Keeping our lakes clean

Join the effort to trash the trash!

story by Dari Mullins

Trash ... It isn’t sexy and it isn’t fun, but if everyone grabs just one bag from the Trash Barge and fills it before leaving the lake ... we will no longer have a trash problem!

— Shane Mullin, administrator of Keowee Lake Life Facebook page

With the boating industry experiencing record high sales, traffic on our area lakes has grown exponentially. More boats, however, means more people and more people means more trash.

That trash has become a growing focus of individuals, groups and organizations, some that have organized efforts to manage the mess for years.

On Lake Keowee, Friends of Lake Keowee Society remains one of the most actively involved volunteer groups with ongoing events devoted to keeping the lake clean. In 1993, FOLKS began implementing “lake sweeps” twice a year. These sweeps break 377 miles of shoreline into geographical areas, and teams of volunteers meet at a designated captain’s dock where they receive trash bags, gloves, rakes, water and snacks. Often over 200 volunteers, using 80 vessels, embark on their journey to collect everything from soda cans to water heaters. Oversized items are reported to Duke Energy Lake Services, and a contractor is dispatched to retrieve them. Participants who donate their time and efforts during the sweep receive Tshirts and are celebrated with a cookout.

The fall 2021 sweep logged 67.2 hours and collected over 60 bags of trash.

“These sweeps have made a difference, and the lake has gotten a lot cleaner,” said Scott Calderwood, lake sweep coordinator.

The spring 2022 sweep is planned for Saturday, April 30, through Sunday, May 8, and volunteers are needed. Volunteers with pontoon boats are especially helpful as those vessels can easily approach and access shorelines. Also needed are “area commanders” to coor-

dinate regional volunteers, especially the northernmost region. If interested, contact Calderwood at scottc1951@ gmail.com. As the popularity of Lake Keowee increased FOLKS realized that two sweeps would not be enough to keep the litter problem at bay throughout the year. In December 2009, the Adopt-an-Island program was launched, expanding coverage to 70 numbered islands. These “island keepers” clean island shorelines and interior areas while monitoring for other damage or misuse. The group of over 50 Island Keepers includes individuals, couples, boating groups, community associations and business owners. These volunteers visit their islands at least four times during the boating season, collecting trash and reporting any large items needing removal. This program is coordinated by Paul Gibbons. “There is only one unadopted island — Island 16A — that is located roughly 1.25 miles north of the Gregg Bajdas and John Rysinski display the haul they collected from their adopted island this past spring. Photo by Sue Rysinski Duke Energy site,” Gibbons said, noting that participation is validated and monitored as people retire out of the program. If interested in being added to the island list of volunteers, Gibbons encourages people to email FOLKS at keoweefolks@ charter.net. The newest FOLKS program combating the litter issue is the Adopt-a-Ramp program. Coordinated by Dale Wilde, president of FOLKS,

{above} The Fall Creek Adopt a Ramp crew is made up of about 15 volunteers who pick up between 7 to 20 bags of trash every two weeks at Fall Creek. Photo by Dave Metzer • {left} Keith Kuby and Dick Havran return from a voyage to pick up trash during a Lake Sweep. Photo By Mike White

the program was initiated this summer as the amount of litter increased due to more visitors using the ramps. The Adopt-a-Ramp effort is supported by Duke Energy and Palmetto Pride, that donate trash bags, gloves and grabbers for volunteer use. While summer 2021 only focused on Fall Creek Landing, Warpath Landing and Stamp Creek, the program will be expanding to include Cane Creek and Crowe Creek landings. Those interested in joining the effort should contact FOLKS at 864.719.0599 or email keoweefolks@charter.net.

Another group actively involved in the community, both on and off the water, is Keep Oconee Beautiful Association. Since 1985, KOBA has been an integral part of creating a litter-free involvement through various efforts and initiatives. KOBA partners with FOLKS and other groups to help restore beauty to Oconee County through education, awareness, cooperation and action.

WAYS TO HELP

• Pick up one piece of litter on or around the lake. • Keep a litter bag in your boat and dispose of it properly when full. • Don’t throw items such as cigarette butts or aluminum cans in the lake. • Participate in Lake Sweeps or Adopt-a-Ramp clean-up days. • Educate others on the importance of keeping our waterways free of trash.

