LAKESIDE LAKE SIDE L I F E O U T D O O R S F R O M WAT E R E E T O S A N T E E
APRIL-MAY 2021
A large order The state's only traveling veterinarian who cares for large animals has a calling...and it's not just her clients.
The return of art in Lake City. Into the woods: Camping close to home. A perfect morning for a turkey hunt.
A pandemic silver lining:
Dock builders are still seeing business boom.
BERKELEY • CLARENDON • KERSHAW • ORANGEBURG • SUMTER
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McLeodHealth.org 2 APRIL - MAY 2021 | LAKESIDE
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A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 3
about from the lake us PUBLISHER Vince Johnson EDITOR Kayla Green COPY EDITORS Rhonda Barrick Melanie Smith WRITERS Dan Geddings Shelbie Goulding Kayla Green Ivy Moore Bruce Mills Melanie Smith Kareem Wilson PHOTOGRAPHY Micah Green
ADVERTISING / GRAPHIC DESIGN Ryan Galloway Janel Strieter ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Karen Cave karen@theitem.com Devin McDonald devin@theitem.com Mark Pekuri mark@theitem.com
on the cover Sarah Blackwell, owner of Ark Veterinary Services LLC, poses with two llamas at Goat Daddy's Farms in Elgin. Photo by Micah Green
36 W. Liberty Street • Sumter, SC 29150 www.theitem.com 4 APRIL - MAY 2021 | LAKESIDE
KAYLA GREEN EDITOR OF LAKESIDE
8 The return of ArtFields
Janel Strieter
has offered a silver lining for some businesses. Our cover story features Sarah Blackwell, a Sumter-based animal lover whose Art Veterinary Services LLC is the only traveling vet in the state that cares for large animals. Repeat: In the state. Her business has been in high demand this past year, and we talk to her about how she’s expanding. Also in this issue is a conversation with a dock builder and how his business has also grown, as well as features on birdhouses that can help promote thriving habitat and a turkey hunt on a perfect spring morning. So, breathe in the fresh spring air, wipe off the pollen from your porch chair, and sit back with this issue of Lakeside that we are proud to bring you.
Lake City will transform into a citywide gallery again this year after 2020's cancellation.
PUBLICATION DESIGN Micah Green
I
like to think Lakeside reflects the lives of our readers – we strive for that to be true – and I think this issue does that well. There’s a light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, but we’re not back to “normal” yet. Last year around this time, everything, including the kitchen sink, was canceled. And it was a bummer. Now, as cases are hopefully continuing to decline and vaccines are ramping up, we’re seeing the return of some events and lifting of some restrictions. ArtFields is returning to Lake City with virtual “field trip” options for those who can’t make it in person. However, we’re not out of the woods yet, as evidenced by festivals like Striped Bass and Puddin' Swamp postponing or canceling again. We review those in these pages. For those who intentionally want to be in the woods, we gathered a list of state parks that offer camping without having to travel out of our region. The pandemic, as horrible as it has been for so many,
37 34 26 24 20 12
A perfect turkey hunt
Transport yourself to a spring morning amid a successful turkey season.
Encouraged to thrive
Learn how you can help nesting birds suffering from habitat loss.
One of a kind
Meet Sarah Blackwell, the state's only traveling veterinarian for large animals.
Building on the lake
The pandemic propelled lakeside homeowners to build and renovate.
Sleeping in the woods
Options abound when it comes to camping without leaving the region.
Festivals on pause
Puddin' Swamp and Striped Bass events are still seeing the impact of COVID-19.
what’s inside
FEATURE STORIES
A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 5
What to do & Where to go BERKELEY • CLARENDON KERSHAW • FLORENCE • RICHLAND ORANGEBURG • SUMTER
FLORENCE COUNTY
ArtFields Held April 23-May 1, this annual art competition turns Lake City into a gallery as local businesses display hundreds of pieces and awards more than $100,000 in cash prizes to artists across the Southeast. Those who cannot make it can take a virtual field trip. The in-person event will have COVID-19 precautions in place. For a schedule of events and list of artists, call (843) 374-0180 or visit https://www.artfieldssc.org/. Read more on page 8. Carolina Food Truck Rodeo Held May 7-8, bring your appetite to the Florence Center, 3300 W. Radio Drive, and choose from dozens of food trucks serving different types of eats, such as gourmet recipes, fresh foods, grilled favorites, authentic cuisines, worldly flavors, cold beverages, sweet treats and more. Also featuring live music, a kids' zone and beer garden. Admission is free. Due to COVID-19, no seating provided but you are encouraged to bring your own. No coolers, no pets. Social distancing measures will be in place. Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
KERSHAW COUNTY Spring Attic Sale The Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County, 110 C East Dekalb St., Camden, will hold its annual event April 23-25. All proceeds benefit the clinic. Find boutique/ ready-to-wear women’s and men’s clothes and accessories, furniture, household and seasonal items, a kids’ corner and more. Cash, check, debit/credit cards accepted. Hours: Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday 1-4 p.m. Contact Sarah Reed at (803) 243-0818. May Day Festival Celebrate the coming of summer in Boykin on May 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Help decorate the May pole, bring a picnic lunch or enjoy food from the Boykin Grill, tour historic Boykin and participate in an afternoon memorial service to honor those who perished in the Boykin Mill Tragedy in 1860. Admission is $10 per car. For more information, call (803) 427-1350 or email longgonesc@gmail.com. 86th-Annual Carolina Cup After being canceled in 2020 and postponed from earlier this year, watch the 86th running of the Carolina Cup Races on May 22 at Springdale Race Course in
Camden, 200 Knights Hill Road. This annual “rites of spring” draws over 70,000 fans from throughout the Southeast to enjoy the riveting sport of steeplechase horse racing amid a flurry of spring fashions and extravagant tailgate parties. Tickets are $30 until April 15, when they will be $45 until race day. Reserved parking packages include two tickets. For more information, call (803) 432-6513 or visit www.carolinacup.org/tickets.
