SAND & PINE October/November 2020
The Kids Are Alright Political Activism
A Flightless Investment Ostrich Farming
Beer Matters A Stout Will Do
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with the Spay Neuter Veterinary Clinic of the Sandhills, 5071 US 1, Suite C, Vass NC expand service in 2021. FEATURING BUILDING RENOVATIONS FOR SAFETY OF CLIENTS AND STAFF (WE’RE COVID-19 COMPLIANT) AND NEW VETERINARY MANAGEMENT TO CONTINUE OFFERING LOW-COST SURGERY. Consider a gift to the Companion Animal Clinic Foundation www.companionanimalclinic.org info@companionanimalclinic.org 501c3#20-2886984
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contents 12
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The Kids Are Alright
A Flightless Investment
SAND & PINE
They’re young, energetic, idealistic and motivated. They’re exactly what our political system needs right now. And they can probably fix the printer, too!
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Ryan and Gaby Olufs didn’t intend to own a farm, much less start breeding the largest bird on the planet. You just never know where life will take you.
At the Table
Beans or no beans? The eternal question! A Texan will say, “If you know beans about chili, you know chili ain’t got no beans.”
Pub People
Greg Girard, Amanda Jakl
Storysmith
Greg Girard greg@sandandpinemag.com
SA N D & P IN E October/November
2020
Creative Conjuror
Amanda Jakl amanda@sandandpinemag.com
On the Cover May the winds of fortune sail you, May you sail a gentle sea. May it always be the other guy who says, “This drink’s on me.”
Idea Inventor
Amanda Oden oden@sandandpinemag.com
Word Geek
Rachel Dorrell
Ad Peddler
e Alright The KidsalAr Activism Politic
ment A Flightless Invest ing Ostrich Farm
Beer Matters A Stout Will Do
Amanda Jakl amanda@sandandpinemag.com
Contributing Scribblers
Hannah Brittnacher, Karen Caulfield, Darcy Connor, Christin Daubert, Tonya Hart, Amanda Oden, Patti Ranck, Mike Thomas
Our Girl Friday Iris Voelker
Visual Alchemists Steven Jordan
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P.O. Box 892 Southern Pines, NC 28388 Tel. 910.315.0467 info@sandandpinemag.com www.sandandpinemag.com facebook: SandandPineMag
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© Copyright 2020. Sand & Pine Magazine is published six times annually by Sand & Pine, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent is prohibited.
Quicksand 6 Good Reads 10 Garden Variety 22 Beer Matters 28 Be Inspired 34 Parenting 36 On the Fly 40 DIY 42
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Dropping In 44
Haunted Haunts
Pet Care
Music 45
There are plenty of spooky places in the area to raise the hair on your neck. From the Holly Inn to Weymouth, we honor the ghosts of the Sandhills.
Before you ask your veterinarian about those anti-anxiety meds for Fido, there are several non-drug options you and your pooch or kitty are better off trying first.
Puzzles 46 Last Word 48
editor note We take it for granted, our right to choose our leaders. Every election
year I’m reminded of my floundering 20s when I was still at a loss about what to do with my life. At one point I thought about law, so I took a job as a paralegal at a law firm to see if it was my calling. This law firm was exclusively immigration law, and so the vast majority of the clients I worked with were in the process of gaining citizenship to the U.S., along with a variety of visiting visas. It was a fascinating experience. I worked with astrophysicists where, for the visa application, I had to put into laymen’s terms the work they do. (Those were some interesting conversations as a Norwegian genius with a thick accent attempted to explain to me dark matter and cosmic inflation.) We had our share of green card marriages where I had to ask for some more intimate details. The application for those was all about proving their relationship was legit, so they had to present love letters, diary entries, photos of trips and proof of experiences to show their love was truly real. Some were a bit
by Greg Girard
eye-opening, to say the least. You kind of assume all of these are of the “mail order” variety and some were, but, in truth, most of them were sincere love stories—and sharing in their joy of having the application approved was always a feel-good moment. I even got invited to a few celebration parties! But the clients I most liked working with were the asylum seekers and those that came on other visas who sincerely wanted to adopt this country as their own. These are the people I think about as I’m standing in line to vote. While every story was different, what they had in common was a heartfelt gratefulness and joy about becoming a U.S. citizen. All had family back home who inspired their journey to our shores. All wanted to exemplify what is truly good about our nation. I helped some clients study for the naturalization test (A sample: the idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?). I helped some with their English. The application process can be long and taxing, so I made it a habit of checking in to see how they were doing and to a fault they were nothing but positive. They understood, often much more than we who were born into it, what it means to be an American. Vote! www.SandandPineMag.com | 5
QUICKSAND BY THE NUMBERS » PUMPKINS
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The number of years ago “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” first aired on TV. This prime-time television special has been a consistent joy for the last half century, so much so that even Canada has adopted the Halloween custom. “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is available on Amazon Prime and Hulu, so you don’t have to miss out on the tradition. The number of feet in diameter the largest pumpkin pie measured. It was created at the New Bremen Pumpkinfest in New Bremen, Ohio, and weighed in at 3,699 pounds—as much as an average sedan.
The number of weeks before Halloween the famous horror movie “PumpkinHead” was made, the classic film based on an eerie poem written by Ed Justin. This movie had a great influence over quite a few people, including members of the band the Misfits. They enjoyed the movie so much they decided to create a song based on it, called, you guessed it, “PumpkinHead.”
