu where there are daily caloric guidelines to meet depending on the goal of each client. “It is about eating good, healthy ingredients, not necessary about substitutes or lowfat ingredients all the time — potatoes and real butter are fine. Nothing’s wrong with salt, but it’s all about the portion control.” She advocates practical and easy food and enjoys teaching her clients who truly want to return home having mastered many of her techniques, including knife handling skills. Chef Matthes’ sense of humor combines with her passion for great recipes to create a magnetic personality. Clients bask in the banter about food. After rigorous exercise classes, runs on the beach and learning the ropes of fitness equipment, they look forward to a treat at the end of the day. Where there is a common goal, longlasting friendships are always forged over mealtimes. “I have been feeding people for 35 years, which gives me license to razz,” she exclaims. Chef Matthes advises to “eat lots of vegetables! The money consumers spend on food is one of the most important statements they can make.” She recommends to “shop frequently for fresh vegetables because their nutrients tend to drop while they’re in the fridge.” What are the “must have” gadgets in her tool belt? Channel knife, wine opener, vegetable peeler, melon ball scoop, candy thermometer, needle-nose pliers (to remove fish bones), basting brush, and a zester. Please visit hhhealth.com to learn more about Chef Matthes and Hilton Head Health.
Save energy. Save money. Save the planet. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) use 75% less energy than standard bulbs.
By changing just one incandescent bulb to a CFL, a home can save $30 or more in energy costs over the bulb’s lifetime.
One CFL can prevent more than 450 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.
That’s why the electric cooperatives of South Carolina are giving more than 600,000 CFLs to our members this year.
The right light, right now!
today!
Imagine impact if all South Carolinians switched all all of their light bulbs to CFLs. Imagine thethe impact if everyone in South Carolina switched of their light bulbs to CFLs.
scliving.coop | JULY 2009 | soUTH cARolinA living
33
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SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
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35
July
Calendar of Events
Please call ahead before attending events. For entry guidelines, access SCliving.coop.
Upstate JULY
Daily • Horseback Riding, Forest Trails, Enoree. (864) 969-4990.
15 • An Afternoon with Abraham Lincoln, County Library, Saluda. (864) 445-4500.
Daily • Museum of Art, Greenville. (864) 271-7570.
21 • Nature Detective in the Forest, Paris Mountain State Park, Greenville. (864) 244-5565.
Daily • Museum of Art, Arts Center, Spartanburg. (864) 583-2776.
Mid-state JULY
Daily • National Battlefield, Chesnee. (864) 461-2828.
22 • Plantation Children, Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site, Union. (864) 427-5966. 25 • Summer Fest, Chesnee. (864) 461-7631. 25 • Ivan Parker with Total Praise Quartet, Southern Wesleyan University Chapel, Central. (864) 868-7489. 27-30 • Pre-School Art Camp, Arts Center, Clemson. (864) 633-5051. 30 • Nature Detective in the Creek, Paris Mountain State Park, Greenville. (864) 244-5565. August
4 • Indigo, Slavery, and the South Carolina Backcountry, Arts Center, Clemson, (864) 656-3921.
Daily • Senior Activities, Easley. (864) 295-2136.
18 • Doll Show, Santee. (803) 783-8049.
Daily • Trail Rides, Easley. (864) 898-0043.
18 • Heirloom and Herb Gardening, Redcliffe State Historic Site, Beech Island. (803) 827-1473.
Daily • Volunteer, Botanical Garden, Clemson. (864) 656-3405. Monday • Meditation, Mauldin. (864) 329-9961. Third Saturday • BBQ, Meece Mill, Pickens. (864) 878-2608. Third Saturday • Milling, Music & Memories, Pickens. (864) 898-5963. Thursday • Electric City Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus, Anderson. (864) 225-0654. Wednesday • Piedmont Area Mensa, Greenville. (864) 963-2335. Friday & Saturday • BurtStark Mansion, Abbeville. (864) 366-0166.
7 • Antique Automobile Club Cruise In, Greenwood. (864) 489-4943.
Saturday • Dinner Show, Pumpkintown. (864) 836-8141.
7-8 • Ed Brown’s Championship Rodeo, Blacksburg. (864) 839-6239.
Sunday • County Museum, Laurens. (864) 833-2643.
8 • Music on the Mountain, Table Rock State Park, Pickens. (864) 878-9813.
Friday • Bluegrass, Oolenoy Community Building, Pumpkintown. (864) 878-4257.
15 • Battle of Musgrove’s Mill Anniversary Celebration, Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, Clinton. (864) 938-0100.