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Danielle Pankuch, director of education, heads up the Kobie Bear and Friends program, which teaches children in 11 elementary schools about the negative effects of littering, how to reduce, reuse and recycle. She believes that one of the best ways to combat litter is to educate the youth. “Each person needs to be responsible for their own trash; securing it when in the boat, placing it in a trash bin that isn’t full, or carrying a trash bag on their boat at all times,” she said. According to Pankuch, the number one littered item is cigarette butts. People do not recognize them as litter, so education is key to preventing the contamination of our waterways. Littered cigarette butts leach toxic chemicals into our environment, and this exposure can poison the fish and animals that eat them.

Shane Mullen, a long-time resident and administrator of the popular “Keowee Lake Life” Facebook group, has been tackling the monumental problem of litter on the lake for a long time. For him, there proved to be a unique solution.

{above} Aerial view of the trash barge location that will be available every Saturday and Sunday, from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2022. Photo by Shane Mullen {left} Trash left behind at a fire site near Fall Creek Landing. Photo by Dale Wilde

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“Why do we bother picking up all this beach trash if it’s only going to be clean until tomorrow?” Mullen’s daughter Elizabeth asked during a recent outing.

As litter increased, he asked himself how he could get folks to think “trash clean up” while enjoying the lake. He concluded that to do so, they had to be engaged. Hence, the “Trash Barge” was born. Shane and his family are currently outfitting a stripped-out pontoon boat with 10 residential-size lidded trash cans. From Memorial Day to Labor Day 2022, it will be anchored on Saturdays and Sundays at the entrance to the Waterfall/Party Cove.

“While it exists as a convenient and novel floating trash can, its real purpose is Education and Engagement,” Mullen said. By offering a fun place to deposit their trash and requesting they take a provided bag and fill it with trash from a ramp or beach prior to departing Keowee, Mullen hopes to convert regular boaters into small-scale volunteers.

Progress of the Trash Barge Project is ongoing and can be monitored by visiting www.keoweelakelife.org which links to the Facebook group. Volunteer opportunities and trash supply fundraising campaigns will be announced on the site. They will need more trash cans, liners and pontoon signage starting in 2022.

Lake Hartwell, while larger than Lake Keowee, does not have as many organized options when it comes to eliminating trash along the shorelines, although the Corps of Engineers has established an on-going trash pickup program assigning segments of the shoreline to volunteers. Lake Hartwell has 962 miles of shoreline and keeping it clean requires regular attention and maintenance. Individuals, groups and organizations are encouraged to adopt an area of shoreline by contacting Park Ranger Dale Bowen at 706.856.0348 or toll free at 888.893.0678, ext. 348. For additional information check out www.lakehartwellassociation.org. n

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Elizabeth Mullen helps her dad Shane strip out the pontoon furniture on the Trash Barge to make room for waste bins. Photo by Shane Mullen

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Holidays on the water BY DARI MULLINS

Many holiday traditions evoke warm, joyful memories. One of my very favorites has always been attending the annual Christmas parade, and now I can say my children share the same love for the sights, sounds and smells of a holiday parade.

Last year I had the privilege of participating in a holiday boat parade on Lake Keowee. I must say, it was an amazing experience! Several of my family members were able to join us, and there were about 15 other decorated boats lined up on the route. Seeing the twinkling lights of the adorned houses and docks from the water quickly became a highlight of the season. It is something we hope to do again this year. I want residents to be aware of this wonderful opportunity to spread holiday cheer from the water or view a boat parade from land.

There are two main boat parades this year which are easily viewable from land. The first is on Lake Hartwell and is sponsored by the Western Carolina Sailboat Club to benefit Toys for Tots. It will be held December 3 and 4. The boats usually leave the harbor by 6:30 p.m. and are visible at Green Pond Landing by 7 p.m. A tent will be set up at Green Pond — 470 Green Pond Road, Anderson — from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to collect toys. The route runs two passes by Green Pond through Portman Marina Harbor then returns to the Sailboat Club. For more information or questions check out www.wcsc-sailing.org

On December 10, the annual Lake Keowee Boat Parade will take place on the south end of the lake. Anyone wanting to participate should meet with their decorated boat at the South Cove County Park boat ramp at 6 p.m. The exact route had not been announced at press time, but the parade is visible from South Cove Park for spectators living further away. More information will be posted on the Friends of Lake Keowee Facebook page — www.keoweelakelife.org links to the Facebook Group — as the date approaches.

Many other lake communities and private individuals decorate or hold events on the water. Keowee Key has a holiday parade in North Marina Bay cove. The Waterford Community has several events throughout the year including an Armada in the Summer, Cardboard Boat Regatta in October and the Holiday Boat Parade in mid-December. While most of these communities hold their events for residents only, you can keep an eye out for them on the water.