The year the band Smashing Pumpkins won an award for their song “The End Is The Beginning Is The End,” which was written for the 1997 movie, “Batman & Robin.”
The percent of injuries due to pumpkin carving during the 2019 Halloween season. Halloween tends to be one of the most dangerous nights of the year based on the amount of emergency room visits from pumpkin carving incidents, car accidents, allergic reactions to candy, and even people tripping on their costumes and falling, causing serious injuries. So keep that costume length above the ankle, try painting your pumpkins instead, and use the sidewalk as much as possible.
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The number of continents that are able to grow pumpkins: all except Antarctica. Pumpkins are thought to be native to Mexico, Central America and some southern parts of the United States. The first pumpkins grown in North America were grown for consumption, whereas pumpkins in Mexico were grown for the use of their skin, and they greatly differed from the ones in the north.
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The number of states that grow almost half of all the pumpkins in the U.S.: Illinois, California, Indiana, Texas and Pennsylvania. Illinois produces the most pumpkins, surpassing Texas, a state that is almost five times its size. Illinois also sells 80 percent of its harvest to be processed into pumpkin pie filling and other pumpkin products.
LOOK, LISTEN & LEARN
OUTER SANDBOX
Stickk
ROAD TRIP!
Losing weight, learning a new language, decluttering your house—what do you want to accomplish this year? Have trouble achieving your goals? Stickk helps you define your goal, break it down into actionable steps and track your progress. If you need more help (and don’t we all?) you can request a third-party referee or, for those who need even more than a stranger asking for progress reports, you can put a financial stake on yourself. You’ll need to pay up if you bail on your goal. stickk.com
Road trip! Beyond the boundaries of our little sandbox, there is much to see. Here are a few events worth checking out. For events with a more local flavor, check out moorechoices.net.
OCT. 1 - NOV. 1 Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze Huntersville | ruralhill.net Who wouldn’t want to get lost in seven acres of corn? It’s perfect for socially distanced, outdoor, family friendly fun. This year boasts a Celtic-inspired maze. Go make a day of it.
CBS Radio Mystery Theater Podcast If you’re like us and you’ve watched everything on Netflix, take a page from your great grandparents and try a radio drama. CBS Radio Mystery Theater has 1,399 episodes, most about an hour long, that can fill in the entertainment gap once you’ve reached the end of streaming. Every genre is represented—science fiction, historical drama, ghost stories, horror—but the main genre is murder mystery, so keep that in mind when sharing this podcast with your kids. Just because it’s not visual doesn’t mean it’s not scary! Available wherever you listen to podcasts.
OPEN DAILY U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum Fayetteville | asomf.org Hands down, one of the best free museums in North Carolina. The museum celebrates more than 80 years of Army Airborne and Special Operations history with interactive experiences, presentations and exhibits, highlighting early airborne feats to the war on terror. OPEN DAILY The Last Shell Oil Clamshell Station Winston-Salem | 1111 E Sprague St. For fans of quirky roadside attractions and novelty architecture, here’s one that’s practically in our backyard. This station remained open until the 1950s and housed a lawn mower repair business in the 1970s and ’80s. In 1976, it became the first individual station in America to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Vivino Wine Scanner Take the guesswork out of shopping for wine with a single click of your camera phone. With Vivino, a simple photo will pull up all the info you need, including tasting notes, reviews and how that particular bottle stacks up against its competitors. So the next time you’re wandering the wine aisles, have this app open and at the ready. You’ll impress all your friends at the next wine and cheese party.
QUOTES It would be nice to spend billions on schools and roads, but right now that money is desperately needed for political ads. – Andy Borowitz
I don’t believe in astrology; I’m a Sagittarius and we’re skeptical. – Arthur C. Clarke www.SandandPineMag.com | 7
TO YOUR HEALTH
Health Tips Buy In-Season Get adventurous and try a new veggie this fall. In-season veggies include beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, eggplant, kale, butternut squash, cranberries and turnips. An abundance of tasty autumn
Keep Your Routines As the sun sets earlier, it can throw your natural circadian rhythm out of whack. Although if there was any year to say goodbye to Daylight Savings Time, it should be 2020! Try to maintain a sleep schedule of at least seven hours and keep your normal bedtime and waking hours the same as the rest of the year. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule can help keep your immune system healthy. And if you need help turning off the electronics, set an alarm for at least an hour before bedtime to remind yourself. Self Care Since 2020 has been the year that’s lasted at least 30 years, make sure you take some time for self care. Autumn is the time to rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. Get a massage after a long run. Learn to meditate. Take an art class. Treat yourself not just with physical exercise but other activities that promote wellness to help you feel good spiritually, mentally and emotionally. For instance, visit the Arts Council of Moore County, Joy of Art Studio or the Artists League of the Sandhills for classes to rejuvenate your artistic spirit.
vegetables makes it easy to reap the benefits of a plant-based diet, such as preventing diabetes, controlling hypertension and improving your heart health. Consider roasting fall veggies with just a little oil, salt and pepper.