RICHLAND/ LEXINGTON COUNTY Earlewood’s Big Flea Find that item you want or didn’t know you needed at the annual neighborhood yard sale, one of the largest community yard sales in the Southeast, held right in Columbia. With 10-15 individual yard sales,
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plus artists, vendors and coffee, the Big Flea is the must-do shopping event of the season. Held Saturday, April 24, 8 a.m.noon. For more information, go to https:// www.earlewood.org/the-big-flea-payment. 16th-Annual Rosewood Crawfish Festival One of Columbia’s favorite spring festivals is on May 1 at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive, and will feature a COVID-safe environment, 10,000 pounds of delicious Louisiana crawfish and other delectable foods, ice-cold beer, arts and crafts and an outstanding music lineup. Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Kids 12 and under free with an adult. Advance tickets available at https://bit.ly/3r2AcDQ.
S.C. Gun Show Jamil Shrine Temple, 206 Jamil Road, Columbia, will host a S.C. Gun Show from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 22 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 23. Admission is $10 per person or $8 with military ID and free for children ages 12 and under who come with an adult. Visit the South Carolina Arms Collectors Association at https://www. scgunshows.com. Call (803) 463-9377 or email showdirector@scgunshows.com for more information.
SUMTER COUNTY Karen White book signing Join the Sumter County Museum, 122 N. Washington St., Sumter, for a book signing and author talk on April 22 at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Each ticket includes a signed copy of her book “The Last Night in London.” Registration is required to limit the number of attendees for social distancing. Tickets are $30 for members, $35 for the general public. Go to http://scm.dreamhosters.com/ or call (803) 775-0908. Comedian Josh Wolf Take a break from the negative headlines and enjoy a good laugh when he takes
the stage at the Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St., Sumter, on April 22 at 7:30 p.m. Wolf has worked as a sitcom writer, appeared regularly on “Chelsea Lately,” authored a book and hosted several podcasts, including a current one with Freddie Prinze Jr. His 2019 stand-up special on YouTube, “Father of the Year,” has been viewed nearly six million times. Tickets are $28.75 and available at https://www. sumteroperahouse.com/joshwolftickets. Dried lavender and rosemary candle workshop Connect with nature in a crafty way at the Sumter County Museum, 122 N. Washington St., Sumter, on April 24, 1-4 p.m. Natureinspired candles make a thoughtful birthday or Mother’s Day gift. The scent of lavender evokes a sense of calm and relaxation. The scent of rosemary is purported to help aid focus and memory, plus it smells wonderful and cozy. Class is for ages 15+. All supplies are included. Dress to get messy. To register, call (803) 775-0908, stop by the WilliamsBrice House Thursdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., or visit www.sumtercountymuseum.org.
Events are subject to change due to COVID-19.
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BOUNCING BACK
The Sumter Item has a special season of our News Without Ink podcast available now. Bouncing Back is taking a look at events and festivals that have been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nonprofits those events benefit. Hear from event organizers and nonprofit directors about what has been lost in the pandemic and learn about how you can help. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or The Item's Facebook page.
