South Carolina Living May 2017

CHANGE OUT

SPECIAL REPORT

MAY 2017

OUR STATE OF (NOT SO GREAT)

HEALTH

Five killer diseases and how to thwart them

SC SC E N E

Into the woods SC R E C I PE

Rookie cooking

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THE MAGAZINE FOR COOPERATIVE MEMBERS Vol. 71 • No. 5 (ISSN 0047-486X, USPS 316-240) Read in more than 573,000 homes and businesses and published monthly except in December by The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. 808 Knox Abbott Drive Cayce, SC 29033

MAY 2017 • VOLUME 71, NUMBER 5

Tel: (803) 926-3 1 75 Fax: (803) 796-6064 Email: letters@scliving.coop EDITOR

Keith Phillips ASSISTANT EDITOR

Diane Veto Parham FIELD EDITOR

Walter Allread PUBLICATION COORDINATOR

Travis Ward

ART DIRECTOR

Sharri Harris Wolfgang DESIGNER

FEATURE

16 A state of

Susan Collins PRODUCTION

Andrew Chapman

poor health

WEB EDITOR

Van O’Cain COPY EDITOR

South Carolina remains one of the least healthy states in the nation. But there is hope. Discover how to thwart the state’s five deadliest medical conditions.

Susan Scott Soyars CONTRIBUTORS

PUBLISHER

Lou Green ADVERTISING

Mary Watts Tel: (803) 739-5074 Email: ads@scliving.coop NATIONAL REPRESENTATION

Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.

If you encounter a difficulty with an advertisement, inform the Editor.

ADDRESS CHANGES: Please send

to your local co-op. Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to Address Change, c/o the address above.

Periodicals postage paid at Columbia, S.C., and additional mailing offices. © COPYRIGHT 201 7. The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. No portion of South Carolina Living may be reproduced without permission of the Editor.

6 ON THE AGENDA

Set sail for the Holy City and Tall Ships Charleston. Plus: Simple steps to prevent hackers from taking control of your home’s internet-connected devices.

POWER USER DIALOGUE

10 Fighting addiction

A growing number of teens and young adults struggle with addiction to powerful prescription opiates and heroin.

Learn how our state’s colleges are mobilizing to reverse this trend.

ENERGY Q&A

12 Looking into new windows

While insulated windows can improve the look and resale value of a home, they don’t do much to boost overall efficiency. Learn what to do before making a big investment.

SMART CHOICE

14 Kitchen companions

Whether you love to cook, hate to cook or just have to cook, these tools can make your life in the kitchen a whole lot easier.

Member of the NCM network of publications, reaching more than 7 million homes and businesses

SC LIFE STORIES

21 Her life is a zoo

Animal keeper Alyson Goodwin’s job comes with some big responsibilities—8,000-pound elephants, 1,500-pound giraffes and a 563-pound sea lion, to name just a few.

SCENE

28

22 Into the woods

If you were stranded in the woods with no car, no phone and no flashlight, would you have the skills to survive?

TRAVELS

28 Lost in the lilies

Grab your paddle and kayak down the Catawba River for a visit to the world’s largest colony of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies.

RECIPE

30 Rookie cooking

No more excuses. With Chef Belinda’s menu of delicious starter recipes, anyone can make a satisfying, home-cooked meal.

GINA MOORE

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING is brought to you by your member-owned, taxpaying, not-for-profit electric cooperative to inform you about your cooperative, wise energy use and the faces and places that identify the Palmetto State. Electric cooperatives are South Carolina’s — and America’s — largest utility network.

Cooperative news

CARROLL FOSTER

National Country Market Tel: (800) NCM-1181

4 CO-OP CONNECTION

30

HUMOR ME

38 Cougar spotted at the shelter Dark, dreamy eyes and a body that begs to be cuddled.

For humor columnist Jan A. Igoe, it adds up to a serious case of puppy love.

34 MARKETPLACE 36 SC EVENTS

SPECIAL REPORT

OUR STATE OF (NOT SO GREAT) MAY 2017

Bonnie Aleman, Jayne Cannon, Mike Couick, Amy L. Dabbs, Meghaan Evans, Hastings Hensel, Jan A. Igoe, Patrick Keegan, Thomas Kirk, Sydney Patterson, Belinda Smith-Sullivan, Paul Wesslund

HEALTH

Five killer diseases and how to thwart them

SC SC E N E

Into the woods SC R E C I PE

Rookie cooking

South Carolina’s health report is back, and the results aren’t pretty. Learn why we’re ranked as one of the nation’s least healthy states.

Photo illustration by Sharri Wolfgang.

On the Agenda For a listing p m co lete s, see of Event 6 page 3

Highlights

MAY 20–21 MAY 19–20

Aiken Garden Show

Go behind the gates of 10 private gardens in Aiken—some a century old—to get inspiring ideas for lush landscapes in your own garden. Along with garden tours, the show features acclaimed Bishopville topiary artist Pearl Fryar, a bonsai display, rose-competition arrangements, tips and demos from gardening experts, book signings, and box lunches at beautiful Banksia estate, home to Aiken County Historical Museum.

For details, visit aikengardenshow.org or call (803) 641‑6777.

Liberty or Death!

Historic Brattonsville, scene of a Patriot victory during the American Revolution, is no stranger to war.

This one-time reenactment event— “Liberty or Death! Revolutionary War in the Carolinas”—at the McConnells site puts a broader focus on three major battles. More than 300 reenactors, uniformed as American and British soldiers, will form infantry and cavalry regiments recreating battles, with cannonand musket-firing demonstrations, care of the wounded, field music, and sutlers with period goods.

For details, visit chmuseums.org/ event/2170 or call (803) 684‑2327.

JUNE 2–4

OPENING JUNE 10

Fifty years ago, Greenwood’s first floral festival showcased just the gardens at Park Seed Company. This year, the golden-anniversary event stretches from Uptown Greenwood to Lake Greenwood, including 43 whimsical topiary displays, garden tours, concerts around town, a Kidfest, a flotilla on the lake, beach dance, and arts and crafts.

Travel back thousands of years and experience the culture and lifestyle of South Carolina’s original inhabitants through this exhibit at Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage in Ridgeland.

Artifacts reveal how Native Americans formed societies and worked the land long ago.

On June 8, Thad Beckum of Beckum Outdoors will provide a look into Native American migration in our state, as well as tools, weapons and languages used by Lowcountry tribes.

South Carolina Festival of Flowers

For details, visit scfestivalofflowers.org or call (864) 223‑8431.

The First South Carolinians

For details, visit morrisheritagecenter.org or call (843) 284‑9227.

TOP PICK FOR KIDS MAY 18–21

Tall Ships Charleston

For details, visit tallshipscharleston.com or call (843) 693‑3331.

6

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | MAY 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

TALL SHIPS AMERICA

Adventures await for wannabe sailors, boat builders and pirates when an international assortment of tall ships arrives at the former Naval Base in North Charleston.

Limited tickets are available for ages 5 and up to ride along in the Parade of Sail on the Charleston waterfront or take day or evening Sail Away cruises. Weekend festivities include tours of docked ships, pirate camp, family boat-building challenges and a wooden boat show.

EMAIL COMMENTS, QUESTIONS AND STORY SUGGESTIONS TO LETTERS@SCLIVING.COOP

Securing the internet of things messages, the sites shut down for several hours in what is called a “denial of service” attack.

There are ways to reduce the risk of hackers hijacking your internetconnected devices, says Cynthia Hsu, cyber security program manager with NRECA.

IF YOU WANT TO SEE ONE OF

the biggest changes going on in the world today, look around your home.

Your smartphone, videogame system, security camera, fitness bracelet, thermostat and even your TV could be part of a vast, interconnected group of devices known as the internet of things.

The proliferation of connected devices can make life more convenient and fun, and even increase a home’s energy efficiency, but it also comes with security risks, says Tim Heidel, deputy chief scientist with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

“Once you have a critical mass, connected devices can then start communicating with each other,” Heidel says.

“All of this promises convenience and services, but in the pursuit of extremely low costs, sometimes there’s the opportunity to cut corners on security.”

A stunning example of security problems with the internet of things happened on Oct. 21, 2016, when hackers crashed dozens of U.S. websites—including Twitter and Netflix—for most of a day. Cybercriminals searched the internet for vulnerable home devices, taking control of hundreds of thousands of home routers, baby monitors, printers and network-enabled cameras. Using that “botnet,” the hackers flooded popular websites with so many

DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

“Understand what you’re buying,” Hsu says. “If you have a choice between two vendors and one takes security seriously and the other doesn’t, use your money to buy a product that takes security seriously. If consumers are not willing to pay for security, the manu­ facturers have no incentive to build it.”

KEEP ROUTER SOFTWARE CURRENT. “The criminal element is rapidly escalating the innovation of new ways of attack,” she says. “If you have a router for wireless internet in your home, make sure you patch your router’s software whenever security updates are available, so it’s protected as new vulnerabilities are discovered.”

UPDATE PASSWORDS. Install firewalls in your home network, and always change the default passwords in any connected devices you purchase.

UNPLUG. Disconnect gadgets when they’re not being used, she advises. “Not everything needs to be plugged into the internet all the time.” —PAUL WESSLUND

EFFICIENCY TIPS FOR OUTDOOR SHOPS AND BARNS Building or renovating an outdoor shop or barn? Use these tips to create a comfortable work space and keep utility bills low.

Replace indoor lighting with energyefficient LED bulbs. LEDs last longer than all other styles of bulbs, and they use a fraction of the electricity.

Insulate. Insulation is graded by its “R-value”—the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. If you live

in a mild climate, such as South Carolina, experts recommend insulating material with a minimum grade of R-38.