More Than Just Jack-O’-Lanterns The flesh of this fall favorite is high with vitamins A and C, and its wonderful crunchy seeds, called pepitas, are rich in phytosterols, which may help to lower cholesterol. With all the health benefits they offer, don’t pumpkins deserve to be more than a holiday project that just rots on your front porch? Try a recipe Google search for, say, roasted pepitas or pumpkin butter.
OCT. 10–18 1 in 8K - Moore for the Cure Virtual 8k runsignup.com
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NOV. 21 Pinehurst Turkey Trot Pinehurst 1 mile, 5k, 10k runsignup.com
Live Lightly Tips on living a more sustainable life
About 80 percent of plastic water bottles end up in landfills. For the U.S., that’s more than 2 million tons of discarded plastic water bottles that will take up to 1,000 years to decompose. Americans buy 29 million plastic water bottles each year, which means for every six bottles one person buys, only one is recycled. To add fuel to this pollutant fire, plastic water bottles are made from fossil fuels (production of plastic water bottles uses roughly 17 million barrels of oil a year) and it takes three times the amount of water to make the plastic bottle as it does to fill it. Each week, it takes 40,000 18-wheeler trucks on U.S. roads to deliver plastic water bottles to stores. A simple, easy solution? Buy a resusable drink bottle. You can fill it up as much as you want, you’ll recoup your investment in no time and you’ll be one more person helping save the environment.
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DEC. 1–14 Reindeer Fun Run Virtual Kid's Egg Nog Jog, 5k, 12k reindeerfunrun.com
If you are planning on buying or selling a home, the first step is calling Mark & Karen Caulfield. We are here to listen and help you find your new home.
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500303 _ ADVANTAGE
Good Reads by Darcy Connor
Preschool/Toddler
Picture Book
The Hiccupotamus
Too Many Pumpkins
Written and Illustrated
Written by Linda White
by Aaron Zenz
Illustrated by Megan Lloyd
“There was a hippopotamus who hiccupped quite-a-lotamus. And every time he got’emus ... he'd fall upon his bottomus!” HIC! If there was ever a book created to be read aloud, The Hiccupotamus is the one. “One day he saw an elephant with cakes of green and yellowphant. He tried to tell her ‘hellophant’ (HIC!), but it didn’t go so wellephant.” You’ll have fun with this one.
I still remember reading this one with my kids every fall. Rebecca Estelle has hated pumpkins ever since she can remember, so when a huge pumpkin falls off a truck and smashes to pieces in her yard, she quickly covers them up with dirt and forgets about them. That is until autumn comes, when a huge pumpkin garden sprouts up. Colorful illustrations accompany this story, and it’s always fun for both reader and listener to find out how Rebecca Estelle manages this autumnal surprise.
Elementary School Max and the Midknights Written and Illustrated by Lincoln Peirce
This hybrid book—standard and graphic novel—by the author of the Big Nate series has something for every reading level. A daring rescue, lessons in bravery and kindness, addressing challenging issues like self-determination and the cycle of poverty, the story follows Max’s quest as he tries to save his uncle from the cruel King Gastley. Thus the adventure begins. But where will it end? Oh, and if the story takes hold of your young reader, Book 2, Max and the Midknights: Battle of the Bodkins, is coming out in December—just in time for Christmas!
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Middle School Clean Getaway By Nic Stone
When William “Scoob” Lamar’s grandma pulls up to his house in a new RV at the start of spring break and tells him to get in, Scoob doesn’t hesitate. He’s all for getting away from his strict dad for a week and having an adventure with his “G’ma.” G’ma keeps their destination secret for as long as possible, until a 1963 edition of the Travelers’ Green Book reveals the purpose of the trip. The complex role of race in their family—Scoob is multiracial and presents black; G’ma is white—is explored, offering details about the past, as well as present-day realities. This story is particularly poignant during our current national discourse on race. And for Scoob, it’s a road trip he’ll never forget.
Adult The Hunting Party By Lucy Foley
During the leisurely days of the Christmas break, a group of 30-somethings from Oxford meet to celebrate the New Year—a tradition they began as students a decade ago. This year, they’ve chosen an isolated estate in the Scottish Highlands. As the group arrives, a historic blizzard seals them off from the rest of the world. Two days later, on New Year’s Day, one of them is dead. A classic whodunit in the vein of Agatha Christy and Clue, Foley sets just the right pace to have you guessing from page to page. You won’t be able to put this one down. And if you enjoy her style, check out her other novel The Guest List.
Helping you find the most important place to be ... home.
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"
You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no results. - mahatma gandhi
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The Kids Are Alright
Young Activists Showing Politics Is for All Ages By Amanda Oden Photos by Amanda Jakl
12 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
" IF
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
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- Margaret Mead
the clusters of campaign signs lining every major intersection and the mailbox full of fliers and postcards from politicians “counting on your support in November” hadn’t already clued you in, we are nearing the finish line for yet another controversial political election. This year the ages of our presidential candidates are 74 and 77. The average age of a member of the U.S. House of Congress is 57.8 and the median age of a U.S. Senator is 61.8. We know “you’re only as young as you feel,” but our country’s leaders certainly wouldn’t be described as spring chickens. While these statistics show the average age of our various elected officials, what they don’t represent is the number of young people working and volunteering behind the scenes to help get these politicians into office. The late congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis said, “We may not have chosen the time, but the time has chosen us.” And for several young, local activists, the time has chosen them to get involved politically and breathe some fresh air into politics as usual.