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A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 7
8 APRIL - MAY 2021 | LAKESIDE
ArtFields is back Thousands are expected to visit Lake City this spring after the event's 2020 cancellation. Words by Ivy Moore
A
fter a hiatus last year caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the staff of ArtFields is excited to bring back the popular exhibition to Lake City. They are not the only ones anxious to resume the largest visual arts competition in the Southeast. “The artists are excited to have the opportunity to exhibit their work again,” said Roberta Burns, ArtFields’ marketing manager. The nine-day event will swell Lake City’s population of around 6,500 by several thousand over its nine-day run. ArtFields 2020 was canceled because of the coronavirus, meaning the artists who expected to exhibit and the art lovers planning to view their works were unable to do so. Thankfully, Burns said, the festival is a go for April 23 through May 1. More than 140 artists from 12 Southeastern states will lend their original works to the event and will be eligible to win more than $100,000 in prizes. The grand prize will be $50,000; second place, $25,000; People’s Choice 2D, $25,000; and People’s Choice 3D, $12,500. It’s all in keeping with the mission of the nonprofit community organization Lake City ArtFields Collective, which in 2013 began its efforts to celebrate Southern art and artists and revitalize the city. There are three large galleries in Lake City – JonesCarter Gallery, TRAX Visual Arts Center and Crossroads – and more than 40 businesses throughout the city will also hang art for the public’s enjoyment. While artworks are, of course, the main focus of ArtFields, there are many associated activities. These
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Victoria Hagner's work titled Mr. Books won the People's Choice 2018 prize. It will be on exhibit this year.
A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 9
events will include Makers Market, Artist Talks and the Portrait Contest, one of Burns’ personal favorites. “It’s exciting to watch the blank canvases become portraits in an hour,” she said. During the contest divided into three one-hour sessions, artists will face off for bragging rights as well as a $3,000 top prize. The contest this year will honor nurses and doctors, heroes in the battle against COVID-19. Makers Market takes place on April 24 and 25 at the Truluck Properties by East Main Green. Vendors, including fine artists, crafters and even farmers, will display their goods including artwork, crafted and cultivated items. This offers visitors the chance to purchase art for themselves or as gifts. Artist Talks, limited to three minutes each, offer the artists the opportunity to speak about their inspirations, processes and finished products. Visitors to ArtFields will likewise learn about their favorite works and their creators. The two-hour event is set for 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 30. On Plein Air Day, artists will paint scenes from around Lake City. These will later be displayed in the Visit Lake City office. One of art lovers’ favorite ArtFields activities is casting their votes for their favorite artwork. Two will be selected – one, two-dimensional, the other, three-dimensional. Winners will be announced on Saturday, May 1, during the finale, which will feature the band Sol Fusion and a fireworks display. Two past People’s Choice winners’ works will be displayed during ArtFields – Sumter’s Victoria Hagner’s 3D winning piece titled “Mr. Brooks” and “Consume” by Hartsville’s Mike and Patz Fowles. Like ArtFields, ArtFields Jr. artists are selected by a panel of accomplished artists, curators and educators. Because research supports the fact that participating in making and viewing art improves children’s performance in other academic disciplines, ArtFields Jr. connects students with a variety of artistic and cultural experiences, from performances to hands-on experiences throughout the year. It’s during ArtFields that much of the young artists’ work is available for viewing by the public. A complete schedule of ArtFields events, associated events and activities is available at www. artfieldssc.org. A catalog/souvenir guide with pictures of all ArtFields artwork, directions and other information will be available at the visitor’s center on Lake City’s Main Street. ArtFields staff asks visitors at the artwork venues to practice social distancing. Masks and sanitizer will be available at art venues. As ArtFields covers 68 acres in downtown Lake City, social distancing should pose no difficulty. A highlight for many visiting Lake City is a trip to Moore Botanical Gardens. The artistry of the professional landscapers and gardeners is a perfect companion to ArtFields. Its stated mission is “to promote research and education in horticulture, agriculture and forestry for the benefit of the people of South Carolina and beyond.” Information about both group and private tours can be found on the website www.moorefarmsbg.org. 10 APRIL - MAY 2021 | LAKESIDE
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Carolita Cantrell's 'Lady with a Fur' was exhibited in a past ArtFields in Lake City.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Lake City is anticipating large crowds for its annual exhibit and artist competition that turns the entire town into a gallery.
