South Carolina Living September 2013

Fall l Travdee Gui

E n e rgy Q& A

Energy-efficient landscaping

September 2013

SC Sto r i es

Teacher of the year H u m o r Me

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THE MAGAZINE FOR COOPERATIVE MEMBERS Vol. 67 • No. 9 (ISSN 0047-486X, USPS 316-240) Read in more than 450,000 homes and businesses and published monthly except in December by The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. 808 Knox Abbott Drive Cayce, SC 29033 Tel: (803) 926-3 1 75 Fax: (803) 796-6064 Email: letters@scliving.coop

Fall l Travee Guid

September 2013 • Volume 67, Number 9

FEATURE

22 Entertainment

under the stars

EDITOR

Keith Phillips

South Carolina’s last three drive‑in movie theaters are enjoying a second act as an affordable form of outdoor family fun.

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Diane Veto Parham FIELD EDITOR

Walter Allread PUBLICATION COORDINATOR

Pam Martin

ART DIRECTOR

Sharri Harris Wolfgang DESIGNER

Susan Collins PRODUCTION

Andrew Chapman WEB EDITOR

Van O’Cain COPY EDITOR

Susan Scott Soyars Contributors

Amber Bentley, Becky Billingsley, Mike Couick, Jim Dulley, Carrie B. Hirsch, Jan A. Igoe, Charles Joyner, Mark Quinn, Traci L. Suppa, S. Cory Tanner

Tim Hanson

4 CO-OP CONNECTION Cooperative news

Publisher

Lou Green ADVERTISING MANAGERS

Tel: (800) 984-0887 Dan Covell Email: dan@scliving.coop Keegan Covell Email: keegan@scliving.coop National Representation

National Country Market Tel: (800) NCM-1181 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.

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.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

Who’s the fastest fiddle in South Carolina? Find out this month at the Ole Time Fiddlin’ Convention and State Fiddling Championship. Plus: What you need to know about the next wave of federal efficiency standards for home lighting.

POWER USER DIALOGUE

10 Cracking down

on copper theft

Thanks to your tips to Crime Stoppers and tough new state laws, copper theft cases are on the decline.

ENERGY Q&A

12 Landscape for

looks and efficiency

Wise landscaping choices can lower utility bills, improve comfort and dress up your property.

SMART CHOICE

14 Machines that

rise to the occasion

STORIES

16 Teaching with

purpose and passion

Darleen Sutton, South Carolina’s 2013–2014 Teacher of the Year, serves as a mentor and an advocate for classroom educators.

7

RECIPE

18 Tasty twists on

shrimp and grits

Coconut shrimp and grits Shrimp and grits fritters Paul’s Lowcountry shrimp and grits Really easy shrimp and grits GARDENER

20 Building a rain garden

Rain gardens provide an attractive and environmentally friendly way to manage storm-water runoff.

18

HUMOR ME

38 Which way to the

buzzard buffet?

Having a fenced-in backyard where the pets can roam sounds great—right up until the moment the large birds of prey arrive.

34 MARKETPLACE 36 SC EVENTS

Fall Travel Guide

Making fresh, home-baked bread just got easier, thanks to these handy gadgets.

Printed on recycled paper

Debbi Smirnoff/iStock

© COPYRIGHT 201 3. 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

SC LIFE

E n E rgy Q& A

Energy-efficient landscaping

SepTember 2013

SC Sto r i E S

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

Teacher of the year Humor mE

Vulture bait

Make movie night even more fun at a South Carolina drive‑in theater.

Composite photo by Milton Morris and Andrew Chapman

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

Highlights

TOP PICK FOR KIDS

OCTOBER 5–6

FestiFall at Walnut Grove Plantation

America’s first civil war happened during the American Revolution, when neighbor battled neighbor, Patriots versus Loyalists. Walnut Grove Plantation, celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, brings the home-turf skirmishes and colonial era back to life at FestiFall.

Battle reenactors encamped on the grounds are glad to share their battle stories and will relive Bloody Bill’s Raid of 1781 on the plantation on both Saturday and Sunday. Kids can learn colonial crafts and trades from costumed demonstrators, march in militia drills, play 18th-century games and compete in chamber pot races.

For details, visit spartanburghistory.org/walnutgrove.php or call (864) 576-6546.

SEPTEMBER 21

SEPTEMBER 30–OCTOBER 5

OCTOBER 4–5

If a rollickin’ version of “CottonEyed Joe” suits your musical tastes, head for Pickens County’s Hagood Mill. The state’s topnotch fiddlers, many claiming roots among the mountain folks of South Carolina’s uppermost counties, will show off their rich musical heritage on fiddles and other stringed instruments. In its 17th year, this gathering awards prizes to the top performers in banjo, guitar, string band, junior and open categories, plus it crowns the top fiddler as the S.C. Fiddling Champion. Bring an instrument and tune up for open jams and foot-stomping music. Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative is a sponsor.

A mere 350 years ago, Capt.

William Hilton gazed across Port Royal Sound and laid eyes on the headland that would come to be known as Hilton Head Island. It took another 320 years for the island to incorporate as the Town of Hilton Head, but now that 30th anniversary is being feted along with Hilton’s discovery. The fun starts rolling Monday with a group bike ride along the island’s 60 miles of connected pathways.

If your passion is history, join Tuesday’s tours of plantation, Civil War and Gullah historic sites. If you’re all about the party, wait for the beach party finale on Saturday, with bands, a sand castle competition, and a one-of-a-kind “Capt. William Hilton sail-by”— costumed captain at the helm.

Coastal communities are serving up shrimp in style these next few weeks. Beaufort’s 19th annual fish fest celebrates South Carolina’s wild-caught shrimp, with local restaurants showing off their best dishes amid festival entertainment at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Adopt one of 5,000 rubber shrimp as they “race” (read: “float”) down the Beaufort River for a shot at a $1 million grand prize in the Sea Island Rotary’s Charity Shrimp Race. You’ll also find shrimp feasts at the Yemassee Shrimp Festival Sept. 19–21 and the Little River ShrimpFest Oct. 12–13.

For details, call (864) 898-5963 or visit www.co.pickens.sc.us.

For details, visit celebrationhhi.org or call (843) 686-6560.

Ole Time Fiddlin’ Convention and State Fiddling Championship

6

Hilton Head Island 350/30 Celebration

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

Beaufort Shrimp Festival

For details, visit beaufortshrimpfestival.com or call (843) 525-6644; yemasseeshrimpfestival.com or call (843) 589-2120; and littleriverchamber.org or call (803) 795-9755.

OCTOBER 9–20

South Carolina State Fair

More fun for more folks—that’s the goal of this year’s State Fair freebies. Kids 5 and under get in free every day, and college students with current school IDs can enter for free on College Day, Oct. 10, then stick around for the free concert that night featuring Corey Smith, a former Georgia high school teacher turned country musician.

Plenty of other discounts make it easy for everyone to find fun at the fair, including favorite rides, Gullah Geechee Day, bluegrass music and displays of sand sculptures and antique carousels.

For details, visit scstatefair.org or call (803) 799-3387.

Email COMMENTS, QUESTIONS AND Story suggestions TO LETTERS@SCLIVING.COOP

The battle for the other green jacket Some read the greens, others seek their trainer’s counsel, but all share a determination to make the hole in under par two. It’s an intense moment, suddenly interrupted by the largest hazard on the course—a 40-foot volcano that erupts every 20 minutes.

When the Masters National ProMiniGolf Championship returns to Myrtle Beach next month, 70 serious players from as far away as Austria, Germany and the United Kingdom will compete for a $12,000 purse in a 12-round, co-ed tournament, played on the sister “adventure golf” courses Hawaiian Rumble and Hawaiian Village. The winner also takes home a coveted green jacket—a casual, logo-emblazoned windbreaker.

Bob Detwiler, president of the U.S. ProMiniGolf Association, introduced his own version of the iconic Masters Tournament in 2002, and players have been competing for that green jacket ever since. In 2011, a tie between American Jay Klapper and 17-year-old Olivia Prokopova from the Czech Republic led to a three-hole play-off.

“Olivia’s father tried to negotiate with Jay, offering the prize money in exchange for the title and the green jacket,” Detwiler The golfers approach the 16th tee.

Olivia Prokopova will defend her title at this year’s tournament but faces a field of challengers, including Jeff Jones of Illinois.

recalls. “But all Jay wanted was that jacket.”

Klapper went on to win that year. But Prokopova came back strong in 2012 and earned her right to wear green. She will return this fall to defend her title.

The Masters National ProMiniGolf Champion­ ship takes place Oct. 10–12 in North Myrtle Beach. While it’s too late to qualify for the masters tournament, the amateur, senior, women, team and junior divisions are open to all players. For more information on the tournament and entry fees, call (843) 458-2585 or (843) 272-7812. —traci l. suppa

scliving.coop | September 2013 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

7

On the Agenda

Changing lightbulbs

Wired to win

On Jan. 1, 2014, traditional 40-watt and 60-watt incandescent lightbulbs will effectively be phased out of production under the standards set by Congress in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA).

The law, which requires lightbulbs for home use become 70 percent more efficient than classic incandescent bulbs, has already forced the phase-out of traditional 100-watt incandescent bulbs in January 2012 and 75-watt bulbs in January of this year. The

“I want to graduate and be able to find a job helping others,” says Seyward Jeter, recipient of the 2013 WIRE Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship for Women Returning to College.

