Upstate Lake Living Winter 2015 by EDWARDS PUBLICATIONS

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WINTER 2015

WINTER 2015 › 1

Greenville’s

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22 miles from THE Peace Center 16 Miles from Clemson’s Death Valley

Host Course 2013-2016

877-922-LAKE (5253)

WeSellKeowee.com Since2004 2004 WeSellKeowee.com ~~~Since Since 2004 WeSellKeowee.com ~~ Since WeSellKeowee.com Since 2004 2004 WeSellKeowee.com ~ Since 2004 104 Wynward Pointe Drive—$775,000—MLS#20161278 108 Bowline Court—$599,000—MLS#20166287 Stunning WF ininWynward Pointe with spectacular 104 Wynward Pointe Drive—$775,000—MLS#20161278 Beautiful WFhome home Spinnaker Cove section of Keoweewater Key! 108WF Bowline Court—$599,000—MLS#20166287 views! Master on main level! Covered boat dock! water Stunning home in Wynward Pointe with spectacular Double lot! Master on main level! Dock in place! 104 Wynward Pointe Beautiful WFMaster home in Spinnaker Cove sectionboat of Keowee views! onDrive—$775,000—MLS#20161278 main level! Covered dock! Key! Court—$599,000—MLS#20166287 Stunning108 WFBowline home Wynward Pointe with spectacular Double lot!inMaster on main level! Dock in place!water Beautiful WF homeon in main Spinnaker section of dock! Keowee Key! views! Master level!Cove Covered boat Double lot! Master on main level! Dock in place!

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Upstate Lake Living magazine

Volume 10, Issue 4 WINTER 2015

12 | A home for the holidays

54 | Don’t stop believin’

20 | Holiday lights burn bright in historic city

60 | Gastro pub snaps winter doldrums

theatre:

Plenty of stocking stuffers available............. 91

calendar:

Holiday celebrations abound....................... 96

social pages: fishing:

WAGS..................................................... 100

Smallies in the Upstate................................ 105

your waterfront:

Winter preparations...................... 106

Dear Readers, Winter in the Upstate can be beautiful. It can also be a lot of fun. With this edition we have tried to cover it all. We don’t always lead off with our home feature, but the Lake Keowee home featured inside is not only gorgeous, it was all dressed up for the holidays. So, thanks to V.J. and John for sharing their beautiful home and for helping us get off to a very merry beginning. Among the many holiday events we can all enjoy (The calendar of events is packed!) is the annual presentation of the ballet classic The Nutcracker. If you have never seen it, you should. If you have seen it, we promise this year’s version will be unique and ever so entertaining. Bill Bauer found Dahlonega a perfect place to slip away for a little holiday cheer and, as usual, our friends at The Biltmore have contributed to this issue as only they can. In the fall edition we featured the diary of a young girl who attended the Jocassee Girl’s 10 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

Camp back in the 1920s. In this issue you can meet some of the deepwater divers whose fascination with the camp and nearby Attakulla Lodge keeps bringing them back to one of the Southeast’s premiere deepwater diving locations. Also on the history front, learn how one man’s quest is igniting renewed interest in a big part of the Upstate’s ancestry. We also hope you will enjoy the story of Westminster native Russ Marcengill’s musical journey; how you can etch a special Valentine’s memory at a very special B & B; and how one Greenville eatery can help you beat the winter blahs. From Christmas parades to stage classics, from special gifts on your list to a winter golf getaway … there’s a lot we hope you will enjoy on these pages. It’s a magical time of year, and all of us at Upstate Lake Living want to take this opportunity to wish you blessed holidays and a Happy New Year. Brett McLaughlin, Editor

PUBLISHER Jerry Edwards jerry@edwgroupinc.com Ph: 864-882-3272 EDITOR Brett McLaughlin bmclaughlin@upstatetoday.com GENERAL MANAGER Hal Welch hal@upstatetoday.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Sandy Peirce sandy@upstatetoday.com ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHICS Melissa Bradley UPSTATE LAKE LIVING™ is published quarterly by Eagle Media 210 W. N. 1st Street Seneca, SC 29678, USA Ph: 864-882-2375 Fax: 864-882-2381 Subscription: $15 includes 4 issues Single issue: $3.95 U.S. Postal Permit #18 UPSTATE LAKE LIVING™ is a trademark of Edwards Group. Contents copyrighted. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

UPSTATE LAKE LIVING will, upon receipt of a new or renewal subscription, strive to provide first-copy delivery of UPSTATE LAKE LIVING to the Postal Service for the next issue (March, June, September and December). Renewals must be received at least two weeks prior to expiration to assure continued service. To ensure quick service, enclose a copy of your mailing label when writing or renewing your subscription. Address subscription inquiries to: UPSTATE LAKE LIVING magazine, P.O. Box 547, Seneca, SC 29679; phone 864-882-2375; fax 864-882-2381. Two weeks advance notice is required for address changes; please send old and new address.

contributors to this edition Bill Bauer • Rex Brown Phillip Gentry • Dave Kroeger Brett McLaughlin Cover photo submitted in the 2014 Upstate Lake Living Photo Contest by Patrick Robinson

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HOME for the HOLIDAYS ... a

and the rest of the year as well story by Brett McLaughlin | photos by Rex Brown

12 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

WINTER 2015 › 13

ake no mistake about it; when it comes to being successful owners of their own industry-leading businesses, V.J. Wigington and John Tollenaere have serious sides to their personalities.

{above} Exquisite cabinetry, several tasteful and meaningful antiques, a large gas fireplace and some overstuffed leather furniture make the family room the perfect place to spend quality time.

14 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

But, put them on the patio of their beautiful South Oak Pointe home with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and life becomes all about watching the sunrise over Lake Keowee or cultivating new friendships with folks from every walk of life. During the day, V.J. may be analyzing markets and talking low-speed, high-torque motors with customers of West Union-based Dynamic Fluid Components. But, at night the woman who shares ownership of that hydraulics-based business with two others is just a homegrown, Walhalla girl who loves to cook Italian. John may spend most of his days toiling in the office on the walkout level of his home, whipping up new aviation industry designs to be marketed through Precision Lift, Inc. But, he’s just as likely to be helping V.J. decorate for the holidays. » CONTINUED ON PG. 16

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» CONTINUED FROM PG. 14

“The Christmas lights fit my character,” V.J. says. “We spend too much time on ‘what ya got?’ and ‘what kind do ya buy?’ You know, Prada, Nike, all that stuff. “Christmas is the real thing,” she adds, explaining her propensity for hanging garland, setting up multiple trees and adorning her shelves with antique holiday figurines. The couple discovered the South Oak Pointe development while visiting friends. During one visit, John spotted a pie-shaped lot that opened up on the lake side. The couple made the purchase and quickly set about designing a home. The end result is a structure whose unique shape provides solitude from adjoining lots and countless vistas of Lake Keowee, while still leaving enough lakeside frontage for a swimming pool, waterfall to the lake and soon-to-be fire pit. Countless details went into the design, which was 18 months in the making. Sitting on the patio at sunset, the couple talks warmly about their home and, as they guide you through it, their love of the antiques that adorn various rooms is clear. V.J. mentions a banjo and mandolin her grandfather obtained by trading a horse. John points with pride to a pendulum clock built in Iditarod, Alaska — a town that no longer exists. Their design plan was simple. “We wanted good views from every room, and we have that. None of these supports split the view from inside,” John says, referencing the large columns that support the home and patio on the upper level. The splendor of the Mediterranean style home is evident as one approaches down a long drive. Through the front door any doubt that the home has a keen European design is erased as one enters into a large, tiled foyer. Ahead, the end of hallway walls creates the appearance of columns that set off the formal living room and the first, panoramic view of Lake Keowee.

16 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

{above} From the large, tiled foyer at the entrance, the end of the hallway walls creates the appearance of columns that set off the formal living room and the first panoramic view of Lake Keowee … that is when Christmas is not in full bloom. • {below} The real “living area” on this level is the lakeside patio. It is here that the couple enjoys morning coffee while watching the sunrise and chats about their day over a glass of wine in the evening.

{left} A large granite-topped island with adjoining work and service area provides plenty of room for food prep. Stainless steel appliances include a sixburner stove, conventional and convection ovens, a casserole oven, microwave and refrigerator. The room also features a walk-in pantry and the first glimpses of some of the smaller antiques the couple has collected. • {below} V.J.’s design skills are most evident in the formal dining room. While all other rooms in the house are shades of white and beige, the dining room is a rich, dark red. And, while white woodwork draws the eye to three bay windows with elegant window treatments, the real attraction in the room is an 1865 vintage English dining set featuring table and chairs, china cabinet and mirrored sideboard. • {bottom} The master suite is spacious with a sitting area and another set of bay-style windows with an expansive view of the lake. Trey ceilings and crown moldings add to the impressiveness of the room.

To the right is a formal dining room. The room itself is impressive with a trey ceiling that creates the appearance of even greater height and from which hangs a chandelier. This room also provides a first glimpse of the rich South African chestnut flooring that runs throughout much of the home. However, in decorating the dining room, V.J. has proven that her friends who think she should have been a designer know what they are talking about. While all other rooms in the house are shades of white and beige, the dining room is a rich, dark red. And, while white woodwork draws the eye to three bay windows with elegant window treatments, the real attraction in the room is an 1865 vintage English dining set featuring table and chairs, china cabinet and mirrored sideboard. Continuing down the hall, one enters an open kitchen and family room area where V.J. and John admit they spend most of their time when not on the patio. V.J. has created an Italian feel to the room through the use of design features and beigeon-beige cabinetry and cupboards. While John enjoys watching the news from an overstuffed leather sofa in the family room, V.J. is “at play” in a thoroughly modern kitchen. A large granite-topped island with adjoining work and service area provides plenty of room for food prep. Stainless steel appliances include a six-burner stove, conventional and convection ovens, a casserole oven, microwave and refrigerator. The room also features a walk-in pantry and the first glimpses of some of the smaller antiques the couple has collected. Opposite the lake side, a family room door leads to a Charleston garden, complete with its own iron gate. A small table and chairs can be enjoyed, free of any wind, or one can take a walkway beneath a canopy leading to the garage and be in the front yard. A large laundry area is also on the entry level, complete with an antique church bench. “I sit in here and pray for less laundry,” V.J. quips. The real “living area” on this level, however, is the lakeside patio. It is here that the couple enjoys morning coffee while watching the sunrise directly across the lake. WINTER 2015 › 17

{far left} Antiques and collectibles can be found throughout the home, and a few extra make their appearance for the holidays. • {left} V.J. loves to decorate for Christmas, but the house is not overdone. Tasteful ornaments, candles and wreaths are used is several areas, including this array in the kitchen.

It is also where you are likely to find them in the evening, catching up on each other’s day over a glass of wine and watching the shadows of sunset move gradually down the trees of a small island that separates their cove from the main channel of the lake. Turning left from the entry foyer, one passes V.J.’s home office and an entryway into the master suite. The bedroom is spacious with a sitting area and another set of bay-style windows with an expansive view of the lake. As in the dining room, trey ceilings and crown moldings add to the impressiveness of the room. The master bath is also large with double vanities, a Jacuzzi tub and large, tiled shower that also can be used as a steam room. The

couple’s grandchildren refer to the shower, which contains multiple heads, as “the car wash.” Knowing their mutual love for antiques, V.J. and John designed the home with builtin places for some of their favorite pieces. Two large pottery vases sit on ledges along the stairway to the lake level. The stairs open into another, carpeted living area that is a favorite of visiting grandchildren. It also houses impressive, built-in library shelving of African mahogany. John said plans are being drafted to add more shelving as well as a bar area that will wrap around to take in a door that leads to an eventual wine cellar.

Down one hall is a small bath with a nearby door leading to the outdoor pool. Down the other hall is John’s home office. At the end of each hall is a large guestroom with full bath. Both rooms have exquisite lake views. One has the largest lakeside window (5 x 10 feet) in the home, complete with a wide windowsill. “Did you notice how wide the windowsills are?” John asks. “We had thick walls built to cut down on the boat noise so we have really wide windowsills.” “John loves his wide windowsills,” V.J. says with a loving chuckle. And they both love their home and life together on the lake, especially when the Christmas lights are glowing. n

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s r m e a m y m i l g t a h l o a n h e D g t a… n i ll old g be

“T Santa and Mrs. Kringle make weekend visits to Dahlonega leading up to Christmas. [photo courtesy of Lumpkin County Visitors’ Bureau]

20 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

story by Bill Bauer

here’s gold in them thar hills!” was the cry echoing across America in the mid-1800s, sending fortune hunters west in search of the newly-found, precious metal. While much of the ballyhoo surrounding the Gold Rush was focused on California, the first golden nugget was actually found 20 years earlier in the nearby Georgia mountain town of Dahlonega. It was 1829 and thousands of prospectors flocked into the Cherokee Nation in north Georgia, marking the true beginning of our country’s gold rush. Dahlonega thrived and a U.S. mint opened there in 1838, coining more than $6 million in gold before closing in 1861.

WINE AND DINE IN DAHLONEGA [by Bill Bauer] Whether it’s traditional Southern cooking and barbecue in historic settings, oysters on the back deck or a tastefully paired feast at a nearby winery, Dahlonega has dining options for each visitor’s palate. Downtown bistros, romantic riversides and sunsets over vineyards provide the perfect settings for visitors to relax and dine. DOWNTOWN ‣ Back Porch Oyster Bar Cuisine: Fine dining in a beach atmosphere featuring freshly flown-in oysters and seafood from all over the world. ‣ Bourbon Street Grille Cuisine: NOLA Cajun and Creole inspired by the epicureanism of the famous French Quarter in a casual setting. ‣ The Corkscrew Café Cuisine: Modern American fare with a creative twist, featuring an extensive wine list. Now offering a new small plate menu for lighter dining. ‣ The Crimson Moon Cuisine: Contemporary New South. Featuring weekly live music as part of the New York — New Orleans — Nashville entertainment circuit.

{top} Storefronts and restaurants sparkle as Dahlonega celebrates its month-long Old Fashioned Christmas through the end of December. • {above} Montaluce Winery & Restaurant is one of five wineries that make up the Dahlonega Wine Trail. Wine from these vineyards and other Georgia wineries can be sampled at downtown tasting rooms and restaurants, but traveling to the wineries provides a view of the spectacular and serene countryside around Dahlonega. [photos by Bill Bauer]

And, while the gold mining days are history now, Dahlonega is alive and well, experiencing a rush of an entirely different kind. Known as the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains, Dahlonega is the heart of Georgia Wine Country and has evolved into a center for the performing and visual arts. It hosts a number of annual artistic and cultural festivals, and dining, music and theater abound in a town that is a National Registered Historic District. Independentlyowned shops attract some of the region’s

top artists and are filled with regional art, antiques, unique jewelry and collectibles. For Hartwell Lake residents Jack and Cathy Fox, Dahlonega is on their list of favorite places to visit. “It satisfies our desires to dine, taste wine and shop. We get these and more whenever we’re there,” said Jack. “And the hospitality is outstanding … something you don’t always get in the big city.” The centerpiece of Dahlonega is its downtown square, on which sits its number one attraction, the Gold Museum.