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A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 11
Puddin-less... again Turbeville’s Puddin' Swamp Festival has been canceled for the 2nd time due to COVID-19 Words by Kareem Wilson
S
pring is a time for new beginnings and celebrations. For residents of Turbeville, spring is a time they celebrate their community festival in their town, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, that won’t be happening again this year. After being rescheduled and ultimately canceled last year due to the pandemic, the 14th-annual Puddin’ Swamp Festival in Turbeville has been canceled for a secondstraight year. “We aren’t going to be doing it this
12 APRIL - MAY 2021 | LAKESIDE
spring at all. We still are a little bit leery,” said Jenna Windham, festival committee chairwoman. “We’ve just got a lot that we have to weigh right now.” The three-day family friendly festival was scheduled for April 15-17. The name draws reference to the town’s history in the early 19th century when the area was known as Puddin’ Swamp before changing to what is now known as Turbeville. Not much is known about the origins of the “puddin” in Puddin’ Swamp, but a few myths and legends have circulated around town with
a popular one involving Francis Marion in the Turbeville area during the American Revolutionary War. However the swamp got its name, the festival has been a staple in the community since its creation in 2007, attracting thousands of attendees who come to enjoy fair food, games, performers, music, craft vendors, amusement rides and a fireworks finale. “It’s always been a pick-me-up for the town. It’s been a community event that everyone always looks forward to, and it
does help out a lot with our local groups,” Windham said. The pandemic has caused cancellations for statewide public celebrations that normally attract festivalgoers and help build local towns' revenue. “We feel like we want people to be comfortable when they come out for the rides and everything,” Windham said. “We’re going to wait until people are more confident and comfortable.” The cancellation has been met with mixed reactions as some understand the dangers of having the festival with the pandemic still around, while others are disappointed. “Our situation is a little bit unique,” she said. “Everything we do is on the square, unlike some of the bigger festivals where it's spread out all over the town.” She said most people like the festival being in one place so they don’t have to traverse all over town for vendors and exhibitions. According to Windham, the festival’s cancellation also had a negative economic impact on the community. It has grown throughout the years both in size and attractions, but canceling has put a dent in local spending. Most big festivals in other cities secure large numbers of sponsors, but Turbeville has a smaller support system. The Puddin’ Swamp Festival is vital for the town, as it depends on revenue earned from the
support of various local sponsors and vendors. Most donations come from local businesses and restaurants that also have fallen victim to the pandemic throughout last year. She said most places might have a tough time offering donations for the festival. “It’s just upside down all the way around right now. It’s just a bad situation,” she said. Windham estimated a shortfall of $14,500 from the 2020 event with most being from sponsorships not collected, unsold commemorative merchandise, fireworks and various intakes that would have happened during the festival. She stated this is not pure profit, as they might clear under $5,000 after all expenses are paid. Windham said they are selling 2020 Puddin’ Swamp Festival T-shirts and discussing the possibility of moving the festival to later this fall. They are eyeing a fall date but are taking a wait-and-see approach before making a final decision.
“We’re going to wait until people are more confident and comfortable.” — Jenna Windham, Puddin' Swamp committee chairwoman
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If you have a home that you aren’t ready to sell, consider renting your property! We are always looking for new long term and rental inventory!
Changing seasons Striped Bass Festival postponed Words by Kayla Green
E
vent organizers are hoping loads of striped bass will still be plucked from the Santee Cooper Lakes, but it won't be a springtime festival this year. The 41st-Annual Striped Bass Festival scheduled for April was postponed this year "out of an abundance of caution and with the safety and well-bring of our community in mind" due to "ongoing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic," festival chair Carrie Anna Strange said. The three-day event features a fried fish dinner, 14 APRIL - MAY 2021 | LAKESIDE
outdoor opening ceremonies, carnival games and rides, food, a beauty pageant, arts and crafts vendors, entertainment and the iconic fishing tournament. It was canceled in 2020 because of the emergence of the virus, and Strange said the hope is that the situation will improve by early fall. "A tentative date of Oct. 3, 2021, has been reserved for the Striped Bass Festival," she said. "We will continue to monitor the situation and will update the public with information as it becomes available."
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A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 15
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A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 17
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20 APRIL - MAY 2021 | LAKESIDE
Get out of the house and into the woods with these quick trips for camping close to home.
Words by Shelbie Goulding
W
ith warmer weather comes more outdoor adventures, and with travel still stymied, what better way to enjoy those adventures than camping close to home? With several state parks, lakes and trails nearby, you don’t have to go far to enjoy a night roughing it in the woods with your family and friends. POINSETT STATE PARK
6660 Poinsett Park Road in Wedgefield (803) 494-8177 Located on the edge of Sumter County in the High Hills of Santee is a fan favorite for bikers, hikers and equestrian riders to enjoy a taste of the mountains that stretch down to the Lowcountry. This state park includes a section of the Palmetto Trail that winds through Manchester State Forest A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 21
and features 25.6 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking and running. Poinsett’s 10-acre lake also makes it a go-to destination for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and paddling. The park has 50 campsites available with 24 hook ups including power and 26 tent sites without power within a wooded setting. Some sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. The campground is convenient to restroom facilities with hot showers. All sites include water, a picnic table and a fire ring. Camping reservations must be made for a minimum of two nights. Pets are welcomed.
LEE STATE PARK
487 Loop Road in Bishopville (803) 428-5307 Created to bring riverside recreational opportunities to Lee County residents, Lee State Park is known to be the spot for kayaking and canoeing trips through its hardwood forest wetlands and fishing along the banks of the river. With 2,839 acres of land mostly made up of bottomland hardwood forest floodplains, it’s the ideal place to camp with its 25 standard campsites. Equestrian facilities are also available with 23 campsites for equestrian camping and 12 miles of equestrian trails. The park campground is open yearround, and each campsite has water and electrical hookups. Some sites accommodate RVs up to 36 feet, others up to 30 feet. Camping reservations must be made for a minimum of two nights. Pets are welcomed.
PHOTO BY SHELBIE GOULDING
A campsite is seen at Poinsett State Park this spring.