Jeter is a member of Horry Electric Cooperative in Conway and lives in Murrells Inlet, where she is a homemaker and volunteer guardian ad litem for Horry County. She and her husband have two young children. She plans to attend the University of South Carolina and obtain a master’s degree in social work.

WIRE (Women Involved in Rural Electrification) presents the $2,500 scholarship each year to a member who may not have been able to attend college when she graduated from high school but now wants to further her education. The Opportunity Scholarship is named for Jenny Ballard, an early leader of WIRE. —van o’cain

GE’s hybrid halogen lightbulbs combine CFL and halogen technology, creating a product that lasts eight times as long as traditional incandescent lightbulbs. The 60‑watt replacement uses only 15 watts, while the 75‑watt replacement uses 20 watts.

Right: The new Lighting Facts Label, created by the U.S. Department of Energy, is similar to nutrition labels on food packaging. It shows a bulb’s brightness, appearance, life span and estimated yearly cost.

energy

efficiencytip

Source: E Source

8

Images courtesy: GE

Like homes and other businesses, farms of all types can lower their electricity bills by turning off or reducing use of lights and small equipment in outbuildings. Timers and sensors can help, too. Regular cleaning, maintenance, and seasonal tune-ups help keep larger equipment running at top efficiency.

delivers about 1,600 lumens. Similarly, a 75-watt bulb is equivalent to 1,100 lumens; a 60-watt bulb to 800 lumens; and a 40-watt bulb to 450 lumens.

A word of warning when purchasing new types of bulbs: You generally get what you pay for, says Brian Sloboda, an energy-efficiency expert with the Cooperative Research Network.

“Some manufacturers exaggerate claims of energy savings and life spans, and cheaper models probably won’t last as long as higher-quality bulbs,” Sloboda cautions. “If you look for the Energy Star label, that means the bulb exceeds minimum efficiency standards as tested by the federal government.” —amber bentley

Department of Energy estimates that as a result of these new standards, Americans will save $6 billion to $10 billion a year in lighting costs.

Once the stockpile of traditional bulbs is exhausted, consumers will need to choose either CFL, LED or advanced halogen incandescent replacements. While these technologies are more expensive than traditional incandescent bulbs, they last eight to 25 times longer and use as much as 75 percent less electricity to provide a similar amount of light.

When shopping for replacement bulbs, consult the lumen rating on the package. As a rule of thumb, replacing a traditional 100-watt incandescent bulb requires an alternative that

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

To learn about new lighting options, visit energysavers.gov/lighting. For shopping tips visit ftc.gov/lightbulbs.

Email COMMENTS, QUESTIONS AND Story suggestions TO LETTERS@SCLIVING.COOP

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.

AM Minor Major

PM Minor Major

September 17 5:07 11:37 12:07 18 — 6:07 12:22 19 — 6:52 12:52 20 7:37 1:07 1:22 21 8:07 1:52 1:52 22 8:52 2:22 2:22 23 9:52 2:52 2:37 24 10:52 3:37 3:07 25 — 4:37 12:37 26 — 5:37 — 27 — 7:07 12:37 28 — 8:37 10:07 29 2:37 9:22 10:37 30 3:52 10:07 10:52

6:07 12:37 6:52 7:22 7:37 7:52 8:22 8:37 8:52 3:37 4:07 4:22 4:37 4:52

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

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

October

11:22 5:37 5:52 12:22 1:07 1:37 2:07 2:52 3:37 9:37 11:22 9:07 9:52 10:37 4:52 5:22

S.C.RAMBLE!

Only on SCLiving.coop

By Charles Joyner, See Answer ON Page 35

Number Fun Here’s how it works: Each numeral stands for a letter. Solve this multiplication problem and write your answer in the blanks on the top line, one digit to each blank. Then use the code key to change the numbers into words.

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Drive-in memories: If this month’s cover feature on drive-in theaters causes you to take a trip down memory lane, motor on over to SCLiving.coop and share your best memories of watching movies under the stars. We’ll post our favorites online and publish them in a future issue.

Cooking for cash: Share your best recipes with our readers online at SCLiving.coop/food/recipe.aspx. For each one of your recipes we publish, we’ll send you a $10 BI-LO gift card.

Teaching with passion: Darleen Sutton, South Carolina Teacher of the Year, explains what she enjoys most about her profession in an exclusive web extra video.

Like us on Facebook

Our Facebook page celebrates all that’s great about living in South Carolina. Join the conversation and share your photos with us at facebook.com/SouthCarolinaLiving.

Write SCL Letters to the editor We

love hearing from our readers. Tell us what you think about this issue, send us story suggestions or just let us know what’s on your mind by clicking on the Contact Us link at SCLiving.coop. You can also email us at letters@scliving.coop, mail to Letters, South Carolina Living, 808 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033, or send a note by fax to (803) 7966064. All letters received are subject to editing before publication.

scliving.coop | September 2013 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

9

Dialogue

Cracking down on copper theft One year ago this month, I joined law enforcement

officials and electric cooperative leaders from across the state to unveil a new initiative to combat copper theft.

As television cameras rolled and reporters scribbled in their notepads, we announced a partnership with Crime Stoppers of South Carolina, a nonprofit organization that offers $1,000 cash rewards for tips that solve active crimes.

We also outlined for the media the problems copper theft creates for all residents of the Palmetto State.

Collectively, electric cooperatives in South Carolina have spent more than $1 million on copper theft-related incidents since the start of 2011. According to a 2010 study by the U.S. Department of Energy, copper theft costs American utilities $300 million a year. Those costs are ultimately passed on to every consumer of electricity.

There is a steep human cost to this crime as well. When thieves steal copper wire from utility poles, meters and electrical substations, they are putting themselves at risk of serious injury and death—all for a few dollars of scrap

To report copper theft, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIMESC or sccrimestoppers.com.

All tips are anonymous, and your information may make you eligible for a $1,000 reward if it leads to a successful criminal prosecution.

metal. At that press conference, we decided not to release the crime scene photos of a July 2011 attempt to steal copper from a substation in Cowpens. A 41-year-old man was electrocuted in the attempt and the images were just too graphic. It’s unbelievable what the impact of 7,200 or 14,400 volts will do to a human body. People lose legs, feet and hands. The bodies are often unrecognizable.

Copper theft also puts co-op employees at risk of injury, and it disrupts power to consumers, notes Maurice Martin, a program manager specializing in generation and transmission issues for the Cooperative Research Network.

“Even someone who manages to get away with only $100 worth of copper, he or she could cause ­thousands of dollars in damage to co-op equipment,” he says.

10

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

“Thieves, for their part, stand an incredible risk for burns, ­electrocution or even death, and when they tamper with equipment, they leave behind safety hazards for co-op employees who make repairs.”

GOOD NEWS

The number of copper theft incidents in South Carolina appears to be on the decline, thanks to lower copper prices, tough state laws regulating the scrap metal industry and your tips to Crime Stoppers.

With the support of your electric cooperative, the S.C. Sheriffs Association and the scrap metal recyclers industry, the state legislature has enacted what may be one of the toughest copper theft laws in the United States. It wisely combines tough (but fair) penalties on those who steal, with regulation and record-keeping requirements for those who recycle metals. Key highlights of this law include penalties that are based on the damage done by thieves and strict new permit and documentation requirements for anyone who buys and sells scrap metals.

Your tips have helped, too. Since we rolled out our public awareness campaign last fall, Crime Stoppers has received 177 tips on copper theft and solved eight cases, according to Capt. Chris Cowan of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. The tipsters all remain anonymous, and in the cases with successful prosecutions, they walked away $1,000 richer for doing their civic duty.

We may not eliminate the crime of copper theft, but the experience of the past year clearly demonstrates that we can keep the pressure on thieves with continued vigilance. For co-op members, that means keeping an eye on the utility infrastructure that powers our communities and reporting any suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers, law enforcement and your local electric cooperative.

President and CEO, The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina Mike Couick

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scliving.coop | September 2013 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

11

EnergyQ&A

BY jim Dulley

Landscape for looks and efficiency Wise landscaping can lower utility bills and improve comfort while dressing up your property

Q

A

Wise landscaping can do more than just create an attractive yard. It can also lower your utility bills, summer and winter, and improve your family’s comfort year-round.

Trees—one of the key components of residential landscaping design—can have the greatest effect on your utility bills. As moisture evaporates from tree leaves, it cools the air temperature around your home, akin to how perspiration cools your skin. Plus, the proper placement and selection of trees can take advantage of passive solar heating during winter, so you can use less electricity to heat your home.

The primary goal of efficient landscaping with trees is to shade your home during summer, yet allow the sun to pass through during winter.

Before you start planning, determine your temperature zone, which refers to the minimum winter temperature range. (Find a zone map at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb.) If you select species of trees that thrive in a climate more than one or two zones outside your range, they may not do well and may require excessive care.

In an average temperate climate, a typical efficient tree-landscaping plan has deciduous trees to the south, southeast and southwest. The leaves 12

Photos by James Dulley

We want to landscape around our new house with trees that provide shade and enhance the energy efficiency of our home. Where should we plant? And are there good alternatives to grass for ground cover?

Left: The deciduous trees on the south side of the home let the sun’s heat through during winter.