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Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It's not. - Dr. Seuss educate Sherilla Horton has garnered a lot of attention recently as a co-founder of the North Carolina Impact Coalition. The Impact Coalition was responsible for organizing the June caravan event protesting the killing of George Floyd, as well as putting together the first Juneteenth Celebration in downtown Southern Pines. Adding to her already busy schedule, the activist and community organizer has been assisting Moore County Board of Commissioners candidate Ariadne DeGarr’s campaign. “I’m from Eagle Springs, which is a very underrepresented part of Moore County. It’s like a forgotten place, politically. I’m excited to be helping elect a young Black woman to a seat that hasn’t traditionally had much diversity.” Horton’s focus for the DeGarr campaign is youth outreach. “When someone is talking about young people, they are usually referring to someone 18 to 35, so I guess at 36 I no longer qualify. But then you take into account the age of most of the elected officials around here and I’m definitely young by comparison! My goal is to educate young locals about who their candidates are, what those job titles actually mean and then get them involved in the process.” A major push for Horton is voter registration. “A lot of kids I’ve worked with have reached out to me recently about how to register to vote or how to request an absentee ballot while away at college.” COVID-19 has impacted a lot of her plans for campaign socials and events, but she’s adapted. One initiative she started is the “Bottoms Up Happy Hour,” a virtual mixer hosted via Zoom, where younger voters can gather informally and socialize with DeGarr and other local candidates. “It’s helpful to give people platforms right now where they can connect safely until we can have face-to-face events again.” As for future political aspirations, Horton is happy, for now, to leave it in the hands of others. “I’ve been approached about running for different positions and I’m always considering it. But I want to play a role that is more intentional for me. Politics isn’t always an honest field and I am such an honest person, I think I have a stronger impact and less red tape working behind the scenes.’’
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Youth Movement When speaking with 26-year-old Pinehurst native Emily Stack, it’s easy for even the most productive of us to feel like we are slacking. After spending four years living in D.C working as the grassroots director for a political nonprofit on the national level, Stack is back in Moore County and isn’t missing the capital city one bit. “In D.C., no one is real. Republican or Democrat, no one’s really friends. After a while it starts to feel like a total swamp. I really prefer politics on the local level. People tend to overlook the small elections and focus on the president, but the president shouldn’t really have a lot of power anyway. It’s the little guys that need the help.” Stack is working for Board of Education candidate David Hensley and, in her spare time, she participates in a talk radio show every Friday on WEEB, volunteers with the Moore County GOP and founded the Sandhills Young Republicans. “I tend to pile a lot of political things on my plate,” she says modestly. Stack is quick to point out that there are not a lot of people in her age group volunteering regularly at the county GOP headquarters. “When you walk into headquarters, it’s not so great sometimes. There’s a lot of older people that say things like, ‘How do we get more young people involved? We really need them to think like this ….’ But that always frustrates me because, the thing is, you cannot tell me how to think. I’m going to think what I want. Because I’m younger some members aren’t willing to start a dialogue with me, so you just have to hang around for a bit and enter yourself into the conversation. It can be more fun sometimes when you disagree with someone.” The lack of people in her age bracket at headquarters is ultimately what inspired Stack to put together the Sandhills Young Republicans social group. “I knew there had to be more people around here that shared my political principles. And so far, our turnout has been pretty good. Some of the issues that our members seem to be most passionate about are criminal justice reform, individual liberties and the right to life. I think people were looking for their political home and are eager to help out, just no one wanted to be the one to start it.” You’d think with her political experience both on the local and national levels, as well as her obvious leadership skills, that Stack would eventually plan to run for office someday herself. Think again.
The vote is precious. It's almost sacred, so go out and vote like you never voted before. - John Lewis “I like being behind the scenes. You don’t have to be in the spotlight and watch every single thing you say. You see politicians get elected and go to Washington and they just don’t represent you anymore. A lot of them start compromising so much it’s almost as if they don’t stand for anything. I guess I don’t want to test myself and see if that’s what would happen to me.”
Greater Impact Joe Reinhardt is a 20-year-old student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a double major of history and French and a minor in public policy. He originally intended to study abroad in France until the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “First studying in France fell through, and then all the courses at Chapel Hill were moved to online study as well,” he says. “So I decided to make the most of being home in Pinehurst and was planning on reaching out to some local law firms about possible internships when my mom suggested working for a political campaign instead. “I ended up reaching out to the Helen Probst Mills for State Senate District 25 campaign and offering up my services. A big reason why was her stance on Medicaid expansion. It’s crazy to me that in the greatest country in the world, we wouldn’t be doing everything we can to ensure everyone has access to quality health insurance. Interning for Helen ended up being the best choice because I feel like I’m able to do more good as a member of her campaign.” The work of a political intern is ever changing. “Each day varies. Sometimes I’m delivering supplies and yard signs to different places throughout the district. Other days I’m volunteering with email outreach or helping to create or maintain spreadsheets. My favorite thing is research. If there is a proposed bill or amendment that Helen or someone from the campaign wants to learn more about, my job is to research it. There are so many bills and amendment proposals, it’s impossible for one person to be able to keep track of all of them, so I help break everything down and make the information more manageable.” Reinhardt is taking all of the challenges of 2020 in stride. “Many of my peers at UNC are really into activism, whether online or attending marches. In Chapel Hill there are a lot of people who think like I do but here in Pinehurst, not so much. I feel like maybe my impact is greater here.”