‣ Shenanigan’s Irish Pub Cuisine: Irish fare, seafood and, of course, Guinness inspirations served in the basement of the historic Strickland House — a step back to Dublin (pet-friendly patio). ‣ The Smith House Restaurant Cuisine: Southern fare served family style since 1922 with classic favorites like Smith House style fried chicken, sweet baked ham and a dozen or so different fresh, steamed vegetables. JUST DOWN THE ROAD APIECE ‣ Wolf Mountain Vineyards Cuisine: Southern fare served in a Europeanstyle, beamed restaurant with stunning mountain views. ‣ Le Vigne at Montaluce Winery Cuisine: Contemporary Southern fare served farm to table in a Tuscan style, stacked stone restaurant and winery. ‣ Yahoola Creek Grill Cuisine: Classic and contemporary Southern inspired specialties made from scratch — a true mountain dining experience. WINTER 2015 › 21

Originally the old Lumpkin County Courthouse, it was built in 1836 from local Cane Creek bricks with traces of gold that can still be seen glimmering in the interior walls on the second floor. The second most-visited site in the state, the museum is a designated Georgia State Park Historic Site attracting over 30,000 visitors annually. Artifacts, historic documents, displays and a 17-minute film depict the gold mining days and describe the techniques and lifestyles of the nation’s first gold miners. Surrounding the museum are over 60 retail stores and galleries, and a host of restaurants, all with ample free parking. Within a block or two of the square are several excellent lodging choices. Housing the Bourbon Street Grille and two fine art galleries, the Hall House Hotel is the oldest building in Dahlonega. It features five unique rooms, each with its own private bath. Amenities in some rooms include luxurious linens, walk-in ceramic showers and Jacuzzi hot tubs. Host Mike Miller does not take reservations online. » CONTINUED ON PG. 24

22 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

{top} Throughout the Christmas season, visitors can enjoy carolers in period costumes, live entertainment and other touches of a Victorian Christmas in Dahlonega. • {above} The centerpiece of Dahlonega is its downtown square, on which sits its number one attraction, the Gold Museum. Originally the old Lumpkin County Courthouse, it was built in 1836 and traces of gold can still be seen glimmering in the interior walls on the second floor. [photos courtesy of Lumpkin County Visitors’ Bureau]

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“Each room is so different that I like to talk to guests to help them choose the best room for their needs. I often rent rooms to groups of people traveling together and want them to be satisfied,” Miller explained. Just a block off the square, the Park Place Hotel is a little more secluded and offers 14 boutique-style suites. Whether

it’s The Georgian, a two-bedroom that sleeps six, or The Churchill, a double bed businessman’s room, guests can expect pillow top beds, flat screen televisions and private baths. Late checkouts are standard, whirlpool tubs provide added relaxation, and complimentary Starbucks® coffee and bottled water are provided in each suite.

Dahlonega’s month-long Old Fashioned Christmas is white gold. The former gold-mining town dresses up for a Victorian holiday experience from the day after Thanksgiving through the end of December. [photos courtesy of Lamar Photography]

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Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy carolers in period costumes, live entertainment, wine tastings, Christmas performances at The Historic Holly Theater and weekend visits from Santa.

For those wishing to stay off the beaten path, just outside downtown Dahlonega are several bed and breakfasts, country inns, mountain cabins and resorts that offer everything from budget to luxury accommodations. On the outskirts, visitors will also find gold mines where if they’re lucky, they might strike it rich. The Consolidated and Crisson Mines both provide panning for gold nuggets and underground mine tours. Five wineries — Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery, Frogtown Cellars, Montaluce Winery & Restaurant, Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery and Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery — make up the Dahlonega Wine Trail. While some of these and other Georgia wines can be sampled at a number of downtown tasting rooms and restaurants, traveling to the wineries provides a view of the spectacular and serene countryside around Dahlonega. Downtown Dahlonega is the scene of many seasonal and holiday festivals. The largest, in October, brings over 200,000 weekend “prospectors” to celebrate the site of America’s first gold rush and is aptly named Gold Rush Days. But, for those who like to revel in

“the most wonderful time of the year,” Dahlonega’s month-long Old Fashioned Christmas is white gold. The former goldmining town dresses up for a Victorian holiday experience. Storefronts and restaurants sparkle from the day after Thanksgiving through the end of December. From Christmas trees and mistletoe to thousands of twinkling white lights, the town looks and feels like a holiday wonderland. Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy carolers in period costumes, live entertainment, wine tastings, Christmas performances at The Historic Holly Theater and weekend visits from Santa. Dahlonega’s idyllic setting made it the perfect choice for the filming of the modern day Christmas classic, Christmas in the Smokies, just released in October. Whether it is for the holidays or another time of year a visit to the city that Southern Living Magazine refers to as a “Small Town Escape” is pure gold. n For more ideas on enjoying Dahlonega, and to find out about The Old Fashioned Christmas schedule of events, visit www.dahlonega.org or call the Visitor’s Center at 800-231-5543 or 706-864-3711.

WINTER 2015 › 25

HOLIDAY CLASSIC returns to the Upstate story by Brett McLaughlin | photos courtesy of Kerry Lammi Photography & Design

f you have never witnessed the splendor of the holiday ballet classic, “The Nutcracker,” make this the year that you do. And, even if you have seen it before, the folks at The Foothills Conservatory for the Performing Arts said repeat guests continue to be “blown away” by the way in which local and professional artists come together to perform a “new” production each year. “We have people tell us every year that the production exceeds all their expectations,” said FCPA spokesperson Maribeth Kowalski. This holiday season, FCPA will present “The Nutcracker” in its entirety Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 3 p.m., at The Brooks Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Clemson University.

Spectator expectations are surpassed every year when the Foothills Conservatory for the Performing Arts puts on its holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.”

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In keeping with tradition, world-class performers will be joining the cast for the 2015 production. Pavel Gurevich will return as the Cavalier, and joining him, as the Sugar Plum Fairy will be Lia Cirio, both of whom dance with The Boston Ballet. Marvin-Joe Merck, a renowned local performer and artist, will reprise his role as Godfather Drosselmeyer. These guest artists will join dancers from Oconee and Pickens counties to help bring the time honored classic to life. The 50-60 member cast is comprised primarily of students from Foothills Dance Conservatory in Seneca, but includes some adults, including at least one Clemson University professor. FCPA’s own Artistic Director Ginny Siano-Eck, and Ballet Mistress Svetlana Todinova have choreographed this year’s performance.

World-class performers will join local dancers for the Foothills Conservatory for the Performing Arts’ 2015 production of “The Nutcracker.” Pavel Gurevich will return as the Cavalier, and joining him, as the Sugar Plum Fairy will be Lia Cirio, both of whom dance with The Boston Ballet.

WINTER 2015 › 27

al lectures and demonstrations. The organization’s production of “The Nutcracker” is funded in part by The South Carolina Arts Commission. n

“Svetlana has provided exciting new ideas and choreography for this year’s show,” Kowalski said. The Russian born dancer has served as an audition director and soloist for the Moscow Ballet for over a decade. She completed formal training under ballet legend Yuri Gigorovich at the Ufimsky School of Choreography in Ufa, now named the Rudolf Nureyev Russian State Ballet Academy. She was also a member of Russia’s renowned National Academy of Theatrical Arts. Todinova joined the Foothills Dance Conservatory and FCPA in August. Foothills Conservatory for the Performing Arts is the first multi-disciplinary arts organization in Oconee County, founded in 2001. It reaches out to area schools and community organizations such as senior centers, non-profit community organizations, schools and churches with free performances, education-

Reserved seats for “The Nutcracker” are $20 for adults and $15 for students/children. Tickets may be purchased by visiting The Brooks Center Box Office or by calling 864.656.7787 Monday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. Tickets are also available online at www. clemson.edu/Brooks.

Dancers from Oconee and Pickens counties will help bring the time-honored classic, “The Nutcracker,” to life at The Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, Dec. 12-13.

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iltmoR stoRy story by Brett McLaughlin | photos courtesy of The Biltmore Estate

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MANY HAVE SHARED REMEMBRANCES OF CHRISTMASES PAST

innie Titchener has to work fast. The people she needs to talk to aren’t getting any younger. Titchener joined the staff of archivists and researchers at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC three years ago. Her job is cataloguing and collecting oral histories from people whose families have ties to Biltmore’s historic past.

In addition to making sense of, and extracting useful information from, some 300 histories collected since the 1980s, Titchener herself has conducted 30 additional interviews, gleaning facts and anecdotal information that enrich the exhibits and tours offered to estate visitors. “Our target audience (for the information collected) is essentially our own curators,” she said. “The end product ends up being presented in the audio tours and exhibits we have here and in the books we produce and disseminate.” Perhaps at no time of the year are the fruits of her labors more delightful and insightful than at Christmas.

{opposite page} The children of Dr. James Lynch are pictured in costume for a party at Biltmore. [photo courtesy of Myra Lynch] {above} This picnic near Deer Park was a birthday party for the farmers’ children. [photo courtesy of Lou Ellen Riggins Cole]

WINTER 2015 › 31

It is during the holidays that Biltmore weaves the memories of Christmases past into much of what it does. Titchener’s oral histories are in the thick of that enriching experience. Franklyn Owens’ husband, Sylvester, was a chauffeur at the Biltmore during the 1940s. It was the Jim Crow era, but the Vanderbilt family took pride in having an integrated staff, and all were invited to the employee Christmas party. It was a family affair and Franklyn attended with her husband. Mr. Cecil (George Vanderbilt’s son-in-law, John) was there, helping as “all kinds of toys and food” were distributed to the employees and their children, Franklyn told Titchener. “There were wagons and balls and toy guns.”

This is a 1910 portrait of the children of Fred and Dolly Capps. The Capps family lived and worked at Pinetop Dairy on the West Side of Biltmore Estate. Rickman Capps (bottom left) described a fair attended by farming families: “The men made long tables out of sawhorses and wide boards from the sawmill to ‘display’ their prized possessions on. They brought tomatoes, cabbage, squash, green beans, potatoes and the like. The ladies brought jellies, jams, canned vegetables, canned fruits, also pies and cakes.” Three judges gave red, white and blue ribbons for prizes, after which ice cream was served. Then the men played horseshoes, while the boys “organized a cross-eyed cat ball game,” and the girls played games like “drop the handkerchief.” [photo courtesy of Ambrose Holmes Capps, Jr.]

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Biltmore Associate Archivist Winnie Titchener encourages the collection of oral histories from elderly family members in order to preserve information that, otherwise, may be lost forever. She has mastered the art and offers these tips: • Don’t wait. • The biggest barrier you may face is that elderly family members often assume you know certain information. Even if you do, play dumb. Start from scratch. Feign ignorance. • Circle back for detail. Repeat a phrase they have used and then wait. Often, they will rush to fill in the details. • Rambling is good. Be a listener. Often, if you don’t say anything, they will fill in the spaces. • Any recording device will work. You can even use your smartphone but, for $200, you can get a professional grade recorder that will make the process easier.

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Pictured are members of the J. W. Knighten family. Knighten was a dairy worker who was promoted to farm manager in 1911. The oral histories of the Knighten sisters are 325 histories that tell about the lives of those who worked and grew up on the Biltmore Estate. [photo courtesy of Mary Ellen Knighten Faulkner and Cora Knighten Shillinglaw]

During another interview, the grandchild of an employee in 1930 said her ancestor recalled the Christmas party being held as if the family “didn’t realize The Depression was happening.” As has often been the case, researchers have been able to verify the authenticity of those recollections through writings and documents. In this case, receipts from the 1932 Christmas

party indicate payment for a “string band, moving pictures” and material used to darken the windows for showing the movies. When the oral history project began in the 1980s, a few employees from the early years of the estate were still alive. Artus Moser was a second-generation estate employee, working the fields. His oral history recalls an orchestra

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Mimi Ambler Sagar is pictured ice skating. Mimi was the daughter of John Cecil’s physician, Dr. Arthur Chase Ambler. One winter day in 1939, Mr. Cecil invited her to skate on the frozen swimming pool on the South Terrace. [photo courtesy of Mimi Ambler Sagar]

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coming from New York City for the Christmas party. He also remembered being in a store downtown when Edith Vanderbilt came it, causing him to hide. Eugenia Halyburton Chandler was born in 1901. She and Annie Scarborough were contemporaries who worked for the Vanderbilts, Chandler as a housemaid and Scarborough as a chambermaid. The latter had been orphaned in a logging camp and came to the Biltmore at age 12. Before her death, she spoke about her experiences and those of her grandmother, who was a cook’s helper at Biltmore in 1898, with her granddaughter, who, in turn, passed them on to Titchener. Near the end of her life, Chandler also shared memories of those early years, recalling how guests would toboggan down a hill overlooking the lagoon at the back of the house. “At the base of the hill they had a mule that would pull them back up the hill,” she said. She also recalled people skating on the “lily pond,” which Titchener believes would be the pool located in what is now the Italian Garden.

2015 CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE EVENTS Christmas at Biltmore features the following holiday activities and events: • Through Jan. 10, daily: Christmas at Biltmore daytime experience • Through Jan. 2: Candlelight Christmas Evenings • Through Jan. 10, daily: A Gardener’s Place Holiday Seminars. “Decorate with Christmas Wreaths” is offered at noon and “Create Holiday Tablescapes” is offered at 1 p.m. • Through Jan. 10, daily: The Conservatory’s annual poinsettia and tropical plant display • Through Jan. 10, daily: Complimentary wine tasting at the Winery. The “Red Wine and Chocolate” seminar is offered, as well as the “Biltmore Bubbles” tour. Additional price and reservations required. • Through Jan. 10, evenings: Live music in Cedric’s Tavern in Antler Hill Village • Through Dec. 20, Saturdays and Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m., and on Friday, Nov. 27: Visits with Santa in Antler Hill Village • Through Jan. 10, Saturdays and Sundays, 3 p.m., and on Friday, Nov. 27: Roving Holiday Carolers in Antler Hill Village • Dec. 17-19: Inn on Biltmore Estate’s Annual Gingerbread House Tea. Guests assemble gingerbread homes with the help of a pastry chef while enjoying afternoon tea. Additional price and reservations required.

Edith Vanderbilt is mentioned in many of the oral histories, a testimony, according to Titchener, to her kind spirit and involvement with the staff. “She was remembered by a lot of employees at the Christmas parties, often standing off to the side, wearing a long velvet dress and giving out oranges. Everyone talks about oranges,” she laughed. Eugenia Chandler was among those who mentioned “mounds of oranges” in her history. She also recalled John Cecil acting like Santa Claus, but having an English accent. “Even a ‘ho, ho, ho’ didn’t sound like a ‘ho, ho, ho,’” she told her interviewer. It was also Chandler other people referred to when telling the story of a young girl who turned up her nose when given a gift of paper dolls from Mrs. Vanderbilt. As the story goes, she told her host/employer that she would prefer to have a glass bulb from the massive Christmas tree that adorned the Winter Garden. “Mrs. Vanderbilt is said to have called in a butler and had the tree stripped to get balls for the children,” Titchener said. While the Christmas parties were “big life events” for many of the employees, Titchener said it is the smaller things that come up in the oral histories that provide the real substance of what everyday life was like at the estate. “What they had for breakfast. How they got to school. The relationships they shared. Those are the things that filled their lives and made them who they were,” she said. Although the public does not have direct access to the oral histories of the Biltmore, Titchener said she would be happy to share stories with those who are interested. She can be reached by email at: wtitchener@biltmore.com. n

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story by Brett McLaughlin photos courtesy of Bill Routh & Debbie Fletcher

s it has been for hundreds of other divers journeying to northern Oconee County each year, the deep water of Lake Jocassee was just another challenge to be conquered as far as Charlotte-based Ryan Sparks was concerned. That is until he met a “brotherhood” of deepwater divers pulled together from four states and a passionate historian whose ancestral roots go deep into the Jocassee Valley … 300 feet deep to be exact. “After actually diving (Attakulla) lodge back in July and meeting Debbie Fletcher, I realized that it was about much more — the camaraderie of the other divers … a bit of a brotherhood … and, most importantly, the deep history that surrounded the lodge for more than 100 years.” Fletcher, who lives in Columbia, has written two books about the Jocassee Valley and the lodge built by her great greatgreat grandfather, Henry Whitmire, Jr. …

{above} The amount of gear required by deepwater divers is evident as Michael Skovgaard prepares to dive on Attakulla Lodge on the bottom of Lake Jocassee. [photo courtesy of Fletcher Images] {left} A member of the dive team that has routinely dived on the Jocassee Valley steel bridge, Jocassee Girls Camp, Attakulla Lodge and other deepwater sites in Lake Jocassee is seen exploring a grave marker in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery. [photo courtesy of Bill Routh]

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a lodge where she spent many summers and weekends of her youth. Duke Power took over almost all the property in Jocassee Valley, dammed the Whitewater River and flooded the region to power a hydroelectric plant. However, after the company demolished a family cabin across the river before buying it, Fletcher’s family obtained a restraining order to prevent the company from coming onto the lodge property. “For many, the loss was great. We lost our gathering places, our heritage, our homes … and a piece of our hearts,” Fletcher writes in her book, Jocassee Remembered. “But, a wonderful thing happened in August 2004. Divers located my family’s homestead, Attakulla Lodge.” The lodge, which has become a fascinating focus for a hardy band of divers from several states, still stands in 300 feet of water and has been visited on numerous occasions by men who have become some of Fletcher’s dearest friends. “They have brought me a sidelight from the front door of the Lodge, and by doing so, have restored a piece of my heart,” she writes. “I feel like I can go home again ….” Fletcher’s trip home actually began when former Walhalla pool lifeguard and charter boat captain Bill Routh turned more of his interest to scuba diving and scuba instruction.