LAKE WATEREE
881 State Park Road in Winnsboro (803) 482-6401 One of South Carolina’s most popular lakes will be the go-to camping place for any water sport, fishing or boating fan this summer looking for a weekend getaway with family or friends. Lake Wateree has various nature trails and picnicking spots that stretch across 13,800 acres of land, but many visit during the annual fishing tournaments hosted at the park. There are a number of Lake Wateree camping sites with water and electrical hookups available, as well as many that accommodate large RVs. Each site is paved, and 28 campsites have 50-amp electrical, water and sewer hookups. The campground is convenient to restroom facilities with hot showers. Fifty sites can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, others up to 35 feet;
Looking for Land? FOREST MANAGEMENT • TIMBER
Life is busy...
23 are waterfront. There are also cabins available. Camping reservations must be made for a minimum of two nights. Pets are welcomed.
SANTEE STATE PARK
251 State Park Road in Santee (803) 854-2408 Resting alongside South Carolina’s largest lake is
we believe hellos are better in person. after all, we’re practically neighbors. simple human sense Let an agent handle your insurance, and relax knowing they have you covered.
THE BESTGoldsmith LOCAL & Associates INSURANCE AGENCY AGENCYInsurance NAME
GOES HERE
CITY • 000-000-0000 A Agency www.bestinsuranceagency.com Creech Roddey Watson
APPRAISALS • LAND AQUISITION
DWIGHT STEWART, JR. AND ASSOCIATES CONSULTING FORESTERS 26 E. BOYCE ST., MANNING, SC 29102
803-435-2301
DWIGHT L. STEWART, JR. & ASSOCIATES, LLC 22 APRIL - MAY 2021 | LAKESIDE
Santee State Park, which offers lakeside camping and cabins with piers that many use to fish for large catfish. Other amenities and activities found in the park include a grilling facility, biking, hiking trails and pontoon boat tours of the flooded cypress forest on Lake Marion. Many South Carolina natives and out-oftowners are also known for bringing their boats to the water for a fun day out on the lake. The park features two campgrounds – Cypress View and Lakeshore campgrounds – with 158 standard campsites for RV or tent camping, 48 of which have 50-amp service. Both campgrounds are convenient to restroom facilities with hot showers. Many sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. There are also 30 modern cabins, 10 of which are located on a pier over Lake Marion. Pets are welcome to the park. Some cabins allow pets.
Terry
803-433-2317 • www.crwins.com CITY • 000.000.0000 trichburg@crwins.com Richburg KAY G. JOWERSCISR LISA M. EARNHARDT, bestinsuranceagency.com
117 South Brooks St. 25 E. Calhoun Phone: (803) 775-1168 PO Box 760 St Sumter, SC Fax: (803) Manning, SC29150 29102 Phone: (803) 74 Email: learnhardt@crwins.com www.crw kjowers@crwins.com Fax (803) 4
SESQUICENTENNIAL STATE PARK
be made for a minimum of two nights. Pets are welcomed.
9564 Two Notch Road in Columbia (803) 788-2706
GOODALE STATE PARK
In the heart of the Sandhills region just outside of downtown Columbia are 1,400 acres of pines, spacious greenery, nature trails and camping sites that make you forget you’re in the city. The 1,419 acres of parkland provide about 30 acres of lake to kayak, canoe and fish, as well as two nature trails and a 6-mile bicycle loop for day-use recreation. Camping sites are available to overnight guests with 84 standard campsites with electric and water for RVs or tents. There are five primitive camping areas for up to 50 people per site. Four campsites are equipped with tent pads that provide a sand surface and can accommodate tents up to 10 x 10 feet. Camping reservations must
Known as one of South Carolina’s best kayaking destinations, Goodale State Park is known to catch the eyes of many with its tall cypress trees throughout its Civil Warera mill pond. Paddling is one of the park’s main attractions, especially with its 3-mile trail that winds through cypress trees and aquatic plants. It features a 140-acre park lake where fishers can catch bass, bream and catfish with an additional 763 acres of parkland to explore. Although no camping is allowed in the park, Columbia-Camden RV Park is about 15 miles away at 1354 Fort Jackson Road in Lugoff. The RV park can be reached at (803) 206-9954. To make camping reservations for any of the South Carolina
650 Park Road in Camden (803) 432-2772
hy Our Highest nd Zone 3 Homes tter & Saves You Money!!!
state parks, call (866) 345PARK or visit www.reserve. southcarolinaparks.com. Rates vary by season and demand and are subject to change. To learn more or find more campgrounds and state parks, visit www.southcarolinaparks. com.
CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK 100 National Park Road in Hopkins (803) 776-4396
South Carolina’s very own national park is known for preserving the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, and many across the country travel to the Palmetto State for this single attraction. The park offers canoeing, kayaking, camping and several hiking trails, including a 2.4mile boardwalk loop over the old growth. It features two campgrounds –
Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds. Longleaf Campground is located adjacent to the park entrance road and has 10 individual and four group camping sites. Each includes a fire ring and a picnic table. Two vault toilets are located at the front of the campground. There is no running water on site, but water is available 24 hours a day at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Sites are walk-up only. No cars are permitted past the gravel parking lot. Bluff Campground is located on the Bluff Trail approximately one mile from the Longleaf Campground, and it holds six individual campsites that hold a maximum of eight individuals and three tents. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. This campground has no restroom facilities or running water on site. There is no vehicle access to this campground. Visitors must carry their equipment to the Bluff Campground site.
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Building more business Words and photos by Bruce Mills
W
ith 30 years of experience in all types of general construction, Sumter resident Daniel Lee says dock building is almost like not having a job. Lee is owner/operator of Southern Dock and Marine Contractors of Manning and spent part of an afternoon in the early spring talking shop while constructing a boathouse with a boatlift for a lakeside home in the Santee area.
24 APRIL - MAY 2021 | LAKESIDE
A licensed construction contractor, Lee and his seven-person operation exclusively build complete docks with or without boathouses, seawalls and also do renovation projects year-round on Lake Marion. The work is with boats, in the sunshine and generally allows for a good bit of freedom and use of one’s imagination in the design process. Projects are often on a referral basis, Lee said, as a lakeside homeowner will go look at some of his company’s work at a nearby address or see what Southern Dock did for a neighbor. “You show them pictures and give people ideas of what can be done, and, more times than not, they are on board,” Lee said. “You kind of have your own drawing board out here.” In a good year, Lee and his team can build 10 to 12 complete docks and also construct about 12 to 15 seawalls, which is a shore-based defense structure that separates land from the water. Since the pandemic began in March of last year, Lee said, more people have spent time at their lake houses in the area, and he thinks there has been an increase in boat activity on Lake Marion. With spending the extra time on the lake, people often have decided it’s now time to get that overdue dock renovation complete, Lee said. During the pandemic, renovations have occupied about 50% of Southern Dock and Marine Contractors’ work. Constructing a boathouse with a
lift generally takes about seven to 10 business days, he said. A complete dock with a boathouse and lift is about a three-week project. Dock construction and renovation is often harder than it may appear and involves crane use, waterproof tools – including drills – and 24- to 35-foot ground poles for a boathouse that must be driven in correctly in the water. Replacing deck boards can be easy for a homeowner, but poles can be a different story, Lee said. “If these poles are not driven in correctly, they do have the capability of sinking,” he said. “Over a period of time, with the weight of the boat or either just the walkways, poles can continue to sink if they are not properly installed.” Keys to successful dock building include agreeing to proper timeframes with customers, a good imagination and maintaining high quality of work, Lee added. Southern Dock sticks with building codes, as well, even though there are technically no building codes required on the water. “Out here on the water, you don’t have an inspector,” he said. “You are not governed by Clarendon County or Manning or any municipality. But I build this like I would build that house. Hurricane clips, straps and different things that you are required to put on the roof of that house I put on these structures, and that typically can help us a little bit.”
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A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 25
S
arah Blackwell is the state’s only traveling veterinarian for large animals. The pandemic opened her eyes to a need to care for animals of all sizes, from pocket pets to elephants. Words by Shelbie Goulding Photos by Micah Green
26 APRIL - MAY 2021 | LAKESIDE
“Genesis 1:28 states, ‘Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’ This message I take seriously.” T
raveling from southern North Carolina to the Lowlands of South Carolina, a flash of hot pink may have passed you by a time or two. Ark Veterinary Services LLC rolls along the road every day, working as South Carolina’s only mobile veterinarian service for large animals. The mobile mixed animal service offers individual animal care, herd health plans, emergency care, medicine, surgery, reproduction services and more that serve cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, llamas, alpacas, horses and more, including some exotic species. The spearhead of this operation is
Sarah Blackwell, a 32-year-old, pinkloving woman who was born and raised in Matthews, North Carolina, who wanted to give back to her community and others in need. She graduated from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015 and continued her education at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, completing a large animal medicine and surgery internship. After school, she opened Ark Veterinary Services in January 2017, pulling the name from the Christian account of Noah's ark. “Genesis 1:28 states, ‘Have dominion
over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’ This message I take seriously,” she said. “As a Christian, it is my responsibility to serve and care for the animals and owners God brings to me.” In the beginning, Blackwell worked as a one-woman show with the help of some friends along the way. “That was my first day running,” Blackwell said, “and really I just had friends that would ride with me.” She chose to become a large animal veterinarian in the Carolinas because there was a major need for one in the area.