Right: Low-water-use ground-cover plants and boulders are shaded by trees during the summer and help warm the home during winter.

block the sun during summer, but when they fall during winter, the sun shines through to help heat your home. Leave a small gap to the southwest to allow cooler evening breezes to flow through.

Along the north, northeast and northwest sides, plant dense evergreens to block cold winter winds.

With shorter winter days and the sun lower in the sky, not much solar heat comes from these directions.

In hot, humid climates, shading during summer is most important.

Taller trees should be planted closer to your home to block the summer sun, which is higher in the sky. Leaving a gap for breezes is not as important.

For landscaping at ground level, ground-cover plants and gravel are alternatives to grass. Their advantages and disadvantages depend on your climate, house and yard. Even in the same neighborhood, what is good for one house may not be efficient for another.

Low-growing ground cover near your house can help keep it cool during summer. The foliage prevents the sun’s heat from absorbing into the ground and gives off moisture for natural cooling. In winter, ground

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

cover has less impact on efficiency.

The cooling effect from ground cover is most effective in drier climates, because there is more evaporation. In hot, humid climates, the additional moisture from plants near the house will further increase the relative humidity level. This is a greater problem if you rely on natural ventilation, rather than air conditioning with the windows closed.

Landscaping with gravel can increase the air temperature around your house, particularly in the evening. The thermal mass of the gravel stores the afternoon sun’s heat, which helps in the winter. If you use gravel, make sure it’s shaded by deciduous trees during the summer.

A good location for ground cover is between an asphalt or cement driveway or walkway and the sunny side of your house. Not only does the driveway hold heat, but it radiates the heat to your house. Taller ground cover between the driveway and your house walls can block some of this heat.

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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scliving.coop | September 2013 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

13

SmartChoice

By Becky BILLINGSLEY

Machines that rise to the occasion Whether you prefer the all-in-one convenience of countertop bread makers or sturdy stand mixers that craft dough to bake in a conventional oven, these hardy machines offer an assist on the way to artisan deliciousness.

ALL MIXED UP

KNEAD FOR SPEED Industrious bakers can make up to eight loaves at a time with a 6-quart KitchenAid Professional 620 Stand Mixer. It has 575 watts of power, spiral dough hook, 11-wire whip, and a sturdy bowl-lift design for mixing copious quantities of baked goodies. $900.

(800) 541-6390; kitchenaid.com.

TOOL JEWEL Since 1940, Swedish cooks have enjoyed the Ankarsrum Original Kitchen Machine and its powerful 600-watt motor. Equipped with a 7-liter bowl and a dough hook that rolls and kneads breads, this culinarian’s delight can also be outfitted as a meat grinder, vegetable slicer, blender, juicer, cookie press and more. $649.

(770) 516-5000; breadbeckers.com.

FLOUR POWER Long acknowledged as the workhorse of commercial kitchens, the Hobart mixer is the dream of many a dedicated home baker. The N50 5-quart model, complete with flat beater, wire whip and dough hook, is the perfect size for whipping up a few loaves. The 1/6-horsepower motor, with three fixed speeds and gear-driven transmission, powers through whole-wheat dough. $2,223.

(800) 972-4972; globeequipment.com.

THE BEST THING SINCE …

ON EDGE Serrated bread knifes will keep their keen edges with a Chef’sChoice EdgeSelect 120 electric knife sharpener. Diamond-coated disks sharpen and hone straight or serrated blades, and the final stropping and polishing achieves razor sharpness. $150. (877) 929-3247; wayfair.com.

14

COUNTER POINTS

YEAST BEAST Adding yeast at the perfect moment means the difference between the rise and fall of the bread-baking empire. The Panasonic SD-YD250 Bread Maker staunchly preserves the realm with its automatic yeast dispenser. A 13-hour preset timer lets you wake up to the aroma of a freshly baked loaf. $158.

(800) 405-0652; shop.panasonic.com.

BREAD AND JAM The Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme bakes loaves of sourdough, wholegrain and gluten-free breads and also mixes dough for buns, pizza crust, cake and cinnamon rolls to prep for baking in a regular oven. To top things off, it can even be used for cooking jam. $250. (800) 663-8810; cooking.com.

UNHOLE-Y ALLIANCE That unsightly hole in the bottom of many bread-maker loaves is eliminated in the DeLonghi DBM450 Bread Maker. It bakes evenly, without excessive moisture, thanks to its built-in fan. Ingredients are dispensed automatically, and a rapid-bake function lets you enjoy a freshly baked slice in less than an hour. $200. (877) 882-8604; shopdelonghi.com.

LEFT SLICE Left-handed bread lovers can get a straight slice as easily as righties with a Cuisinart CEK-40 Electric Knife, designed for ergonomic ease with either hand. It comes with two stainless-steel blades and a safety-locked, wood butcher-block storage tray. $50. (800) 211-9604; cuisinartwebstore.com.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

Medicare supplement insurance policies are underwritten by Omaha Insurance Company, Mutual of Omaha Plaza, Omaha, NE 68175. Neither Omaha Insurance Company nor its Medicare supplement insurance policies are connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Policy forms: NM20, NM21, NM22, NM23, NM24, NM25 or state equivalent. In OK: NM20-24231, NM2324232, NM24-24233; in TX: NM2024234, NM23-24235, NM24-24236; in PA: NM20-24138, NM21-24140, NM2224141, NM23-24142, NM24-24143, NM25-24139; in VA: NM20-24239, NM23-24240, NM24-24241. Not all policy forms may be available in every state. For costs and further details of the coverage, including exclusions and limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force, see your agent or write to the company. An outline of coverage is available upon request. In some states, Medicare supplement insurance policies are available to those eligible for Medicare due to a disability, regardless of age. In MD: Medicare supplement Plans A and F are available to those eligible under the age of 65. In TX: If you receive Medicare benefits because of a disability, you may apply for a Medicare supplement Plan A; regardless of your age.

IMPORTANT NOTICE – “A CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO HEALTH INSURANCE FOR PEOPLE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE” MAY BE OBTAINED FROM YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE OR FROM OMAHA INSURANCE COMPANY. OH residents: Omaha Insurance Company, its Medicare supplement insurance policies and its licensed insurance agents are not connected with, endorsed by, affiliate with or sponsored by the federal or state government, the Social Security Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Department of Health and Human Services or the federal Medicare program. You have the right to obtain a copy of the NAIC Health & Human Services Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare. Licensed insurance agents are authorized to sell this Medicare supplement insurance policy on behalf of Omaha Insurance Company.

This information may be verified by contacting the Ohio Department of Insurance at 50 W Town St., 3rd Floor, Suite 300, Columbus, OH 43215 or call 1-800-688-1526.

This is a solicitation of insurance and a licensed agent may contact you by telephone to provide additional information.

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SC Life

SCStories Teaching with purpose and passion

Darleen Sutton describes her childhood in idyllic terms, growing up on a family farm “surrounded by love” in an environment that inspired imagination and fueled a strong streak of curiosity. When she was in elementary school, Sutton’s parents purchased a set of encyclo‑ pedias, and she proceeded to “devour them cover to cover,” she recalls. “And I loved sharing everything I learned with anyone who cared to listen.”

She did not know it then, but it was the beginning of a journey that would take her into a career as a classroom teacher.

“The idea that I can help shape the life of a young person and set them on a course that inspires them to learn is such a powerful reward,” she says.

After spending the past seven years teaching first grade at Pickens Elementary, Sutton was named 2013–14 South Carolina Teacher of the Year. It’s a prestigious honor and one that comes with a $25,000 cash prize and unlimited use of a BMW X3 that she’ll use this academic year to travel the state, mentoring other teachers and serving as an ambassador for the teaching profession.

“I have an incredible opportunity now to meet with my peers and share my passion about the critical importance of reading and literacy,” Sutton says. “If we want to build a strong foundation of learning for our children in this state, I believe it has to start with reading. I see it every day in my classroom. Teach a child to read and read well and exciting things will happen.” —mark quinn

Darleen Sutton Pickens 2013–14 S.C. Teacher of the Year INSPIRATION: Her grandfather. “He went his whole life never knowing how to read. I was too young to help him, but I was determined to do whatever I could to help children avoid what he went through.”

FAVORITE TOY: The 2013 BMW X3 she uses to travel the state as an advocate for the teaching profession. “It has some giddy-up to it, and it is such a smooth ride.”

HOMETOWN:

OCCUPATION:

Web Extra Learn more about Darleen Rick Smoak

Sutton’s passion for teaching in a web-extra video on SCLiving.coop.

16

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

Recipe

EDITED BY CArrie Hirsch

Tasty twists on shrimp and grits COCONUT SHRIMP AND GRITS WITH PINEAPPLE CURRY SAUCE SERVES 4

4 servings cooked, hot grits 2–3 tablespoons canola oil H large onion, chopped medium 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon ginger, minced 4 tablespoons curry powder 2 tablespoons fish sauce* H cup fish stock 1 14-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk 1 tablespoon light brown sugar 1 H pounds raw Carolina shrimp, peeled and deveined 8 ounces pineapple chunks in bite-sized pieces G cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped 4 green onions, white and green parts sliced, for garnish

Gina Moore/iStock

*Fish sauce is lighter and sweeter than soy sauce. As an alternative, a light soy sauce can be substituted.