If you are unable to participate in the public events and your community does not have any on-water events, you can still take an evening and enjoy the lights on shore from your own boat. More and more people are decorating their docks and houses with lights visible from the water, and some of them are even synchronized to music. Many residents share the best locations to view on the Facebook page mentioned earlier in this article.

Winter at the lake takes on a different tone, but there are still fun things to enjoy on the water. Hopefully you can start a new holiday tradition this year.

From left, Artie Mullins, Nina Mullins, Dari Mullins and Trey Mcbride enjoy spreading cheer to residents while participating in the Waterford Pointe Christmas boat parade.

Dari Mullins is marketing coordinator and office manager at the Seneca location of Watersports Central where she enjoys sharing her love of the water, boating and sports with people of all ages.

The Great Debate BY PHILLIP GENTRY

In the fishing industry, one of the great debates when it comes to the selection of fishing tackle is what type of fishing line to use. Like most great debates, there are good and bad points on both sides.

Braided lines have very little stretch and have extreme strengthto-diameter ratios when compared to monofilament line. These features make braid an ideal line for long casts, reaching extremely deep depths and feeling soft bites. Braid also has better abrasion resistance to sharp objects often encountered when fishing around structures.

Monofilament line is well known for its excellent knot strength. Mono is suitable for a wide range of common fishing knots: smooth and easily castable. Compared to braid, monofilament line is hard to see in the water which makes it the preferred choice in clear water. Monofilament line is also widely available on the retail market and is much more economical than braided line, an important factor when it comes to respooling time.

FLW Angler of the Year Bryan Thrift pays a lot of attention to bass fishing trends. Thrift also trusts himself when it comes to bass fishing, even when his opinions go against the tide of other anglers. A case in point is the use of braided line when fishing, especially when he’s fishing top water lures like buzz baits and walking baits.

“I guess the current thought is braid gives you instant feel to set the hook; when you do set the hook, there’s no stretch, so you get better hook-ups,” he said. “I’ve fished both ways, and I still prefer to use mono when fishing topwater baits.

Here’s why.

Thrift doesn’t disagree that braid has more sensitivity than mono, or that braid’s no stretch characteristics lead to faster hook-ups. In fact, he said those are the problems with using braid.

“Topwater fishing is such an exciting way to fish. Even as a pro fishing pro tournaments, I get exciting seeing a bass blow up on a topwater bait,” he said.

In this excitement, many anglers, and Thrift includes himself in this group, tend to set the hook too quickly. With braid the hook set is instantaneous but often leads to lip hooks rather than a jaw hook because there is no stretch.

“In the excitement of the moment, we all tend to set the hook hard, and, on braided line, a hard hookset can tear holes in the fish’s mouth,” he said. “I just feel like the combination of these two things makes me lose too many fish that I would not have lost on mono.”

Conversely, Thrift said mono is a little more forgiving. It takes a little more time to transfer the hook set from the rod to the fish, and the result is more jaw hooks and softer hook sets — if that’s actually a thing — when the angler reacts to a big blow-up bite.

Thrift said his line of choice for topwater fishing is P-Line original. He likes 20-pound test for the buzz bait and 15-pound test for a walking bait. He also debunks the thought that fish can’t see the line when using braid for topwater.

“I’ve done a lot of testing in swimming pools, and you can see the shadow of the braid on the bottom even if the line isn’t in the water,” he said. “Mono also casts a shadow, but it’s not nearly as defined as braid. With a tournament on the line, I need all the bites I can get.”

In the end, there’s no walkaway winner, as both monofilament and braided line have their places.

The difference between braided line and monofilament is as clear as night and day, but each has its place in the fishing world. Photo by Phillip Gentry

Phillip Gentry is an outdoor writer and the host of PG & Boatgirl Outdoors. Download the podcast on Apple, Google Play, Spotify or at pgandboatgirl.com.

Advantages of a custom boat dock

Editor’s note: It’s been a while since our friends at Kroeger Marine checked in with custom dock information for lakeside residents. With so many folks buying and selling along the shoreline, we thought a primer on dock building, dock accessories and erosion control was in order. Who better to be the instructor than a firm with 35 years of experience in the dock business?

WHY SHOULD I OWN A DOCK?

• Convenience: With a boat dock right outside your home, you won’t need to worry about driving through traffic to enjoy a nice ride on the water.

When you have your own dock, a day on the water is as easy as walking outside. • Security: A boat can be a significant investment.