Engagement Nancy Garrett is a 22-year-old recent graduate from Georgetown University who majored in government. “The first political volunteering I did was phone banking for the Hillary Clinton campaign when I was 17. I actually turned 18 just two days before the election, but because I had preregistered, I was able to vote for the first time on Election Day.” Garrett is currently working as the call time manager and scheduler for congressional candidate Cynthia Wallace. The tasks of a scheduler are fairly self-explanatory but the duties of a call time manager sometimes need explaining. “A big portion of a political candidate’s time is spent calling potential donors requesting money or reaching out to people who have already donated to the campaign and thanking them. It’s something that every candidate does but doesn’t really get talked about. Mostly because it’s kind of boring. My job is to put together lists of potential donors, as well as background research.” In an ordinary setting, the call time manager would sit next to the candidate while all of these calls are taking place, but COVID-19 has made this campaign cycle anything but ordinary. “We are having to do everything digitally right now. It’s so weird, this is my first real ‘grown-up’ job. I’ve been doing this for a few months now and I haven’t really met any of my colleagues in person. I just think about what a crazy story this is going to be to tell my kids some day.” So why return to North Carolina? “D.C. is the end goal for most people in politics, I guess. My home state is purple through and through, and there is so much work to be done here. I knew this was where I wanted to start.” And she says the challenges are real to get young voters engaged. “Young people are incredibly politically active online but something just isn’t translating. There has to be a way to get all the people engaging on Twitter involved in the campaign process somehow.” Her solution to getting people more engaged in politics: “Get the money out of politics and I think more people would trust politicians. And I’m saying this as someone whose job is technically considered a finance position for a campaign. If money was not a part of these campaigns, candidates wouldn’t spend countless hours courting donors. They could be at community gatherings or events, spending time with their constituents instead of schedules filled to the brim with fundraisers. Also if we spent more time talking about all the incredibly approachable positions out there, people might feel more empowered to run for office.” www.SandandPineMag.com | 15
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. - martin luther king jr. equal opportunity Genevieve Swilley, 27 years old, is a California transplant who now calls Aberdeen home. She is the campaign manager for District 52 State House Representative hopeful Lowell Simon. Swilley was always passionate about politics but never considered making a career out of it. “Lowell Simon and I first started working together at Operation Feed Moore. I had been a chef for years and when the pandemic hit (like many people in the restaurant industry) I found myself out of work. When the campaign manager position was offered to me, in my heart I thought ‘Absolutely, yes’ but I took a while to really decide if I was the best fit for the job. Ultimately, I realized that being a chef or a campaign manager required similar things: managing people, long hours on your feet, lots of problem solving.” Swilley’s restaurant background gives her a unique perspective regarding politics. “I registered to vote as soon as I could when I was 18. I understood the importance of voting but still sometimes thought ‘I’m just one vote, it doesn’t matter.’ I think these are two issues a lot of people deal with when it comes to elections: not understanding the real value of their ballot and not being able to vote because they work in industries that don’t make accommodations for employees to vote. There are a lot of people that actually live and work in Pinehurst and don’t just golf here. Our campaign is focused on those people.” Her new position as campaign manager is a challenging one, mostly because this is such a grassroots campaign. “It’s funny because, on a larger campaign, you would have someone organizing volunteers, acting as treasurer, a speech writer, [and] people to help with brainstorming, answering emails and fundraising calls. I’m doing all of it, but I really feel like I am making a difference by helping get Lowell elected.” One issue that gets Lowell Simon quite a bit of attention is his position on legalizing recreational marijuana. “There are so many issues and they are all interconnected: education, healthcare, updating the criminal justice system, but legalizing recreational marijuana is the one that really jumps out at people. It would help struggling farms and make our state more prosperous by increasing revenue. I’ve been really surprised how many people 18 to 80, on both sides of the aisle, actually agree on this issue. It’s been more engaging than off-putting.” Swilley isn’t sure what’s in store for her future, but is content for now, right here. “There are so many fundamental 16 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
issues at stake here in Moore County. Eventually I’d like to go back to school and get my masters either in journalism or public policy. As for running for office myself, I don’t want to rule it out but it would be pretty far in the future. I think sometimes the people that would make the best candidates are the ones that really don’t want to run. We’ll have to see.”
outreach By day, Cameron resident William Britton is the recently appointed communications director for the Sandhills Young Republicans. By night, the 28 year old is a paramedic. The two jobs couldn’t be more different. “As communications director, my responsibilities are to keep all of our members in the loop through emails and candidate forums. I’m also in charge of social media communication on Facebook and Instagram. It’s a job that really became necessary as we started to get more and more people showing up to our meetings and events. It’s cool how quickly the group is taking off. As a medic, my job is to help people in emergency situations and save lives. I work for the city, so I really have to keep the two worlds separate to avoid any conflicts of interest. I don’t talk politics at work unless someone asks me a specific question, so it really isn’t something that’s ever been an issue.” Britton says he’s been politically active since he was around 22. “I always had an interest in politics but didn’t really know how to get involved. I knew Jamie Boles, District 52 House of Representatives candidate, personally and offered to help him put out road signs and what not. I’ve helped out doing different things for his campaigns off and on for the past six years or so. That’s really what led me to get involved with the Sandhills Young Republicans. I wanted to find more ways I could help local candidates and bring awareness to the Republican party.” An unexpected result of his newfound political activism: Britton has recently started thinking of running for office himself. “As a chairman of the Union Pines FFA alumni (an agricultural organization), I actually do a good bit of outreach in schools. As I get more involved politically, I’ve started to seriously consider a run for Board of Education in the next two years or so. Right now, I still have a lot to learn, so I’m really watching how the different candidates communicate with their constituents and observing how they use their platforms.”