Prepare your favorite grits according to package instructions; set aside and keep warm. In a wok or large skillet, heat canola oil. Add onion, garlic and ginger, then cook a few minutes over low heat until mixture is aromatic and onion softens, stirring occasionally. Add curry powder; stir and cook for a minute. Add fish sauce, fish stock, coconut milk and brown sugar; stir to combine, and simmer until the brown sugar dissolves. Add shrimp.

Shrimp will cook through in about 5 minutes. During the last two minutes of cooking, add pineapple; continue cooking until shrimp are done and pineapple is heated through. Stir in cilantro. Garnish with green onions and serve over grits.

NOTE: The pineapple curry sauce can be made a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to really blend. Heat gently to a simmer, and then add the shrimp.

SALLY KERR-DINEEN, HILTON HEAD ISLAND

W h at Õ s C o o k i n g i n January: Meals in a bowl

Turn your original recipes into cash!

Deadline: October 1

For each one of your recipes we publish, we’ll send you a $10 BI-LO gift card.

Send us your original recipes—appetizers, salads, main courses, side dishes, desserts and beverages—almost anything goes. Be sure to specify ingredient measurements. Instead of “one can” or “two packages,” specify “one 12-ounce can” or “two 8-ounce packages.” Note the number of servings or yield. Entries must be original, and they must include your name, mailing address and phone number.

It’s cold outside, but it can be cozy inside with a piping hot bowl of soup. What soups, stews and chilis warm you up on a winter day? We’ll share your favorites with our readers.

Submit

18

SCRecipe

• online at SCLiving.coop • email to recipe@scliving.coop • mail to Recipe, 808 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

MAKES 3 DOZEN FRITTERS

In a medium pot, cook grits, water and salt, as directed on package.

Stir in Boursin cheese and cooked shrimp and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Place flour and bread crumbs in separate small bowls. In another small bowl, combine and whisk together milk and eggs to create the egg wash.

Using your hands, shape shrimp mixture into 1-ounce balls about the size of a walnut (the mixture will not be firm, so work quickly— once dipped in the coatings, the balls will hold their shape better).

Dip balls into egg wash, then into bread crumbs, then into flour. In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high heat, then fry fritters until golden brown. Remove from oil with tongs or a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.

JEAN TYNER, DARLINGTON

PAUL’S LOWCOUNTRY SHRIMP AND GRITS SERVES 2

H cup quick-cooking grits 1 14.5-ounce can chicken broth, plus 1.5 ounces water (16 ounces liquid total) J teaspoon salt H cup cheddar cheese, shredded 2 ounces cream cheese 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter H pound raw shrimp, peeled H teaspoon garlic, minced G teaspoon dried basil G teaspoon paprika Black pepper to taste

In a medium pot, cook grits in the chicken broth, water and salt, according to package directions. Stir in cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Keep covered until ready to serve.

In a small skillet, heat olive oil and butter, then saute peeled shrimp with garlic, basil and paprika until light pink.

Remove shrimp from skillet, and stir pan drippings into hot grits. Place grits into individual serving bowls, top with shrimp and season to taste.

PAUL W. TURNER JR., AIKEN

Debbi Smirnoff/iStock

1 cup coarse-ground white grits, uncooked 4 cups water H tablespoon salt 2 5.2-ounce wheels Boursin herb cheese H–1 cup shrimp, shelled, deveined, cooked and chopped 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 cups panko or regular bread crumbs, or more as needed 1 cup milk 2 eggs, beaten 8 ounces vegetable oil

Sanyi Kumar/iStock

Gina Moore/iStock

SHRIMP AND GRITS FRITTERS

REALLY EASY SHRIMP AND GRITS SERVES 4

4 servings cooked, hot grits 2– 4 tablespoons butter 1 medium onion, chopped G green bell pepper, seeded and chopped G red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 small carrot, peeled and chopped 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes and green chilies 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce 1 14.25-ounce can tomatoes and okra 1 pound raw shrimp, shelled and deveined

Cook grits according to package directions; cover and set aside.

In a medium skillet, heat butter, then saute onion, bell peppers and carrot, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until very soft.

Add tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and tomatoes and okra. Bring to a simmer, uncovered, for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally; if too thick, stir in a few tablespoons hot water. Just before serving, add shrimp and cook 4–5 minutes until pink, stirring occasionally. Serve over grits.

GENEVA LARSON, LANDRUM

scliving.coop | September 2013 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

19

SCGardener

BY S. CORY TANNER

Building a rain garden Plant material tolerant of fluctuating water conditions

2"–3" shredded hardwood mulch

Pooling zone Detention/filtration zone

Carolina Clear

Amended topsoil 40% sand 30% organic matter 30% topsoil Uncompacted native soil The record-breaking rains drenching South Carolina

this year are producing an abundance of storm-water runoff. Carried in this runoff are pollutants—pesticides, excess fertilizers, petroleum residues—that flow, if not intercepted, into storm drains, ditches, and the nearest stream, pond or lake, creating a multitude of environmental problems.

Fortunately, rain gardens provide an attractive and environmentally friendly way to manage runoff. They capture runoff in your landscape and allow it to infiltrate the soil before it reaches a stream. Soil and plant roots in the garden filter out pollutants, and the water is used by the plants or recharges groundwater.

“Rain gardens can treat up to 98 percent of the pollutants found in your typical residential storm-water runoff,” says Katie Giacalone, coordinator of Clemson Extension’s Carolina Clear water-quality education program.

A common misconception is that a rain garden is a pond or bog. Actually, rain gardens are depressions planted with landscape plants and are designed to capture, store and absorb water from a one-inch rain within 24 to 48 hours.

A proper rain garden will be dry most of the time.

“Rain gardens are like any other garden in your yard, just inverted, so these plant beds are an amenity on your landscape,” Giacalone says.

To install a rain garden, begin with an appropriate location—somewhere that rainwater typically flows during a storm, such as downhill from a gutter downspout. Keep it at least 10 feet from your home’s foundation so it won’t flood your crawlspace or cause other problems.

Rain gardens need soil that allows water infiltration. A simple soil perk test will help you determine the infiltration rate. Dig a hole approximately 1 foot deep. If the soil is dry, fill the hole with water and allow it to drain completely.

Refill the hole with water and measure the rate of drop. If it drops more than one inch in an hour, the soil is considered well draining and suitable for a rain garden.

20

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

As to size, your rain garden should measure 5 to 10 percent of the drainage area directed to it. For example, if the site handles water from a downspout off a 1,000-square-foot roof section, then the garden should be 50 to 100 square feet.

An effective rain garden needs a ponding depth of about 6 inches. Dig out the selected area to create this depression. You may include a berm on the downslope side of the garden and add a swale or pipe in the berm to allow excessive rainwater to escape without eroding or damaging the garden.

Loamy sand is the most recommended soil type for rain gardens. Chances are you will need to amend your soil before planting. Add organic matter (compost) and take a sample to your Clemson Extension office for testing to determine if lime or fertilizers are necessary.

With your garden prepared, you can begin the fun part: planting. Sunny and shady rain gardens will require different plants, but each needs plants that thrive in both wet and dry conditions, Giacalone says. Options include American beauty­berry, obedient plant, Southern blue flag iris, coneflowers, asters, daylilies and ferns.

After planting, apply about 3 inches of hardwood mulch to reduce erosion and weeds.

Once established, your rain garden shouldn’t need much watering after the first year, except during prolonged droughts. Fertilizer is practically unnecessary, because the garden collects fertilizers from adjacent lawns and gardens.

Periodic weeding and tending to plants will be your biggest chores.

For more information about rain gardens, including a free “Rain Gardens” manual to download, visit Carolina Clear’s Web page, clemson.edu/carolinaclear. is an area horticulture agent and Master Gardener coordinator for Clemson Extension based in Greenville County. Contact him at shannt@clemson.edu.

S. CORY TANNER

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scliving.coop | September 2013 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

21

South Carolina’s last three drive‑in theaters are enjoying a second act as an affordable form of outdoor fun

BY T I M H A N S O N

22

nt, In an era of on-demand entertainme screens streaming video and high-­definition a on our smartphones, the very idea of as drive-in theater may seem as quaint uns black-and-white Leave it to Beaver rer don’t and Davy Crockett coonskin caps, but count them out just yet.

Three drive-in theaters are still in hit operation in South Carolina, and if you s fall, the byways of the Palmetto State thi t fine, you will find that they are doing jus viegoers thank you, by catering to modern mo rdable with an irresistible combination of affo biance prices, first-run features, outdoor am and surprisingly good food. ll

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

& Sharr i Wolfg ang ration by Andre w Chapm an Photo by Milto n Morri s; Illust

Drive-ins

Moviegoers arrive early for the best spots at the Monetta Drive-In Theatre, where a double feature costs $8 for adults and $4 for kids.

Court esy of Calvin and Dale Fox Holse nback

Tim Han son

Fall Travel Guide |

Calvin and Dale Fox Holsenback of Batesburg (left) have been watching movies at “The Big Mo” since they were teenagers. The restored Ford Fairlane convertible they drive to the theater today is a close match to the car Calvin drove in 1964. See page 32 for the proof.