Having a personal boat dock allows for privacy and may reduce the likelihood of unintended guests compared to a public marina. A boat dock also provides security and protection for your boat from the elements. • Value: Purchasing your own dock can eliminate the cost of marina fees. You will also increase the value of your waterfront property with the addition of a dock. • Versatility: A boat dock doesn’t just need to be for boat storage. It can be used as an outdoor living space to relax and experience all that Lake Keowee has to offer.

ARE THERE DESIGN GUIDELINES THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED?

Yes. Preservation of natural surroundings and safe navigation of the lake are two primary considerations that determine the regulations. These mandated design regulations must be followed when constructing a dock on Lake Keowee: • Maximum walkway width of four feet; • Maximum size of 1,000-square feet including the walkway and the covered boat slip; • Docks cannot extend beyond the projected property line without permission from the neighboring property owner; and • Docks can only extend 120 feet from shore or 1/3 the distance across the waterway, whichever distance is shorter.

There may be additional mandated design regulations that are property- and community-specific.

WHAT DOCK CONFIGURATION AND DESIGN ARE BEST FOR ME?

There are many different dock variations to choose from depending on size, roof layout and materials. If you’re thinking about adding a dock to your waterfront property, it’s best to start by deciding what you want from your dock to create your ideal waterfront lifestyle. For example, will you have one boat or multiple boats, and what size? Do you want to have the ability to tan and have recovery space? Need storage? Want a hoist? Need accessories? Want space for a seating area? After this, consider matters of water depth, shoreline characteristics and location. All these factors and more have a bearing on your dock’s configuration and materials. Ultimately, this is what will determine the total project cost.

HOW LONG WILL CONSTRUCTION TAKE ON MY NEW DOCK?

Lead times can vary based on the season. Installation lead times are determined based on permitting, material availabilities, weather conditions and more, so we always recommend getting the process started as soon as possible so you can have your custom dock exactly when you need it.

HOW LONG WILL MY DOCK LAST?

Even without maintenance, a professionally installed dock will last an average of 15 to 25 years. With routine maintenance, you can add as many as 10 extra years to your dock’s lifespan.

Learn more about Kroeger Marine at kroegermarine.com or 864.606.6841.

Help grandkids prepare for the future

If you’re a grandparent, you don’t need Grandparents Day to remind you of the joys of having grandchildren. And, given the joy of being a grandparent, you might want to think about ways to help provide for your grandchildren’s future.

The type of gift or support you provide will be different at various stages of your grandchildren’s lives. Here are a few suggestions:

WHEN THEY’RE BORN …

Open a 529 plan. It’s never too early to start saving for college or other types of advanced education. To help your grandchildren meet these costs, you could invest in a 529 education savings plan, which offers potential tax advantages if the money is used for qualified education expenses. If the grandchild for whom you’ve established the account ends up not using it, you can change the beneficiary to a qualified family member of the original beneficiary. (Be aware, though, that a 529 plan could affect your grandchild’s financial aid prospects.) If your grandchild doesn’t go to a college or university, a 529 plan can also pay for expenses related to apprenticeship programs offered through trade and vocational schools and registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.

WHEN THEY’RE CHILDREN …

• Open a savings account. It’s important for your grandchildren to develop good financial habits — and one way you can help is to open a savings account for them and encourage them to contribute to it. You might even offer an incentive, such as matching their contributions, either in whole or in part. Consider shopping around for a high-yield savings account that’s free to open and charges no monthly maintenance fees. • Establish a custodial account. You may want to introduce your grandchildren to the world of investing by starting a custodial account (known as UGMA or UTMA) in their name. You can put most types of investments, such as stocks and mutual funds, inside this account and track their progress along with your grandchildren. Children often enjoy learning about investing — and they may like owning shares of companies that make familiar products and services. The earnings generated by these investments can have tax implications, so you’ll want to consult with your tax advisor before opening the custodial account. And, you can’t hold onto this account forever. Once your grandchildren reach the age of majority, they gain control of the account, so they can do what they please with the investments.

WHEN THEY’RE YOUNG ADULTS …

• Help with the down payment on a home. Once your grandchildren are out in the world, they may want to become homeowners. And, as you know, it can be challenging to come up with a down payment. So, if you can afford it, you may want to help in this area. You’ll be doing your grandchildren a big favor, because home ownership is a key element in building wealth. • Provide financial guidance. As your grandchildren join the working world, they could benefit from advice and guidance on various issues, such as setting short- and long-term goals, managing their 401(k) plans and choosing an appropriate investment mix. So, consider making an appointment for them with a financial professional.