Plant trees around your metal shed or barn. Trees act as a windbreak in winter, and their shade has a natural cooling effect in summer that can reduce temperatures in your building 3 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Consider adding a ceiling fan to circulate air. Typically, there is a 2-degree

Fahrenheit temperature increase for every 1-foot increase in ceiling height.

A ceiling fan can help keep warm air close to the ground in the winter and circulate fresher, cooler air in the summer. —MEGHAAN EVANS

SCLIVING.COOP | MAY 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

7

On the Agenda

All aboard the electric bus ELECTRIC VEHICLES ARE ­R EVVING

O N LY O N

able, set routes, so it’s easy to plan around battery-range limitations. They also have long idle periods, typically at night, that are perfect for recharging. The large vehicles also have plenty of room for immense battery packs.

Proterra’s Catalyst E2 bus debuted last year and can carry a 660-kilowatt-hour battery the size of a twin mattress, giving it a range of 350 miles. For comparison, the latest Tesla Model S sedan gets 315 miles per charge of its 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack.

SCLiving.coop

BONUS VIDEO Quick-fry chicken. Get your chicken fix in this simple skillet-fried version, topped with a lemon-butter sauce, at SCLiving.coop/food/chefbelinda.

BONUS STORY Window dressing. Spruce up your home with expert tips for planting colorful window boxes.

I NTERACTIVE FEATURES Win a $100 gift card. Don’t miss your chance to win big in this month’s Reader Reply Travel Sweepstakes. Four lucky readers will be drawn at random to receive a $100 gift card. If you want to be one of them, register by May 31 at SCLiving.coop/reader-reply.

8

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | MAY 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

PROTERRA

up, with more than half a million electric cars on the road, and m ­ anufacturers are now turning their attention to a new market—electric buses. Several c­ ompanies, including Proterra (which assembles buses in Green­ ville), GreenPower Bus, eBus and Lion Bus, are competing to build the next generation of cleaner, greener public transportation.

Buses may seem like an odd choice for ­innovation, but they make ideal electric vehicles. Buses have predict-

Consumers can expect to see more electric buses like the Proterra Catalyst on the road as battery prices fall, making these quiet, environmentally friendly vehicles a cost-effective choice for public transportation.

Electric buses emit no pollution or greenhouse gases, and the state of Massachusetts estimates that switching from diesel to electric power will reduce that state’s vehicle carbon-dioxide emissions by more than 70 percent. Another benefit of electric buses is that they run quietly, contributing less noise pollution to the streets they travel.

However, electric buses still have a challenging road in front of them. They currently cost about two to three times as much as a similarly sized diesel bus. The Proterra

Catalyst E2 bus unsubsidized retails for $799,000, while electric school buses from Lion Bus cost between $200,000 and $300,000.

Several large cities, including Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Miami, have already launched pilot programs with electric buses, and Proterra is planning to triple production this year from 30 buses to 90.

While that might not sound like much, battery costs are falling rapidly, which will make electric buses a viable transit choice for more cities, towns and school districts.

—THOMAS KIRK

GONE FISHIN’ The Vektor Fish & Game Forecast provides feeding and migration times. Major periods can bracket the peak by an hour. Minor peaks, ½ hour before and after.

Minor

MAY

17 8:52 18 11:07 19 9:07 20 9:37 21 3:37 22 4:07 23 4:37 24 — 25 — 26 1:22 27 2:07 28 2:52 29 3:52 30 5:22 31 7:07

AM Major

Minor

PM Major

12:52 — 5:07 1:37 — 6:22 2:22 1:37 7:52 2:52 3:22 9:07 10:07 10:07 4:37 10:52 10:52 5:22 11:22 11:52 6:22 5:07 7:07 12:07 5:52 8:07 12:52 6:22 8:52 1:37 7:07 9:37 2:22 7:37 10:37 3:07 8:22 11:37 3:52 9:22 12:37 4:52 10:52 — 5:52

Minor

JUNE

AM Major

Minor

PM Major

1 8:22 1:37 1:07 7:07 2 9:22 2:22 2:52 8:22 3 2:52 10:07 4:07 9:22 4 3:22 10:37 10:07 5:07 5 3:52 11:07 10:52 5:52 6 4:22 11:37 11:22 6:37 7 — 4:52 7:07 12:07 8 — 5:22 7:52 12:37 9 — 5:37 8:22 1:07 10 1:22 6:07 9:07 1:37 11 1:52 6:37 9:37 2:07 12 2:37 7:07 10:22 2:37 13 3:22 7:37 10:52 3:07 14 4:22 8:22 11:37 3:52 15 5:37 9:22 12:22 4:37 16 11:07 7:07 — 5:37

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SCLIVING.COOP | MAY 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

9

Dialogue

Fighting addiction of connection in breaking addiction and, in 2016, created the state’s first collegiate recovery program (CRP). This now. But clip and save it for later, because, according to program provides a structured, healthy community where the hard statistics about addiction, there’s a good chance students recovering from addiction can grow and succeed that someone you know will, at some point, be affected together in an alcohol- and drug-free environment. At a by substance abuse. stage of life when many students are removed from their XX The U.S. experienced a record number of fatal drug home support networks, it provides a safe place of refuge overdoses in 2014—nearly 50,000. Opioids, which and connection. Students involved in CRPs tend to have include both prescription pain relievers and heroin, higher grade-point averages and higher graduation rates accounted for 61 percent of cases. The number of than their peers. More important, relapse rates are only overdose-related deaths is now 1.5 times greater than about 8 percent. It’s easy to see why auto fatalities. more than 130 universities across XX An estimated 1.3 million adolesGet help with addiction the country have similar programs. cents aged 12 to 17 experienced For anyone struggling with addiction, the To learn more about the College of a substance-use disorder in 2014, S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other Charleston CRP, contact W. Wood which represents about 1 in 20 of Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) can help.

Marchant III at (843) 953‑6630 or all teens.

The agency coordinates local substancemarchantww@cofc.edu.

XX In the 18-to-24 age group, about abuse agencies that provide prevention, Epidemics don’t come with easy 7,000 South Carolina adolescents treatment and recovery services. Call solutions, but while task forces and enter addiction-rehabilitation (803) 896‑5555 or visit daodas.sc.gov. coalitions work to address this crisis programs each year. on a national scale, members of local With each report of the growing communities can draw closer together, making it harder opioid epidemic on the nightly news, we’re learning that for individuals to fall through the cracks. Shoo the kids drug addiction isn’t just on the mean streets of far-off to play outside where they can ride bikes and build cities. It’s also quietly happening in homes that look just forts, developing the skills and resilience that come from like ours. Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It cuts across all skinned knees and working together. The adults can chat demographics: rich, poor, old, young, black, white, rural on their porches and check in on Mrs. So-and-So down the and urban. street after that hard fall she took last week.

More than 700 South Carolinians died from overdoses Connections provide accountability and support the in 2014, each one of them a tragic loss to their grieving kind of relationships that are key to long-term indepenfamilies. Referring to the increase in opioid and heroin abuse in Charleston County since 2014, coroner Rae dence from substance abuse. They also create happier Wooten says, “It’s our young athlete, it’s our housewife, communities we can proudly call home. it’s our businessman, it’s our father of three.”

Thanks to all of you who have reached out to These days, so many neighborhoods and towns have share your stories about local solutions to our state’s retreated into more solitary patterns of living. We see biggest problems. Please continue to write me at fewer kids on their bikes up and down the street, fewer connections@ecsc.org, or Connections, 808 Knox folks on front porches at the golden hour at dusk, and Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033, and turn to this page in more people keeping company with the bluish glow of the future issues as we celebrate the power of community latest iPhone. This kind of living is not only less sociable, connections. it also breeds the kind of loneliness and isolation that can contribute to drug dependence.

The antidote to drug addiction is community. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, one of the key components to support a life in recovery is having relationships and social networks that provide friendship and hope.

MIKE COUICK President and CEO, The College of Charleston understands the importance The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina MANY OF YOU DO NOT NEED TO READ THIS COLUMN RIGHT

10

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | MAY 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

EMPOWERING VISION By combining our low-cost, reliable energy and diverse property portfolio with South Carolina’s low cost of doing business, creative incentive packages and unparalleled quality of life, Santee Cooper, working with the South Carolina Power Team and the state’s electric cooperatives, continues to help new businesses picture a better future – and continues to power South Carolina toward Brighter Tomorrows, Today.

www.scpowerteam.com • www.santeecooper.com

EnergyQ&A

BY PATRICK KEEGAN

Looking into new windows

Q

We recently bought a home with windows from the 1960s that are drafty. We’d like to replace them with energy-efficient windows. Can you offer any tips?

A

12

WEATHERSHIELD

Replacing your windows is often the most costly and least cost-effective energy-efficiency investment you can make. But there are reasons besides energy efficiency to invest in new windows, such as comfort, resale value and aesthetics.

Think about your goals. If reducing your energy costs is important, weigh an investment in new windows against other energy-efficiency ­opportunities.

An energy audit by a qualified auditor (resnet.us) will help you determine how leaky your windows are and compare your options.

Some windows, even old ones, are not as leaky as you might think. You may have more significant air-leakage problems elsewhere in the home.

There may be options for ­reducing heat loss through your windows without replacing them, such as storm windows or window coverings.

Are you happy with the number, size and location of your windows?

You may want to increase or decrease the size of a window or replace a window with an exterior door.

Sometimes, these types of changes are quite affordable; however, the cost can be much greater if significant changes to wall framing are required.

When considering whether to add windows, remember that even very efficient ones are much less ­effective insulators than a home’s exterior walls, which means they will be colder to the touch than the wall in the winter. Depending on orientation and shading, windows can let in too much direct sun in the summer,

Double-hung windows have hidden latches that allow each sash to be tilted in for easy cleaning.

driving up indoor temperatures and air-­conditioning costs.