A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 27
“There was a USDA need,” Blackwell said. “There are probably about 10 or 15 different need areas, and this one was a critical shortage because there was no one serving large animals in this area. We’re some of the only people who will travel to new clients or clients that aren’t established.” Ark Vet is based in Sumter. Blackwell chose this location because her father's side of the family is originally from Manning, and her brother was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base. She was familiar with the area, but there was also a critical need for farm animal services in Sumter and the surrounding counties of Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Kershaw, Lee, Marion and Marlboro in South Carolina. Additionally, Ark Vet also covers Mecklenburg and Union counties in North Carolina, and they’ve traveled in South Carolina as far as Myrtle Beach and Charleston. “There’s really not a place we don’t go,” Blackwell said. Blackwell always wanted to be a vet who could give back to her community, and when she heard about a grant that would help her serve rural areas in need of a practice, she stepped up to the challenge. “I try and treat animals like they’re my own. I like to give multiple options to people so that way they can get the best care for their animal without breaking their bank,” she said. Blackwell couldn’t even say no to working on an elephant, which she said was the strangest yet coolest large animal she has cared for so far. “We have a traveling circus that comes through, so we see a lot of traveling circus animals,” Blackwell said. “They have lions, tigers, elephants … We just do their health certificates so that way they can keep going.”
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Ark Vet currently offers farm visits with a trip fee and hourly rate for vaccines, check-ups, ultrasounds and more. One of Blackwell’s clients, Jason Southers, owner of Goat Daddy’s Farms, said the mobile large animal service has been a life saver for his farm since he found out about her two years ago. “There weren’t goat vets here,” he said. Southers had local vets in the Elgin area who care for cats and dogs, but they couldn’t care for his goats, alpaca, emus, pigs and young calf, and definitely not at the affordable price Blackwell offers. Blackwell’s ultimate goal is to someday provide a free veterinary clinic to those in need, but she’ll have to win the lottery to make that happen, she joked. For now, she
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A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 29
keeps working on the road and expanding her four-year business. At the beginning of the year, Blackwell hired a second veterinarian to expand Ark Vet to serving small animals on the go. Kevin Scruggs, 32, started his career with Ark Vet on Jan. 18. He came from Houston, Texas, for the job and is excited to help his veterinary schoolmate’s business grow. Blackwell said the need for a traveling small animal vet arose as she continued serving clients amid the COVID-19
30 APRIL - MAY 2021 | LAKESIDE
pandemic. Throughout 2020, her clients spread the word about her services, increasing her clientele. New clients asked if she could care for small animals, and it made her realize it was time to expand and bring Scruggs to the team. “Because people were at home, and a lot of people wanted to get a small flock of animals from goats, chicken and sheep,” Blackwell said. “They obviously get sick, so people were looking for a vet to come out.” Scruggs also serves dogs, cats, rabbits and pocket pets for internal medicine,
A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 31
surgical and primary care needs. He doesn’t mind being a traveling veterinarian, but he is excited to make traveling a weekend and emergency occurrence after Ark Vet opens a home base in Charlotte at the beginning of 2022. “Everything is in the works right now,” Scruggs said. “This is going to be the first.” Scruggs isn’t a big fan of the color pink like Blackwell is, but it became Ark Vet’s signature look that will be an accent in the new facility. The Charlotte clinic will be for small animals only, but Blackwell hopes to expand with more regional veterinarians in the near future. She already hired a third veterinarian out of Mississippi who will start in July. “I try to find people in local areas,” Blackwell said, “but there’s just not another vet that goes out to see those animals.” Blackwell can’t believe how quickly her business is expanding with both new employees and clients across the two states. Her favorite thing about the job is building relationships with animals and their owners and not living the same day twice. “I like that everything is not the same,” Blackwell said. “Each day is different.”
32 APRIL - MAY 2021 | LAKESIDE
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A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 33
Encouraged to thrive Spring nesting sites are crucial for birds as habitat is lost Words by Melanie Smith
W
hen we think of caring for the wild birds around our homes, we often think of only feeding them, especially during the colder months of the year. But as temperatures warm up and birds enter mating season, giving them a nesting site can be important for their well-being, too. At least one species has benefited from people installing birdhouses in a major way. According to the Audubon Society, bluebirds disappeared from some areas
34 APRIL - MAY 2021 | LAKESIDE
of the country decades ago because of habitat loss and fewer available nesting sites. But the bird "during recent decades has been increasing again, undoubtedly helped by birdhouses in many areas." The society says that "a high percentage of Eastern Bluebirds in North America today nest in birdhouses put up especially for them along 'bluebird trails.'" That's a big step up for bluebird numbers because of a simple thing we humans have done for them.