By helping your grandchildren at different points on their road through life, you can make their journey more pleasant — and, in the process, you’ll gain a lot of satisfaction.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by David Adrian Jr., a Seneca financial advisor with the Fortune 500 Company that serves more than 7 million customers and has over $1 trillion in assets under management. Reach Adrian at 864.882.5763 or www.edwardjones. come/david-adrian.

CENTRE STAGE 501 RIVER ST., GREENVILLE, SC INSIDE THE SMITH-BARNEY BUILDING 864.233.6733 OR TOLL FREE 877.377.1339 TUES.-SAT., 8 P.M.; SAT. MATINEES 2 P.M.; SUN. MATINEES, 3 P.M.

DEC. 2 – JAN. 9 THE FINAL COUNTDOWN Centre Stage’s original rock show. From holiday classics like “Jingle Bell Rock” and feel-good party tunes like “Don’t Stop Believin,” no matter what holiday you’re celebrating, join us for a celebration like no other!

FEB. 10-13 POUF! Chalk full of hairspray, soap operas and witty humor, this period comedy puts an even higher “pouf” on your favorite 1950s hairdo. One of the theater’s annual New Play Festival winners, this hilarious script turns mid-century ideals on its head while leaving the viewer positively entertained!

MARCH 10 – APRIL 3 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL Based on the memorable film, 9 to 5 tells the story of office manager Violet Newstead, who joins her fellow co-workers — frazzled divorcée Judy Bernly and sassy secretary Doralee Rhodes — to turn the tables on their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” of a boss in true Dolly Parton fashion!

GREENVILLE THEATRE 444 COLLEGE ST., GREENVILLE, SC 864.233.6238 OR WWW.GREENVILLELITTLETHEATRE.ORG TUES. & THURS., 7:30 P.M.; FRI. & SAT., 8 P.M.; SUNDAYS, 3 P.M.

DEC. 2-19 ELF: THE MUSICAL The cherished movie comes to life on stage featuring the music of Matthew Skylar and the lyrics of Chad Beguelin. Join Buddy the Elf on his journey from the North Pole to New York City to find his real father. This modernday holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

JAN. 13-23 ERMA BOMBECK: AT WIT’S END “If life is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?” Erma Bombeck, the legendary humorist, gave voice to the frustrations of a generation of women in her syndicated newspaper column At Wit’s End. This charming, one-woman show brings to life the humor and wisdom of a mother, housewife and social commentator.

MARCH 4-20 GUYS AND DOLLS One of the greatest American musicals! Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, the characters are some of the most memorable of any Broadway show: Nathan Detroit, Miss Adelaide, Skye Masterson, Sister Sarah, Nicely-Nicely Johnson, and many others. Frank Loesser’s incredible score includes “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “Adelaide’s Lament” and “Guys and Dolls.”

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

JAN. 4-9 TOOTSIE This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor, who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. Featuring a hilarious Tony-winning book by Robert Horn and an outrageously clever score by 2018 Tony winner David Yazbek, this New York Times Critic’s Pick is “a joyful delight” (The Washington Post) that’s “so packed with punchlines, it should be called a jokebox musical!”

FEB. 8-13 PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL One of Hollywood’s most beloved stories of all time, Pretty Woman: The Musical is brought to life by a powerhouse creative team representing the best of music, Hollywood and Broadway. Pretty Woman: The Musical will lift your spirits and light up your heart.

FOOTHILLS PLAYHOUSE 201 SOUTH 5TH ST., EASLEY, SC 864.855.1817 OR WWW.FHPLAYHOUSE.COM FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS, 8 P.M.; SUNDAYS, 3 P.M.

FEB. 4-13

A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD: THE MUSICAL This whimsical show follows two great friends — the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad — through four fun-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation in the spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe ... all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.

CLEMSON LITTLE THEATRE 214 S. MECHANIC ST., PENDLETON, SC 864.646.8100 FRI.-SAT., 8 P.M. (7:30 FOR CAYT); SUNDAY MATINEES, 3 P.M.

DEC. 3-5

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER A true Christmas classic: The local church is turned upside-down when the Herdman children show up at church for the free snacks and are cast in the Christmas pageant. The siblings take over the annual show in a hilarious, yet heartwarming, tale involving the Three Wise Men, a ham, scared shepherds and six rowdy kids. Antics, mayhem and hilarity ensue as the children come not only to understand the meaning of Christmas, but also to remind the surrounding community of the true Reason for the Season.