Monetta Drive-In Theatre

Welcome to The Big Mo It’s 6:30 p.m. on a Saturday, with the sun still riding high in the early summer sky, yet dozens of cars are lined up alongside Highway 1 waiting for the Monetta Drive-In Theatre, aka The Big Mo, to open.

By the end of the evening, moviegoers in more than 300 vehicles will pass through the gates to watch double

Tim Hanson

Bringing the Monetta Drive-In Theatre back to life has been a labor of love for owner Richard Boaz (above). “As long as we’re having fun, the people are having fun and the business pays for itself, then everything else is gravy.”

24

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

features of first-run films—42 and Oz the Great and Powerful on the main field, The Croods and G.I. Joe on screen two, or Scary Movie 5 and Olympus Has Fallen on screen three.

“If you think this is busy, you should come out here on Memorial Day,” says Richard Boaz, who owns the drive-in with his wife, Lisa. “We’ve had all three fields sold out. It’s just nuts.”

The Big Mo, one of three outdoor movie theaters still operating in South Carolina, opens in March and shows movies on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until the end of November.

Built in 1950, the drive-in opened a year later with a screening of Nancy Goes to Rio. It operated through the heyday of outdoor movie theaters and hung on through the 1960s and 1970s. Finally, in the mid-1980s, the theater surrendered to the reality of the times and closed as Americans opted to stay home and watch movies on cable television or VHS tapes.

Richard and Lisa Boaz had always loved drive-ins. When the couple lived in West Virginia, they went often, and Richard thought that operating one of the big, nostalgic facilities would be, well, a lot of fun. When they relocated to South Carolina, Boaz spent weekends looking at drive-in ruins around the Palmetto State. Eventually, he heard about the long-shuttered theater near Monetta and drove over to take a look.

Time had not been kind to the property. The big screen was heavily damaged, the field was overgrown with trees and the roof of the box office had caved in. But for Richard Boaz, it was love at first sight.

In 1998 the couple became the owners of the Monetta Drive-in Theatre and went to work restoring the place.

They reopened on March 26, 1999, with the re-released Judy Garland classic The Wizard of Oz. In 2005, they ll

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25

Fall Travel Guide |

Drive-ins h out 5S ay 2 hw Hig

Downtown Greenwood

Rd. acea Pan

Auto Drive-In 3109 Highway 25 South, Greenwood (864) 942-9871 25drivein.com

25 178 Milton Morris

West 225 Scotch Cross Rd.

Tim Hanson

Co lum bi aH igh wa yN or th

BATESBURGLEESVILLE

Holston St.

1470

1

Cato Rd.

587

Monetta Drive-In Theatre 5822 Columbia Highway North (Highway 1), Monetta (803) 685-7949 thebigmo.com

Downtown Monetta

added a second screen, and just two years ago, as business continued to grow, they opened a third screen.

On any given movie night, guests arrive early to get the best spots, play games, toss a football and chat with neighbors. Families bring chairs and tables, even couches, and really make a night of it under the stars.

For U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Roger Hemion and his wife, Toni, weekend trips to The Big Mo are an ideal family

" We absolutely love it. ... In fact, we've been here the last four weekends." outing. The couple and their four children routinely make the 45-minute trip from Fort Gordon, Ga., near Augusta.

“We absolutely love it,” says Toni Hemion. “We come back every time they have a new movie. In fact, we’ve been here the last four weekends, and we don’t plan to slow down anytime soon.”

Like most other customers, the Hemions appreciate the fact that they can see two first-run movies for the price of seeing one at an indoor theater. At The Big Mo, 26

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

it’s $8 for adults and half as much for children.

“It’s something we can all do together,” says Toni Hemion. “And it’s cheap.”

The food isn’t bad, either. Over at one of the theater’s snack bars, Kim Laramee is busy cooking hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and corndogs for a parade of hungry moviegoers. One of Laramee’s satisfied customers is James Chiaramonte of nearby Aiken. Chiaramonte says he is a huge fan of The Big Mo and does all he can to spread the word.

“I’ve been out here maybe 15 or 20 times,” he says.

“I found out about the place two years ago and have tried to make it a point to be up here as much as possible with family and friends.”

Richard Boaz says satisfied customers like Chiaramonte make it all worthwhile.

“Our take on it when we got into this business was this: As long as we are having fun, the people are having fun and the business pays for itself, then anything else is gravy,” says Boaz. “I always tell people that we’ve had a little bit of gravy and a lot of fun.” ll

To advertise, contact Dan or Keegan at 800-984-0887 • ads@scliving.coop

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1000-yr.-old Cypress trees and native wildlife abound.

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$1.00 Off Adult Admission w/coupon Take I-26E from Columbia to exit 177 or I-26W from Charleston to exit 187, Follow “BEIDLER FOREST” signs.

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Drive-ins by the numbers

Relax and $ave in affordable

Hardeeville, SC

5,000+

H ar

val

de

s ti

ev

Fe

368

Number of drive-in theaters operating in the U.S. today.

Stay here; play there!

C atf sh ll e

i

Number of drive-in theaters in the U.S. in 1958, the height of their popularity.

p te m Se in

rd

n

d

hi

T

the

Sources: Drive-ins.com, The American Drive-in Movie Theater and the United Drive‑In Theatre Owners Association

ll y

$7 to $8

Adult admission price for first-run double features at S.C. drive-ins.

A n n ua

3

Number of drive-in theaters operating in South Carolina today.

ber

79

Number of S.C. drive-in theater sites identified by driveins.com, a website dedicated to preserving the nostalgia of outdoor movie theaters.

W e eke

Just 30 minutes from Beaufort, Hilton Head or Savannah! (I-95 exits 5 and 8) www.HardeevilleChamber.com • 843-784-3606 scliving.coop | September 2013 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

27

Fall T R AV E L G U I D E

Look for Our Fall Travel Sections in October & November!

Fall Travel Guide |

Drive-ins

Photos by Milton Morris

Auto Drive-In

wild cherry trees had sprouted throughout the property. It took a year to restore the drive-in to its former glory, but in April 2009 Tommy McCutcheon hit the switch on the big 35 mm projector for the first time since the 1980s.

For the next year or so, customers came in droves, and Greenwood residents Tommy and Carolyn McCutcheon business was so good that the McCutcheons bought and were on their way to church one Sunday morning a few cleared some adjoining land and built a second screen. years ago when they noticed a huge, unsightly pile of When they premiered that one with Pirates of the Caribbean trash in front of the shuttered drive-in movie theater they in the spring of 2011, the place sold out. Sensing a growing used to frequent when they were kids. appreciation of outdoor movie theaters, the couple has Tommy McCutcheon was so annoyed by the assault on plans for a third theater screen on land already secured one of his favorite childhood haunts that he contacted the and cleared for that purpose. owner of the property—one Virginia Turner, then in her The McCutcheons show double features on Fridays, 90s—and told her that he would clean up the mess for her.

Saturdays and Sundays from mid-­ That spontaneous offer to haul away February through the end of Decem­ trash eventually led to his purchase of ber. In addition to great food (“We the property and the reopening of the have a rib-eye sandwich that’ll be Auto Drive-In. more tender than your mama’s love,” “We’re having the time of our says Tommy McCutcheon), customlives showing movies,” says Carolyn McCutcheon. “And the people who ers get free refills on popcorn and come out here just love it. They hug sweet tea. us and thank us for opening.”

The result? “Our business is up The original drive-in was built in 40 percent from the same time last 1945, making it the oldest of the three year,” says Tommy McCutcheon. operating drive-in movie theaters in Part of that increased business the state. The place closed in 1982 and comes from moviegoers like Dan remained so for most of the next three Walters and his family, who got tired decades. of what he found to be noisy and By the time the McCutcheons unpleasant visits to indoor theaters. came along in 2008, the complex had “We come out here six or eight fallen on hard times. Vandals had times a year,” Walters says. “We just used shotguns to blast holes in the enjoy being outside under the stars. giant 85-by-48-foot screen. The ticket It turns a trip to the movies into Carolyn and Tommy McCutcheon pride booth and concession stand had been a family event.” themselves on serving great food at the ravaged by termites. Six-inch pines and That “family event” feeling stems ll Auto Drive-in.

Making memories two movies at a time

28

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

Fa l l T R AV E L G U I D E

scliving.coop | September 2013 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

29

Fall Travel Guide |

Drive-ins

Neon lights and a smiling Tom McCutcheon, the son of the theater owners Carolyn and Tommy, welcome guests to a night of outdoor movie fun.

u Don Seagraves, the veteran

from a freewheeling atmosphere at outdoor movies. One evening not too long ago, the McCutcheons’ son, Tom, who also works at the drive-in, walked past some Lander University students relaxing on a couch they had brought with them. McCutcheon jokingly told the students that the only thing missing was a coffee table so they could prop up their feet. Not ones to ignore a good idea, the students showed up the following weekend with their trusty sofa and, of course, a coffee table.

It’s the memories—or the making of memories—that seem to be foremost in the minds of moviegoers at the Auto Drive-in. Shannon Bernhardt and Armando Neri have fond recollections of going to outdoor movies with their families and want their 8-year-old daughter, Isabella, to remember these times with her family as well.

“I know when she’s 30 she’ll remember the drive-in, and she’ll recall us talking about the great cheeseburgers here,” Bernhardt says.