Window buyers have a number of choices to make. Double-pane windows are necessary to meet code for most applications, but the additional cost for triple-pane windows could be worth the investment if you live in an area with extreme temperatures. Argon or krypton gas between the panes adds a little more efficiency.

A common option that can be well worth the investment is a low-­emissivity coating added to the glass. The most important benefit of this “low-e” coating is its ability to reflect heat back into the interior space, which reduces heating bills and increases comfort. These coatings reduce solar heat gain as well, which can help with air-­conditioning costs.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | MAY 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

Window frames can be made of wood, composite materials, fiberglass, aluminum or vinyl. Each has pluses and minuses in terms of cost, maintenance, durability and energy efficiency.

Fortunately, windows are rated for energy efficiency, so you don’t need to know all the details about their construction. The most important indicator of a window’s energy efficiency is the U-factor, which measures the rate the entire window loses heat. Lower U-factors are more efficient. The window framing material, the number of layers of glass and the special coatings on the glass all contribute to the U-factor. In more extreme climates, it makes sense to have more efficient windows.

Another indicator to look for is the Energy Star label. Only windows that are substantially more efficient than the code requires receive the Energy Star label. The Energy Star website (energystar.gov), maintained by the U.S. Department of Energy, has a ­climate-zone map and a list of windows, doors and skylights that qualify for the Energy Star label.

Work with a professional installer.

Poor installation can result in longterm damage, including moisture problems that can create mold, mildew and rot in the wall, prevent the window from operating properly or cause paint to peel.

Bids for new windows vary a great deal. Request more than one, and compare qualifications as well as price for windows that will change the look and comfort of your home for years to come.

Send questions to Energy Q&A, South Carolina Living, 808 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033, email energyqa@scliving.coop or fax (803) 739-3041.

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SmartChoice

BY JAYNE CANNON

Whether you love to cook , hate to cook or just ha ve to cook, your life in the kitchen is easier when yo u find the right to ols.

Kitchen companions MIX IT UP

INSIDE JOB A mega-mixer is a must for thick batters, but what if you just need to smooth the lumps out of a sauce? For small-batch blending, consider the KitchenAid 2-Speed Hand Blender. A 5-foot cord lets you use the blender right in the pot, or use the 3-cup jar that comes with it. The stainless-steel shaft is removable for easy cleaning. $60. (800) 541‑6390; macys.com.

SMOOTHIE OPERATOR If you’re a bleary-eyed morning smoothie maker, you want to do as little chopping as possible. With the Vitamix Ascent 3300, throw those frozen, unpeeled, uncored fruits and vegetables in, and they turn into a lump-free liquid treat. The unit is programmable, so you can save your settings and blend favorites at the touch of a button. $450. (800) 848‑2649; vitamix.com.

GROUNDS KEEPERS BE YOUR OWN BARISTA Create your own caffeinated concoction and save a stop on the way to work with the Ninja Coffee Bar. Choices range from a classic brew to iced coffee or specialty drinks; you choose the strength. The Ninja’s thermal carafe keeps drinks hot for up to two hours, or you can brew a single cup and be on your way. The included Easy Frother adds a creamy top. $180. (866) 235‑5443; belk.com.

MULTIPLE CHOICE Dad is devoted to his K-cups; Mom loves her tea bags. Bunn has come up with a truce for the beverage wars: the MCU My Cafe Single Cup Multi-Use Coffee Brewer. Using an interchangeable tray system, this machine can deliver a cup brewed from ground coffee, loose tea, prefilled pods or tea bags in less than a minute. $160. (800) 466‑3337; homedepot.com.

RISE AND SHINE

UNDER PRESSURE

BELGIAN BONUS What’s better than sharing a breakfast of piping hot waffles with deep pockets to hold extra syrup? With the Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker, you and your breakfast companion can eat together—a treat for every cook who has had to serve others, then eat alone. And should you wander away, this waffle maker plays an audio tune to signal that your waffle is ready. $100. (800) 726‑0190; cuisinart.com.

MULTI-TASKER Push a few buttons and dinner is done with the Fagor Lux MultiCooker. It cuts cooking time and can steam, saute, slow cook, make rice and yogurt, and keep food warm until you’re ready to eat. $140.

(877) 812‑6235; williams-sonoma.com.

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The viewing window lets you watch as your bread browns, and the wide, single slot lets you think outside the breadbox to toast odd shapes. A reheat feature keeps neglected toast butter-ready. $50.

(855) 564‑5705; kohls.com.

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SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | MAY 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

SET IT AND FORGET IT Remember the pressure cooker that hissed and rattled on Grandma’s stove? It cooked potatoes in a flash, but everyone was afraid to get near it. Breville’s Fast Slow Pro Pressure Cooker is an easier breed. It has 11 food-specific settings, plus a custom setting when you want to follow your own path. Steam releases automatically—quick or slow, as you choose, and it keeps food warm without a single hiss or rattle. $250.

(877) 812‑6235; williams-sonoma.com.

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A STATE OF

16

poor health

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | MAY 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

SPECIAL REPORT

South Carolina remains one of the least healthy states in the nation

BY DIANE VETO PARHAM

Even though his father had a history of heart attacks, Drexell Turner Jr. never expected to have heart trouble. He wasn’t overweight. Sure, his desk job kept him sitting most of the day, but he stayed active with yard work at home.

Occasionally, he got tired or short of breath; nothing that worried him.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SHARRI WOLFGANG

The best advice for dealing with heart disease is to do everything possible to prevent yourself from getting it, interventional cardiologist Dr. Alan Blaker says.

“Once you have heart disease, you always have it,” says Blaker, executive medical director of the McLeod Heart and Vascular Institute in Florence. “From then on, you are managing it and trying to live with it.”

Though many people think of cardiovascular disease

HEALTHY STEPS Drexell Turner Jr. committed to a healthier lifestyle after his heart surgery. He watches what he eats and exercises three days a week at McLeod Health & Fitness Center in Florence.

MILTON MORRIS

Then medical tests revealed extensive blockages in the arteries around his heart, including one nearly 90 percent blocked. Turner learned he’d need open heart surgery—the sooner, the better. Ten years later, thanks to that intervention and some changes in his exercise and eating habits, the 68-year-old Florence man lives to tell the tale.

Cardiovascular problems like Turner’s are all too common in South Carolina, where heart disease is one of the leading causes of death. It’s also one of the most critical health issues keeping South Carolina near the bottom of the list in the 2016 America’s Health Rankings Annual Report, a state-by-state health assessment compiled by the nonprofit United Health Foundation.

On the upside, the report shows that South Carolina’s health isn’t getting any worse. For three years in a row, the Palmetto State’s rank, as compared to other states, has held steady.

On the downside, that rank is still 42nd, one of the worst. Entrenched among the country’s least healthy states, most of them clustered in the Deep South, South Carolina is not, on average, getting any healthier. We still eat poorly, exercise too little, smoke too much and avoid health checkups. As a result, many South Carolinians are battling serious challenges to their health, chiefly cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, smoking and cancer.

Here’s a closer look at those five health issues, with tips on what to do to improve your own health. To read the full 2016 AHR report, visit SCLiving.coop/health.

as blocked arteries and heart attacks, it also encompasses heart malfunctions such as congestive heart failure, valvular disease and arrhythmia, he says. The dangers associated with the disease include death, heart attack and debilitating illness, as well as lengthy hospitalizations, costly medications, reduced ability to work and possibly a less active lifestyle.

But most of the risk factors that lead to cardiovascular disease can be controlled, Blaker says.

One of those is smoking. “Smoking leads to more incidences of coronary artery disease and death due to heart attack,” he says. u u SCLIVING.COOP | MAY 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

17

HEART MONITOR Dr. Alan Blaker, executive medical director of McLeod Heart and Vascular Institute in Florence, listens to Drexell Turner’s heart during an office visit. Blaker encourages patients to get regular checkups to monitor their health.

seniors

Senior citizens in South Carolina seem to be a bit healthier than the general population, compared to the rest of the nation. Looking at health measures geared to seniors, the 2016 America’s Health Rankings Senior Report gave South Carolina a rank of 34th for senior health, compared to the state’s general rank of 42nd.

But over the next 15 years, that may change. The state’s senior population is projected to grow by 53 percent by 2030, as more baby boomers age into senior status. And those currently middle-aged South Carolinians will bring into their senior years higher rates of obesity and diabetes, straining the health-care system, since people 65 and older tend to have more healthcare needs, AHR notes.

“As a geriatrician, I see certain health conditions ‘snowball’ as people age—that is, smaller problems in middle age can get much larger and more complicated, affecting overall health more as we age,” says Rhonda Randall, senior advisor to United Health Foundation, which produces the AHR report, and chief medical officer and executive vice president at UnitedHealthCare Retiree Solutions.

Positive notes for S.C. seniors include the state’s high marks for seniors living in less-restrictive environments, relying on community-based meal-delivery and transportation programs, as well as in-home visits from health aides for the assistance they need.

But challenges remain, many related to nutrition. Our state is among the worst for food insecurity, often due to limited mobility or lack of community access to food, poor foodmanagement skills and poverty. Hunger, poor nutrition and health complications are the results. South Carolina also ranks poorly for underweight seniors, whose frailty requires more care-giving and puts them at greater risk of illness and death.

“We must work together—across states, communities and the public health sector—to find ways to continue improving delivery of care to seniors and encourage wellness and health among both current and future seniors,” Randall says.

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SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | MAY 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

MILTON MORRIS

THE HEALTH OUTLOOK FOR

A high-fat diet—common in the South—contributes to obesity and diabetes, two more risk factors for developing heart disease.

A fourth risk factor cannot be controlled, Blaker says— that’s a family history of heart disease. People who know heart disease runs in their family should take extra care to reduce the other risk factors by managing their weight, blood pressure and diabetes and not smoking.