JAN. 28-30 & FEB. 4-6 MOON OVER BUFFALO Charlotte and George Hay are on tour in Buffalo in 1953 with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac (the “revised, one nostril version”) and Noel Coward’s Private Lives, when they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee. With a plethora of pratfalls, slamming doors aplenty and backstage shenanigans, Moon Over Buffalo is a fast-paced, hilarious, screwball comedy in the old tradition, a throwback farce, a valentine to the stage and the largerthan-life personalities that inhabit the world of the theatre.

MARCH 11-3 & 18-20 JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH A magical peach! An imprisoned boy! Insect friends! An incredible journey! This amazing adventure of James Henry Trotter will fulfill the fantasy of anyone who has ever dreamed of escape. When James accidentally spills the crystals on his aunts’ withered peach tree, he sets the adventure in motion. From the old tree a single peach grows, and grows and grows some more, until finally James climbs inside the giant fruit and rolls away from his despicable aunts to a whole new life.

ELECTRIC CITY PLAYHOUSE 514 NORTH MURRAY AVE., ANDERSON, SC 864.224.4248 • ECPLAYHOUSE.COM • FRI. & SAT., 7:30 P.M.; SUNDAYS, 3 P.M.

DEC. 3-5 CHRISTMAS IS MURDER This is an ECP Playwriting Contest winner! An original farce by Carol M. Rice revels in comedic confusion as characters from multiple plot lines end up in the same house for Christmas. The resulting chaos is deadly ... and hilarious!

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S T R O N G E R I N T E R N E T CONNECTINGFAMILIES

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

JAN. 21-30 THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE Kate DiCamillo’s beloved novel comes to life on stage with timeless lessons for all ages. A self-absorbed toy rabbit is forced out of his comfortable life and, through many adventures, learns vital lessons about love, loss and self-worth.

MARCH 18-27 I HATE HAMLET Life is sweet for television actor Andrew Rally. Of course, it won’t last. Things begin to unravel in spectacular fashion when the ghost of a legendary actor is summoned to Andrew’s apartment and begins badgering him to take on the role he dreads the most. This clever show is a fantastic hat-tip to the joys of acting and the timeless challenges of the Bard.

BROOKS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 141 JERSEY LANE, CLEMSON, SC WWW.CLEMSON.EDU/BROOKS OR 864.656.7787 MON.-SAT., 7:30 P.M.; SUNDAY MATINEES, 3 P.M.

JAN. 21 STOMP Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans and more fill the stage with energizing beats at STOMP, the inventive and invigorating stage show that’s dance, music and theatrical performance together in one electrifying rhythm.

FEB. 28 – MARCH 6 TEN MILLION DOLLAR MELODY Contestants form unlikely alliances in a cutthroat competitive musical journey to win an incredible ten-million-dollar pot. Behind the scenes revelations expose the character flaws of a popular celebrity host, paving the way for a game-changer. Sometimes, in life, winners lose and losers win. Join us for the final round when we meet the champions of Ten Million Dollar Melody 2022! A Clemson Players production.

OCONEE COMMUNITY THEATRE 8001 UTICA ST., SENECA, SC RESERVATIONS: 864.882.1910 9 A.M. – NOON, M-F EVENINGS, 8 P.M. • SUNDAY MATINEES, 2:30 P.M.

Stage productions at OCT are expected to resume in January after the building of a new stage. Visit www.oconeetheatre.org for more information and ticketing.

PICKENS COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 314 W. MAIN ST., LIBERTY, SC ALL PERFORMANCES, 7:30 P.M. TICKETS: PCPAC.ORG/EVENT; GENERAL ADMISSION ONLY

DEC. 2-4 MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET An old man going by the name of Kris Kringle fills in as Macy’s Santa, but when he claims to be the real Santa it leads to a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity.

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Editor’s Note: Readers are encouraged to call or visit the website of all venues before attending an event.

THRU DEC. 18

Blue Ridge Arts Center, 111 E. South Second St., Seneca, presents “A Collection of Christmas Cards” with work by Donna & Jim Juras; gallery hours are Thurs. – Fri., 1-4 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thru December and the early New Year Seneca presents its Magical, Musical Christmas Light Show to delight children and adults alike. Main Street and Norton-Thompson Park come alive with the sights and sounds of Christmas.