Bill Routh, left, and Charles Johnson are pictured after returning from a dive on Attakulla Lodge. They were very excited about the visibility, but they could also have been laughing about Charles’ light imploding. [photo courtesy of Fletcher Images]

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“I’ve always made a living on the water,” Routh said, explaining how he shut down charter and dive interests in Charleston a few years ago, choosing to focus his business interests near Salem and the deep water of Lake Jocassee. Now, his retail dive shop and boat storage facility on Dive Buddy Lane serves as a base of operations for both scenic tours of Lake Jocassee and deep water dives with his friends and associates. In his opinion, there’s no better place for a diver to be. “Lake Jocassee is a playground for recreational divers,” Routh said. “A lot of people don’t know it, but, on any given weekend, you can find 75 to 100 divers over there taking classes and diving.” Nestled in the mountains with a largely undeveloped shoreline, the water is pristine. Little runoff, few septic systems and a feeder system of crystal clear trout streams insure almost perfect diving conditions. Even after a hard rain, visibility can reach 20 feet, and at the site of the former Mt. Carmel Church Ceme-

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SOME OF MY ACTIVE LISTINGS: Lake Jocassee Dive Shop owner and veteran diver Bill Routh, left, lends a hand to Luc Rheaume as he returns from a dive on Attakulla Lodge. [photo courtesy of Fletcher Images]

tery, 140 feet below the surface, one can typically see 50 to 75 feet. “I can still read my gauges at 180 feet with ambient light,” Routh said. Add to this visibility the existence of “the wall” and one has the makings of the best open water training ground in four states. “The wall” was created by Duke as it blasted granite from the side of Jocassee Valley to cover the massive earthen dam it was creating. The result was a sheer cliff of granite reaching hundreds of feet below the surface. At a relatively shallow depth there is a terrace on which rests a large, teak sailboat. It is the most dived upon attraction in the lake. DREAMS BELOW THE SURFACE Jeremy Puskas used to dream of visiting the stars, but that passion ebbed with America’s retreat from space exploration. Instead, he turned to the sea. “I love scuba diving because it fulfills those desires deep within me to see creation in a different light,” the Greenville-based diver said. “Diving in the sea has its issues. All of that salt, the long commute and the likelihood of diving with a crew that I am unfamiliar with have helped convince me that diving in the ‘jewel of the crown’ that is Lake Jocassee is my haven.” For Routh, Jocassee meant being able to “go a little deeper.” He dove for nearly a decade before going back to school to become an instructor in technical diving, learning about the redundant equipment needed to go beyond the point where one can surface without decompression.

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“At 300 feet a diver carries enough equipment — regulators, cylinders, etc. — to outfit six open water divers,” he explained. Accompanied by four friends, he made his first dive to 155 feet from the ledge behind the teakwood boat. Routh knew that the Whitewater River Bridge, which had provided the only access to the Jocassee Valley, was still intact below the surface. Using sonar equipment operated by a friend, they located what he thought was the

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bridge. He and his son then dropped a camera to verify the find. “I called some buddies that were doing deeper dives, and they were all over diving that bridge,” he said. Routh served as a safety diver and provided surface support as the group dove to 320 feet and attached a permanent line to the old steel bridge. The group would return a second time, venturing away from the bridge and locating a brick pillar to which was attached a white

FINDING THE LODGE He had heard about Fletcher and Attakulla Lodge and sought her out in hopes of getting information about the Joacasse Camp. In the

[by Brett McLaughlin]

Deepwater diving is not for everyone. In fact, Lake Jocassee Dive Shop owner Bill Routh said there may be fewer than one dozen divers within 75 miles of the Upstate trained and certified to venture into the 320-foot depths of Lake Jocassee. He is one of them. “Basic open water, recreational diving goes to about 60 feet,” he explained. “After 130 feet, you need decompression to come back up… At 16 percent oxygen you lose consciousness. At 12 percent, you die … when you dive to 300+ feet, the partial pressure of the mix is safe around 12 percent to 14 percent and you are fine.” The former Mt. Carmel Cemetery is located 140 feet beneath the surface of Lake Jocassee. The nearby Mt. Carmel Church foundation is 155 feet deep. However, Routh and the team of divers he has assembled routinely dive much deeper, visiting the former Attakulla Lodge, Jocassee Girls Camp and Whitewater River Bridge, all of which rest more than 300 feet deep. 42 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

picket gate that had been the entrance to the Jocassee Girl’s Camp. Over the next couple of years the group dove the bridge and gate, but everyone’s interest in other possible secrets beneath Lake Jocassee was growing.

A typical dive to those sites lasts 15-20 minutes, which includes a 4-5 minute descent. Returning to the surface takes two hours, requiring progressively longer stops beginning at 240 feet and continuing every 10 feet until one reaches the surface. To reach those depths and safely return to the surface requires the use of what is known as a 14/60 Tri-mix of oxygen, helium and nitrogen. A typical lodge dive involves breathing 14 percent oxygen, 60 percent helium and 26 percent nitrogen. Other mixes are used to wean off of the helium and increase the oxygen and nitrogen slowly as the divers ascend. Referred to as ‘deco’ mixes. The nitrogen already present in a diver’s body from the surface air he breathes, as well as the nitrogen in his air tank, are compressed by the increasing water pressure as the diver descends. The increasing pressure forces the nitrogen molecules close together so they occupy less space and the diver’s body fills that space

by absorbing more nitrogen from the tank with each breath. Nitrogen acts like a narcotic under pressure. Routh explained that this is the “martini rule.” At 100 feet, nitrogen intoxication is equal to one martini. At 130 feet, it is two martinis. At 160 feet, it is three martinis. “Basically, divers have to be able to function while they are intoxicated (by nitrogen),” Routh said. As one returns to the surface, nitrogen molecules re-expand. The blood goes “flat” faster because helium molecules are smaller. Decompression stops are required to prevent nitrogen and helium bubbles from traveling through the arteries and blocking off blood flow, which can result in tissue damage and decompression sickness. Divers must be able to control their bodies in the water during decompression stops. In their dives on Lake Jocassee, divers are assisted in that regard by a line attached to materials at the bottom of the lake.

{opposite page} This underwater gate is the entrance to the former Jocassee Girl’s Camp. It sits in 318 feet of water. Diver Bill Routh notes that so little oxygen exists at this depth that the wood is preserved and nails from the turn-of-the-century gate have little rust. [photo courtesy of Bill Routh] {above} Attakulla Lodge was not only the ancestral homestead of Debbie Fletcher’s family, but also a popular inn for people traveling through and vacationing in the former Jocassee Valley. Today, the lodge lies on its side at the bottom of Lake Jocassee. [photo courtesy of Fletcher Images]

process of going through her research, Routh learned that she had an old survey of Jocassee Valley. “I had the GPS coordinates for the bridge, the Mt. Carmel Cemetery and about 20 other points on the lake,” he explained. “I was sure that with those and the survey I would be able to obtain some coordinates to start looking for the lodge.” On a still night in August 2004, Routh dropped a dive light and camera over the side of his boat and began doing curls around the light. Not unexpectedly, the devices became entangled in the fullygrown trees that still stand at the bottom of the lake. “I knew there were trees around the lodge so I wasn’t disappointed,” he said. “Eventually, the camera passed over a rectangular shape covered in silt. I knew it had to be manmade, and I was pretty sure I was coming across the top of a building.” It was 3:51 a.m. on August 4, 2004. Routh quickly assembled his band of divers and three days later they plunged into the darkness that exists 300 feet below the surface. Using lights with about 30 feet of visibility the group found what they thought was the lodge porch. In reality they would learn that it was the

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Pictured is the gable on the Attakulla Lodge. The former homestead and inn lies on its side some 300 feet beneath the surface of Lake Jocassee. [photo courtesy of Bill Routh]

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gable roof as the building had tipped completely on its side. Routh knew he would not be satisfied until he dove the lodge himself, so he returned to Florida for additional training. He made his first 300-foot, tri-mix dive on the lodge in summer 2006. Since then he has returned an average of twice each year. “Every time I go down I get another piece of the puzzle,” he said. “It’s a time capsule, and the more we can piece things together, the better.” A non-diving injury has sidelined Puskas for the past couple of years, but he still yearns to obtain the certification needed to go to the lodge. “Upon discovering the history of the valley and learning about the lodge, I was hooked,” he said. “From diving the graveyard to becoming decompression certified, my thirst for the skills and experience to enable me to one day knock on the door of that once revered (lodge) has become insatiable. “As I continue to garner the experience, training and the equipment that is needed to venture

to such depths … I have found myself among colleagues who are more akin to family than fellow enthusiasts,” he added. Routh speaks similarly of the experience. “To be among that small percentage of the 1 percent who can do this and to be among the even smaller percentage who have actually done it, is very special,” the dive shop owner said. And, while the lodge remains his primary focus, Routh also hopes to find more remnants of the girl’s camp and would also like to find a water gauge station that can be seen in one of the pictures in Fletcher’s book. “I don’t intend to stop diving,” the 55-year-old said, “but the end is near for my technical diving.” n The Lake Jocassee Dive Shop is located at 710 Dive Buddy Lane in Salem. Learn more about Routh’s lake tours, dive training and retail offerings at: www.jocasseediveshop.com; email him at: bill@jocasseediveshop.com; or call 864.944.9255.

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This ceremonial powder horn is a replica of one British soldiers had commissioned after they left Upstate South Carolina where they had fought alongside Cherokee warriors. Among the depictions is a reference to Keowee Town. The original horns crafted in Charleston are held in private collections.

48 â&#x20AC;š UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

Museum igniting interest in Cherokee heritage story by Brett McLaughlin | photos by Rex Brown

t has a good deal to do with the fact that Cherokee blood runs through a significant percentage of Oconee County’s 75,000 people. But, it has just as much to do with one man’s passion for history and the need to get it right. The only Native American museum in South Carolina is located in Walhalla because history teacher Luther Lyle realized years ago that remembering and celebrating a centuries-old culture is not only admirable, but it is essential. Now, less than two years into its mission, the Museum of the Cherokee is igniting renewed interest in that culture, not only among the general populace, but, perhaps more importantly, among Upstate residents who had largely ignored an often small percentage of their Indian heritage. “(Creating the museum) was necessary,” said Hugh Lambert, a member of the tribal council of the Eastern Band of Cherokees based in Cherokee, NC. “It is helping increase interest among Cherokee people.” To understand the seeming disinterest of many local residents in the region’s Cherokee heritage, one needs to know the history, not as it has often been taught, but how it actually played out. The existence of that distinction was not lost on history teacher Lyle. “Some of the history books in South Carolina actually have it wrong,” Lyle said. “They say that the Trail of Tears — the forced migration of Native Americans to lands west of the Mississippi in 1835 — began in South Carolina. It did not. By then, the Cherokee in South Carolina had already moved or had assimilated into the local population.” It was distortions of facts such as these, as well as the long history of Native Americans in the Upstate that set Lyle on his mission to

establish the museum. Together, with a board made up of half Cherokees, a phenomenal amount has been accomplished in a short period of time. While there is proof of pre-Cherokee people in the Upstate dating back 10,00012,000 years, artifacts found in Oconee County representing the distinctive style of the

Luther Lyle looks through some of the thousands of artifacts that have been donated to the Museum of the Cherokee in Walhalla.

Cherokee date to the 1500s. Combined with Hernando de Soto’s journals from his spring 1540 journey through the Carolinas, there is evidence of at least 27, if not more, Cherokee

villages in Oconee County alone, making it the center of what was then called the “lower towns.” “Many of these sites were excavated before the lakes (Keowee and Jocassee) were created,” Lyle said. “Most of them are underwater today, but a few that weren’t along the river, still exist.” The Cherokee were a civilized and organized people. Each village contained 50-100 homes, built around a central plaza. There was no permanent chief. Instead, a “headman” was elected in times of war and peace. Men and women alike could serve as tribal leaders. Life was farming, with corn, beans and squash being the primary crops. There were also peach orchards. By the early 1700s, white settlers had begun to move onto lands that were part of the Cherokee nation in the Southeast United States. At that time, the Cherokee held claim to nearly half of what is currently South Carolina. The Treaty of 1721 ceded land between the Santee, Saluda and Edisto rivers to the Province of South Carolina under British rule. In an additional treaty in 1755, the Cherokee sought peace and commerce with the British in exchange for an even larger tract of land the modern limits of which would stretch from Abbeville to Spartanburg and northeast to York. With this treaty the British also sought to avoid an alliance between the French and the Indians, but that was not to be. That alliance was forged and, eventually, when the French were defeated, boundary agreements enacted by the British extracted even more land from the Indians. Similarly, in 1776, with the Cherokee fighting for the British in the Revolutionary War, American General Andrew Williamson destroyed Cherokee towns on the Keowee and Tugaloo rivers. WINTER 2015 › 49

This Cherokee grinding stone is somewhat unusual in that it also served as a nutcracker, the small indentation at the left serving that purpose.

And, at the conclusion of the war, a treaty with the Cherokee ceded all land on the Savannah and Saluda rivers east of the Unacaye Mountains. In short, the Cherokee were left with a sliver of tribal land in South Carolina. That, too, would be ceded to Washington on March 22, 1816. “It’s pretty easy to determine that when the Trail of Tears began in 1835, it began in Georgia, not South Carolina,” Lyle said, going on to note, that there is ample proof that Cherokee remained

in the area, some becoming landowners. Museum exhibits include deeds proving that Cherokee tribesmen owned land at Brasstown and that, in 1827, Samuel Leathers sold land at Chattooga Village to a “white man” named Jacob Butts. Individuals and organizations have donated artifacts. Much of the collection formerly housed at the Keowee-Toxaway State Park has been relocated to Walhalla, including a British trade musket. » CONTINUED ON PG. 52

50 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

{left} This map shows the shrinkage of Cherokee country in its original location in the southeastern U.S. The red outlines the original Cherokee lands before European colonization; the blue is the boundary at the close of the American Revolution, showing that the Cherokee are almost completely withdrawn from South Carolina; and the green line shows the boundary at the final cession in 1835 with the Cherokee lands occupying only small parts of Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. • {above} Well-lit exhibit cases such as this one line the walls of the Museum of the Cherokee in Walhalla. The artifacts not only tell the history of the Cherokee nation, but also offer an engaging glimpse into Cherokee culture and heritage. All of the exhibits and artifacts have been donated.

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Individuals have given thousands of projectile points and others have provided one-of-kind artifacts such as a grinding/nut stone, cooking stones and a portion of the ceremonial pole from Brasstown Village. It is upon these types of exhibits that the museum is building its reputation. “It’s better than I ever hoped it would be,” Lyle said of the museum. “Grants have become tough to get, but the donations of artifacts and labor to fix the building have been unbelievable.” The building, purchased for $1 from the Oconee School District in 2009, had only three salvageable walls and mushrooms growing on its ceiling. Over three years, volunteers installed new floors, walls, electrical and plumbing. Today, expansive display cases line bright, well-lit walls. There is room for small group meetings and presentations and, recently, the non-profit purchased the building next door (the former coroner’s office) and has begun an expansion that will provide four times as much exhibit and storage space. n The Museum of the Cherokee is located at 70 Short St. in Walhalla. It is open Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment. For more information, contact: info@cherokeemuseumsc.org or director/curator Luther Lyle at lutherlyle@bellsouth.net.