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A Flightless Investment By Greg Girard Photos by Amanda Jakl
18 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
d was showing off. Bella didn’t seem too impressed, but that’s probably because she’s seen it time and time again. But Ed was really going for it with his new audience. And, admittedly, seeing his 9-foot, 350-pound frame crouch down, wings gyrating in a jig, as if KC and the Sunshine Band’s “Get Down Tonight” was blasting out of speakers, was captivating. Granted, he went on a little too long, but not every performance can be perfect. Ed and Bella reside on Misty Morning Ranch in Robbins, and they’re just two of dozens of ostriches being raised by Ryan and Gaby Olufs. To listen to them, you would think the Olufs have been raising these flightless birds native to Africa for decades, but it was only back in 2016 that they moved from California, bought the 60-acre farm in Moore County and began seriously considering farming an animal that looks like a holdover from the Mesozoic age. “We had zero farming background,” says Ryan. “I was a production planner for an aerospace manufacturing company and Gaby worked for an LA nonprofit. And really we never intended to farm when we decided to move here, but after we bought the house, we had all this the land, we thought, we should probably do something with it. That’s how we started looking into farming. Ignorance was bliss.” They didn’t want to be planting crops and so they first looked at dairy farming but quickly realized how difficult it was for a small farm to make money from dairy. They then looked at fiber animals, cultivating cashmere, wool and angora from goats, sheep and rabbits, respectively, but the volume needed for profitability was too much for the size of their farm. Their hope was to find something that didn’t involve processing animals, which is what initially led them to ostriches. “We looked at ostrich for feathers, because you can harvest the feathers while the animal is alive and it doesn't hurt the bird and they'll just regrow them,” says Ryan. “But then we quickly found out that the dominant product is meat. So really, if you’re going to farm ostriches, you need to farm them for meat. And that led us to asking ourselves the same thing that everyone says, ‘Oh man, you can eat ostrich?’”
E
Prehistoric bird Ostriches are the world’s largest bird and they produce the largest eggs of any bird species, with one egg weighing as much as two dozen chicken eggs. Flightless, ostriches can reach speeds of more 40 miles per hour running and can maintain that speed for up to a half hour. One stride can stretch up to 5 yards. Their kicks are lethal, with enough force to kill a lion or human. Their long necks and large eyes (largest of any land animal, measuring up to 2 inches across) allow them to see predators from long distances away. Lacking teeth, they swallow small pebbles to help grind their food. They can carry up to 2 pounds of pebbles at a time. Contrary to myth, ostriches don’t bury their heads in the sand. Instead, they will flatten their heads to the ground when approached and it often looks like their heads are buried.
From idea to reality To get some idea about what they might be getting into, for several months the Olufs visited Hilltop Ostrich farm near Winston-Salem. “One of the first times we were on their farm, we get in this little side-by-side rhinotype thing, and we drive into a pen with 7-month-old juveniles,” Ryan says with a laugh. “Now 7-month-old juveniles are about 7 feet tall and probably weigh 180 pounds. And they come right up to the cart and Gaby almost clawed me on her way to put me in front of the bird. And [the farmer] is like, ‘It’s fine.’ She’s like, ‘Are you sure?’ She’s holding me for a human shield, and they're reaching in and pecking at us and stuff.” Though the experience and natural apprehension didn’t deter them, it admittedly made them cautious at first. “Even after we got Ed and Bella, we didn’t go into the pen or interact www.SandandPineMag.com | 19
Previous page: Ed and Bella / From top, Deadly talons and feet; Gaby, Ryan and Donovan Olufs; a baby ostrich just a few months old.