Through September 20 • Eyes to the Hills Exhibit, Upcountry History Museum, Greenville. (864) 467-3100.
By Appointment • Museum, Abbeville. (864) 459-4600.
Through August 16 • Brookgreen in the Upstate, Spartanburg. (800) 849-1931, upstatesculptour.com.
Daily • Artist Co-op, Laurens. (864) 575-3020.
Through July 24 • Summer Art Camp, Clemson. (864) 633-5051.
Daily • Arts Council, Greenville. (864) 467-3132.
Through July 19 • Peach Festival, Gaffney. (864) 489-5716.
ONGOING
Daily • Arts Council, Union. (864) 429-2817.
36
24 • Unbelievable Bats! Sesquicentennial State Park, Columbia. (803) 788-2706. 31-August 1 • Reunion Festival, Little Mountain. (803) 924-2969. AUGUST
1 through 29 • Saturday Train Rides, South Carolina Railroad Museum, Winnsboro. (803) 635-9893.
Daily • Congaree National Park, Hopkins. (803) 776-4396. Daily • Corley Mill Artists, Lexington. (803) 356-2986. Daily • Historic Brattonsville, McConnells. (803) 684-2327.
Coastal
Daily • Historical Center of York County, York. (803) 684-3948 ext. 41.
16-18 • National Father & Son Team Classic, Myrtle Beach. (866) 497-2627.
Daily • McKissick Museum, Columbia. (803) 777-7251.
17-19 • Watermelon Festival, Pageland. (843) 672-6400.
Daily • Museum of York County, Rock Hill. (803) 329-2121.
20-24 • Visual and Performing Arts Camps, Arts Center, Hilton Head. (843) 686-3945 ext. 233.
Daily • Nature Parks, Lyons Park, Elloree. (803) 897-2821. Daily • Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia. (803) 446-4219. Daily • Salkehatchie Arts Center, Allendale. (803) 584-6084. First & third Tuesday • Starlighter Quilters, Orangeburg. (803) 874-2973.
Saturday • Living History Day, Historic Brattonsville. (803) 684-2327.
6 • Main Street Live Street Concert, Rock Hill. (803) 324-7500.
Saturday • Living History Days, Settlemyre Planetarium, York. (803) 684-3948.
7-8 • South Carolina Peanut Party, Pelion. (803) 606-9522.
Third Sunday • Fashion Doll Club, Columbia. (803) 738-1550.
7-9, 14-16 • The Other Brother, Pine Tree Players, Winnsboro. (803) 635-6847.
Tuesday & Saturday • Northeast Ceramics, Elgin. (803) 600-9351.
11 • EdVenture Family Night, Columbia. (803) 779-3100.
Tuesday through Friday & first Sunday • SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, Columbia. (803) 737-8095.
By Appointment • Mill Town Museum, Lando. (803) 789-6361. Daily • Arts Council, Rock Hill. (803) 328-2787.
Tuesday through Saturday • Catawba Pottery Collection, County Historical Museum, Fairfield. (803) 635-9811. Through September 30 • James Brown Exhibit, Orangeburg. (803) 536-7174.
Daily • Catawba Pottery, Cultural Center, Rock Hill. (803) 328-2427 ext. 225.
SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
JULY
26-26 • River Rescue II, Colleton State Park, Canadys. (843) 538-8206. 28-30, August 11-13 • Barrier Island Discoveries Camp, Hilton Head. (843) 689-6767 ext. 223. AUGUST
Through September 27 • Cleve Gray: Man & Nature, Museum of Art, Columbia. (803) 799-2810.
Daily • Audubon Newhall Preserve Trails, Hilton Head. (843) 842-9246. Daily • Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet. (800) 849-1931. Daily • Kaminski House Museum, Georgetown. (843) 546-7706. Daily • Magnolia Plantation, Charleston. (800) 367-3517. Daily • Nature & Dolphin Tours, Hilton Head. (843) 684-1910. Daily • Natural History Programs, Myrtle Beach State Park. (843) 238-0874. Daily • Coastal Discovery Museum, Honey Horn, Hilton Head Island. (843) 689-3033 ext. 224. Daily • Kaminski House Museum, Georgetown. (843) 546-7706. Daily • Raceway Tour, Darlington. (866) 459-7223.
Friday • Friday Night Jams, Holy Grounds Café, Clover. (803) 222-4463.
3 • Let’s Talk About It: Key Ingredients, Food in Fiction, County Library, St. Matthews. (803) 217-7299.