Areas 1, 2, 8 and 21 on this map represent Cherokee lands in the northwest portion of South Carolina. Area one was ceded in a 1721 treaty; area 2 in a treaty of 1755; area 8 in a treaty of 1777; and the final sliver of South Carolina in a treaty of 1816.

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Don’t Stop Believin’ Music was Upstate singer’s destiny

story by Brett McLaughlin | photos courtesy of Russell Marcengill 54 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

“Music is love in search of a word.” sidney lanier, american poet

ore than four decades after he stunned his first-grade teacher at Westminster Elementary School with a full-voice rendition of Donny Osmond’s “Puppy Love,” Russell Marcengill’s love for music carries on. That’s why, when diagnosed with a cancerous lump in his throat last fall, he said ‘no’ to surgery and embarked on a holistic approach to treatment.

“I couldn’t have the throat surgery,” Marcengill said as he and his wife, Diane, chatted in the friendly confines of the Westminster Music Hall. “It would have been vocal suicide.” Surgery, he knew, would have been an unfitting end to a musical journey that has been circuitous but fulfilling … a journey he hopes is far from over. Ray Burroughs agrees. He knows his friend Russell still has music in his soul and magic in his voice. “His voice is so pure; audiences are just enthralled,” the owner of Westminster Music Hall said. “He has tremendous range and can capture an audience immediately. I mean, the minute he starts to sing he owns the stage and the audience.” It was that way with his “cute-as-a-button” first-grade music teacher and it continued that way when Marcengill began singing in church, and when he finished second in the Apple Festival talent show as a seventhgrader. “After that show I got called to the office,” he recalled. “The chorus teacher was there, and they pulled me out of French and put me in the chorus. Even though I was too young to be scored, she took me to the all-state tryouts so I would be ready. Starting in ninth grade I had perfect scores at all-state for four straight years.” But it was not the music of high school choirs that captured his soul. It was rock and roll. He played in “dozens of bands” while in high school and, even though he wasn’t old enough to drink, Russell Marcengill and

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Marcengill has fond memories of his early days as a rocker, even though that part of his musical journey led him to places he eventually realized he had to leave.

The Natural Breeze Band even played Jimbo’s (later Jimmy’s Nightlife) in Seneca. Graduating in 1982, Marcengill could have attended North Carolina on a music scholarship, but he loved rock music and … of course, a girl. “Not this one,” he chuckled, nudging his wife. Scouring the want ads for his career opportunity, the young singer spotted a call for a lead vocalist for a group called Magic. An audition in Greenwood was all it took to launch his career. “I never had any formal training as a vocalist, and I learned so much from these guys,” he said. “My words, my vocabulary, my pitch and my breathing … they really molded my vocals.” Over the next few years, the band’s reputation grew. In 1987, Magic won the Rock 101 Battle of the Bands (Beating Jackyl, a platinum-

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album producing rock group that went on to two decades of stardom.) and the right to open for REO Speedwagon. That opportunity jump-started several more years of success … so to speak. In the late 1980s Marcengill met and married the love of his life and the couple soon had a son. The music played on, but change was on the horizon. “On Nov. 8, 1990 I woke up in a jail cell in Greenwood County,” Marcengill said. “I knew right then, I had to make changes in my life. My son had been born with disabilities, and I had a brandnew baby girl. I was drinking, smoking and in trouble with the law. “Overnight I quit rock and I quit drinking,” he said. “We came home. We hauled all our furniture up here and, as we got close to Westminster, it was truly the first time I actually saw the Blue Ridge Mountains. I knew then that I was home.”

Marcengill, left, began his rock and roll career with the Greenwood-based group, Magic. The band enjoyed recording and touring success after opening for REO Speedwagon in Greenville in 1987.

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He went to work for his father as a painter. “I pulled away from music because of where it had taken me,” he said. Marcengill and his wife got involved with a church, and it didn’t take long for music to recreate itself in a form, the likes of which were unheard of in the heart of the Bible Belt. Pastor Alvin Burdette was so taken with Marcengill’s contemporary gospel rhythms that he asked him to perform at a revival and, within six months, the young singer was on the road again, crisscrossing the country, sharing his testimony in word and song. People noticed. In 2009 he inked a three-year contract with Jeff Collins and Crossroads Music. He wrote songs for his album Changes, the lead cut aptly entitled, “Brand New Start.” His lyrics for the album Thunder in the Desert led to a nomination as Southern Gospel’s New Artist of the Year in 2010. He traveled to Nashville where he rubbed elbows with big names and performed with some of country’s leading gospel artists.

Between 2008 and 2011 three of his songs hit the charts including “Hazel Green Eyes,” an inspirational lyric about a blind girl and how she changed a young man’s life. The song climbed to # 6 on the gospel charts. In the midst of this success, the similarity between Marcengill’s voice and that of pop-rock phenomenon Billy Jo Royal was recognized, and he was invited to rehearse with Royal’s band. “I could be him, vocally,” Marcengill said. “I was his studio stand-in and then, when he would come on, I became a background vocalist. Billy Jo and I just hit it off. He even joked one time that, if he couldn’t sing, he would just move his lips and I could sing the lyrics.” Despite the success of that period, the economy was ailing and Marcengill had a family to support.

Among the stars Marcengill had an opportunity to perform with was Percy Sledge, who achieved his strongest success in the late 1960s and early 1970s with a series of emotional soul songs.

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Again, he moved away from music, concentrated on his painting business and spent 18 months helping Burroughs convert an old grocery store into one of the Upstate’s finest music venues. Then came cancer. These days, he and Diane are devoted to their website — www.holistictowhole — and to getting the upper hand on his disease. The lump on the side of his throat is not growing, but it is not going away. He talks optimistically about a new treatment he and Diane are developing that they hope will kick-start remission. As time allows and the spirit moves him, he performs, generally for charitable causes. He has played a few gigs with Sweet Charity out of Clayton, GA, and has gone full circle, performing occasionally with The Magic Band. “We’re not as good as we used to be,” the 51-yearold laughed, “back then, we were flawless. On Dec. 12 he will be singing at the music hall with the David Tilley Project. “I love to perform. I love to sing, but it’s different now. There’s no adrenalin rush. I’m not chasing the music. I’m letting the music come to me.” He sums up his career in music by singing the title lyrics of Journey’s 1981 hit “Don’t Stop Believin’” and adds, “The day I learned I could sing … that I had a voice … I knew that was my destiny.” n

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During a visit to the Upstate a couple of years ago, Marcengill made it a point to reunite with the man whose voice he shared and for whom he was a rehearsal stand-in and backup singer, Billy Jo Royal. Royal died this past October.

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FOLLOW YOUR NOSE and dive into a dining experience

• G A STR O PU B S N A P S W I N TE R D O L D R U M S • story by Brett McLaughlin | photos by Rex Brown

60 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

{opposite page} It may look a little intimidating, but NOSE DIVE’s signature burger is tasty enough to take the plunge. The sandwich features a thick slice of cheddar cheese, crispy onion straws and a bacon jam that is created from scratch in the pub’s kitchen. {above} Indulge yourself this winter by sneaking away to Table 301’s NOSE DIVE gastro pub in Greenville. Among other things you will find on the menu are these crispy bacon-wrapped pimento cheese balls with chili jam.

n just a couple of weeks we will have the shortest day of the year … 9:50.43 to be exact. By 5:30 on December 22 the sun will have set and many of us will be sitting around fireplaces, wondering why the news hasn’t come on the television yet and asking ourselves how long we have to endure darkness before actually going to bed. We may not get a lot of snow in Upstate South Carolina, but it’s hard to ignore some of the other unpleasant regularities of winter. So, in the interest of helping everyone break out of those inevitable winter doldrums, Upstate Lake Living went in search of a unique dining experience. And, with Greenville just up the road, it’s never hard to find one of those. We found ours at NOSE DIVE, 116 S. Main St., next door to the Westin Poinsett Hotel. The joint — and they don’t mind that word, by the way — bills itself as a “gastro pub,” a catchy little phrase that basically means it’s a bar with high quality food.

While that may sound easily accomplished, it’s not. It literally takes a team to create and maintain high quality food and drink in an atmosphere that is collectively fun, hip and kid-friendly while also catering successfully to the Upstate’s over-50 crowd. Pulling that off is, in part, possible because NOSE DIVE belongs to Table 301, a nationally-recognized group of five restaurants that are as diverse in concept and flavors as they are consistent in exceptional service. In short, NOSE DIVE is fun and the food and beverages are exceptional. It’s simply a great way to put winter on the back burner, be it for lunch, brunch (Saturday and Sunday) or dinner. Chef Chris Willis has been putting his stamp on NOSE DIVE entrees for a few months. “Folks will find a lot of familiar things on our menu, but we like to add our own twists,” the chef said with a mischievous smile. “A lot of what we offer is comfort food with a spin.” In many cases, Willis’ signature on a dish has less to do with the ordinary —

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Bar manager Edgar Flores mixes one of his special creations. Artisan, handcrafted, boutique … all are words used to describe the beer, wine and cocktails at NOSE DIVE.

for example, the chicken in the eatery’s signature chicken and waffle creation — than it does with the chef’s extraordinary attention to detail. For instance, the bourbon in the maple-bourbon gastrique that envelops the waffle is produced at a local distillery. The bacon jam on the house burger is made in-house, using a special blend of herbs and spices second only, perhaps, to The Colonel’s. The new menu at NOSE DIVE ranges from an award-winning steak tartare with truffle chips to an intimidating burger, deserving of a knife and two plates for those determined to display a little dining modesty. Of course, the signature bathed-in-buttermilk chicken, wedged between some of the best waffle batter you will find anywhere, is still front and center. And, Willis also introduced some new entrees this winter, including a Ramen bowl featuring lemongrass broth, zucchini, mushrooms and carrots. You can add shrimp or salmon for just $5. Or, you might want to try the Thai chili rubbed tuna, served with vegetable and cashew fried rice. Unique appetizers are a mainstay at NOSE DIVE. We rationalized devouring bacon-wrapped pimento cheese balls with chili jam, by also enjoying a cucumber-avocado roll with jasmine rice and micro-greens. It looked healthier and tasted great served with just enough Asian barbecue sauce. On Saturday and Sunday, lunch is brunch and, as you might expect, it’s familiar fare with a wrinkle.

“The big thing about our brunch is our grits bar,” Willis said. “It’s an ala carte brunch with buffet grits. There are dozens of sauces and toppings that all have a little South Carolina in them and, sometimes, they’re a little tongue-in-cheek.” “People come back to the brunch week after week,” noted Table 301 Marketing Specialist Gena Boulware. However, no trip to NOSE DIVE — be it for lunch, brunch or dinner — is complete without venturing into the creative world of master mixologist Edgar Flores. This is, after all, a pub and few bar managers bring as potent a cocktail of knowledge and passion to the table as Flores. Let’s start with wine. NOSE DIVE doesn’t try and impress its customers with numbers. Instead, it offers a limited selection of whites and reds — and a couple of “bubbles” — both by the bottle and the glass. The wines rotate in and out depending on both the season and the cuisine being offered. Yes, that’s right, the cook and the wine guy talk … a lot. Between their collaboration and a fleet of knowledgeable servers, the odds are pretty good that, even though you might not find your absolute favorite chardonnay on the list, you won’t go home disappointed. “The staff knows our wines,” Flores said. “They know, and aren’t afraid to suggest, that if you like chardonnay, you might also like the Aligote, a Washington-based wine produced by Shooting Star Winery. Or, if you like Riesling, a South African hybrid grape is used to produce Bukketraube. Another blend from Washington — Gild Lot #9 — drinks exactly like a Rhone Valley merlot. “Most of our wines come from small producers, who can control the quality of their production because of their size. Behind almost every wine there is a story or a family story to tell,” Flores said, adding that, at any given time, up to 80 percent of the wine offerings at NOSE DIVE are organic. A similar story holds true for the beer the pub offers. Nineteen taps offer a wide variety of draughts that come and go with the seasons. Two pumpkin beers were in the mix this past fall. Currently there are what Flores called “winter warmers” that are spice-driven. The rotation usually includes a couple of the newly-popular sour beers.

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You can also get a Bud or a Stella if that’s what you really want. “We’re not beer snobs,” Flores said, smiling and quickly noting, “but we do have some local and regional craft lagers that are kind of step-stone beers from the traditional brews.” If you want to have the complete NOSE DIVE experience, however, consider having a cocktail because that is the area in which Flores’ real talent lies. “We treat our cocktails just like the food,” he said. “The chef has 10 hours a day of prep. If you’re going to take that kind of time and make that kind of effort to produce great food, why wouldn’t you do the same with the drinks?” That’s why, when the bar is empty, Flores is making his own sour mix using limes, lemons, sugar and egg whites. It’s why he extracts bitters from actual products, like pecans, rather than buying them in a bottle. That attention to the content of a cocktail makes a difference in nearly everything NOSE DIVE creates, three-quarters of which are, again, seasonal. Of course, there are “key players” such as a couple of Prohibition-era rye cocktails, that seldom leave the menu, but the bar’s diversity is unrivaled in a city that has

64 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

{above} Among many unique appetizers is the cucumberavocado roll, which features jasmine rice and micro greens, kicked up a notch with Asian barbecue sauce. {below} NOSE DIVE prides itself on superior customer service with a “warm, neighborhood feel.” Located in the heart of Greenville, the restaurant features an eclectic menu of comfort food and pub fare, along with handcrafted drinks.

plenty of competition. “People think they are coming into a pub, but they are really walking into an experience,” Flores said. “We offer enough recognition (in food and drink) for you to be comfortable,” Willis added, “but not enough that there isn’t room to be adventurous.” Sounds like the perfect solution to a short winter day. n

NOSE DIVE is well known on Greenville’s Main Street and one entrée that has helped build that reputation is the chicken and waffles. Buttermilk-brined chicken is served between alternating layers of sweet potato-spiced waffles, topped off with a 6 & 20 maple bourbon gastrique.

NOSE DIVE is open 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Monday – Thursday; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., on Friday; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. for Saturday brunch; 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. for Saturday dinner; and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. for Sunday brunch. The bar is open for drinks until midnight, Monday – Wednesday and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are recommended, particularly for pre-show dining, by calling 864.373.7300. Special diets can be accommodated “on the fly” by notifying the wait staff. Morning Sunshine Morning Sunshine Morning Sunshine

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Born of a love story Upstate brewery is blending success story and photos by Bill Bauer

“E

very bourbon is a whiskey, but not every whiskey is a bourbon,” said Robert ‘Farmer’ Redmond as he took a sip of his 5-Grain Bourbon, “and we make South Carolina’s premier whiskey.” Farmer and his college rugby mate, David Raad, are coowners of Six & Twenty Distillery in Powdersville, SC. “Farmer” — as he prefers to be called — is the greatgreat nephew of Major Lewis Redmond, an infamous Oconee County moonshiner who was harassed and eventually arrested by revenuers, but proved so talented that he was actually pardoned to work in a government distillery. Raad recently returned from Africa where he helped establish SAB Miller’s brewing operation in Kenya.

{above} Robert “Farmer” Redmond is pictured at the heart of the distillery operation he and a partner operate in Powdersville, SC. • {left} Old Money, 5-Grain Bourbon, and Virgin Wheat batches of Six & Twenty Whiskey can be purchased in a host of retail stores and dining restaurants in South Carolina and Georgia.