Bernhardt isn’t the only one who raves about Tommy McCutcheon’s cheeseburgers. Made with fresh ground beef and topped by tomatoes that the McCutcheons personally

" That's our main line of business right now---making great family memories." select and buy at a farmer’s market, the burgers are huge sellers at the snack bar.

The McCutcheons realize that they are members of a small fraternity of outdoor movie theater owners, but as long as people want to enjoy the drive-in experience, the couple will keep the place going.

“I promise you that if you come out here and watch a movie with us, you will remember it for the rest of your life,” says Tommy McCutcheon. “That’s our main line of business right now—making great family memories.”

30

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

Tim Hanson

Mo rris Photos by Milton

projectionist at Beaufort’s Highway 21 Drive-In, examines the last 35 mm film to be shown at the drive-in. Keeping pace with the times, the theater switched to a new digital projection system this summer.

Highway 21 Drive-In

Worth the drive Don Seagraves has mixed emotions as he threads the big film projector with one of the last 35 mm movies to be shown at Beaufort’s Highway 21 Drive-In. After all, Seagraves has been running projectors at movie theaters for decades, and the looming switch from film to digital stirs up feelings that he probably didn’t realize were there.

“Tomorrow is my last night of film,” he says. “I’m a little sad, because it’s something I did for such a long time. I started when I was 17, and I’m almost 60 now. But, you know, with digital you get three times better light, three times better quality of picture and much better sound. And that’s what it’s all about—the presentation to the public.”

The Beaufort drive-in is the first of South Carolina’s three outdoor movie theaters to go digital. The other two plan to make the change by next year.

“You either convert to digital or you’re out of business,” says Joe Barth, who owns the drive-in with his wife, Bonnie.

“We don’t want to see it close. And I think I can speak for Bonnie when I say that the people who come in here make us feel like we are kind of obligated to keep it open for them.”

Fans of this drive-in are quick to share their excitement about the place. Moviegoer Roberta Coleman, for example, says she feels “like a little kid” at the drive-in. And her ll

Fa l l T R AV E L G U I D E

Season Schedule 2013-2014

Sept. 2013

9/8 9/12-15 9/20 9/21 9/22

John, Janet and Jazz South Carolina Elvis Festival Exile Air Supply Jerry Butler

10/2 10/4 10/6 10/10 10/13 10/15 10/18 10/19 10/20 10/22 10/25 10/26 10/29

David Osborne Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. The Hitmen The Grascals Brenda Lee An Evening with Mark Rusell Porgy and Bess A concert version Robert Earl Keen Chris Mann In Concert Willie Nelson Sawyer Brown Cowboy Movies Chanticleer

11/2 11/3 11/7 11/8 11/9 11/15 11/17 11/19

Menopause The Musical pm Oyster Roast sponsored by Newberry Opera House Guild 5pm Edwin McCain 8pm B.J. Thomas 8pm The Gibson Brothers 8pm Phil Vasser 8pm Jim Brickman The Love Tour 3 & 8pm Ring of Fire The Music of Johnny Cash 3 & 8pm

12/3 12/5 12/6 12/7 12/8 12/13 12/13 12/17 12/20 12/31

The Charlie Daniels Band Tony Kenny’s Christmas Time in Ireland Jingle All The Way 208th Army Band of Concord, NC Palmetto Mastersingers Artie Shaw Orchestra State Capella of Russia Branson Christmas Style Eddie Money New Year’s Eve Celebration

8pm 3pm & 8pm 7pm 8pm 3pm 8pm 8pm 3pm & 8pm pm 8pm

1/5 1/12 1/17 1/18 1/20 1/23 1/24 1/29 11/30

Dailey and Vincent Godspell The Musical Swingin’ Medallions Bo Bice The Lennon Sisters Smoky Joe’s Cafe’ Hotel California - Tribute to the Eagles Elixir of Love, Teatro Lirico D’Europa Travis Tritt

3pm 3pm & 8pm 8pm 8pm 3pm & 8pm 3pm & 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm

2/8 2/9 2/12 2/14 2/15 2/16 2/22 2/25 2/28

Richard Smith Glenn Miller Orchestra Krasnoyarsk Nat. Dance Co. of Siberia Marina Lomazov Arlo Guthrie A Tribute to Woody Guthrie The Lettermen James Gregory, Funniest Man in America Man of La Mancha Delbert McClinton

8pm 3pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 3pm & 8pm 5pm & 8pm 3pm & 8pm 8pm

3/2 3/3 3/4 3/6 3/8 3/9 3/11 3/15 3/16 3/19 3/20 3/22 3/23 3/24 3/25 3/28 3/29 3/30

Annie Sellick and the Hot Club of Nashville Ozark Jubilee Church Basement Ladies, A Mighty Fortress Michael Bolton The Oak Ridge Boys Frankie Avalon Dublin’s Irish Cabaret Cowboy Movies Roslyn Kind Don’t Stop Believing, Journey Tribute Celtic Nights Georgette Jones Tribute to Tammy Wynette The Kingston Trio A Variety of Great Music Steep Canyon Rangers A Far Cry Up Yonder, Comedy Guy Lombardo’s Royal Canadians

3pm 3 & 7pm 3pm & 8pm 8pm 3pm & 8pm 3pm & 8pm 3pm & 8pm 9:30am 3pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 3pm & 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 3pm

Oct. 2013

Nov. 2013

Dec. 2013

Jan. 2014

4th AnnuAl

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Friday Night Sept. 13, 2013

“A NIGHT OF MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT”

with Fantastic “roy c” Also featuring “Fantasy Band” donation $20.00

Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013 FREE ACTIVITIES! Historical Tours Activities for the kids Afrikan Drummers James Brown Impersonator “Gentlemen of Distinction” Robbie Cockrell Band Bill Pinkney’s Original Drifters Vendors on site all 3 days

Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013 “HAVING CHURCH”

church services w/luther Barnes New Mt. Olive Baptist Church 1101 Peter Seymour Road, Gadsden, SC

“EVENING GOSPEL MUSIC”

Luther Barnes & the Sunset Jubilaires • Darrell McFadden & The Disciples • Pelham Myers & the Singing Stars • Raiford Hinton & the Jordanaires Wilson lAKehouse donation $5

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Feb. 2014

Mar. 2014

Apr. 2014

3pm 8pm 8pm 4pm 8pm 8pm 3pm & 8pm 8pm 3pm & 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 7:30pm 8pm 9:30am 8pm

4/7 4/10 4/22 4/25 4/26 4/27 4/30

Golden Dragon Acrobats An Evening of Duo Piano Music Newberry College Opera Scenes Charlie Thomas’ Drifters James Best - Comedy Doug and Bunny Williams C.B. Smith Show of Pigeon Forge

8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 3pm 3pm

5/1 5/4 5/8 5/9 5/16 5/17

SC Storytelling Network The Raleigh Ringers Cinderella, Russian National Ballet Pawel Checinski - Pianist “Whispering” Bill Anderson Rick Alviti

8pm 3pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm

May 2014

Box Office and Online: 803-276-6264

www.newberryoperahouse.com

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

scliving.coop | September 2013 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

31

Fall Travel Guide |

Drive-ins

Han son Photos by Tim

Hungry? From cotton candy and corndogs to Angus burgers and grilled chicken wraps, the menu at the Highway 21 concession stand goes way beyond mere popcorn, candy and sodas.

husband, Darrell Coleman, says they like the place so much they visit a couple of times each month.

“The drive-in is always kind of nostalgic and a lot of fun,” he says. “There is a small-town atmosphere about the place.”

The drive-in’s Facebook page boasts nearly 5,000 followers, and the Barths use it to engage their customers with running commentaries on upcoming films, new concession items and special events. The customers, in turn, heap praise on the Highway 21 Drive-In experience.

One recent post: “Your food is awesome and the people who work there actually make you feel glad you came to spend the evening with them. Would definitely give them two thumbs up!!!”

ries Share your drive-in memo Visit SCLiving.coop this month to share your favorite stories and pictures from your best night at a drive-in theater. We’ll choose our favorites and print them in a future issue.

Readers Calvin and Dale Fox Holsenback enjoyed movies under the stars at the Monetta Drive-In Theatre as teenagers in the 1960s.

Today, the Batesburg couple can relive the experience with their grandkids in a restored 1959 Ford Fairlane convertible. “It is very close to the one we had as teens,” Dale Holsenback says.

32

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

Joe Barth says that about 40 percent of his customers are military families from nearby Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

“They’re right down the road, and we love them,” he says. “But we get a pretty good crowd every night from Charleston and Savannah, too. And that’s over an hour’s drive. I’ll tell you, nobody will drive over an hour to go to an indoor theater. But they will drive that far to come to a drive-in.”

The Highway 21 Drive-in was built in 1978 and passed from one owner to the next until Joe and Bonnie Barth bought the 10-acre complex in 2004. It came with an added bonus—row after row of metal speakers that moviegoers used to hang from their car windows so they could listen to the movie soundtrack. These days, customers listen by tuning to a special FM station on their car radios, but the presence of the old speakers added a nostalgic twist to the drive-in experience.

" The drive-in is always kind of nostalgic and a lot of fun."

There were maybe 350 of those speakers when the Barths bought the property. At the end of their first season, 40 of the speakers went missing. When even more of the speakers disappeared during the second season, Joe removed the ones that were left, leaving only a few speakers—for nostalgia, of course—in front of the concession stand.