directly with them for well over a year because we just felt too uncomfortable to be that close to them.” Yet that fear didn’t keep them from seeing the opportunity in ostrich farming, from the health benefits of ostrich meat to the sustainability of ostrich farming. Ostrich meat is a “red meat” and is treated like beef rather than fowl. While it resembles and tastes similar to beef, ostrich fat collects outside the muscles and is therefore leaner than beef. Ostrich meat is also lower in calories than chicken and is high in protein and vitamin B-12. And when processed, the Olufs are using every part, with 10 different cuts of meat, from the leg and thigh to tenderloin and round. “We also process the organs, heart and liver, which mainly goes as raw pet food, but humans can eat that too,” says Ryan. “We have bones that we sell raw for pet food, raw for bone broth. We bake them and turn them into dog treats. One cut turns into jerky. Then the fat, we render into oil and it’s used to make cosmetics. The hides we salt and flesh here on the farm, and then we send them off to get tanned and dyed and they get made into different leather products, mostly wallets, belts and dog collars. We use basically everything but the eyes and feet.” All these benefits of farming ostrich also translates to the environment. “At a recent open house someone asked me, ‘What is sustainability?’ And I cautioned them, saying, ‘I’m going to preface this by saying sustainability is different to every farm.’ So for us, sustainability is caring for the land so that it’s there for future generations. And that means two things: water and soil. So for water, ostriches use 70 percent less water than cattle, and that’s super important because even though I’ve got a well, and I get my own groundwater, we do need to preserve that for future generations. “When it comes to soil, ostriches use 50 percent less feed than cattle. So, given that overall they need less
20 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
feed, we’re able to maintain soil health better. We’re not trying to put in a lot of chemical, high-nitrogen fertilizers to produce enough grass to feed them and over farming the soil. The most famous farming stat is that the majority of farm land is used to create feed that goes toward animals, not humans. So cutting down on our own usage, it’s less use of the soil that will then be there for future generations.” Over the past four years, they’ve had their share of challenges, from finding a qualified USDA-certified processing plant to understanding breeding habits to managing the steps of artificial incubation to educating the public, but it’s never deterred them from making the farm prosper. Ryan says his No. 1 key to success is networking and learning as much as he can about the work he does. “Learning from other farmers about agrotourism, learning from the chefs on cut sheets and proper portion sizes of meals, learning from N.C. State and the ag extension and the master gardeners on how to raise these animals in this grass. And understanding there are free resources out there, so lean on that stuff as hard as you can, especially, county, state and federal organizations that exist for farmers. I’ve had more doctors out here than in a hospital. Doctors in feed mill specialty, poultry nutrition, poultry science, vets. It’s all about connecting the soil under your feet to the food on your plate.” As for cooking ostrich meat, Ryan suggests: “Cook to medium rare, up to medium is OK. If it’s going to be a burger, season it any way you would your normal beef burger: Salt, pepper, garlic is great, a little Montreal steak seasoning. Coat it in an oil if it's going to be a patty. Olive oil or butter. If you’re going to do it in something else, like tacos, meatloaf, a casserole dish, just cook it less than you’d normally would for beef or it will dry out. For more information about Misty Morning Farm or to buy their ostrich meat, visit mistymorningranchnc.com.
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Garden Fall Gardening
O
BY T O N YA H A RT N.C. Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener Volunteer
22 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
K, you are tired of the long summer, 98 F days, watering your pots and hanging baskets twice daily, and just want to put everything away and clean up! Not so fast! If you are a gardening nut, like me, the longawaited rest is not yet in your cards. Now is the time to plant new shrubs and trees. Planting in the fall gives shrubs a healthier start than planting in spring's cold soil before the plant faces hot summer weather. Preparing the planting hole is most important. The hole needs to be twice the size of the root ball. Once your shrub or tree is in place, water at the base once a week, soaking the soil to 12 inches deep until winter starts. Mulch or compost to help keep the soil temperature moderate. Water once a week until the ground freezes. Once the cold weather arrives, you can plant bulbs (October to December) according to
directions for depth. Don’t plant in rows; instead plant in random spacing. I like to plant bulbs in pots and plant winter flowers over them. It’s a delightful surprise when hot pink tulips grow through pale yellow pansies! It’s also time to remake container gardens with plants that will hold up to winter chill. Don’t think only flowers—there are lots of small shrubs and grasses that look beautiful. Walk through a garden center and look at everything with new eyes to see what will work in the winter in a pot. Even cold-hardy vegetables and herbs can provide interest and texture. Plant early enough to give plants a chance to grow before cooler temps and shorter days slow them down. Choose plants like ornamental kale and cabbage, ornamental grasses, bulbs, sedum, pansies and violas. As the growing season winds down try to take advantage of the best of the fall!
Tips! » Fall is the driest season of the
» Limit any pruning in the fall
» Warm season grasses will grow
year in North Carolina. Don’t rely on Mother Nature to water newly planted shrubs; water 1 inch per week.
to the removal of diseased, damaged or dead branches.
dormant when cold weather arrives so fall is not the time to fertilize. Take the month off!
» If you have a cool season lawn, you can fertilize and seed areas that need it.