“The problem is you don’t feel it until something happens,” he says of ignoring the risks. Symptoms like chest pressure or discomfort and shortness of breath can indicate artery blockages and may be precursors of heart attacks.

But blockages can grow to be extensive before a person notices problems.

Having been surprised by his arterial blockages, Drexell Turner now does everything he can to stay healthy, faithfully exercising three mornings a week at McLeod Health & Fitness Center and reading nutrition labels to make sure he’s eating a healthier diet.

“I think it took the medical intervention to make me change,” Turner says.

Regular checkups with a primary-care physician help people monitor their risks, Blaker says, and community health screenings and workplace health fairs can also identify risks before problems arise.

For men over 45 and women over 55 who have at least one other risk factor, Blaker recommends a short, painless calcium-scoring test, which can detect the beginnings of even minor blockages in arteries around the heart and alert you to the need for lifestyle changes.

DIABETES

South Carolina is home to a growing epidemic of this incurable, chronic disease— the seventh leading cause of death in the state, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

“A lot of it here has to do with the genetics, the ­ethnicity, the diet and the weight problems,” says Dr. Kathie Hermayer, chair of the Diabetes Initiative of South Carolina and director of the MUSC Diabetes Management Service in Charleston.

Family history is one risk factor for developing diabetes, a condition in which the body cannot properly process food into energy, creating excess blood sugar. African-American and Hispanic populations tend to be at higher risk, as do people who are overweight or have high blood pressure, those who are physically inactive, and women who experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy, Hermayer says.

Weight is a significant factor—four of five adults with diabetes are overweight or obese. Losing even 5 to 7 percent of your body weight can reduce the risk of developing diabetes, Hermayer says.

People with prediabetes—a higher-than-normal level of blood sugar, not yet high enough for a diabetes

diagnosis—are also at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, or loss of toes, feet or legs.

“Start testing at age 45, or sooner if you are overweight or have other risk factors,” Hermayer says. Anyone with a family history of diabetes or a diagnosis of prediabetes should meet regularly with a primary-care physician for blood tests that monitor any progression into diabetes.

“You are the director over your own health,” says Florene Linnen, 74, a longtime community advocate for diabetes education who has lived with diabetes for three decades. She helped establish Georgetown County Diabetes CORE Group to teach others how to manage the disease.

After learning how to read grocery labels, cook healthier, exercise and monitor their blood sugar, “people are managing it better here now,” the Santee Electric Cooperative member says.

Prevention is the best defense against diabetes. The National Diabetes Prevention Program, online at cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention, offers links to lifestyle-change programs in your area that teach ways to reduce risks by eating healthier, incorporating more activity into your schedule and improving overall health.

OBESITY

BY THE NUMBERS

SOUTH CAROLINA

health stats

42nd

South Carolina’s overall health rank among states, according to 2016 America’s Health Rankings Annual Report

39th

South Carolina’s rank for the health of women and children

34th

South Carolina’s rank for senior health

31.7

Percent of S.C. adults reported as obese

26.7

Percent of S.C. adults who are physically inactive

19.7

Percent of S.C. adults who smoke

11.8

Percent of S.C. adults with diabetes

9.4

notes, obesity is the second-leading cause of preventable death; smoking is number one.

Two key behaviors contribute to the state’s obesity numbers, Allen says. One is a sedentary lifestyle, common for people who sit behind desks at work or in front of TVs and electronic devices at home. To combat that, people need to incorporate more activity into their daily lives.

“There are data that show spending a lot of time sitting is as bad for your health as smoking,” Allen says.

Another factor is frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, like sweet tea and soda, which offer no nutritional value but contribute to weight gain, she says.

Cutting back starts as simply as substituting one sugary drink a day with water, then steadily decreasing those drinks in your diet.

“You don’t wake up one morning and you’re obese; it’s a series of small decisions,” Allen says. “Reversing that process is all about small steps leading to a healthy lifestyle.”

For those looking to make small changes toward getting the weight off, Allen recommends two online guides: letsgosc.org: Type in your ZIP code

to find a map to walking trails, public parks, farmers markets and other healthy resources near you.

choosemyplate.gov: This interactive

website from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is packed with online tools for choosing and tracking healthy eating and exercise options.

It’s not unusual to Percent of low-birthweight babies find South Carolina (ranked 46th in U.S.) scoring poorly in obesity assessments, SMOKING since it’s often ranked among the 10 most obese states, says Kelsey Allen, community coordinator for One bad habit South Carolinians seem Eat Smart Move More SC, a statewide nonprofit that works to be dropping is smoking. The percentto decrease obesity. age of adults in the state who smoke More alarming, Allen says, is that we are second in the decreased in the past year, from 21.5 to country for childhood obesity.

19.7 percent.

“The fact that we are seeing childhood obesity trends Before you start cheering, keep in mind that this mimics getting worse and worse means that we have a lot more a nationwide downward trend in smoking. Every state has work to do,” she says. “As your weight increases, your risk decreased its rate over the past four years. The problem of developing other health problems increases.” for South Carolina is we’re decreasing at a slower rate than Obesity is linked to multiple life-threatening health the national average. That’s why we still rank 37th for that problems, including diabetes, some cancers, high blood health risk. pressure, strokes and heart disease. As the AHR report And there are good reasons to work harder on quitting.

SCLIVING.COOP | MAY 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

19

“Smoking is the number-one cause of preventable disease and death in South Carolina,” says Megan Hicks, executive director of the S.C. Tobacco-Free Collaborative (SCTFC). Smoking and secondhand smoke contribute to a long list of other health issues, she notes—among them, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, respiratory problems and low-birthweight babies.

Together, smoking and secondhand smoke cause one in five deaths every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

A nonprofit that works in partnership with organizations statewide, SCTFC promotes efforts such as smoke-free communities and tobacco-cessation programs “to eliminate the toll of tobacco use” on South Carolina. In everything they do, Hicks says, they emphasize prevention—especially among youth.

“The younger you try it, the easier it is for you to become addicted,” she says. “There is no safe level of tobacco use or exposure to secondhand smoke.”

Just this year, she says, DHEC launched a new, socialmedia-heavy program called BackFireSC, targeting teens with messages about prevention and BackFireSC targets teens with ways to quit quitting. Links to teen-friendly smoking or avoid ever starting the habit. memes, videos and social media sites are at backfiresc.com.

For tobacco users who are ready to quit, Hicks recommends these resources: S.C. Tobacco Quitline: Available 24 hours a day, seven days

a week, at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784‑8669), Quitline offers free telephone counseling. Free nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) may be available for uninsured or underinsured callers. By combining NRT and phone counseling, smokers increase their chances of successfully quitting, Hicks says. To reach the online-support arm of this service, visit quitnow.net/southcarolina. smokefree.gov: This website offers multiple resources for

quitting, including free smartphone apps called QuitGuide

GET MORE at SCLiving.coop Health grades. Download the full 2016 America’s Health Rankings Annual Report at SCLiving.coop/health.

8 steps to better health. Healthier eating and more exercise are the keys to combating our state’s deadliest health conditions. Even small steps can help. Learn how to get started at SCLiving.coop/steps.

Medical help. Low-income residents can find affordable medical care at donor-supported clinics across the state. Find one near you at SCLiving.coop/directory-of-free-medical-clinics/.

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SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | MAY 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

and quitSTART that provide skill building and support for tobacco users trying to quit. The site also offers links to free text-messaging support programs tailored more specifically to teens, moms, veterans and Spanish speakers.

Local hospitals: Many hospitals across the state offer in-

person tobacco-cessation sessions. Contact the hospital in your area.

CANCER

About 24,000 South Carolinians a year develop some type of cancer. While modes of treatment and cure rates keep improving, there are still things people can do to both minimize their risks of developing certain cancers and maximize their chances for successful treatment when the threat arises.

The most common forms of cancer—breast, lung, prostate, colon—are impacted by behaviors people can control, says Dr. David Mahvi, chief of surgical oncology and director of the Oncology Integrated Center of Clinical Excellence at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston.

Tobacco use, alcohol abuse and obesity are all contributing factors for some cancers, Mahvi says, so making lifestyle changes to reduce those behaviors is a step toward reducing risk. Lung cancer rates have decreased, for example, as the number of people smoking has dropped, he says.

Making the choice to get regular health screenings, such as a mammogram, pap smear or colonoscopy, can reduce risks by identifying “things that are preventable, if we catch them early,” before a patient becomes symptomatic, Mahvi says.

One form of cancer that continues to increase is melanoma, despite the known risks from sun exposure.

Although it’s preventable, he says, many people do not make the choice to protect themselves from the severe sunburns that can lead to skin cancer years later. He recommends getting full-body skin exams from a primary-care physician to detect any melanoma in its early stages, when treatment involves minor surgery and before the condition grows more serious.

The best resource for prevention or early detection of cancer is regular care from your physician, Mahvi says.

Knowing your individual and family medical history, your doctor can better tailor screenings and recommend lifestyle changes for your health.

Symptoms that could indicate a cancer-related threat and that should prompt someone to seek medical attention include: u detecting a mass in the breast u finding a mole that looks unusual u finding blood in the urine or stools u a persistent cough, especially for smokers “Having a good advocate in your primary-care doctor is the best way to deal with it,” Mahvi says.

Stories

SC Life

Her life is a zoo

Visitors to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden may recognize Alyson Goodwin as one of the trainers who conduct the seal and sea lion demonstrations at the popular Columbia attraction, but what guests don’t see is how much work the energetic young animal keeper does behind the scenes.

By the time guests gather for the 10:30 a.m. show at Sea Lion Landing on a recent morning, Goodwin and her co-workers have already put in several hours catering to an array of exotic animals.

“Every day is different, which is what’s great about this job,” she says. “Today, I came in and fed the elephants, helped clean up their yard, and went over and trained giraffes. Then, I came up here to do a little cleaning before the show. After the show, I’ll go back down and start cleaning the barn. Then, in the afternoon, we have time for more training. It’s a very busy day.”