ONGOING
Tuesday through July 29 • Women’s History, Hampton-Preston Mansion, Columbia. (803) 252-1770.
Monday-Saturday • Horry County Museum, Conway. (843) 915-5320. 1 • Tobacco Heritage Festival, Horry County Museum, Conway. (843) 915-5320.
and-son-kayaking.php)
7 • Carolina Shag Club Dance, Crowne Plaza, Hilton Head. (843) 705-5919. 7-9 • Craftsmen’s Classic Arts & Crafts Festival, Convention Center, Myrtle Beach. (336) 282-5550. 8 • Dog Days Blues & Jazz Fest, Little River. (843) 399-9463. 11 • Historical Impersonation of General Francis Marion, Cockfield House, Lake City. (843) 394-1676. 14 through August 30 • May River Theatre Presents The World Goes ’Round, Town Hall, Bluffton. (843) 815-5581. ONGOING
Daily • Aquarium, Charleston. (843) 579-8660. Daily • Artisans Center, Walterboro. (843) 549-0011.
Through November 27 • Friday Kayaking, Hunting Island State Park, Hunting Island. (843) 838-2011. Through September 4 • Discoveries: 7 Points of View, Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head. (843) 689-3033. Through August 31 • Saturday Fish Printing, Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet. (843) 237-4440. Through August 30 • Jack Thompson: Myrtle Beach Photographs, Art Museum, Myrtle Beach. (843) 238-2510. Through July 25 • Gullah Studies Summer Institute, Penn Center, St. Helena Island. (843) 838-2474.
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9/10/08 7:29:59 AM scliving.coop | JULY 2009 | soUTH cARolinA living
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SCHumorMe
By Jan A. Igoe
Just vote me off the island
The Great Outdoors ain’t that great when you’re an inside cat Once a year, like tax returns and mammograms, I’m due for a family camping trip. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against nature so long as it stays outside. But the logic of trading an air-conditioned refuge with indoor plumbing for sand, bugs and a moldy tent is a stretch for many civilized females. Unfortunately, my kids inherited the “Wild Kingdom” gene from their father.
Here’s the irony: We live 20 minutes from Myrtle Beach, a mecca of lazy rivers, ocean views, king-size beds and room service, which is my idea of natural resources. We could be pitching camp in a four-star hotel and support the local economy by slurping frozen margaritas and adopting a homeless hermit crab. But Hubby thinks we need an uninhabited, Starbucks-free island for the genuine back-to-nature experience. Translation: Bring your own toilet paper. The highlight of this year’s trip was my oldest daughter’s new boyfriend, who had apparently been quarantined during his Boy Scout years, so 38
SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JULY 2009 | scliving.coop
this was his first up-close-and-personal encounter with Mama Nature. I’m not sure where my daughter found this guy, but it wasn’t Bass Pro. Eager to impress her, the boyfriend laid out his Dockers and Izods for the trip. He was heartbroken to learn he couldn’t bring them on hangers. He grinned bravely, but was already losing points on Daddy’s Machismometer. New boyfriend would either emerge from this trip as a keeper, or get thrown back like some anorexic fish. Dad and daughter were sure to compare notes later. At the campsite, where it was easily 110 degrees, the boyfriend emerged from his tent looking like he was trying to elude the paparazzi. Buried under wraparound shades and a hooded fleece jacket, two nostrils peeked out above the beach towel he’d wrapped around his face for extra protection from the elements, such as air. “Is he planning to rob a bank?” Hubby whispered. “He says he’s allergic to sand,” I said. By noon, the boyfriend was completely covered with mysterious red welts and ferociously scratching himself with both hands and the only foot he wasn’t hopping on. The camp stew didn’t seem to agree with him either. He ducked behind a sand dune one last time while the rest of us dismantled our tents and loaded the boat for premature departure. My daughter was urging us to leave him there, when he started hollering and leaping around like maybe he was having fun after all. But that wasn’t it. Apparently, an audacious crab discovered him in a compromising position, which required Hubby to rescue them both with a pair of pliers. Don’t worry about the ex-boyfriend. He’ll find happiness with a compatible “indoor” girl someday, when his ego recovers and his stitches heal. And my disillusioned daughter will keep searching for a younger version of Daddy. But I’ll always remember this guy fondly for rescuing me from the annual adventure and helping me write this column. Allergic to sand…Why didn’t I think of that? is a wife, mother, newspaper editor, humorist and illustrator. She lives in Horry County.
Jan A. Igoe
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