Those old-time speakers are not the only things that set the Beaufort theater apart. Over the last several years, Highway 21 has become known for its family of ospreys that happily makes its home right on top of the main screen.

“They’ve been with us for about five years,” says Joe Barth. “Every year they come back and work on their nest.”

Their names, appropriately enough, are Oscar and Emmy.

“Quite a few people bring their binoculars and sit out there and watch them,” says Barth. “It’s just part of the drive-in experience here in Beaufort.”

If they wanted to, the Barths could probably sell their drive-in to a developer and make a very nice profit. But Joe and Bonnie really love what they do. Joe Barth says if someone made him an offer so attractive that he simply could not refuse, he would more than likely open another drive-in.

“I remember the first day we opened,” recalls Barth.

“I looked out our window here and saw a family tossing around a football. Someone else was throwing a Frisbee.

I really enjoyed seeing that. We weren’t making any money at that point, but it put a smile on my face because I think that’s what we should be getting back to—bringing families together.”

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scliving.coop | September 2013 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

35

Calendar of Events Please confirm information before attending events. For entry guidelines, go to SCLiving.coop.

UPSTATE

SEPTEMBER

13–15 • 20 x 20 Invitational Clay Show and Exhibit, The ARTS Center of Clemson, Clemson. (864) 633-5051.

16 • Angel Flight SC Branch’s Golf Tournament, The Links at Stoney Point Golf Course, Greenwood. (770) 452-7958.

18–21 • The Nashville Connection Heroes Salute Songster Bus, songwriting competition and concert, various locations, Greenville. (864) 423-0803.

19–21 • Rudy’s Bluegrass in the Woods Autumn Festival, 110 Smith Motors Rd., Belton. (864) 356-3444.

20–21 • AutumnFest at the Market, Greenville State Farmers Market, Greenville. (864) 244-4023.

20–22 • South Carolina Campground Cook-off, Calhoun Falls State Park, Calhoun Falls. (864) 447-8267.

21 • Seay House Saturday, Seay House, Spartanburg. (864) 596-3501.

21 • McCormick Gold Rush Festival, multiple venues, McCormick. (864) 852-2835.

21 • South Greenville Fair Antique Engine and Tractor Show, Simpsonville City Park, Simpsonville. (864) 430-1412.

21 • Saturday Science: Rockets, Spartanburg Science Center, Spartanburg. (864) 583-2777.

21 • Tour of Oconee bike ride, Foothills Christian School, Fair Play. (864) 903-0964.

26–29 • Euphoria, multiple venues, Greenville. (864) 233-5663.

27–28 • Southeast Aviation Expo, Greenville Downtown Airport, Greenville. (864) 634-1380.

28 • Harvest Day Festival, downtown, Inman. (864) 472-3654.

28 • Birchwood Arts & Crafts Fair, Table Rock Wesleyan Camp & Conference Center, Pickens. (864) 878-9269.

28 • Due West Fall Festival, downtown, Due West. (864) 379-2385.

28 • Sweet Tea with Lemon Senior Picnic, Cada Park, Chesnee. (864) 461-3050.

28 • Shriners Palmetto Mud Run, Sandhill Motorsports Park, Chesterfield. (864) 809-0242.

29 • Founder’s Day, Michael Gaffney cabin, Gaffney. (864) 487-6244.

OCTOBER

1–5 • Carolina Foothills Heritage Fair, 178 Hayfield Rd., Westminster. (864) 903-1823.

36

3–5 • Moonshiners Reunion and Mountain Music Festival, Plum Hollow Farm, Spartanburg. (864) 680-0225.

4 • FestiFall Friday Night Lantern Tours, Walnut Grove Plantation, Roebuck. (864) 576-6546.

4–5 • Squealin’ on the Square, Historic Courthouse Square, Laurens. (864) 984-2119.

4–6 • Guild of the Greenville Symphony Tour of Homes, Collins Creek and Hollingsworth Park neighborhoods, Greenville. (864) 370-0965.

5–6 • FestiFall Revolutionary War Weekend, Walnut Grove Plantation, Roebuck. (864) 576-6546.

5–6 • Aunt Het Quilt Show, Fountain Inn Activity Center, Fountain Inn. (864) 862-3202.

6 • Farm to Table Dinner, Chattooga Belle Farm, Long Creek. (864) 647-9768.

6 • Goodwill Mud Run, SCTAC/Donaldson Center, Greenville. (864) 351-0123.

7 • Anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain, Kings Mountain National Military Park, Blacksburg. (864) 936-7921.

7–13 • Piedmont Interstate Fair, Spartanburg Fairgrounds, Spartanburg. (864) 582-7042.

11–12 • “Miss Nelson is Missing,” David Reid Theatre, Chapman Cultural Center, Spartanburg. (864) 583-4891.

11–13 • “The Lion in Winter,” Oconee Community Theater, Seneca. (864) 882-1910.

11–13 • Balloons over Anderson, Anderson Civic Center, Anderson. (864) 314-7667.

11–13 • Fall for Greenville, multiple venues, Greenville. (864) 467-2776.

12 • Pumpkin Festival, Oolenoy Community House, Pumpkintown. (864) 898-0261.

12 • Archaeology Day, Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, Clinton. (864) 938-0100.

12 • Autumn Candlelight Tour, Ninety Six National Historic Site, Ninety Six. (864) 543-4068.

Sundays through September • Sundays Unplugged, Chapman Cultural Center, Spartanburg. (864) 542-2787.

MIDLANDS SEPTEMBER

13–15 • Women’s Outdoor Retreat, Hickory Knob State Resort Park, McCormick. (803) 609-4778.

19–22 • Greek Festival, corner of Sumter and Calhoun streets, Columbia. (803) 461-0248.

21 • Horseback Riding on Walt Schrader Trails, Historic Brattonsville, McConnells. (803) 684-2327.

21 • Forrest Ray 5K Run and Walk, Sumter County Library, Sumter. (803) 773-7273.

21 • Fall Heritage Festival & Pickin’ Party, South Carolina State Museum, Columbia. (803) 898-4952.

21 • Jam Room Music Festival, Main at Hampton Street, Columbia. (803) 787-6908.

22–29 • Raylrode Daze Festivul, downtown, Branchville. (803) 274-8831.

24–29 • Sumter County Fair, 700 W. Liberty St., Sumter. (803) 775-5200.

26 • A Fine Affair—Colored with Care, DoubleTree Columbia, Columbia. (803) 254-0118.

27 • ZOOfari, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia. (803) 779-8717.

27 • Edgefield Heritage Jubilee Festival Whole Hog Cook-off, Oakley Park, Edgefield. (803) 637-1900.

27–29 • Midlands Fall Plant & Flower Festival, South Carolina State Farmers Market, West Columbia. (803) 737-4664.

28 • Edgefield Heritage Jubilee Festival, Main Street, Edgefield.

(803) 637-1800 or (803) 637-6687.

28 • Italian Festival, Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion, Columbia. (201) 673-0890.

28 • Piedmont Pottery Festival, Historic Brattonsville, McConnells. (803) 684-2327.

30–Oct. 6 • Orangeburg ONGOING County Fair, 350 Magnolia St., Saturdays through November • Orangeburg. (803) 534-0358.

Hub City Farmer’s Market, OCTOBER Magnolia Street Train Station, 3–5 • Gopher Hill Festival, Spartanburg. (864) 585-0905. downtown, Ridgeland.

Second Saturdays • Music (803) 346-3655. on the Mountain Bluegrass 4 • The Doo Wop Project, Jams, Table Rock State Park, Harbison Theatre, Irmo.

Pickens. (864) 878-9813.

(803) 407-5011.

Third Saturdays • Milling Day, Hagood Mill Historic Site & Folklife 4–5 • Rock Around the Clock Festival, downtown, Center, Pickens. (864) 898-2936.

Winnsboro. (803) 635-4242.

4–5 • Gaston Collard & BBQ Festival, downtown, Gaston. (803) 796-7725.

5 • Congaree Bluegrass Festival, Granby Gardens Park, Cayce. (803) 796-9020.

5 • Art on Main, Main Street, Fort Mill. (803) 802-3646.

8 • Ancient Life in Aiken: Fossils in Our Area, Birds & Butterflies, Aiken. (803) 649-7999.

9–20 • South Carolina State Fair, South Carolina State Fairgrounds, Columbia. (803) 799-3387, ext. 10.

12 • BBQ, Bluegrass & Blue Jeans Benefit, The Farm at Ridgeway, Ridgeway. (803) 608-5510.

ONGOING

Daily, except Mondays • Living History Days, Historic Brattonsville, McConnells. (803) 684-2327.

Daily, except Mondays and major holidays • Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, Camden. (803) 432-9841.

Daily, by appointment • Overnights and Night Howls, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia. (803) 779-8717, ext. 1113.

First Thursdays • Art Crawl and Streetfest, Main Street, Columbia. (803) 988-1065.

First Fridays • Meet the Artists, The Village Artists, Columbia. (803) 699-8886.

Saturdays • Behind-theScenes Adventure Tours, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia. (803) 978-1113.

Second Saturdays • Children’s Art Program, Sumter County Gallery of Art, Sumter. (803) 775-0543.

Second Saturdays • Experience Edgefield: Living History Saturdays, Town Square, Edgefield. (803) 637-4010.