WINTER 2015 › 67

Recently the pair held a class on the art of distilling whiskey and told a love story. It was at Redmond’s annual company Christmas party that he and Raad reunited and gathered with a group of guys to sample a little local moonshine out of the back of a pickup. Redmond recalls the evening very well. “David said to me, ‘We can make this stuff and actually make it better’.” That was December 2010, and after a year of planning, their love affair with distilling began with the production of Virgin Wheat, a 93 proof “youthful” whiskey, and a blended and aged variety called Six & Twenty Blue. “We married the Virgin Wheat with a 6-year old Kentucky bourbon, aged it in an oak barrel for several months, and named it Blue after the old wedding tradition,” said Redmond. “Something old is the Kentucky bourbon. Something new is the virgin wheat whiskey. Something borrowed is time in a barrel, and you come out with something blue.” Their first batch of Blue hit the market just before Christmas in 2012 and was sold out by New Year’s. One special barrel of Blue is left from their first two runs, but today Redmond and Raad have just bottled their 9th batch of 5-Grain Bourbon Whiskey and 12th batch of Old Money Wheat Whiskey. Each batch of whiskey, which produces 350-400 bottles, is aged two years and, by design, has a flavor all its own. Using the open-vat, Belgian style of distillation, the mash ferments in uncovered stainless steel tanks, exposed to different seasons, daily changes in temperature and humidity, and natural yeasts in the air. “We open the overhead doors every morning to expose the mash to nature. The process is always the same, but nature varies the batch,” explained Redmond. When the fermentation is complete, the distillation process begins and each batch is siphoned into its own unique charred oak barrel, which Farmer gets from Minnesota. This begins the period of watchful waiting as the aging takes place.

{above} “Farmer” Redmond takes a sample of one barrel of Six & Twenty Whiskey. The Upstate distillery recently bottled its 9th batch of 5-Grain Bourbon Whiskey and 12th batch of Old Money Wheat Whiskey. {right} Tasting Six & Twenty’s craft whiskeys is easy. Open Monday through Saturday, owners David Raad or Bob or Maureen Redmond will take you on a tour of the distillery, explain their process and serve up whiskey samples of all three varieties.

68 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

“We make the only 5-grain bourbon whiskey in the world right here in Anderson County,” Redmond boasted. Using only products from South Carolina, it is truly the Palmetto State’s bourbon. “We get our corn and wheat from the Upstate, barley and rye from the Midlands, and rice from the Lowcountry,” Farmer said, noting that there are five criteria for a whiskey to be called bourbon and coming from Kentucky is not one of them. “It has to be produced in the United States, be at least 51 percent corn, placed in a brand-new charred oak barrel, remain below 125 proof in the barrel and cannot be bottled lower than 80 proof.” Exciting and bold best describes Six & Twenty’s 5-Grain Bourbon. At 125 proof, it explodes in your mouth with delight as you discover each harmonious flavor. Redmond prides himself on being able to identify each batch and describes #8 as a “South Carolina Hay Ride!” Old Money Whiskey, at 80 proof, strikes your palate quickly with hints of caramel, toffee and dark chocolate. However, the smooth flavor lingers as it finishes slowly. Made by slowly aging Six & Twenty’s clear Virgin White Wheat whiskey, it is as good over ice as it is straight up. “It was always what we set out to do. Craft an aged whiskey, smooth enough for our wives to drink neat,” Redmond said. Don’t mistake the clear, youthful Virgin White Wheat for moonshine. Using the pure water from the Blue Ridge Mountains and South Carolina’s soft, red winter wheat, its smooth, palatable flavor defies its 93 proof nature. After 19 batches, Six & Twenty’s signature whiskey is still going strong. How Redmond and Raad came up with the name Six & Twenty is the second part of the love story.

Six & Twenty’s first batch of “Blue” hit the market just before Christmas 2012 and was sold out by New Year’s. One special barrel remains from their first two runs and is being held for a special occasion.

WINTER 2015 › 69

“Legend has it that before the Revolutionary War, a Choctaw maiden, Issaqueena, was captured by a Cherokee chief and made a slave. She overheard the Cherokee planning an attack on the trading post that housed her British lover. In an effort to warn him, she escaped and traveled on a swift pony, 96 miles to save him. Along the way she named several geographical points, based on the distance from the Cherokee village (now at the bottom of Lake Keowee). From her starting point, she named Twelve Mile, Three & Twenty, and Six & Twenty creeks on Lake Hartwell. She also named the towns of Six Mile and Ninety Six. The attack was unsuccessful and the two were married shortly after. It turns out our distillery is approximately 26 miles from the original Keowee village!” Tasting Six & Twenty’s craft whiskeys is easy. Open Monday through Saturday from noon to a very appropriate 6:20, Raad, Farmer, or Maureen Redmond will take you on a tour of the distillery, explain their process and serve up whiskey samples of all three varieties. The showroom, in the front of their location, the former Peeler milk transfer station on Hwy. 153 in Powdersville, displays their whiskeys and assorted Six & Twenty souvenirs. Be prepared for some holiday specials that David and Farmer have been concocting behind the scenes. A Six & Twenty Crème Liqueur is almost ready for the shelf, as is Bullrush Gin. A limited whiskey, Carolina Rouge, has been aching to be bottled after aging in two, cote rotie wine barrels procured from the Rhone Valley region of France. It promises to be special and will most likely disappear quickly. n Old Money, 5-Grain Bourbon and Virgin Wheat can also be purchased in a host of retail stores and fine dining restaurants in South Carolina and Georgia. Check Six & Twenty Distillery’s website for directions to the distillery and exact locations at http://www.sixandtwentydistillery.com. Robert “Farmer” Redmond, right, and his college rugby mate and distillery co-owner, David Raad, enjoy a moment on the dock of their Six & Twenty Distillery in Powdersville, SC.

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When I see you ... My soul glows When you touch my hand, I can barely stand When you hold me ... I feel carefree When you look in my eyes I feel like flying in the highest skies When you whisper “I love you” in my ear I forget all my sorrow, all my fear To be with you is all what I aspire Everything you say, everything you do, my love Puts my heart on fire.

Spark your romance at The Firehouse Inn story by Brett McLaughlin | photos courtesy of McConnell Group PR

f Valentine’s Day suggests an opportunity to reignite a little fire in your romance, you might want to reach out to Kitty McCammon. She and her husband, Kevin, would love to be your hosts at The Firehouse Inn in quaint Rutherfordton, NC. From vestiges of the old firehouse and city hall, to the “minted original” chocolates you’ll find on your pillow, to a scrumptious family-style breakfast, it’s a great getaway. You can spend a single night but, given the accommodations, you might want to consider stretching your stay into two or three days and take in more local sites, including nearby Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Whether you never venture further than the Rumour Has It wine bar just a couple of blocks away, or even choose to stay in your suite, a stay at The Firehouse Inn will be memorable for several reasons.

72 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

In all likelihood, Sandi Morgan will greet you. She’s the one responsible for seeing that everything is shipshape, from your suite accommodations to the icy, lemon water and homemade breads you can enjoy day or night in the dining room. She’s also the resident expert on the Inn’s long and diverse history. Prompted by the purchase of the city’s first gasolinepowered fire truck, the two-story brick and mortar building was constructed in 1924. The fire chief and his family resided in the building until the fire department moved out some 15 years ago, but the chief shared his home with the police department and several municipal offices. The lower level contained two truck bays and the city’s tax and water departments. The second floor was home to the fire chief, the police department and provided sleeping and training quarters for firemen.

According to McCammon, the city borrowed a lot of money to build the structure and, when the Depression hit, was forced to sell the city water works to a private firm in order to meet its financial obligations. Over the years, many interior walls came down and others were built as rooms took on different uses. However, reminders of many of those uses are still sprinkled throughout the Inn. For instance, the bedroom in the only guest suite on the first floor has been both a tax office and a hospital room for the patients of a local plastic surgeon. Where a twin bed now resides, the surgeon’s caretaker used to sleep. Near the back of the suite is a steel vault where water payments and taxes were locked away. Nearby is the original meter used to gauge the amount of water the city provided its residents, and across the hall is another door whose frosted glass bears the inscription “Police Department.” “We brought that down from upstairs because we didn’t want to get rid of it,” McCammon explained. Today, the room is handicapped accessible and typically rents to larger groups, as it will comfortably sleep five. It is sometimes rented for longer stays so it has a small refrigerator and microwave, but Morgan still brings breakfast down each morning. The fire truck bays still have their overhead doors, but the area has been converted into a gift shop and studio for McCammon’s private interior design business. Near the back of the building is the former motor vehicle licensing department, which has been converted into a long-term rental unit.

{right} This is one room in the Inn’s largest suite. Guests can don furnished slippers and robes, curl up on this loveseat in front of a fireplace and watch cable television. Nearby is a window alcove with a writing desk and down the hall is a large bath with Jacuzzi tub, walk-in tile shower, double sinks and commode in a separate room. The room’s walk-in closet is a steel vault that used to be the police evidence locker. • {below} The fire truck bays are still intact, but the area behind them has been converted to a design studio. The first floor of The Firehouse Inn also contains one of the Inn’s six rooms. The five remaining rooms are on the second floor, along with a large ballroom that was formerly the town council chambers and is now where breakfast is served to guests.

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The bed and breakfast’s five remaining rooms are on the second floor as is the ballroom where breakfast is served at tables large enough to seat six. In its last incarnation the room was the city council chambers. Now, in addition to dining tables, it has a large fireplace, piano and several comfortable chairs and sofas … a perfect place to get away with a good book and a fresh cup of coffee. Off the dining room is a large suite where a couple can nestle on a loveseat in front of a fireplace or simply fall into an exceedingly comfortable king-sized bed. A small desk sits outside another steel vault that was the police evidence locker, but is now a walk-in closet. There you will find soft slippers and comfy robes to don. A large bath features a Jacuzzi tub, walk-in tile shower, his and her sinks and a separate room for the commode. Four other rooms are accessed from a spacious hallway adorned with antique furniture, several pieces of which came from McCammon’s childhood home. What was once one long room with a loft where firemen slept has been converted into two rooms. The loft remains in each, complete with ladders the firemen used to slide down when alarms were sounded. One room has a fireplace.

At one time a portion of this room was part of the fire chief’s residence. It was later remodeled to serve as the town council chambers. Today, breakfast is served to guests, who may also use the room to relax in front of a fire while reading a book.

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This grand hallway provides access to four of the Inns six rooms as well as the dining area. The faux painting on the walls dates to an earlier owner but blends seamlessly with the collection of furniture and antiques added by owners Kitty and Kevin McCammon.

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The lofts overlook a courtyard that was once the city hall parking lot. Today, it contains a fountain, pergola and seats for outside dining or quiet reflection. The remaining two rooms, while smaller, are of ample size and exquisitely decorated. Each room has a modern, full bath that, in an earlier era, was a men’s or women’s restroom for the police and fire departments. Morgan is happy to regale guests with history of the inn and the town. She has the coffee on early each morning and delights in suggesting other places to visit. Forest City, Spindale, Lake Lure and Chimney Rock all have excellent places to dine. While the fare is somewhat limited at Rumour Has It, the wine selection is not and the King’s Court Steakhouse is close by. If you do visit for Valentine’s Day you might want to take in a show at the Foundation Performing Arts Center in Spindale. The Right On Band is a 19-piece, show band specializing in Motown, disco and ’70s funk. Tickets can be secured by calling the box office at 828.286.9990. n The Firehouse Inn is located at 125 W. First St. For reservations call 844.549.4558. For more information, visit: thefirehouseinn.com.

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Multiple indoor and outdoor full swing stations, a series of putting, chipping and bunker lined practice greens, and an indoor training room with video capability, provide the perfect setting for instruction and analysis. [photo by Bill Bauer]

78 â&#x20AC;š UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

n his book on the mental side of athletics, With Winning In Mind, sports psychologist Lanny Bassham describes three kinds of golfers: the informed, the uninformed and the overinformed. He hints that a large percentage of golfers occupy the latter two groups. Either their heads are filled with an abundance of swing thoughts manifested by an endless supply of friendly tips, or they take a very limited knowledge of the game to the golf course and simply blast away. Neither group has much success, and both are often frustrated by an inability to improve their game. That leaves what Dana Rader, a Bassham disciple and director of the Dana Rader Golf School, sees as the ideal student of the game — the informed golfer — the one who understands there are no quick fixes and that good coaching and dedicated practice are the keys to a repeatable swing and a consistently good golf game. With over three decades of teaching golf, Dana and her team strive to get golfers to where they are informed about their unique blueprint, unique swing and unique game. And, best of all, The Dana Rader Golf School, one of the Top 25 golf schools in the U.S. as selected by Golf Magazine, is located right down the road on the premises of the Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge, in Charlotte, NC. Specifically, the school is located between the 1st hole and 18th tee at the Golf Club at Ballantyne, one of Charlotte’s premier public golf courses. Rader’s affection for golf instruction began shortly after playing golf on the men’s team at Pfeiffer College and honing her game to head out on the LPGA circuit in 1980. She discovered her passion for teaching rather than touring after a visit to The Farm, a teaching facility owned by renowned instructor Ellen Griffin. “On a cold rainy day, Ellen transferred her philosophy, a love for students and for growing the game, to Dana. That philosophy became her roadmap for 35 years,” said Dale Jennings, marketing director at the school. Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students now attracts, annually, over 12,000 students of the game to the Dana Rader Golf School, the sole Golf Channel Academy in the Carolinas. I stumbled across the school when playing and reviewing Ballantyne over a year ago. When my scores began to rise to unprecedented heights, I decided to pay the school a visit. I chose a 4-pack of lessons from

{above} Dana Rader understands there are no quick fixes and that good coaching and dedicated practice are the keys to a repeatable swing and a consistently good golf game. Here, she works with a young woman at her golf school in Charlotte, NC. [photo courtesy of Dana Rader Golf School] • {below} Much attention is paid to the short game, sand and uneven lies, trouble shots and putting, along with presentation and pre-shot routine. [photo by Bill Bauer]

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Dana Rader’s passion for teaching and dedication to her students now attracts, annually, over 12,000 students to the Dana Rader Golf School, the sole Golf Channel Academy in the Carolinas. [photo courtesy of Dana Radar Golf School]

Master Instructor Doug Breuer, whose tutelage had an immediate impact on my game. Recently I decided to kick it up a notch and signed up for Dana’s highly-acclaimed, signature Three Day Golf School. It was not a camp, as there were no marshmallows. Nor was it a clinic, as there were no shots. It was total immersion in all facets of the game that began shortly after sunrise and ended each day just before sunset.