Goodwin works with some of the zoo’s largest animals. Baja, the biggest male sea lion, tips the scales at 563 pounds. The adult giraffes weigh more than 1,500 pounds, and the zoo’s adult elephants clock in at more than 8,000 pounds.

It can be “somewhat intimidating,” she admits, but she confidently performs her work with skill and compassion, in spite of occasional bumps, brushes and bruises.

“They’re big animals, whether they want to be or not,” she says as Charlie, an adult giraffe, drops his massive head on her shoulder, trying to reach Goodwin’s feed bucket. “Then you have the days when Charlie looks at you with that crooked lip, and all I can think is, ‘You’re adorable!’ ” “It is definitely a great job,” she says. “We do shovel poop and do all the not-fun stuff, but at the end of the day, I’m here to take care of the animals and make their life as good as possible, and that’s the best part of it.”

MIC SMITH

—KEITH PHILLIPS

Alyson Goodwin AGE:

28

West Columbia, by way of Bedford, Michigan OCCUPATION: Animal keeper at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden PROFESSIONAL GOAL: Promote habitat and wildlife conservation by sharing her expertise and passion for animals with thousands of zoo visitors each year. “I hope that they take away just how cool these animals are.”

AFTER WORK: She and her fiance tend to three dogs and one cat.

On days off, they enjoy traveling around South Carolina, exploring small towns.

ALMA MATER: Michigan State University. Goodwin graduated with a degree in zoology in 2010.

HOMETOWN:

SCLIVING.COOP | MAY 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

21

SCScene

Into the woods No car, no phone, no flashlight—no problem, if you’re trained in wilderness survival BY HASTINGS HENSEL | PHOTOS BY ANDREW HAWORTH

J

EVENING DEBRIEF Students and instructors at Trail Blazer Survival School gather around the fire pit to review the day’s lessons. Student Ricky Gardner (above) practices throwing a rabbit stake, a hand-carved hunting tool.

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SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | MAY 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

ust as the last daylight starts to fade in the west, I find myself alone in the woods.

Falling back on my training, I force myself to slow down—to observe, to plan, to run through my mental checklist.

First, I survey the area for a flat space between two trees. Next, I tie a taut line with parachute cord and set about pitching my lean-to tarp, hammered down by four wooden stakes I’ve carved with my knife. And then I go looking for a cedar tree. When I find one, I know to scrape its bark for fire tinder, which I spark with a small flintsparker called a ferro rod. The twigs hiss and crackle as I pile on the kindling, coaxing a small fire to life.

So far, I am meeting the “survival equation.” I have shelter. I have fire. I have packed in my water, as well as some dehydrated food that I prepare and eat as the sun drops down and a thin sliver of moon rises in the south.

Finally, I lie down beneath my tarp. But I can’t sleep. I keep thinking about something my instructor, Justin Williams,

‘ A lot of what we’re about here at Trail Blazer is not just self-reliance. It’s sustainability.’ — JUSTIN WILLIAMS, SURVIVAL INSTRUCTOR said during my first day of wilderness survival training.

“We all think, ‘Who wants to die?’ ” he says. “But the reality is, you get out there, and your comforts are taken away, your conveniences are removed, and the people around you who provide you that comfort and security … are taken away. You begin to isolate yourself and retreat within yourself. That’s when people begin to lose hope and give up the will to live.”

All around me, the night forest is creaking. What sounds like footsteps echo in the leaf litter. The fire has died down.

The night is dark. And sure enough, even though it’s only been a few hours, I can feel that isolation setting in.

Into the wild

In truth, my survival is not at stake, which makes my reaction all the more startling. I have voluntarily stranded myself in the woods as part of the Essential Wilderness Survival Course at Trail Blazer Survival School near Union, and if it all gets to be too much, I can walk a quarter-mile back to my car.

“Here, we’re off the grid, but even this is too much civilization,” says Tom Weathers, a Laurens Electric Cooperative member and founder of the school. “But it’s good for people who are green to the woods. You can start them off with something they are comfortable with before throwing them in the deep end.”

Weathers and Williams at first seem like an unlikely pair.

Williams has a degree in theology and is a former pastor, originally from Arkansas. Weathers retired from the Air Force and now owns a private preschool with his wife in Greenville. They befriended each other at an advanced survival school in Missouri, where they discovered they shared a love for the woods and a similar survivalist’s ethos, which is reflected in their slogan, “Living for Today, Planning for Tomorrow.”

Their school is part of a growing survival movement​ —​​conventions, websites, reality TV shows, even college courses and dedicated lines of outdoor survival gear.

Williams believes that much of this is a natural response to two pervasive influences in our modern lives: technology and consumerism.

“A lot of what we’re about here at Trail Blazer is not just self-reliance,” he says. “It’s sustainability. Our goal is to teach you to learn not to be so dependent on things.

“We’re trying to teach minimalism. How can you get by

HOME AWAY FROM HOME Landon Gardner, age 10, exits a lean-to shelter built using only what the woods provide.

with less?” he continues. “We want to instill the confidence to survive with very little, in any situation—in a doomsday situation or just getting off the trail.”

Keys to survival

The school is located on 22 acres of hilly woods that back into Sumter National Forest—a perfect location for learnby-doing survival courses. Students begin by taking the two-day Essential Wilderness Survival Course, learning the basics of fire, shelter, water and trapping. Upon successful completion, students can then take the four-day intermediate Applied Wilderness Survival, and then the five-day Advanced Wilderness Survival.

At the start of my essentials course, Williams begins his intro lecture with a stark warning.

“There’s a lot of stuff on survival shows that will get you killed, straight and simple,” he says.

He’s referring to the abundance of so-called reality shows, with names such as Survivorman, Dual Survival, Alone, Naked and Afraid, Survivor, and Dude, You’re Screwed—not to mention the thousands of YouTube channels dedicated to survival techniques; the movies like Castaway, The Martian and The Revenant; and the books that go back at least as far as Robinson Crusoe.

The other two students in my class—Ricky Gardner of Clemson and his 10-year-old son, Landon—have seen almost every episode of every survival television show, and they have enrolled in the class to hone their skills, partly with the hope that it will help Ricky when he tries out for Naked and Afraid.

Ricky says, “I like to go out as far off the trail as ­possible and see if I can make my way back. I’m one of those ­hardcore …”

“You’re not as hardcore as Bear Grylls!” Landon chimes in. u u SCLIVING.COOP | MAY 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

23

SC SCENE

FIRE AND FOOD Landon Gardner and dad Ricky learn to build bird traps (above) as part of an entry-level wilderness survival course. The twoday, hands-on adventure also teaches students how to start a fire using friction, among many other methods. Once they can boil water, students learn to make pine needle tea in bamboo cups.

WELCOME TO THE WOODS Tom Weathers (left) and lead instructor Justin Williams teach a series of learn-by-doing survival courses on 22 acres of hilly woods that border Sumter National Forest.

“No, I’ll never be as hardcore as Bear Grylls,” his father admits.

“He eats yak brains,” Landon says of Grylls, the British adventurer who popularized survivalist reality shows as host of Man vs. Wild.

But we won’t, Williams tells us, be eating yak brains.

Not today. Today, we must understand the rule of threes.

The human body can go three minutes without oxygen, three hours in extreme exposure, three days without water and three weeks without food. Wilderness survival is primarily a matter of managing these priorities.

Preemptive measures begin with having a good survival kit. In the essentials course, our kits include folding saws, cordage, water bottles, tarps, flashlights and water filters— the things you might carry in a backpack while hiking or hunting.

But, from here on, Williams says, “Your goal is to get where you don’t need all this stuff. Your long-term goal is where you can simply survive with a knife.”

Williams takes us through pitching A-frames and lean-tos with our tarps and cordage, and we learn new knots—the trucker’s hitch, the Prusik knot—and how to carve effective stakes. As I learn these skills, it occurs to 24

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | MAY 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

me wilderness survival requires looking at the woods in an entirely new light. You are an active participant, like an animal, looking for the path of least resistance, which is the path that keeps you alive.

With our basic shelters pitched well enough to keep out any rain, it’s time to learn fire-building.

“Nine times out of 10 in the woods, I’ll use this,” Williams says, holding up a Bic lighter. “But in a survival situation, you would put this away for an emergency on wet, rainy days.”

He demonstrates instead a variety of alternative methods for building a fire. We learn to use magnifying glasses, friction, flint and steel, ferro rods, and other tools to get our flames going. Thinking about what he calls an “urban survival situation,” Williams also shows us how to start a fire with steel wool and a battery, and a chemical fire with potassium permanganate.

Then he ties a string between two trees, about 2 feet high, and we have a contest to see who can spark a fire that will burn the string first. Like so many survival-school teaching moments, we must imagine ourselves in a scenario where making a fire quickly might be the difference between life and death.

Wilderness survival requires looking at the woods in an entirely new light. You are an active participant, like an animal, looking for the path of least resistance, which is the path that keeps you alive.

Water and food

At night, alone in the woods—even with my car close by, and the others camped elsewhere on the property— ­imagining such a scenario is much easier. Indeed, I remember in the night that fire is even more than warmth, even more than something you use to sterilize your water or cook your food. Fire is security and protection, the comfort of light.

That is why, all night without it, I toss and turn, retreating within myself.

And that is why I welcome the morning light when it comes on the second day of the course, a day devoted to water and hunting.

For these skills, we drive our cars to a quiet stretch of the nearby Enoree River.

“Whenever you are considering a water source, you want to find the cleanest, purest water you can find, and preferably running water of some sort. And at the same time, you want to make sure there are no animal tracks or animal carcasses,” Williams says.