Fourth Saturdays through September • Bluegrass Series, Haynes Auditorium, Leesville College Park, BatesburgLeesville. (803) 582-8479.

20 • The Fantastic Shakers concert, McLean Park, North Myrtle Beach. (843) 280-5570.

20–22 • Mayor’s Cup Women’s Championship, Whispering Pines Golf Course, Myrtle Beach. (843) 918-2305.

20–22 • Mozart in the South Festival, multiple venues, Charleston. (843) 763-4941.

21 • Beach Sweep, Myrtle Beach State Park, Myrtle Beach. (843) 238-0874.

21 • Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down, downtown, Aynor. (843) 358-1074.

21 • Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering, Boone Hall Plantation, Mount Pleasant. (843) 884-4371.

22–Oct. 6 • Sam Doyle art exhibition, ARTworks, Beaufort. (843) 379-2787.

26–29 • LoCo Motion, 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk, Hilton Head and Callawassie islands. (843) 415-6938.

26–Oct. 6 • Moja Arts Festival, multiple venues, Charleston. (843) 724-7305.

27–28 • Cypress Festival, downtown, Pamplico.

(843) 687-3349.

27–29 • Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival, Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet. (843) 237-4440.

27–29 • Taste of Charleston, Boone Hall Plantation, Mount Pleasant. (843) 884-4371.

28 • Irish-Italian International Festival, Main Street, North Myrtle Beach. (843) 280-5570.

28 • Golden Leaf Festival, downtown and Smithhaven Park, Mullins. (843) 464-5200.

28 • Hilton Head Burgers and Brew Festival, Shelter Cove Park, Hilton Head Island. (843) 681-7273.

30–Oct. 5 • 350/30 Celebration, multiple venues, Hilton Head Island. (843) 686-6560.

5–6 • Art in the Park, Chapin Park, Myrtle Beach. (843) 446-3830.

7 • Swing for the Symphony, Charleston Symphony Orchestra League golf tournament, River Course, Kiawah Island. (843) 768-9289.

9 • Dolphin Ecotour Boat Cruise, Botany Bay Plantation, Edisto Island. (843) 869-2998.

10 • Classic Southern Cooking with a French Twist with Alex Hitz, Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston. (843) 722-2706.

11 • The Moveable Feast: “A Culinary History of Myrtle Beach & the Grand Strand,” Pine Lakes Country Club, Myrtle Beach. (843) 235-9600.

12 • South Carolina Sweet Potato Festival, Public Square, Darlington. (843) 393-3526.

12–13 • Little River ShrimpFest, waterfront, Little River. (803) 795-9755.

ONGOING

Daily • Enchanted Storybook Forest, Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet. (843) 235-6000.

Daily through Oct. 30 • Redux Contemporary Art Center exhibit, North Charleston City Gallery, North Charleston. (843) 740-5854.

Daily through Oct. 31 • Boone Hall Corn Maze, Mount Pleasant. (843) 884-4371.

Daily except Mondays, Sept. 27 through Jan. 5, 2014 • Photography and the American Civil War, Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston. (843) 722-2706.

Mondays • Free Blues Concert, Med Bistro, Charleston. (843) 762-9125.

Tuesdays and Saturdays• Shag Lessons, Beach Music & Shag Preservation Society Clubhouse, Charleston. (843) 814-0101.

Tuesdays through Saturdays • Self-guided farm tours, L.W. Paul Living History Farm, OCTOBER Conway. (843) 915-5320.

2–6 • Myrtle Beach Bike Week Wednesdays through Fall Rally, multiple venues, Oct. 31 • Coastal Birding, Grand Strand. (336) 643-1367.

Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet. (843) 235-8755.

2–12 • Eastern Carolina LOWCOUNTRY Agricultural Fair, Eastern Thursdays through Sept. 19 • SEPTEMBER Carolina Agricultural Fairground, Music on Main Concert Series, 16 • Paddle North Inlet, Hobcaw Florence. (843) 665-5173. multiple locations, Myrtle Barony, Georgetown. (843) 546-4623. 4–5 • Beaufort Shrimp Festival, Beach. (843) 280-5570.

Henry C. Chambers Waterfront 19–21 • Yemassee Shrimp Second Fridays through Park, Beaufort. (843) 525-6644.

Festival, multiple venues, Oct. 11 • Movies at McLean, Yemassee. (843) 589-2120.

McLean Park, North Myrtle 4–6 • Oktoberfest, Valor Park, Beach. (843) 280-5570.

Myrtle Beach. (843) 712-2618.

19–22 • South Carolina Tobacco Festival, various venues, 4–6 • Pee Dee Fall Plant & Flower Third Saturdays • Birding on Lake City. (843) 374-8611. the Barony, Hobcaw Barony, Festival, Pee Dee State Farmers Georgetown. (843) 546-4623.

Market, Florence. (843) 665-5154.

19–Oct. 12 • Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art, 5 • Grand Strand British Car multiple venues, Pawleys Club Show, The Market Common, Island. (843) 626-8911.

Myrtle Beach. (843) 902-0491.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

SCHumorMe

By Jan A. Igoe

Which way to the buzzard buffet?

For years, I dreamed of a

fenced backyard where my darling dogs could romp in the sunlight, torment squirrels and dig to China as nature intended.

Translation: I could throw the mutts out without even getting out of my pajamas, before they irrigate the Berber. (Sounds harsh, but walking them 27 times a day gets old.)

No sooner did I move to my fenced paradise and release the hounds when the first harbinger of doom weighed in. “Watch out for the vultures,” the neighbor I hadn’t met yet shouted through the fence. “It’s lunchtime.”

“It’s OK. These are live animals,” I yelled back.

“Honey, beach vultures don’t wait around,” she said. “They like fast food.”

My brain struggled to wrap itself around the idea that flocks of carnivorous birds began fortifying their positions the moment Two Men and a Truck backed into my driveway.

Hitchcock warned us about that.

That didn’t sit well, so I dismissed my neighbor as a nut. She could be one of those women who allegedly spent 94 hours in labor with a 13-pound breach baby delivered by cesarean during a hurricane by a roofer with a chainsaw. At least that’s what her kind likes to tell newly pregnant females as they run away screaming.

So I remained calm until a happiersounding neighbor complimented my 9-pound mutt. “The vultures just love them,” he added. “Those are snack 38

size. They just need a little ketchup.”

That’s when I realized the feathers strewn around my yard didn’t belong to sparrows. Above my head, a black, winged monster was zeroing in on my dogs from a tree.

“There’s no ketchup here,” I screamed at the invader, waving my arms and leaping around, clanking pot lids together in a vain attempt to scare it off. The bird didn’t flinch a feather.

My dogs, however, ran inside and hid.

Frantic, I turned to the Internet for advice from genuine vulture victims who had experience keeping killer birds away. They recommended: XXSetting off fireworks around the clock XXDangling a dead colleague (of the vulture) in effigy XXHanging lots of shiny CDs from branches XXShaking vulture-bearing trees at least twice a day

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | September 2013 | scliving.coop

Intriguing ideas, but there’s a downside. The guy who tested M-80s as a bird deterrent also set his home on fire. And the birds came back before the fire trucks got there.

Hanging CDs is harm­ less, but the movement that’s supposed to scare the birds off makes some of them want to hang around and invite their friends.

Pecking the CDs becomes a game, so the more, the merrier. The icing on the cake is watching you try to shake their tree, which is 70 feet tall and 8 feet around. Now that’s a total entertainment package.

No matter what you do, the birds may decide to stay. Just ask the Virginia man who woke up one day to hundreds of vultures staking claim to his yard. He can’t have them removed, because they’re federally protected. So he’s sharing his patio with 200 winged guests and not doing much outdoor grilling.

Anyway, I came up with my own deterrent. It took only 90 minutes to wrap my dog up in his own anti-bird aluminum foil vest. It’s the same principle as the CDs, but now my dog is the shiny moving object. My daughter says it won’t work unless the vultures are afraid of furry baked potatoes.

I’d argue, but the birds have been asking for sour cream and chives.

JAN A. IGOE is a writer from the Grand Strand, where tourists are welcome.

But vultures? Not so much. Guard your puppies, and if you see vultures headed for the beach, please warn Jan at HumorMe@SCLiving.coop.

“I didn’t do nothing but try to save a few people.”

Tomie Gaines of Greenville, S.C., served as a medic in Italy during World War II and later went into nursing.

Today, Mr. Gaines visits elementary schools to teach children about WWII and how war is as much about saving lives as taking them.

Honor FligHt BRINGS HISTORY ALIVE! From the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the Battle of the Bulge, Iwo Jima, and the Berlin Airlift—it’s all here. Tomie Gaines is one of 100 South Carolina World War II veterans featured in this absorbing collection of stories, period photos and portraits.

Order Honor Flight online at www.scliving.coop/honorflight.aspx or complete and return this form with a check made payable to Electric Cooperatives of S.C. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY YouR nAmE AddRESS

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Order your copy of Honor Flight today!

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Number of books _________________________ at $29.95 each. Amount enclosed $ _________________________________________ Mail form and check to: Electric Cooperatives of S.C. P.O. Box 100270 Columbia, SC 29202-3270

Price includes shipping and sales tax. Allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery.

Questions: EmAiL: HonorFlight@scliving.coop PhonE: (803) 739-5066