Rader has surrounded herself with good people, dedicated to her mission. “Dana credits her outstanding staff for the school’s rise to the top. Their training is an ongoing process incorporating seminars, summits and certifications,” Jennings said. From arrival to departure, everyone associated with the DRGS works to make your experience well worth the time, travel and cost. It actually

starts a week before you arrive when you receive a questionnaire requiring you to rate all the parts of your golf game and establish your goals for the three days. “I felt that the bios that each participant sent in were paid attention to. The groups that we were placed into were compatible, which led to cohesiveness and more enjoyment. The weekend was worth more than I paid for it,” said Stuart

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Wakeman a recent participant. The student teacher ratio for the 3-day school is 4:1, allowing for both group instruction on basics and one-on-one instruction on individual needs. Charlotte development visionary, H.C. “Smoky” Bissell personally chose Dana to build her school on the golf course he created. Multiple indoor and outdoor full swing stations, a series of putting, chipping and bunker lined practice greens, and an indoor training room with video capability, provide the perfect setting for instruction and analysis. Day One found the instructors simply watching as everyone hit from the tee, the fairway, around the green and on the putting surface. It was here that our fundamentals — grip, posture and stance, ball position, alignment and target awareness — were analyzed and plans for improving our game were drawn up. From that point on, a customized approach, designed to reach each player’s personal goals, was the order of the day. Fifteen hours blending hands-on full swing and short game instruction combined with 6-8 hours on the course covered every part of the game. The importance of the mental aspects of golf — course management, a consistent preshot routine and organizing your thoughts on the golf course — were

THREE DAY GOLF SCHOOL SAMPLE SCHEDULE FRIDAY 9:00 – 9:10 9:15 – 10:15 10:15 – 10:20 10:20 – 11:10 11:10 – 11:20 11:20 – 12:10 12:10 – 1:00 1:00 – 1:50 1:50 – 2:00 2:10 – 2:50 2:50 Tee time: 3:08

Intro On–course evaluation Break Full swing Break Putt — Green 1 Lunch at DRGS Full swing Break Chip/Pitch — Green 2 Gather under hitting bays

SATURDAY 8:00 – 10:00 10:00 – 10:10 10:10 – 11:00 11:00 – 11:10 11:10 – 12:00 12:00 – 1:00 1:00 – 1:50 1:50 – 2:00 2:00 – 2:50 2:50 Tee time: 3:08

On course Break Full Swing Break Review Short game — Green 2 Lunch at DRGS Full Swing Break Sand/Uneven lies Gather under hitting bays

SUNDAY 8:00 – 9:50 10:00 – 10:30 10:30 – 11:00 11:00 – 11:10 11:10 – 11:40 11:40 – 12:00

On course (captain’s choice + coaching) Practice presentation Full swing Break Par 3 challenge Closing presentation

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During each full swing session, instructors focus on specific swing flaws and bring participants individually into a state-of-the-art video room for an analysis of their swing. [photo courtesy of Dana Rader Golf School]

repeated with every swing of the club. During each full swing session the instructors focused on specific swing flaws, and brought us individually into a stateof-the-art video room for analysis. Here, drills designed to fix our flaws and produce a consistent swing, were demonstrated and recorded. Each golfer’s personal swing instruction and drills are available online for six months. Complimentary club checks are performed during school hours. Club fitting under the watchful eye of Stan Roach, not included in the tuition, is available Wednesday through Saturday by advance appointment “Out of all those I’ve worked with, only six have fit to standard clubs. Most need more or less length, more or less lie degree or larger or smaller grips,” Roach said, noting that properly fit clubs affect your posture, swing path, contact, direction, distance and ultimately improve your game. Full swing, short game and on-course instruction are carefully planned around breaks and a selected lunch. “We have really worked to develop a 3-day schedule that maximizes instruction without wearing out our golfers,” said instructor Doug Breuer. “We want them to take the day’s lessons onto the golf course

at the end of the day and enjoy their round of golf. And, to be ready to go the following morning!” Much attention is paid to the short game, sand and uneven lies, trouble shots, and putting, along with presentation and preshot routine. It is here where the DRGS believes golfers can achieve their goals and break 100, 90 or 80. In her book, Rock Solid Golf, which every Three Day School participant receives, Dana states, “Nothing is as important for a lifetime of success in golf than developing and maintaining the proper fundamentals.” That philosophy is the foundation and blueprint for success at the Dana Rader Golf School. n Information on golf programs, instruction and club fitting is available at www.danarader.com. Special promotions and events like the “Early Birdie Special” for 2016’s Three Day Golf School, which runs through January 15, are also posted on the website. Call the golf school at 704.542.7635 and ask for Elizabeth, Dale or Anna for additional information on this and other special offerings. The DRGS partners with the Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge and the Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne for Stay and Play packages. Alternate accommodations are also available at nearby hotels.

Janice’s Upholstery 864-868-9182

High-quality dentistry in a friendly, welcoming environment • Same Day Appointments • Free Consultation For Crowns, Implants & Dentures • Accepting All Insurances • Free Whitening with New Patient Cleaning Appointment

• Sunbrella Canopies • Boat Interiors: Covers|Tops|Carpet • Furniture Re-Upholstery • Over 1,000 Fabrics to choose from 1144 Jones Mill Rd. • Six Mile, SC 29682 www.janicesupholstery.com 82 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

Matthew J. Word, DMD 864-482-2400 www.parkplacedentistrysc.com 203B Central Park Ln., Seneca

496 Holt Road Highlands, NC 28741 For Sale by Owner – 864-324-2345 Buy Your Summer Home Now Price Reduced from $495,000 To $475,000 Nov ‘15 – Mar ‘16 (Buyer must have cash or bank approval for loan)

This 2-Story 3 bedroom / 3 bath home is located just a few minutes from downtown Highlands, NC and just outside the city limits. There is a charming 1 bedroom / 1 bath guest house only a few yards away from the main home. Both are part of beautifully landscaped gardens, ponds and a waterfall situated on very private 1.37 acres. The flowing creek empties into pond and then drops into another pond under a small bridge before going over a rock dam. From the front porch the area looks like a small replica of Stone Hedge. Entering the home one is in a large living room with a wood burning fire place and a large open dining room. One will notice not only the stunning hard wood floors but the “old barn” paneling in many of the rooms. Just off the living room is a large sun room which attracts sunlight like a magnet. On the same level is a bedroom with full bath which may be used as the master bedroom or guest bedroom. The well-lighted kitchen is only a few steps away from the dining room and is equipped with modern appliances and custom cabinets. The second floor consists of two bedrooms each with a separate full bath. The master bedroom has a “port hole” window which invites the morning sunlight to brighten the day. The guest house which is patterned after the main house by decorating and painting, features a bedroom which will accommodate a king size bed, a living room with an adjoining full kitchen and private full bath. The “Big Bear” which stands in the entrance way to the property not only welcomes you but also protects the fauna and exotic flowers such as “lady slippers” which bloom in the early Spring. Once you are here you will probably “bare not” (pardon the pun) want to leave. As of January 2015 the county tax appraisal value was $638,960…so don’t wait to make this “Steal of a Deal” your home today!!!

Above & Beyond Real Estate ● 990 Mount Olivet Road; Six Mile, SC 29682 ● (864) 481-9600

Seneca City of

Terrific Terrific Dining Dining •• Great Great Shopping Shopping •• Beautiful Beautiful Lake Lake Keowee Keowee

VISIT WWW.SENECA.SC.US FOR DETAILS

Santa’s Workshop December 5th. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Ram Cat Alley FREE PICTURES WITH SANTA FREE RIDES FOR THE KIDS

296

S a st 212 E

Historic Ballenger House T h i r d S t. S e n e c

212 E. South Third St. Seneca, 29678

Tour Bus Rides for all to see The Ballenger House

COLLECT YOUR SOUVENIR BUTTON FOR 2015

111 E. South 2nd St • Seneca, 29678

Make and Take Christmas Cards and Ornaments

Ram Cat Alley Bean bag toss with candy prizes Find the “Cats in the Santa Hats” OPEN HOUSE • 10:00-5:00 Arts and Crafts and the Hi Fiber Quilt Exhibit in the Gallery.

Free CATbus ride goes to Ballenger House,BRAC, Lunney House Museum & Downtown Merchants Association.

6th Annual

CITY OF SENECA

HALF MARATHON Saturday, & 5K

March 19 2016

BEGINS @ 8:00 A.M.

holiday gifts v ideas Find unique gifts and seasonal outings to bring more cheer to your holidays.

HOLIDAY GIFTS & IDEAS

Come see our 1000 sq. ft. Christmas Shoppe plus our distinctive variety of indoor and outdoor furniture and gifts.

Brighton® Her Christmas “Especially for you” • Ladies Apparel • Handbags • Jewelry • Accessories

814 W. North First St. Seneca • 864-973-8440

EMILY’S

Dogwood Plaza, Seneca (864) 882-0500

Give The Gift Of Craftsman Tools

Contemporary Chaise Lounges

Vinyl Chaises Available in Black, White & Red Plush Chaises Available in Muse & Mocha

Only $199 each

KIMBRELL’S

More Gift Ideas… • Large Screen TVs • Recliners • Kid’s Furniture • Easy Credit Terms

Dogwood Plaza, Seneca • (864) 882-2554

• C3 Drill And Impact Combo • 58-Pc Mechanics Tool Set • Belt Drive Garage Door Opener • 42-Pc Bit Socket Set With Case • 10-In Sliding Compound Miter Saw • And Much More

SEARS HOMETOWN STORE 1111 Street Name, Seneca 888-4449

HOLIDAY GIFTS & IDEAS This Holiday Season go from ordinary to extraordinary with the Farmhouse Gallery and Interiors. Why settle for ordinary? Be EXTRAORDINARY with the Farmhouse Gallery and Interiors. • Art by Vivian Edwards • Unique Décor

Fabulous Furs

• Ornaments • Jewelry

Gifts For Everyone On Your List • Vera Bradley • Spartina 449 • Crabtree & Evelyn • Thymes • Gourmet Gift Baskets • Much More

• Scarves • Furniture • Accessories • Frame Shop

HEARTWARMERS

Located in Dogwood Plaza at Hwy.123 & Wells Hwy. 864-882-9481 www.heartwarmersinc.com

Children’s Rockers starting at $69 • Recliners • Bean Bag Chairs • Bar Stools • Floor Mirrors

THE BETTER FURNITURE OUTLET 1801 Sandifer Blvd., Seneca 882-3777

Holiday Open House December 11 & 12

FARMHOUSE GALLERY AND INTERIORS 124 E Main St, Walhalla • (864) 718-7171

• Snap Jewelry • Lottie Dotties • Apparel & Accessories • Handbags • Children’s Wear

The Strutting Peacock 124 Suite E. Main St. Walhalla 864-916-4180 Tues-Fri 10-6 and Sat 10-4

Hand crafted jewelry created with various precious metals, genuine high gloss pearls and genuine gemstones. • Ladies Clothing • Accessories

Vilmaris Designs

110 S. College Street, Walhalla (803) 550-1345 www.vilmarisdesigns.com

HOLIDAY GIFTS & IDEAS Everything For The Birds and Birders On Your List!

• Wide Selection of gift ideas for the youngest birders. Gifts for the runner in your life.

• Bird Man’s Blend Bird Seed • Squirrel Buster Bird Feeders • Yard and Home Decor • Books • Identiflyer Lyric • And Much More The fast way to learn bird songs.

1229C Stamp Creek Rd (Rt 130), Salem (864) 944-1265 | www.ForTheBirdsStore.com

• Asics • Brooks • Mizuna • Nike • New Balance • Altra • Saucony • Inov • Fuelbelt • Tifosi • Sweaty Brands • Zensah • And Many More

GOTTA RUN CLEMSON 530 Old Greenville Hwy, Ste 1 Clemson • (864) 986-0803

Green Springs 114 Ram Cat Alley Seneca

American Made & Fair Trade Fun! 864-888-4327 shopgreensprings.com

The Nutcracker Saturday, December 12 • 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 13 • 3:00 p.m. Tickets Adults: $20 Students: $15 Foothills Dance Conservatoryfor the Performing Arts

BROOKS CENTER, CLEMSON 864-656-7787 www.clemson.edu/brooks

Functional American made pottery, toys, specialty soaps, scarves, candles & more! Fair Trade baskets, lamps, jewelry & more! Our brie bakers make entertaining easy: Pop in a wheel of brie, cover with mango chutney, bake 350F 10 min. Serve with pear slices

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING Get a full year of The Journal for $109!

The Journal 210 W. North 1st St. Seneca 864-882-2375

GREENVILLE

HOLIDAY GIFTS & IDEAS 2015

DOWNTOWN GREENVILLE

West End Greenville

Signature Store

H O L I DAY HAPPENING 3RD ANNUAL HOLIDAY FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY Your Music. Your Life.

The Place to shop West End-Greenville. Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Barbour, Longchamp

PINK BEE

105 Augusta Street · (864) 271-4332 Give A Tasteful Gift This Year

“Sophisticated. Sleek. Sweet. Holiday The Culinary GiftShop The Culinary GiftShop Treat Catering.” The TheCulinary CulinaryGiftShop GiftShop 220 North Main St, Noma Square Greenville 864-241-6689

NOMA Square 220 N. Main Street Greenville, SC NOMA Square 864-241-6689 • oilandvinegarusa.com 220 N. Main Street Greenville, SC 864-241-6689 • oilandvinegarusa.com Greenville, Greenville,SC SC

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ays, t, Giveaw udent Ar ides and more R , Local St ay Music gs, Free Trolley id ol H Live ghtin erry Elf Si Santa, M

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bit Voice”

A 1909 American Queen Anne style bungalow, carriage house and “two-seater outhouse” Open to the Public Thursday - Sunday 1 – 5 or by appointment Admission by Donation

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Thursday through Saturday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Free Admission

864.882.4811 211 W. South 1st Street, Seneca

ney - visit eum.org

City of Seneca Sponsored by HAT

Open to the Public Thursday through Sunday 1:00 - 5:00PM Other Hours by Appointment Admission by Donation For events & a pictorial journey - visit www.LunneyHouseMuseum.org 211 W. South 1st Street, Seneca|864.882.4811

Celebrating local African American history and culture

GRAND OPENING FEBRUARY 12, 2016 208 W South 2nd St. Seneca, SC 29678

864-710-9994

www.stricklandculturalmuseum.org

upstate theatre CENTRE STAGE 501 RIVER STREET, GREENVILLE, SC INSIDE THE SMITH-BARNEY BUILDING 864.233.6733 OR TOLL FREE 877.377.1339

is a very funny and touching show business comedy that is bursting with one-liners and lovable characters. The show features a dozen classic Christmas songs, including “Winter Wonderland,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Buon Natale” and, of course, “Let It Snow.”

DEC. 8-16 JUST TELL ME MY NAME

DEC. 3-19 LET IT SNOW Set during the holiday season in England in the 1950s, “Let It Snow” follows the story of an eccentric theatrical family who perform more at home than they do on the stage. This

The play concentrates on a middle-aged man, Bill Moore, who, following the death of his adoptive parents, seeks to find the people who are responsible for his birth. Part mystery, part indictment of a system that hides information in the name of protecting one person’s privacy from another’s curiosity, and mostly a good, strong tale about a man who just wants to learn the truth about his identity for the sake of knowing it.

JAN. 6 – FEB. 10 THROUGH THE NIGHT This is the story of six interconnected black

males, ages 10 to 60: a child scientist, a young man from the projects on his way to college, an ex-convict, a corporate executive, a health food store owner, and the Bishop of a mega church — and the people who love them as they make it Through the Night. They all experience an unexpected phenomenon on the same evening that changes their lives forever and challenges them to tackle issues of education, addiction, finance and mental and physical health.

CLEMSON LITTLE THEATRE 214 S. MECHANIC STREET, PENDLETON, SC RESERVATIONS 864.646.8100 EVENING PERFORMANCES 8 P.M.; MATINEES 3 P.M.

DEC. 4-6 & 11-13 1940S RADIO CHRISTMAS CAROL It’s Christmas Eve, 1943, in a Newark, NJ broadcasting studio. A contemporary version of Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” is being

WINTER 2015 › 91

upstate theatre presented on the air. Between missed cues, electrical and plumbing problems and an out-of-control actor, this performance is an entertaining excursion into the mayhem and madness of a live radio show.

struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids — probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem and the fun when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!

OCONEE COMMUNITY THEATRE 8001 UTICA STREET, SENECA, SC RESERVATIONS: 864.882.7700, 10 A.M. – NOON AND 2 P.M. – 4 P.M. EVENINGS 8 P.M., SUNDAY MATINEES 2:30 P.M.

FEB. 12-14 & 19-21 LOVE LETTERS

DEC. 11-13 & 17-20 THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple

92 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years. While Andy is off at war Melissa marries, but her attachment to Andy remains strong and she continues to keep in touch as he marries and becomes a successful attorney. Meanwhile, her marriage in tatters, Melissa becomes estranged from her children. Eventually she and Andy do become involved in a brief affair, but it is really too late for both of them. However Andy’s last

letter, written to her mother after Melissa’s untimely death, makes it eloquently clear how much they really meant, and gave, to each other over the years.

GREENVILLE LITTLE THEATRE 444 COLLEGE STREET, GREENVILLE, SC 864.233.6238 OR WWW. GREENVILLELITTLETHEATRE.ORG ALL SHOWS 8 P.M., EXCEPT SUNDAYS AT 3 P.M.