As we scout the river’s sandy banks for a good watering spot, Weathers points out freshwater clams that could provide calories if you were extremely hungry. Our lesson this morning is making primitive water filters out of bamboo. We cut a hole in the bottom of the bamboo sleeve, and then we place a layer of charcoal at the bottom, then sand, then gravel, then grass.

While we wait for the water to drip through the filter, Williams sets up four metal targets shaped like woodland creatures. With 2-foot pieces of wood we’ve carved, called “rabbit stakes,” he shows us how to approach the target slowly and how to throw the stake at deadly speed.

After a few attempts, it’s clear that becoming a proficient wilderness hunter will require practice, just like everything else Williams shows us the rest of the day.

A NEW TWIST With coaching from Justin Williams, writer Hastings Hensel (left) weaves grasses and strips of bamboo into natural cordage that can be used to build shelter and set traps for game.

GetMore For more on wilderness survival training, contact: Trail Blazer Survival School & Adventures Offers survival courses on a ­private, 22-acre tract near Union and Upstate adventure tours from the main office in Simpsonville.

PHONE: (864) 263-3850 EMAIL: tom@trailblazersurvival.com WEB: trailblazersurvival.com

We learn how to make cordage out of leaf fibers, build wire-noose snares for catching birds and deadfall snares for trapping squirrels, and how to weave a gill net to catch fish.

Back at camp, Ricky Gardner says, “So many good ideas out there. You can never learn it all. Just when you think you know something, somebody comes along and does it better.”

Sitting by a fire and sipping pine-needle tea out of bamboo cups, we all nod in agreement.

“The modern comforts of our lives have come to own us in some way,” Williams says reflectively. “It’s hard to step away from that. But once you do, it can be revolutionary in someone’s life. Because now we are enjoying creation and nature for what it is.”

SCLIVING.COOP | MAY 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

25

Your Heart’s Adventure Awaits!

nationalfolkfestival.com

Asheboro,

Home of the North Carolina Zoo Visi the Heart eartt Visit of North Carolina

HeartofNorthCarolina.com | 800-626-2672

The Sip and Stay package can best be enjoyed over a weekend stay, navigating and exploring the many exciting stops along the Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail! From Clayton to Smithfield to Benson…set your own itinerary tasting award winning craft beers, wines and moonshine.

Why should the boys have all the fun?

For women, golf is only the beginning in the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area of North Carolina. So, leave the men on the back nine or leave them at home altogether.

Our cozy towns are filled with galleries and potteries, as well as dozens of restaurants & shops with unique finds & surprising discoveries. And the spas, ah yes, the spas.

Clearly, a woman’s place is in the Home of American Golf®.

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johnstoncountync.org/sipandstay

Twisting and turning among tulip poplars, these waters weave through an untamed forest.

They say even the mist creeps as it journeys over lookouts and landmarks. A scenic highway follows along for the views while hiking trails lead into stunning backdrops. As one of the few rivers that runs north – it teaches all those who cross its path, to choose their own.

visitnc.com

SCTravels

BY BONNIE ALEMAN | PHOTOS BY CARROLL FOSTER

Lost in the lilies AFTER CHECKING IN WITH THE RANGER

at Landsford Canal State Park, my husband and I launch our kayaks and begin the journey down the Catawba River. Threading our way through the Class II rapids, we keep our eyes on the horizon in search of a natural wonder found only in South Carolina—the world’s largest colony of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies.

Half a mile later, we round a bend, and the spectacle takes shape before our eyes. Tall, green stalks with white blossoms and yellow centers—more than 20 acres of them—rise from barely submerged boulders to create an archipelago of flowers.

Al James greets visitors and shares advice on kayaking the Catawba River from the front porch of the park office.

28

While most visitors choose to ad­ mire this massive floral ­arrangement from a convenient viewing plat­form on the riverbank, late-May kayak trips to see the lilies in peak bloom have become an annual start-of-­summer ritual for experienced paddlers, says park ranger Don Oneppo.

“I do not recommend those new to kayaking take the journey down the river, because of the rocky and unpredictable waters,” he says. “However, if you are familiar with the sport, that is the best way to view the lilies.”

In a kayak, you can beach your boat on exposed rock to clamber over the outcroppings in search of the perfect spider-lily photo. Taking care to respect the rare plants, you can wade through the narrow channels that flow like a maze throughout the shoals, feeling the cold water on your feet and the warm sun on your face.

Or you can paddle into the middle of the natural bouquet and luxuriate in the quiet calm of it all, practically submerged in the sturdy flower stalks.

“We don’t want people jumping up and down in them or picking flowers,” says park manager Al James, “but they are really resilient. That’s the reason they’re still out there.”

My husband, preferring to paddle along the edge of the lily beds, is busy

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | MAY 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

Facts about Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies THEY’RE RARE. The plants are found only in shallow, rocky rivers in South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. The 20-acre colony at Landsford Canal State Park is the largest in the world and the easiest to access.

CATCH ’EM WHILE YOU CAN. Blooming season runs from April to September, but peak blooms are found from mid-May to mid-June. That’s when the shoals are a solid field of white blossoms.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS. The flowering stalks grow from walnut-sized bulbs that stay lodged year-round in the crevices of the submerged rock. Each bulb produces three to five stalks; each stalk produces five to eight flowers. Each flower blooms for about one day.

catching bass and catfish, and we both lose track of time until the lateafternoon sun begins to dip toward the tree line.

The trickiest part of any paddle trip to the spider lilies is leaving—both summoning the will to depart and finding your way to the park’s take-out point. Following James’ advice, I climb up on the rocks to get a good visual fix on the observation deck about 300 yards away.

Peeling out into the current, we

Live OUTSIDE. angle our way toward that structure, hugging the right riverbank to ensure we’ll follow the correct series of narrow­ ing creeks that lead to the marked takeout point another half-mile downstream.

On both legs of the journey, there are rapids to navigate, and kayak trips are always conducted at your own risk, James says. Experienced paddlers know to check the river stage before setting out to see the lilies. The ideal water flow is between 2,000 to 3,000 cubic feet per second. Any lower and you’ll scrape bottom the whole way. Anything over 4,000 cubic feet per second effectively doubles the water height and turns small rapids into dangerous big ones. To help paddlers plan their trips, 569134 the park’s website includes links1 to river-stage data.

We end our visit with a leisurely stroll along the 1½-mile Canal Trail, which runs through the well-preserved remains of the Landsford Canal system.

Built and operated in the 1800s, the canal allowed riverboats to bypass the rocky shoals. Building the canal was no small engineering feat, and for decades, it served as a vital transportation route for our state. But having visited the lilies, I can’t help but think those industrious watermen missed out on one heck of a beautiful show.

Saturday, May 20 9 AM - 1 PM Beginning this month, experience our outside market every 3rd Saturday, 9am-1pm in beautiful downtown Cheraw.

Enjoy a showcase of fresh local produce, art demonstrations, great food and music, unique entertainment and handcrafted gifts.

Call 843-537-8420 x12 for more info.

17:45

8/8/02

AB

120

Visit us on Cheraw.com

For a free Visitor’s Guide, call 888.537.0014

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YO U C A N P R E V E N T W I L D FI R E S. w w w . s m o k e y b e a r . c o m

GetThere Landsford Canal State Park is located at 2051 Park Drive near Catawba.

HOURS: Dawn to dusk FEES: $2 per person; $1.25 for seniors and free for children under 16. From May 1 to June 30, fees are $5 for adults, $3.25 for seniors and $3 for children ages 6–15.

2017 LILY FEST: The park holds an annual festival to celebrate peak blooming season with live music, food vendors and botanists on hand to provide in-depth information on the Spider Lilies. The event always falls on the third Sunday in May, putting this year’s celebration on May 21 from noon to 5 p.m. The festival is free with park admission.

DETAILS: Park office hours are 11 a.m. to noon daily. Call (803) 789-5800 or visit southcarolinaparks.com/landsfordcanal.

SCLIVING.COOP | MAY 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

29

Recipe

Ready to take a culinary step up from boiling Ramen noodles? Thes e ideal for beginn starter recipes are er cooks with lim kitchen skills, ited few tools and tight budgets.

Clean-up is ea sy—you won’t need more than two pans for Cooking for ju any of these meals. st one or two?

Simply cut the amou nts in half.

BY BELINDA SMITH-SULLIVAN

Rookie cooking PASTA PRIMAVERA SERVES 4

1 12- or 16-ounce box of pasta (your favorite) 12 stalks asparagus, cut in 2-inch pieces, hard ends discarded (or 2 cups broccoli florets) ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen) 2 tablespoons olive oil 3–4 green onions (white and green parts), sliced in ½-inch pieces 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch pieces

2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced (or ½–1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic) ¾ cup canned chicken broth ½ cup water left over from cooking pasta 4–5 fresh basil leaves, chopped Juice from 1 lemon Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Grated Parmesan cheese

MICHAEL PHILLIPS

In a large pot of lightly salted, boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Add asparagus and peas to the pot for the final 2 minutes of cooking time.

Before draining pasta, scoop out ½ cup of the cooking liquid, and set it aside to use for the sauce. Drain pasta and vegetables in a colander. Take pot off heat, and return pasta and vegetables to pot. Cover to keep warm.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil, and saute green onions and carrots 1–2 minutes. Add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds. Reduce heat to medium-low, add chicken broth and reserved pasta water, and simmer 2 more minutes. Turn off the heat.

Stir in half of the basil and all the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, to your taste. Combine the vegetable and broth mixture with the pot of cooked pasta, and toss to mix thoroughly. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and remaining basil.

LEMON-THYME CHICKEN PACKETS SERVES 4

Preheat oven to 350 F. Sprinkle chicken breasts with all-purpose seasoning and oil on both sides. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown chicken 2–3 minutes on each side. Set aside.