THRU JAN. 7

The World of Energy hosts the Festival of Trees. The public display and voting contest features beautiful trees decorated by local nonprofits. The three trees with the most votes receive cash for their chosen registered nonprofit. The event will be in-person at the World of Energy, and will feature a virtual option, as well. Visit duke-energy.com/worldofenergy for display hours. Call 864.873.4600 to inquire.

DEC. 4

Walhalla Christmas parade and tree lighting, 5 p.m.

Christmas at Timms Mill, 150 Timms Mill Road, Pendleton; this is a free event with horseback rides for the kids, free grits samples and hot apple cider and music by Tugalo Holler.

DEC. 5

Walhalla Tour of Homes, 1-5 p.m.; visit www. facebook.com/mainstreetwalhalla/about for more information.

DEC. 7

Clemson Christmas parade, 5 p.m.

DEC. 10

Second Shift in Walhalla takes on a totally Christmas theme with a visit from Santa, storefront open houses, luminaries, carolers, cookies and much, much more; 4-8 p.m.

DEC. 11

Walhalla Tour of Churches, 5-8 p.m.; visit www.facebook.com/mainstreetwalhalla/about for more information.

1st Annual “Cat Daddy” Battle of The Borders Hosted by The Fishing Hole; Lake Hartwell event features two-person teams only, unlimited rods, 3-fish total; registration and weigh-in at The Fishing Hole, 590 JP Stevens Road, Seneca, beginning at 5 a.m.; poles in the water 7 a.m.; for more information: allevents.in/seneca/ nega-cat-daddy-tx-series-1st-annual-cat-daddybattle-of-the-borders

DEC. 17

Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents A John Denver Christmas with Chris Collins & Boulder Canyon. They will be performing many of John Denver’s famous hits, along with his music of the season and some traditional holiday favorites; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com.

DEC. 18

A seasonal musical tradition at Hagood Mill is the Ed Harrison Memorial Celtic Christmas program. A variety of folklife and traditional arts demonstrations will also be taking place, the mill will be running, and holiday grits will be grinding. Hagood Mill is located at 138 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens; for more information, visit: www.hagoodmillhistoricsite.com

Littlejohn Community Center presents a Cowboy Christmas at T. Ed Garrison Expo Center, 7-11 p.m.; featuring music by Dominique Hammons and The Company Band, food trucks and a cash bar; tickets can be purchased online at: cowboychristmas@eventbrite.com

THRU JAN. 2

In-person Gingerbread Display will be open for public viewing at The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC; for more information, visit: omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park

JAN. 11

Duke Energy hosts an evening virtual Nuclear Science Merit Badge course for Scouts. More information is available at duke-energy.com/ worldofenergy.

JAN. 21

Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents Balsam Range, which, over 14 years has risen into the upper echelon as one of the marquee acts in the national and international bluegrass scene; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com.

JAN. 22

Seneca hosts The Snowbird Challenge featuring the Snowbird 50k, Frozen Full marathon, Hibernate Half marathon, Reindeer Relay and the Toboggan Trot; registration from 8 a.m. to noon at the Seneca Recreation Dept., 698 W. South 4th St.; register online at: www.bikesignup.com/ Race/Events/SC/Seneca/SnowBirdChallenge than & Trisha Hawley; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com

JAN. 25

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, Clemson University presents The Polish Wieniawski Philharmonic Orchestra. Founded in December 1944, the orchestra has performed throughout the world, acclaimed by both critics and audiences; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets contact the box office at nmartin@clemson.edu or call 864.656.7787.

JAN. 27

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, Clemson University presents Nobuntu, an a cappella quintet from Zimbabwe that has drawn international acclaim for its inventive performances that range from traditional Zimbabwean songs to Afro-jazz, to gospel; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets contact the box office at nmartin@clemson. edu or call 864.656.7787.

JAN. 28

Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents the Reep and Reno Comedy Hour. Reno Collier is a stand-up comedian who gained celebrity as the opening act for Larry the Cable Guy and with his own Comedy Central Presents specials; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com

JAN. 29

Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents End of the Line, a tribute to the music and improvisatory spirit of The Allman Brothers Band; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com

JAN. 30

Smokey & Me: A Celebration of Smokey Robinson is perfectly and uncannily captured by Charl Brown who won a Tony nomination for his portrayal of Smokey in Motown: The Musical. Now he brings his talents to the Walhalla Performing Arts Center; 7 p.m.; for tickets or more information, visit: www.walhallapac.com/contact

FEB. 4

Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents Sister Hazel, five gifted, seasoned musicians whose well-spring of natural talent has been called “one of the Top 100 Most Influential Independent Performers of the last 15 years”; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com

FEB. 7

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, Clemson University, presents Cirque Mechanics. Although inspired by the modern circus, this show finds its roots in the mechanical and its heart in

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the stories of American ingenuity. Birdhouse Factory is a nostalgic tale set in a 1930s Depression-era factory; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets contact the box office at nmartin@clemson.edu or call 864.656.7787.