A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 35
With habitat loss around the world accelerating because of development, more species are likely to be threatened. But people who have a little outdoor space can add a simple nesting box that can help them long term. Nesting birds are also interesting to watch as they carry straw to the box to build their nest and then bring insects for the hatchlings a few weeks later, and they may have more than one brood each spring, too. If you'd like to have a birdhouse on your property for bluebirds and are handy, there are plans available at Audubon's website to build one at https://bit.ly/3cIm2Tv. Bluebirds are particular about the size of the entrance hole and in late winter will thoroughly inspect the house, coming and going repeatedly to make sure everything is perfect. An entrance hole of the proper size will help deter predators from finding an easy meal inside. You can also find bluebird houses at local hardware and garden center stores such as Simpson Hardware and Sports. Bluebirds like to nest in open areas but with bushes or other cover
nearby for the offspring to hide in once they leave the nest. They will nest in a box attached to a tree, but an easy way to install one is to screw a flange to the bottom of the box and then screw in an iron pole, both available at hardware stores. Drive the pole into the ground a foot or so and stabilize the hole with sand if you need to. This type of installation ensures squirrels won't damage the box. Other types of birdhouses accommodate specific species, such as chickadees and wrens, based on the birds' size and preferences. If you have a favorite bird to see in your yard, you can provide that species with a nestbox of its own. Some birds, such as bluebirds, will build a second nest on top of the first for another brood, likely right after its first offspring of the year leave. It's best to clean out the box at the end of the season so they can find it again next year, fresh and ready for new spring babies. It is thought that the same pair of bluebirds will return to the same box year after year, knowing they will be able to safely raise their chicks.
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One of those spring mornings Remembering the makings of a perfect turkey hunt Words by Dan Geddings
A
loud “putt” stopped me in my tracks. The turkey was roosted over the flooded hardwood swamp on my left. It was still dark, and I was using a small penlight to guide my steps along the side of the ridge. I turned the light off and just stood there in the darkness, listening to the turkey’s alarm calls. The calls eventually slowed in frequency and intensity, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM 37
I had scouted the area the day before and knew that the turkeys would be roosting somewhere out over this swamp. I also knew that if I expected to have any success, I couldn’t risk spooking this bird off the roost before dawn. I knew the turkey had heard me walking and had seen the small light but couldn’t see me now, standing there in the darkness. There was no moon, and the woods at ground level were still dark. Dawn was but a glimmer to the east. I needed to sit down and get still without more light or noise. My original destination was an open area on the ridge just ahead, but this spot would have to do. There was a big oak tree about two steps away. Slowly, carefully, I stepped over there and sat down. I got settled in and cradled my gun across my lap. It was a comfortable setup, and I knew I could sit there a long time if I needed to. I was sitting about 30 yards from the edge of the water, and there was a thin stand of switch cane in the area around me. My visibility would be somewhat limited, but I had no choice now. Daylight was coming, and I couldn’t move again without the risk of being seen and making more noise. I figured there were other turkeys in the area, and I didn’t want to alarm any of them. The bare hardwoods to my front became silhouetted against the soft blue glow of the coming day, and I scanned the treetops for the turkey that had now gone 38 APRIL - MAY 2021 | LAKESIDE
silent. I hoped that it had gotten over its fright and forgotten about me. The songbirds had started up, and it was turning out to be a beautiful morning. Then I saw a little movement out in the trees and heard a cluck or two and some soft tree yelps. Turkeys started moving about, and I could see them now in the treetops, out over the swamp. A gobble on down the ridge to my right broke the soft sounds of the morning, and the turkeys in front of me yelped and “cow-cowed” an answer. Hens and jakes will both yelp, but the jakes will also make a crude gobble that some hunters call a “cow-cow.” So, there were jakes out there, too. Maybe the gobbler that was roosted down the ridge would come my way when he flew down. I was in a good spot, and the excitement was building. This hunt unfolded a couple of years ago in early April. Turkey
season brings the excitement that some hunters wait for all year. It gives us the chance to get out in the woods during the most beautiful time of the year. The bugs and mosquitoes aren’t yet very active, and you don’t have to worry about snakes. The weather is usually nice, and the air is clean. Wildflowers are blooming. The woods are thin, and visibility is good. I love being out in the woods when it’s so wonderful outside. Now, back to the hunt. The coming daylight seemed to make the turkeys restless, and they started pitching out of the trees and gliding to the ridge, one at a time, landing in the open area just ahead. I counted two hens and seven gobblers. The gobblers looked black in the early morning twilight. I couldn’t tell if they were jakes or longbeards in flight, and I couldn’t see them on the ground for the canes. But I could sure hear them, clucking and purring and hitting each other with their wings. Seems like they were having a quarrel. My heart was racing!
The gobbler down the ridge to my right had flown down now and was coming my way. He was sounding off about every 30 seconds. As he got closer, the turkeys near me got quiet and started shuffling around. I caught a glimpse of a gobbler coming through the canes, along the edge of the water. It was a longbeard, and it looked like he wanted to get out of the area as the vocal tom approached. When he walked behind a big tree, I raised my gun and waited until he walked into a small opening. At the shot, he rolled down to the water’s edge, flopping. I walked over and sat down beside the old gobbler. I sat there for a little while admiring the bird and reliving the events of the morning. I had never called to the birds and just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Every once in a while, you get one like that. I thanked the Lord for his gifts to us. A beautiful spring morning, a bird for the table and memories to cherish.
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40 APRIL - MAY 2021 | LAKESIDE