Cut four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil. On each, make a layer of potatoes, then top with a layer of onion slices. Layer green beans along sides. Top vegetables with a chicken breast and 2–3 lemon slices. Break off four sprigs of fresh thyme, and place one on top of lemon in each packet. Fold the foil closed, completely sealing the packet. Place packets on a shallow baking pan, and bake 35–40 minutes. Increase oven temperature to broil. Unfold and open packets, creating a foil bowl, and broil 3–5 minutes, until lemon slices are browned. Remove from oven, and let rest 5–10 minutes before serving in packets.

30

GWÉNAËL LE VOT

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts All-purpose seasoning Olive oil 1 pound red potatoes, washed, unpeeled and sliced ¼-inch thick 1 red onion, peeled and sliced thinly ½ pound fresh green beans Package of fresh thyme Lemon slices

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | MAY 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

Pan-fried chicken breasts in a lemon-butter-caper sauce might sound fancy, but you got this. Learn the ropes from Chef Belinda at

SCLiving.coop/food/chefbelinda

WILLIAM P. EDWARDS

EASY LOADED NACHOS ½ tablespoon olive oil ½ large onion, peeled and chopped 1 pound ground beef 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin Crushed red pepper flakes Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies 1 15-ounce can black beans, with juices Tortilla chips 2–3 cups Monterrey Jack cheese 2 avocados, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped Jalapeno slices, jarred or fresh Salsa Sour cream

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, and saute onion until translucent. Add ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces, and cook until brown. Drain off liquid. Add chili powder, cumin, pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, tomatoes and beans. Stir and reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer about 20 minutes, until mixture has thickened and all juices have evaporated.

On an oven-proof baking dish, arrange a layer of chips, and spoon some of meat mixture and cheese on top, repeating as many layers as you like. Bake 10–12 minutes, until cheese melts. Remove from oven. Top with avocados, tomatoes and jalapeno. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

GINA MOORE

SERVES 4

SPICY CHICKEN STIR-FRY SERVES 4

1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1 /3 cup plus 2 tablespoons cold water 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Kosher salt Fresh ground black pepper ¼ cup olive oil

2 bell peppers, assorted colors, cut in ¼-inch strips 1 large onion, halved lengthwise, peeled and cut in ¼-inch strips 2 cups snow peas 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced (or 1–1½ teaspoons jarred minced garlic) Crushed red pepper flakes

Stir together soy sauce, cornstarch and 1/3 cup water in a cup.

Cut chicken breasts crosswise into ¼-inch strips, and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons oil until hot but not smoking.

Stir-fry half of chicken until browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, and repeat with remaining chicken, adding another tablespoon of oil. Transfer to bowl.

Add remaining oil to skillet, and stir-fry bell peppers and onion until onion is golden, 4–5 minutes. Add snow peas and garlic, and cook an additional minute. Stir in 2 tablespoons water, and cook, covered, 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Return chicken to skillet, and add pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir in cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boil, and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

SCLIVING.COOP | MAY 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

31

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SCLIVING.COOP | MAY 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

35

Calendar of Events UPSTATE MAY

15 • The Assaults Cycling Challenge, Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg. (864) 546‑4782.

18–21 • BMW Charity Pro-Am, Thornblade Club, Furman University Golf Club and the Preserve at Verdae, Greenville. (864) 297‑1660.

18–21 • Greek Festival, Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Greenville. (864) 233‑8531.

18–28 • The Fair at Heritage, Heritage Park, Simpsonville. (864) 757‑3022.

19–20 • Pig in the Park, Mineral Spring Park, Williamston. (864) 934‑4040.

19–20 • Rhythm on the Rails, downtown, Clinton. (864) 833‑7500.

19–21 • TIPS Greenland-style Kayaking Retreat, Fellowship Camp and Conference Center, Waterloo. (864) 288‑0999.

20 • Blue Highway, Walhalla Civic Auditorium, Walhalla. (864) 638‑5277.

20 • Bovinoche, The Grove at Upcountry Provisions, Travelers Rest. (864) 346‑3838.

20 • Clemson Festival of the Arts, Catherine Smith Plaza, Clemson. (864) 633‑5051.

20 • Craft and Vendor Fair, New Beginnings United Methodist Church, Boiling Springs. (864) 599‑1303.

20 • Heritage Hype, downtown, Clinton. (864) 833‑2716.

20 • Southern Arts and Crafts, Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folklife Center, Pickens. (864) 898‑2936.

20 • Train Day, Hub City Railroad Museum, Spartanburg.

(864) 963‑4739.

20 • Wildflower Walk, Lake Conestee Nature Park, Greenville. (864) 277‑2004.

20–21 • Horse Play in May, T. Ed Garrison Arena, Pendleton. scuec3@gmail.com.

25–27 • Plum Hollow Festival and Moonshiners Reunion, Plum Hollow Farm, Campobello. (864) 585‑0780.

26 • Food Truck Rollout, Greer City Park, Greer. (864) 968‑7005.

26 • Haven of Rest Golf Classic, Southern Oaks Golf Course, Easley. (864) 226‑6193.

26–27 • Seneca Fest, Gignilliat Community Center, Seneca. (864) 723‑3910.

27 • Take Flight 5K, Runway Park at GMU, Greenville.

(864) 270‑6660.

36

27–28 • Greenville Scottish Games, Main Street and Furman University, Greenville. contact@gallabrae.com.

Go to SCLiving.coop for more information and for guidelines on submitting your event. Please confirm information before attending events.

JUNE

2 • Art Farm, Walhalla Art Works, Walhalla. (864) 247‑9240.

2–4 • Festival of Flowers, Uptown Greenwood Square, Greenwood. (864) 223‑8431.

4 • Paul Simon, Heritage Park Amphitheater, Simpsonville.

(864) 932‑4006.

8 • Boots and Bandanas, Lindsey Plantation, Taylors. (864) 370-0965.

8–9 • “Fiddler on the Roof,” Chapman Cultural Center, Spartanburg. (864) 542‑2787.

9–10 • Saluda Young Farmers Truck and Tractor Pull, Saluda Recreation Complex, Saluda. (864) 992‑0873.

9–11 • “Delval Divas,” Oconee Community Theatre, Seneca. (864) 882‑1910.

10 • Greenwood Aviation Expo, Greenwood County Airport, Greenwood. (864) 942‑8557.

10 • Sounds of Color Dinner Concert, Mauldin Cultural Center, Mauldin. (864) 558‑0747.

15 • “Intimate Apparel,” Centre Stage Theatre, Greenville. (864) 233‑6733.

ONGOING

Daily through June 18 • “The Way We Worked,” Museum on Main Street, Pickens. (864) 898‑5963.

Daily through Sept. 10 • “Wyeth Dynasty,” Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville. (864) 271‑7570.

Every other Wednesday • Music Sandwiched In, Spartanburg County Public Library, Spartanburg. (864) 948‑9020.

Sundays • Say What Open Mic, Coffee Underground, Greenville. (864) 298‑0494.

MIDLANDS MAY

18–20 • Saint Philip Neri Italian Festival, Saint Philip Neri Church, Fort Mill. (803) 548‑7282.

18–20 • Wagons to Wagener Festival, downtown, Wagener. (803) 564‑6424.

19 • Hops & Hogs, downtown, Aiken. (803) 649‑2221.

19 • Red Rose Festival, downtown, Lancaster.

(803) 286‑1145.

19 • Relay for Life of Lexington, Lexington High School, Lexington. (803) 457‑6926.

19 • Taste of Newberry, downtown, Newberry.

(803) 321‑1015.

19–20 • Aiken Garden Show, various locations, Aiken. (803) 641‑6777.

19–20 • Blackville Music and Art Festival, downtown, Blackville. (803) 671‑3121.

19–20 • Governor’s Cup Road Race, downtown, Columbia. (803) 960‑6202.

20 • Backstretch Tour, Rye Patch, Aiken. (803) 642‑7631.

20 • Blythewood Butterfly Festival, Doko Meadows Park, Blythewood. (803) 754‑2008.

20 • Columbia Black Expo, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia. (803) 254‑6404.

20 • Glencairn BloomFest, Glencairn Garden, Rock Hill. (803) 329‑5620.

20 • McConnells Antique Tractor Show, McConnells Community Center, McConnells. (803) 230‑4126.

20 • Spring Arts and Crafts Show, Lexington Middle School, Lexington. (803) 553‑4912.

20 • Spring Evening at Redcliffe, Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site, Beech Island. (803) 827‑1473.

20 • Tour de Cure, Robert Mills House, Columbia. (803) 799‑4246.

20 • Ultimate Challenge Mud Run, Leatherneck, Gaston. (803) 477‑0541.

20–21 • Liberty or Death!

Revolutionary War in the Carolinas, Historic Brattonsville, McConnells. (803) 909‑7244.

20–21 • Southern Steel Guitar Convention, Jaycee Building, Belvedere. (864) 352‑6581.

25 • James Gregory, Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, Camden. (803) 425‑7676, ext. 300.

26 • Finally Friday Free Concert Series, Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, Camden. (803) 425‑7676.

26–27 • Flopeye Fish Festival, 2534 James Baker Blvd., Great Falls. (803) 482‑6029.

26–28 • Iris Festival, Swan Lake Iris Gardens, Sumter. (803) 436‑2640.

27 • Aiken Memorial Day Parade, downtown, Aiken.

AikenMemorialDayParade@ gmail.com.

27 • Veterans’ Salute Free Train Ride, South Carolina Railroad Museum, Winnsboro. (803) 635‑9893.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | MAY 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

JUNE

1 • First Thursday on Main, Main Street, Columbia. info@ firstthursdayonmain.com.

1 • Speaker at the Center: Michael Bonner and Fritz Hamer, South Carolina State Library, Columbia. (803) 545‑4432.