FEB. 11

Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents Stayin’ Alive, the quintessential tribute to the Bee Gees, offering the songs and sights of a full Bee Gees playlist; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com

FEB. 12

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, Clemson University, presents the Grammy-nominated wind quintet Imani Winds, which has forged its own path through the international classical musical world with dynamic performances, culturally poignant programming and imaginative collaborations; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets contact the box office at nmartin@clemson.edu or call 864.656.7787.

Settle back into the sounds of yesterday as The Malpass Brothers bring their classic country sounds to Walhalla Performing Arts Center; 7:30 p.m.; for ticket or more information, visit: www.walhallapac.com/contact

FEB. 17

Tapestry: Tribute to Carole King faithfully recreates the glorious sound of a Carole King concert, which will leave you with memories of the great music she wrote and recorded. Event begins at 7 p.m. at the Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St.; for more information visit: www.walhallapac.com

FEB. 19

Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents The Lettermen — Donovan Tea, Bobby Poynton, and Rob Gulack — who have created an awardwinning three-part harmony over five decades and 75 albums; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com

Upcountry South Carolina is a historical Mecca for the Blues, and it has been cold and bleak outside, so to heat up things this Valentine’s Weekend, come out for a day of fun with that special someone as the Hagood Mill presents “Deep Winter Blues.” Hagood Mill is at 138 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens; the site is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; for more information, visit: www.hagoodmillhistoricsite.com

MARCH 4

Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents the Bellamy Brothers — The Love Still Flows; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com

MARCH 8

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, Clemson University, presents Hanzhi Wang on accordion and Steven Banks on saxophone; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets contact the box office at nmartin@clemson.edu or call 864.656.7787.

MARCH 11 & 12

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, Clemson University, presents the first Clemson Guitar Festival featuring Christopher Berg and Hiroya Tsukamoto on the first evening and Molly Tuttle on the second evening; this event highlights the instrument in a variety of styles from classical to finger style to singer songwriter; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets contact the box office at nmartin@clemson.edu or call 864.656.7787.

Dill Falls

Some falls are just built to be viewed when the water is really flowing. In the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, that’s spring. So, you might want to put Dill Falls in your pocket and put a note on your calendar to revisit this suggestion come April.

In fact, getting to Dill Falls in the winter is nearly impossible unless, of course, you’re into adventure hiking. The problem is that FS4663B is usually closed in the winter, leaving you with an uncharted half-mile trek. When the time comes, however, Dill Falls will be worth the wait. It is a 50foot waterfall in Nantahala National Forest in Jackson County. It’s a short hike from the road — and you can see both Upper and Lower Dill Falls on Tanasee Creek via two different trails (one-mile roundtrip) from the same parking spot. It’s one of many waterfalls along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway.

From the intersection of NC Hwy 215 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, go south on NC 215 for 2.6 miles to FS4663. The road should be signed, but there are no signs pointing to Dill Falls. Follow FS4663 for just under two miles to the aforementioned FS4663B on the left. Go another half a mile to the end. This is the road that is usually closed during the winter months.

Park at the wide spot at the end of the road. Two old logging roads lead downhill to the left and uphill to the right. The U.S. Forest Service has dug out big holes at the start of these trails to keep out vehicles, but the downhill road has a side trail that goes around the cratered road. Dill Falls is a quarter mile on the downhill trail, which is easy to follow, arriving at the base of the waterfall. You can walk up on some boulders for a closer look. It’s a beautiful setting, so take some time to soak it in.

Since there are no signs for this waterfall, you will often be there by yourself.

UPPER DILL FALLS

Hike uphill back to your car and turn left to head up the mountain about 1/4 mile to Upper Dils Falls. It’s not as tall, but just as beautiful, tucked into a lush cove. To reach the base of the falls, look for a side trail on the left with a couple of ribbons tied on trees. It’s before you reach the falls.

LOCATION

In the Nantahala National Forest, about 4 miles off NC US Highway 215. Roundtrip Distance: 0.5 Miles Handicap Accessible: No Difficulty: Easy