DEC. 11-13 & 17-20 A CHRISTMAS CAROL As the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future force Scrooge to see his life from another’s view, he must make the decision to stay the same or choose a different course. Impressed by his mistakes, Scrooge sees that life, however hard or dark, is meant to be shared with others. Rewind the clock and rediscover your own Christmas Spirit with Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and Scrooge himself.

upstate theatre FEB 19-21 & 25-28, MARCH 3-6 AND THEN THERE WERE NONE Based on Agatha Christie’s bestselling mystery, this story is sure to leave the audience thrilled. Ten guests arrive on remote Soldier Island to find their host and hostess missing. A mysterious recording accuses each of them of murder, dooming them to demise in the method described by a nursery rhyme. Ten figurines on the mantel fall one by one as the guilty succumb to justice. With nine gone and one left, will the nursery rhyme find completion? Left in the hands of an avenger, will there be any survivors?

WALHALLA PLAYERS WALHALLA CIVIC AUDITORIUM, WALHALLA, SC EVENINGS 8 P.M. AND SUNDAYS 2:30 P.M. 864.638.5277 OR 877.368.5318 WWW.WALHALLACIVIC.COM

DEC. 11-13 & 18-20 TRUMAN CAPOTE’S HOLIDAY MEMORIES This heartfelt story combines Truman Capote’s stories “The Thanksgiving Visitor” and “A Christmas Memory.” Based on his

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WINTER 2015 › 93

upstate theatre childhood in mid-depression, South Alabama, the play finds 8-year-old Buddy and his older eccentric cousin, Miss Sook, embarking on their annual pre-holiday rituals of making handmade ornaments, baking treats and searching for the perfect Christmas tree.

PEACE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 300 SOUTH MAIN ST., GREENVILLE, SC 864.476.3000 OR 800.888.7768

in an anonymous pen pal, not suspecting that their correspondents are each other. She Loves Me is an enchanting musical of mistaken identity and the bloom of first love. Elegant, funny and heartwarming, it’s the perfect Valentine confection.

FEB. 23 (7 P.M.) ANNIE

DEC. 29 – JAN. 3 NEWSIES JAN. 22-24 & 29-31 G.R.I.T.S (GIRLS RAISED IN THE SOUTH) THE MUSICAL It’s four women, four generations and four different views. It’s your mother, your sister, your grandma, your best friend. It’s sweet tea, collard greens, fresh tomatoes and banana pudding. It’s stories you’ll recognize and tales from the past. It’s country music, jazz tunes, old time blues and toe tappin’ rock. It’s about love and laughter, revelation and grace.

ELECTRIC CITY PLAYHOUSE 514 NORTH MURRAY AVENUE ANDERSON, SC 29622 864.224.4248 HTTP://ECPLAYHOUSE.COM

DEC. 4-13 “SCROOGE, THE STINGIEST MAN IN TOWN!” With the goose and holly of a Victorian Christmas surrounding him, miserly old Ebenezer Scrooge rejects the companionship of his fellow men and women for the sterile pleasure of gold. He is saved from this loveless life by the intercession of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, who take him on a fantastic trip through the times of his life. In the end, a transformed Scrooge realizes that “mankind should be my business” and that one little boy is of greater weight than all the gold in his strongbox. 94 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines … Direct from Broadway comes Newsies, the smash-hit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney. Based on true events, Newsies tells the captivating story of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York. It’s a rousing tale about fighting for what’s right … and staying true to who you are.

The world’s best-loved musical returns in a brand-new incarnation of the iconic original. Annie includes such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life” and “Easy Street,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE P.O. BOX 310, FLAT ROCK, NC 828.693.0731; TOLL FREE: 866.732.8008 WWW.FLATROCKPLAYHOUSE.ORG

FEB. 2-7 MATILDA Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages on Broadway and in London’s West End.

BROOKS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 141 JERSEY LANE, CLEMSON, SC 864.656.7787 WEEKDAY PERFORMANCES, 7:30 P.M. SUNDAYS, 3 P.M.

FEB. 18-21 SHE LOVES ME (CLEMSON PLAYERS) All is not well at the local perfumery. Georg and Amalia, a pair of sales associates, can’t find a way to get along; yet each finds comfort

THRU DEC. 19 CHASING RAINBOWS: THE ROAD TO OZ (MAINSTAGE) A new musical about an immensely talented underdog with the soul of a poet and the personality of a pep squad. This overweight and insecure “hunchback” beat the odds and emerged a star as she donned the famed ruby slippers and stepped onto the set of what is arguably one of the greatest movies of all time. This teenager was Judy Garland. Developed at The Johnny Mercer Writers Colony, the score of Chasing Rainbows features such beloved Hollywood hits as “Over the Rainbow,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” and “Broadway Rhythm,” but also captures the heart-gripping emotional drama by re-conceiving the music in a revelatory, contemporary sound.

Stunning Open Water VieWS

UPCOMING EVENTS Bill Chiusano Truman Capote’s Holiday Memories (Christmas play)

December 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 & 20 • Evenings 8 pm, Sundays 2:30 pm

Advance tickets $12, children 12 & under $6, group $10, Day of Show tickets $14

This heartfelt story combines Truman Capote’s stories “the thanksgiving visitor and “A Christmas memory”. Based on his childhood in mid-depression, South Alabama country life, finds poetry in the everyday activities leading up to Christmas. Eight-year old Buddy and his older eccentric cousin Miss Sook embark on their annual pre-holiday rituals of making handmade ornaments, baking treats, and searching for the perfect Christmas tree. Called “An evening of fond reminiscences “by Chicago Tribune, Holiday Memories reveal tender moments of friendship, fruitcakes and the joy of giving. Sarah Duvall as Sook .

MLS# 20168215

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Chatham County Line (Bluegrass)

Saturday, January 16 @ 8 pm

Advance tickets $22.50, children $12, group rate $19, Day of Show tickets $26.00 Entering their second decade as an ensemble, Chatham County Line bring a deep reverence for traditional American roots music and timeless bluegrass instrumentation to insightful, poetic original songs that are powerfully contemporary yet rich with the complex resonance of their southern heritage. Over the course of six studio albums and performances around the world, they have pursued a singular style that is entirely their own, yet connects with audiences from all walks. Join us as Chatham County Line makes their WCA stage debut. www.chathamcountyline.com.

G.R.I.T.S (Girls Raised In The South) The Musical

January 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 & 31 • Evenings 8 pm, Sundays 2:30 pm Advance tickets $16, children 12 & under $8, group rate $12. Day of Show tickets $20

Come enjoy a fun, sentimental journey through your musical memory with It’s four women, four generations and four different views. It’s your mother, your sister, your Grandma, your best friend. It’s sweet tea, collard greens, fresh tomatoes and banana puddin’. It’s stories you’ll recognize and tales from the past. It’s country music, jazz tunes, old time blues and toe tappin’ rock It’s the old, the new and some things in between. It’s about love and laughter, revelation and grace Its “GRITS: The Musical” “GRITS: The Musical” is a full production journey that will take you to and through the heart of the South.

Mutts Gone Nuts (Comedy Dog Thrill Show)

LuxuryLakeLivingRealty.com LuxuryLakeLiving@kw.com 2900 SHADY GROVE RD • SUNSET, SC

Saturday, February 6 @ 8 pm Advance Tickets $24.00, students $14.50, Day of show tickets $28.00 SPECIAL FAMILY TICKET PACKAGE-TWO ADULTS AND TWO OR MORE CHILDREN ONLY $14.50 PER TICKET

Disorderly duo, Scott and Joan Houghton return to the WCA stage with their hilarious pack of pooches have created a comedy dog thrill show like no other. Expect the unexpected in this top-notch presentation that includes: incredible high flying frisbee dogs, tight wire dogs, dancing dogs, magic dogs and of course, the one and only . . . Sammie the Talking Dog! Their nine amazing canine partners are all adopted from animal shelters and rescues. Mutts Gone Nuts is sure to unleash havoc and hilarity as the Houghtons attempt to match wits with their mischievous mutts in a family-friendly perfBeatles Tribute for more!

The Return (Beatles Tribute)

Saturday, February 13 @ 8 pm Advance Tickets $24.00, children under 12 $12.00, group rate $19.00 Day of Show ticket $28.00

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to spend an evening with the “The Return” recognized as one of the premier Beatles tribute bands in America as they return to the WCA stage. This show will feature all the great Beatles songs from Meet the Beatles to Sargent Pepper’s and Beyond. The Return’s authenticity gives audiences and many older fans a performance unlike any they have ever witnessed!! www.thereturnonline.com.

Mountain Heart (Bluegrass)

Saturday, February 20 @ 8 pm Advance Tickets $28.00, children under 12 $14.00, group rate $24.00 Day of show tickets $33.00

Mountain Heart returns to the WCA stage to define the cutting edge of excellence in acoustic music. They deftly combine elements of rock, jamband, country, blues, jazz and bluegrass into a high-energy sound that is at once fresh, accessible and unmistakable. www.mountainheart.com.

Charlotte’s Web (Children’s Play)

February 26, 27, & 28 • Evenings 7 pm, Sunday 2:30 pm Saturday, children under 12 $14.00, group rate $24.00 – Day of show tickets $33.00 Advance Tickets $28.00 Tickets $3 ea, BRING THE ENTIRE FAMILY FOR ONLY $10

The Children’s Literature Association named this “the best American children’s book of the past two hundred years,” and Joseph Robinette, working with the advice of E.B. White, has created a play that captures this work in a thrilling and utterly enjoyable theatrical presentation. This is a beautiful, knowing play about friendship that will give your audience an evening of enchantment.

John Denver Musical Tribute (Ted Vigil) Saturday, March 5 @ 8 pm Advance Tickets $28.00, children under 12 $14.00, group rate $24.00 Day of Show tickets $33.00

Ted Vigil, one of America’s greatest John Denver Tribute Artists. Ted Vigil’s John Denver Musical Tribute is, indeed a high! You will warm to him instantly as you once again enjoy the music the world grew to love and walk out of this show feeling refreshed and joyous from the experience.

SteelDrivers (Bluegrass) SteelDrivers return to the WCA Stage

Saturday, March 12 @ 8 pm Advance Tickets $28.00, children under 12 $14.00, group rate $24.00 Day of Show tickets $33.00

For more info on these & future events, visit www.walhallacivic.com. Order tickets online or call 864-638-5277

You can also buy tickets at the following local merchants: The Wine Emporium in Keowee/Salem, H&R BLock-Dogwood Plaza in Seneca, Dad’s & Lad’s in Westminster, Community 1st Bank in Walhalla and the Walhalla Chamber of Commerce.

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calendar of events THRU DEC. 19 Roper Mountain Holiday Lights in Greenville; stroll through Winter Wonderland, where you will find lighted walking trails, Santa Claus, a balloon artist, concessions and giant holiday greeting cards created by local area students. On selected nights there will be performances by school groups, and Dog Nights when you can bring your dog for a walk along the lighted paths; get back in your car and continue on to the 1.5-mile drive through the large displays including Candy Cane Lane, Santa’s Sleigh, the Caterpillar and many other family favorites; admission; for details, call 864.355.8900. Drive through the WNC Ag Center Fairgrounds in Fletcher, NC, from dusk to 10 p.m. daily and watch the thousands of Christmas lights dance to music; admission by vehicle; for more information 888.321.7547; or logon to shadrackchristmas.com/asheville.

THRU DEC. 31 Duke World of Energy invites the public to view its annual Festival of Trees. Upstate charities will be looking for your votes to win the annual tree competition and a $1,000 gift to that charity. Anderson Gift of Christmas Light Festival; one-time entry fee for unlimited time in the park. Enjoy the Marching Soldiers, the Dancing Ballerina, the Nativity Scene and explore the magical Santa’s Village; admission; for information, call 864.437.8311.

DEC. 1 Clemson Christmas parade, 6 p.m. DEC. 3 The Brooks Center at Clemson University hosts the Women’s and Men’s Choirs, each performing a repertoire from a variety of style periods; 8 p.m.; for more information call 864.656.7787. Westminster Christmas parade, 6 p.m.

dulcet tones of classic folk music get you ready for a cozy holiday season; 7:30 p.m. Come to the Hanson Nature Center at the South Carolina Botanical Gardens and join in making fragrant evergreen wreaths to decorate your home or give as gifts. Please register at least 5 days in advance; admission; more information by calling 864.656.4602.

DEC. 5 Join the Christmas Spirit at Santa’s Workshop on Ram Cat Alley, from 5-8 p.m. in Seneca. Santa Claus will visit; enjoy a ride on the Santa Express Rail; meet the elves and enjoy music and refreshments. Visit www.seneca.sc.us for additional details. Walhalla Christmas Parade, 5 p.m. Opening Reception for water media by Jo Ann Taylor at the Pickens County Museum of Art and History. Exhibit continues through Feb. 11; admission is free; for more information, call 864.898.5963. Christmas at Ashtabula (5:30-8:30 p.m.) & 6 (2-5 p.m.). The Christmas tree is becoming an American custom and the Broyles’ girls are lobbying for one, while, in another part of the estate, a young slave wants to use the Christmas holiday to make a dash for freedom. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child (ages 5-10); call 864.646.7249 for more information. Christmas Boutique Craft Sale at Seneca’s historic Ballenger House, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

DEC. 6 Christmas at the Lunney House Museum; call 864.710.7494 for more information.

96 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

DEC. 10 Jane Edna Hunter Documentary performed at the Pendleton Playhouse; 6 p.m.; for information, 864.646.7249. Mayberry Christmas with Mark Bishop at the Westminster Music Hall; for more information, call 864.280.6067.

DEC. 12 West Union Christmas parade, 3 p.m. Duke World of Energy hosts Santa and Mrs. Claus, 1-3 p.m. Bring your little one to visit and feel free to capture the moment with your own camera. Bluegrass Jam Sessions – Table Rock State Park Lodge hosts a bluegrass jam session from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Show the holiday spirit and bring a covered Christmas dish to share! Heartstrings will perform at Hagood Mill, noon to 2 p.m. Enjoy the sounds of instruments such as the autoharp, mountain dulcimer, fiddle, stand-up bass, guitar and mandolin.

DEC. 12 & 13 Christmas at Ashtabula (5:30-8:30 p.m.) & Dec. 13 (2-5 p.m.). The Christmas tree is becoming an American custom and the Broyles’ girls are lobbying for one, while, in another part of the estate, a young slave wants to use the Christmas holiday to make a dash for freedom; tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child (ages 5-10); call 864.646.7249 for more information.

DEC. 13

Christmas Open House and Tea Social at Seneca’s historic Ballenger House, 2-5 p.m.

Pendleton Christmas parade, 3 p.m.

Salem Christmas parade, 4 p.m.

Hagood Mill in Pickens County will host Ed Harrison’s Memorial Celtic Christmas. Come and celebrate the Appalachian music of this Uillean pipe- and banjo-playing musician who used to perform regularly at the Mill. Visit www.visitpickenscounty.com for more information.

DEC. 19 DEC. 8

DEC. 4 Violinist Mark O’Connor helps you ring in the season with a touch of Appalachia at The Brooks Center at Clemson University. Let the

humor and cheer. Emile Pandolfi ranks among America’s most popular piano artists, and he will be joined by vocalist and Greenville native, Dana Russell; 7:30-9 p.m.

Enjoy the holidays with Emile Pandolfi and Dana Russell as The Community Foundation of The Reserve at Lake Keowee presents a delightful evening of holiday music, good

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WINTER 2015 › 97

calendar of events DEC. 22 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for the past 30 years. They will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Peace Concert Hall, Greenville; for information call 864.467.3000 or visit www.peacecenter.org. DEC. 31 Toast to the Future at Cox Hall at Pendleton Playhouse, 7 p.m.

JANUARY JAN. 12 The Brooks Center at Clemson University presents Israeli cellist Amit Peled, playing on the historic cello of his idol, the late Pablo Casals. The instrument, a circa 1733 Goffriler cello, was personally handed to Peled by the maestro’s widow. A Professor of Music at the Peabody Conservatory, Peled will perform the same repertoire that Casals performed at Peabody 101 years ago on this instrument; no ticket required; 7:30 p.m.