2 • SoSo Summer 17 Tour, Township Auditorium, Columbia. (803) 576‑2356.

3 • Eighth Biennial Scotch-Irish Identity Symposium, McCelvey Center, Rock Hill. (803) 684‑3948.

3 • Sporting Clays Tournament, Heritage Farm Shooting Sports, Camden. (803) 254‑0118.

6 • Draft Animals on the Plantation, Historic Brattonsville, Rock Hill. (803) 684‑2327.

7 • Yappy Hour, SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, Aiken. (803) 648‑6863.

8 • Playcation Camp, Main Street Children’s Museum, Rock Hill. (803) 327‑6400.

8–10 • Party in the Pines, Main Street, Whitmire. (803) 944‑1116.

9 • Twilight in the Garden featuring “Tarzan,” Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia. (803) 779‑8717.

10 • Dog Wash benefitting SPCA, SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, Aiken. (803) 648‑6863.

10–11 • Southern Guitar Festival and Competition, Richland Public Library, Columbia. (803) 530‑2735.

13 • Heritage Breed and Seeds, Historic Brattonsville, McConnells. (803) 684‑2327.

13 • Tech Tuesday: Upgrading Your Old Mac, South Carolina State Library, Columbia. (803) 545‑4432.

13–17 • Columbia Fashion Week, The Hampton Room, Columbia. info@columbiafashionweek.com.

14 • Summer Solstice Dressage Show, Stable View Farm, Aiken. (484) 356‑3173.

ONGOING

Daily, May 16–June 15 • Camden ART Honors Show, Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, Camden. (803) 425‑7676.

Daily through May 21 • “Salvador Dali’s Fantastical Fairy Tales,” Columbia Museum of Art, Columbia. (803) 799‑2810.

Daily, June 3–Sept. 17 • “Home Sweet Home” exhibit, Museum of York County, Rock Hill. (803) 684‑3948.

Daily through Sept. 4 • “Savage Ancient Seas,” South Carolina State Museum, Columbia. (803) 898‑4921.

LOWCOUNTRY MAY

15–21 • Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally, Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach. (336) 643‑1367.

16–20 • South Carolina Senior Sports Classic, Francis Marion University, Florence. (803) 374‑5793.

18 • Bourbon, Bowties & Cigars, William Aiken House, Charleston. (843) 580‑1819.

18 • Yappy Hour with Danny May, James Island County Park, Charleston. (843) 795‑4386.

19–21 • Tall Ships Charleston, Veterans Terminal Docks at Charleston Naval Shipyard, North Charleston. (843) 693‑3331.

20 • A Very Special Prom, North Charleston Fire Museum, North Charleston. (843) 603‑4636.

20 • Charleston Beer Garden, Grove at Patriots Point, Charleston. (843) 747‑2273.

20 • Migratory Bird Walk, Center for Birds of Prey, Awendaw. (843) 971‑7474.

20–21 • World Famous Blue Crab Festival, waterfront, Little River. (843) 249‑6604.

21 • Bands, Burgers and Brews Burger Throwdown, Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, Charleston. (843) 284‑7022.

22 • Charity Golf Tournament, Daniel Island Club, Charleston.

(843) 849‑9220.

26–28 • Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort. (843) 321‑9288.

26–June 11 • Piccolo Spoleto, various venues, Charleston. (843) 724‑7305.

26 • Moonlight Mixer, Folly Beach Pier, Folly Beach. (843) 795‑4386.

27 • Migratory Bird Walk, Center for Birds of Prey, Awendaw. (843) 971‑7474.

29 • Sandbox at the Stables Fundraiser, Lawton Stables at the Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head Island. (843) 842‑7645.

31 • Steam Locomotive History, Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, Ridgeland. (843) 284‑9927.

JUNE

2 • Nighttime at the Museum, The Charleston Museum, Charleston. (843) 722‑2996.

2 • Reggae Night Summer Concert with Da’ Gullah Rootz, James Island County Park, Charleston. (843) 795‑4386.

2 • Summer Splash Bash, Park West Recreation Complex, Mount Pleasant. (843) 884‑2528.

3 • “And I Saw a New Heaven,” St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Charleston. (843) 297‑4804.

3 • Lowcountry Splash, Daniel Island Pier and Hobcaw Yacht Club, Charleston. (843) 884‑7880.

3 • Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival, Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park, Mount Pleasant. (843) 856‑9732.

3–4 • Art Festival, Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet. (843) 235‑6000.

3–4 • Native Sons Salt Games, Old Myrtle Beach Pavilion, Myrtle Beach. (843) 448‑0585.

5–7 • Veterans Golf Classic, various golf courses, Myrtle Beach. (800) 833‑8798.

8 • Tribes of the Lowcountry, Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, Ridgeland. (843) 284‑9927.

9 • Conversations with a Curator: Digging Deep into Geology with Natural History Curator Matthew Gibson, The Charleston Museum, Charleston. (843) 722‑2996.

9 • Friday Night Boogie Series, Mount Pleasant Pier, Mount Pleasant. (843) 795‑4386.

10 • Authors Under the Live Oaks, Frampton Plantation House and Visitors Center, Yemassee. (843) 597‑0912.

10 • Shaggin’ on the Cooper with Ocean Drive Party Band, Mount Pleasant Pier, Mount Pleasant. (843) 795‑4386.

11 • Second Sunday on King Street, King Street, Charleston. (843) 303‑1113.

11–13 • Fab, Females and Business, College of Charleston Beatty Center, Charleston. (843) 568‑3343.

ONGOING

Tuesdays through Saturdays, through Jan. 20, 2018 • “Homegrown Heroes: The Lowcountry in WWII,” Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, Ridgeland. (843) 284‑9927.

Tuesdays through Saturdays, June 10 through Jan. 13, 2018 • “The First South Carolinians,” Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, Ridgeland. (843) 284‑9927.

Thursdays through Oct. 26 • Blues & BBQ Harbor Cruise, Charleston City Marina, Charleston. (843) 722‑1112.

Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 7 • “Places and Spaces: Plantation Lives,” Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Mount Pleasant.

(843) 883‑3123, ext. 213.

SCHumorMe

BY JAN A. IGOE

Cougar spotted at the shelter FRIENDS, PLEASE READ THIS

quietly. There’s a much younger guy in my bed, and we don’t want to wake him. Yes, I know it’s wrong. You don’t have to say it. I’m way too mature (OK, old) to be taken in by another pair of dark, dreamy eyes and a body that begs to be cuddled. “You’ve been down this road before,” my friends remind me.

“It never ends well.”

But I can’t help myself.

I’m hopelessly addicted to puppies.

This one snuck up on me. I swear, I wasn’t anywhere near a shelter.

In fact, I was racing to the hardware store to buy one of those water-sucker-upper things, which no single woman owns prior to a catastrophe. (My vengeful hot-water heater spent its dying moments flooding the house.) But there, blocking the entrance, was an armful of abandoned pups. I’d stumbled onto an adopt-a-thon.

“When these puppies lost their mom, they were just a couple of weeks old,” the rescue lady said. “We’ve been bottle-feeding them around the clock, praying they would make it.”

In the distance, I could hear harps warming up.

The small, logical side of my brain rushed to remind me that fuzzy, 5-week-old puppies always find homes. But the other side—the side I listen to—was screaming that only a heartless beast would walk away from these helpless babies. (You know what happens next.)

38

Back at home, my other rescues suspected I’d been with another dog—shameless hussy that I am—and began a full-body nose scan. If dogs could hire private investigators to prove infidelity, mine would be first in line.

They were getting their first whiff of the new pup when my neighbor came flying in. “Oh, my goodness. I have to hold him!”

“Hello, gorgeous,” Julie squealed in the highest octave humans can still hear. “Does he have a name? Let me help.”

In a quest to empower her kids, Julie had allowed them to choose names for the family dogs. That’s why Julie has a terrier known as Batman and a large, brown escape artist that goes by Avalanche. Last July, her husband made the 6 p.m. news chasing that dog down the beach. When you yell “Avalanche” on

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | MAY 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

a 95-degree day in Myrtle Beach, people worry that a private hospital may want you back.

“I think I’ll call him Ripley,” I said, to avoid any collaborative effort.

“But you can help figure out what he is.”

Animal shelters don’t have the budget for Ancestry.com, so they take a few liberties when guessing the breed of their guests.

My last rescue was a lightning-fast, blue-eyed, black-spotted athlete. In the shelter, they diagnosed her as a beagle.

According to our veterinarian, she’s probably a blue heeler, cattle dog and whippet mix, but not Snoopy. Whether the shelter speculates that a dog is a Pomeranian or a Great Pyrenees could depend on who is rolling dice behind the adoption area.

It really doesn’t matter, though. No matter what kind of puppy joins your family or how many times you pluck puppy nuggets off your floors, you’ll forget. Their hypodermic-needle nails may gash your arms, and razor teeth may shred your sandals, but you’ll forget that, too. Just like childbirth, you’ll forget. And someday, you’ll want another puppy.

They’re cheaper than water heaters.

And the floods are smaller.

JAN A. IGOE is still making up for a dog-less childhood. She avoids ­shelters, adoption fairs and Yorkie ads on Craigslist. You can reach her at HumorMe@SCLiving.coop.

Morgan Freeman SU2C Ambassador Executive Producer of the documentary, The C Word

Tonya Peat Cancer Survivor

Be the breakthrough.

™

Breakthroughs are the patients participating in clinical trials, the scientists and doctors working together to advance the fight against cancer, and the brave survivors like Tonya who never give up. Let’s be the breakthrough.

To learn about appropriate screenings and clinical trials or to help someone with cancer, go to su2c.org/breakthrough. #cancerbreakthrough

Stand Up To Cancer is a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Please talk to your healthcare provider about appropriate screenings for your age, sex, family history and risk factors; and about clinical trials that may be right for you. Photo by Nigel Parry