JAN. 16 Entering their second decade as an ensemble, Chatham County Line brings a deep reverence for traditional American roots music and timeless bluegrass instrumentation to insightful, poetic original songs that are powerfully contemporary yet rich with the complex resonance of their Southern heritage. Chatham County Line makes its Walhalla Civic Auditorium debut at 8 p.m.; for information, call 864.638.5277 or logon to www. walhallacivic.com.

JAN. 22-30 Historic Ballenger House in Seneca hosts Thread Heads Quilt Show; Seneca Woman’s Club tea social and members preview Jan. 22, from 3-5 p.m.; show opening is Jan. 23, noon to 4 p.m.; continues through Jan. 30 when it closes with the raffle of a queen-sized quilt valued at $500.

JAN. 28 In 2007, four Canadian voices came together to form a classically inspired vocal quartet with a versatile sound. The Tenors come to the 98 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

Peace Concert Hall stage in Greenville for a 7:30 p.m. performance; for information call 864.467.3000 or visit www.peacecenter.org.

JAN. 29 Direct from Gdansk, the Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra brings a bit of European flair to The Brooks Center at Clemson University. This 7:30 p.m. concert will feature a winner of the Chopin International Piano Festival. With a French-inspired 1930s sound and the style to back it up, The Hot Sardines have taken New York City, and much of the world, by storm. They will perform at 8 p.m. at the Peace Concert Hall, Greenville; for information call 864.467.3000 or visit www.peacecenter.org.

JAN. 31 Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage comes to the Peace Concert Hall in Greenville with an impressive live symphony orchestra and international solo instruments. TV footage is simultaneously beamed in high definition to a 40-foot wide screen. The 3 p.m. concert will feature some of the greatest music written for the franchise; for information call 864.467.3000 or visit www.peacecenter.org.

FEBRUARY FEB. 2 Join us for some old-time jazz, straight out of New Orleans’ French Quarter, when the Preservation Hall Jazz Band comes to Brooks Center at Clemson University; 7:30 p.m.; for more information call 864.656.7787. A Tribute to Benny Goodman: The Julian Bliss Septet will perform at The Brooks Center at Clemson University; 7:30 p.m.; for more information call 864.656.7787.

FEB. 4 In celebration of Beatrix Potter’s 150th birthday anniversary, fantastic masks, whimsical puppets, gorgeous scenery and original music will bring the magical world of the Peter Rabbit Tales to life. Starting at 6 p.m., join The Brooks Center at Clemson University for family fun at Imagination Station in The Brooks Center Lobby; performance at 7 p.m.

FEB. 6 Mutts Gone Nuts at Walhalla Civic Auditorium; disorderly duo, Scott and Joan Houghton return to the WCA stage with their hilarious pack of pooches; 8 p.m.; for more information call 864.638.5277 or online www. walhallacivic.com.

FEB. 9 World of Energy presents live music for its Super Tuesday event; 10 a.m.; free to the public. The Community Foundation of The Reserve at Lake Keowee presents Mardi Gras with the Wobblers; call 864.868.4000 for more information.

FEB. 12 Valentine Wine and Silent Auction sponsored by Seneca Woman’s Club at historic Ballenger House; 7-9 p.m.

FEB. 16 Yanni’s musical style blends world music, jazz, classical and adult contemporary to create a sound unlike any other. That sound will come to the Peace Concert Hall in Greenville, at 7:30 p.m.; for information call 864.467.3000 or visit www.peacecenter.org.

FEB. 20 The Community Foundation of The Reserve at Lake Keowee presents Fabio Parrini in concert; call 864.868.4000 for more information. Mountain Heart returns to the Walhalla Civic Auditorium stage to define the cutting edge of excellence in acoustic music. They deftly combine elements of rock, jamband, country, blues, jazz and bluegrass into a high-energy sound that is at once fresh, accessible and unmistakable; 8 p.m.; for more information call 864.638.5277 or go to www.walhallacivic.com.

FEB. 25 Vocalosity brings some of the best voices in the country together for a Pitch Perfect-style night of aca-awesome a cappella at the Peace Concert Hall in Greenville. The 7:30 p.m. show contains expert arrangements of beloved songs that will definitely delight aca-audiences everywhere; for information, call 864.467.3000 or visit www. peacecenter.org.

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A S S I S T E D L I V I N G • S H O RT- T E R M R E S P I T E S TAY S WINTER 2015 › 99

SOCI AL LIFE

Photos by Rex Brown

Susan Leonard

Cathy Baudoin and Nancy Hunter

Brooke Thompson, Jaimee Paul and Rooksie Noorai

Brooke Thompson, Jaimee Paul, Rooksie Noorai and Doreen Burrows

Laura and Bill Downing

100 â&#x20AC;š UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

Roger Jackson and Adrianne Brandecker

Sheriff Mike Crenshaw and Kim Crenshaw

Harold Freund and Susan Brandt

Laura Price, Jennifer Price and Carole Ritter

Carole Ritter, Cathy VanDyke, Kathy Vordeburg, Sandi Walker and Lynn Fayard

Dave and Cathy Washburn

Photos by Rex Brown

Erik Sprogis, Tom Lund and George Daddis

SOCI AL LIFE

Leiza Brock and Marcia Schroeder

Wags and Whiskers Gala THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015

Debbie Pourchak and Len and Sharyn Malinouske

Tom and Connie Lawrence

Dinner, dancing and a fabulous auction were the order of the evening as the Oconee Humane Society held its annual Wags and Whiskers Gala at the Club at Keowee Key. Just Call Ben served as master of ceremonies and provided music as guests followed an excellent meal with an evening of dancing and socializing. A variety of auction items attracted plenty of attention, particularly several items of sports memorabilia, a number of great getaways and a host of items donated by local businesses and individuals. All proceeds from the event went to benefit Humane Society programs, including shelter pet adoption efforts, spay/neuter programs, humane education undertakings and efforts to enhancing the Oconee County Animal Shelter. OHS depends on a corps of dedicated animal-loving volunteers who provide most of the labor to make the organization function. One of the programs volunteers are most involved in is the delivery of humane education to children and adults.

Jane Lifrak, Ilene Lund and Barbara Laughter

Betsy and Drew Smith

Leiza Brock and Marcia Schroeder

Doug and Andrea Hillman

WINTER 2015 â&#x20AC;ş 101

3 CATEGORIES TO WIN

2015 PHOTO CONTEST

WIN $500 102 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

[NATURE, PEOPLE, PLACES]

Send us your best shots in any of these three categories involving the lake: people, places and nature. Please submit images that accurately reflect the captured moment in time. In other words, keep it real. The Grand Prize Winner will receive $500 and be published in the Spring Edition of Upstate Lake Living. Second and third place winners will be chosen from the remaining categories. They will receive $100 gift cards and also be published in the Spring Edition. HOW TO ENTER – email your entry to lakeliving@ upstatetoday.com. Include your name, address, Lakeside community, telephone number, email address, and photo title; and submit along with your photograph. The Categories for entries are: (1) People, (2) Places, and (3) Nature. There is no limit on the number of entries per person. Each entry must comply with the following requirements (the “Photograph Requirements”): Photographs must be in digital format. All files must be 20 megabytes or smaller, must be in JPEG or JPG format, and must be at least 1,600 pixels wide (if a horizontal image) or 1,600 pixels tall (if a vertical image). Photographs must have been taken at an identified upstate lake. Only minor burning, dodging and/or color correction is acceptable, as is cropping. The photograph, in its entirety, must be a single work of original material taken by the Contest entrant. By entering the Contest, entrant represents, acknowledges, and warrants that the submitted photograph is an original work created solely by the entrant, that the photograph does not infringe on the copyrights, trademarks, moral rights, rights of privacy/publicity or intellectual property rights of any person or entity, and that no other party has any right, title, claim, or interest in the photograph. Submission indicates you have expressed permission to have the rights to have the image published and the contents therein. All entries must be submitted and received by February 1, 2016. LICENSE By entering the Contest, all entrants grant an irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive license to Oconee Publishings/The Journal/Upstate Lake Living, to reproduce, distribute, display and create derivative works of the entries (along with a name credit) in any media now or hereafter known, including, but not limited to: display at a potential exhibition of winners and publications of Oconee Publishing and online affiliates.

WINTER 2015 › 103

MENTORING + ACCOUNTABILITY + INCENTIVES = BREAKING THE CYCLE “Empowering families to move beyond government assistance.” We have a growing problem in the U.S. and it’s very prevalent in our own community. Many low-income families are becoming dependent on government assistance. The structure of government subsidies makes it challenging for many families to get off assistance. There is actually more incentive to remain on assistance than there is to become selfsufficient. The Ripple of One model is working. Our families are becoming self-sufficient, finding their talents and are thinking higher than living on assistance.

DON’T MISS AN ISSUE OF THE AREA’S MOST POPULAR MAGAZINE! Sailing Away

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You may do this online, or if you prefer to pay by check, please send it to: Ripple of One c/o United Way 409 E. North 1st Street Seneca, SC 29678-2768 Learn more at www.rippleofone.org or rippleofone@gmail.com

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Upstate Lake Living offers popular features such as boating, fishing, nearby places to visit, restaurant reviews, home features and waterfalls, as well as a calendar of events. Our magazine is also a great gift idea for family, friends and co-workers!

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Smallies in the Upstate

BY PHILLIP GENTRY

Charles Jeter of Greer caught this 6-pound, 2-ounce smallmouth bass from the Broad River last winter while fishing with guide Mike McSwain. [photo courtesy of Mike McSwain]

any Upstate anglers may have heard of, but never caught, a smallmouth bass.

Smallmouth bass are a very popular game fish further north and west of the Upstate with a couple of local exceptions — Lake Jocassee has a population of smallmouth, and the feisty black bass has been experimentally stocked in Lake Robinson in northern Greenville County.

Broad River fishery, but Ahle said unlike other state rivers that blew out last fall, the Broad fared much better and the flooding had little if any impact on the smallmouth fishery there. “The amount of water that flowed through the Broad during the flooding last October was about equal to a heavy rain event we had two years ago,” he said. “It hasn’t seemed to have hurt that fishery at all. The Broad has a wide river plain basin, and there are plenty of velocity shelters for smallmouth to hide from high water flows.”

However, South Carolina’s best smallmouth venue is in the Broad River, which trickles into the state from North Carolina above Gaffney and rushes mightily into downtown Columbia before merging into the Congaree River. Stocking smallies in the Broad has been one of the historically great, yet perhaps least known, accomplishments of the state’s fishery management program. The Broad is not a typical boating waterway. Navigating the river, even as far south as Columbia, is nearly impossible because of all of the shoals and high rocks protruding from the water. Public access is limited and most anglers do so by hand launching canoes and kayaks. “Access is extremely limited on the Broad,” said Mike McSwain, who operates Broad River Smallmouth under a website of the same name. “Bass boats and john boats won’t cut it here. I fish from a 17-foot Old Town Discover canoe that has three seats. It’s a real, true guide boat, perfect for navigating the rocks and shoals. I’m a good fisherman, but part of what people pay me for is to get them to these fish.” According to Ron Ahle, a fisheries biologist for SCDNR, stocking the Broad and its tributaries has been taking place for 20 years; there has been no peak to the fishery, though

Most put-in and take-out areas along the Broad River are pretty remote ranging from day use pullover areas to bridge overpasses. Internet mapping sites like Google Earth provide anglers with a great scouting tool to locate places to launch small boats from the bank.

fish sizes and numbers are reported bigger and better each year. Fishing for smallies in the Broad is better than average throughout the winter months. Like any kind of bass fishing, different baits work better on different patterns and at different times of the year. When the water is cooler, it’s time to slow down and fish soft plastics and finesse baits on the bottom. Anglers typically opt for jig and pig combinations and target the deeper pools that have woody structures and have some current moving in them. Many anglers feared the copious amount of rain that plagued the state would hurt the

For starters, give these Cherokee County spots a try: • Paved day use access located on Drano Road, .3 miles north of the intersection with Shelby Hwy. • Dirt road access ¼ mile east of 1402 Ford Road, near Gaffney • The dirt ramp at the far east end of Ninety Nine Ferry Road below Gaffney • The Hwy. 211 bridge crossing 1.5 miles NE of the intersection with SC Hwy. 105

Phillip Gentry is a free-lance outdoor writer who lives in Upstate South Carolina. He is also the host of Upstate Outdoors, an outdoor radio program aired Saturdays, noon - 2 p.m. on 106.3 WORD FM.

WINTER 2015 › 105

Opportunity Delayed

n the fall issue of Upstate Lake Living, my article was based on the details of the opening of the window of opportunity. The program allows eligible dock owners to proactively make permanent modifications to ensure a dock’s usability when lake levels may be lower, such as during an extended drought. Shortly after that article was published Duke Energy made public that this program would be delayed. The delay is in response to feedback from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which is responsible for granting the new license. The one-year application period for the program was originally scheduled for Sept. 1, 2015 through Aug. 31, 2016, and is now delayed until some time after the license is granted. The program differs from the “Follow the Water” program, which allows dock owners to temporarily move a dock during periods of drought. This program is not impacted by the delay. Questions or concerns can be addressed to Duke Energy Lake Services at 800.443.5193. REGULATION UPDATE: SIDE MOUNT BOATLIFTS There are some cases where it might make sense to lift a boat on the side of your dock. For example, cove widths may not provide for a full-size dock to be permitted. In this case it may be possible to fit a platform style dock with a lift on the side versus a large covered dock. Another example might be owning two boats that you may want to have out of the water and having only one slip. Side mount boatlifts are eligible for permit under the following guidelines: • A standard boat dock permit must be obtained from Duke Energy. • A side-mounted boatlift must be 20 feet from a projected property line. • Boatlifts with covers will count as part of the total boat dock square footage.

106 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING

BY DAVE KROEGER

WATERFRONT WINTER PREP Each winter season we talk about preparing your waterfront structures and equipment. Since this is the time of the year that we are affected not only by cold weather but the high winds associated with cold fronts, here are a few simple ideas that will make a big difference for the next boating season and help cut down on unwanted surprises and headaches: BOAT DOCKS • Take a look at connections, such as where the ramp is connected to the dock and where it meets the shoreline. These areas are vulnerable points of wear and tear. Look for breaks in welds or any bending of metal. • You also might want to protect or secure any loose furniture or water toys, such as tubes and rafts, from the wind. ANCHORING • Take a look at how your dock is anchored, such as cables to shore, pilings or a SeaFlex® system. • Cables should be adjusted to a tension that keeps them out of the water. This will slow down the corrosion process. Inspect the cables for rusting and fraying. • Take a look at the bolted and welded joints of the loop around piling, assuring there are no cracks or loose bolts. • SeaFlex® is a self-adjusting underwater system mostly out of view. If you don’t notice any slack in the tension or wear on the connecting ropes you should be in good shape. BOATLIFTS Boatlifts are typically very maintenance-free and need little attention. If the unit is up and operating properly, there shouldn’t be much to worry about. It would be a good time to visually inspect the air hose leading to the tank of your boatlift. It is a good idea to have lines tied from your boat to your dock even in the

raised position. This will eliminate the chance of your boat taking an unmanned joyride if the lift loses air. BOATS AND PWCS (JET SKI) We do have cold enough temperatures here to freeze a motor block or other areas that hold water in your system. This is something that you will want to consult with in your owner’s manual or dealer to assure that the proper procedure is followed. This can also be done at your location by service technicians in our area. Also check to see if your dealer recommends fuel stabilizer. Adding fuel stabilizer is usually a good measure to avoid fuel condensing water or becoming stale from sitting idle. I wish you all a very safe and joyful season on the lake. Dave is President/CEO of Kroeger Marine Construction, which has excelled for decades, offering unmatched experience and quality in boat dock building, erosion control and boat lift installation.

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