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www.SandandPineMag.com | 23
At the Table
Chili ... cha, cha, cha By
KAREN CAULFIELD mooreeats.com
A
lton Brown came to the Eisenhart Auditorium at the Rochester Museum & Science Center in 2003 on his book tour for I’m Just Here for the Food. He demonstrated his chili recipe from the book. As he was searing the meat (chuck steak) for the recipe, the smoke from the meat set off the smoke alarms and we had to evacuate. After the smoke cleared and it was determined that there wasn’t actually a fire, he continued with his usual humor and finished by signing our books, “Sorry about the fire.” All that goes to demonstrate that chili can, and should, be a smoky business. Chili is basically a stew featuring chile peppers and economical cuts of meat. The sear on the meat adds to the depth of flavor. The most frequently used meat is beef, but venison, lamb, chicken and turkey are all to be found in recipes. Using tomato sauce versus tomatoes is a point of contention, as is the ratio of chile peppers to chili powder, but the biggest divide comes with the addition of beans. Texas chili does not have beans, but in other parts of the South and the Midwest, beans are added. There is even a saying in Texas: “If you know beans about chili, you know chili ain’t got no beans.” Stories abound as to the origin of chili, but be assured it is not a Mexican dish. The Diccionario de Mejicanismos, a dictionary of terms that exist in Mexico but not in Spain, published in 1959, defines 24 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
chili con carne as (roughly translated) “detestable food passing itself off as Mexican, sold in the U.S. from Texas to New York.” Chili as we know it originated in the area of northern Mexico and south Texas, centered around San Antonio. A recipe from the 1850s describes dried beef, suet, dried chile peppers and salt, pounded together, formed into bricks and dried. The bricks were then boiled in a pot and served. Brick chili was popular with trail cooks for cattle drives. Chili queens sold chili from market stalls in the 1880s and the San Antonio Chili Stand was popular at the Columbia Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Family chili parlors started to spread around the country. Greek diner owners in Cincinnati developed Cincinnati chili, which originally was a layered dish with pasta, chili flavored with Middle Eastern spices, chopped onion, red kidney beans and shredded yellow cheese. Pedernales River Chili recipe was President Lyndon B. Johnson’s chili recipe. The chili was named after the location of his Texas Hill Country ranch. Lady Bird Johnson had cards printed with the recipe and it became so popular she ended up mailing thousands of them across the country to satisfy requests. She was quoted as saying that this recipe has been almost as popular as the government pamphlet on the care and feeding of children.
How to Make a Very Good Chili thekitchn.com / Serves 8–10 1–1½ pounds ground meat or chuck roast (beef, buffalo, turkey or other) cut into cubes, or vegetarian protein (tofu, Boca crumbles or other) 1 large onion, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 1–2 other vegetables (like celery, carrots, or zucchini), diced (optional) 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste 1 cup amber or brown ale or red wine 3 cups chicken, vegetable or beef broth 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes 3 cups (2 16-ounce cans) cooked black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (optional)
Seasonings (choose 2–3): 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon oregano 1 tablespoon ground chipotle peppers ½ teaspoon cayenne To serve: Shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocados, chopped scallions, hot sauce, chopped cilantro
Directions
If using meat, warm a teaspoon of oil in a large heavy Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat and brown the meat. Break up ground meat as it browns, leaving pieces as large or small as you like them. If you're using chuck roast, make sure all sides of the beef cubes are seared dark brown. Transfer the browned meat from the pot to a clean dish. (If you're making a vegetarian chili with tofu or other protein, add it along with the beans. Reduce the amount of stock and the cooking time by half.) In the same pot used to brown the meat, warm a tablespoon of oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the other vegetables and continue to cook until softened, another 5–8 minutes. Clear a space in the middle of the pan and add the garlic. Cook the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then stir into the vegetables. It's normal for a dark sticky crust to start forming on the bottom of the pan. Add the seasonings and 2 teaspoons of salt to the pan. Stir until the vegetables are coated and the spices are fragrant, another 30 seconds. Pour the beer or wine into the hot pan. Scrape up the dark sticky crust as the liquid bubbles. Continue scraping and stirring until the beer or wine has almost evaporated. Add the browned meat back into the pan. Pour in the broth. Bring the chili to a simmer and cook for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is very tender (cubes of chuck roast may take a bit longer). The chili will still look soupy. Add the tomatoes, beans, corn (if using) and vegetarian protein (if using) to the pot. Simmer for another 10 minutes. Taste and add more seasonings or salt to taste. Chili is often best the day after it's been cooked. It will also keep for up to a week and freezes well for up to three months. Serve with cheese and other garnishes. www.SandandPineMag.com | 25
Alton Brown's Chili I'm Just Here for the Food / Yield: 2 quarts 2 pounds chuck steak, cut into ¼-inch cubes Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon chile powder 1½ cups onion, finely diced 4 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 Ancho chiles, split, seeds removed, roughly chopped
2 California chiles, split, seeds removed, roughly chopped 2 roasted red bell peppers 1 chipotle chile in adobo (one chile, not one can) 4 ounces diced tomatoes ¾ cups beef stock ¾ cups delicious beer
Directions
Cincinnati Chili whatscookingamerica.com / Serves 6–8 1 large onion, chopped 1 pound extra-lean ground beef 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (red pepper) ½ teaspoon salt 1½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa or ½-ounce unsweetened chocolate, grated
Season the beef with salt, pepper and chile powder. Heat a sauté pan, add some of the oil, and brown the beef, working in batches if necessary and removing the browned beef to a plate. In a heavy bottomed pot, sweat the onions and garlic in some of the oil until tender, but not browned. Add the remaining ingredients (except the beef) and simmer for 10 minutes. With a stick blender, puree the mixture, then add the beef to the pot. Cook over low heat (below a simmer) for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and season with salt and pepper if necessary.
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon cider vinegar ½ cup water 1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti pasta, uncooked, dried Toppings: Oyster crackers Cheddar cheese, shredded Onion, chopped 1 (16-ounce) can kidney beans
Directions
In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, sauté onion, ground beef, garlic and chili powder until ground beef is slightly cooked. Add allspice, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, unsweetened cocoa or chocolate, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, and water. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 1 hour 30 minutes. Remove from heat. Cook spaghetti according to package directions and transfer onto individual serving plates (small oval plates are traditional). Ladle Cincinnati chili mixture over the cooked spaghetti and serve with toppings of your choice. Oyster crackers are served in a separate container on the side. Cincinnati chili lovers order their chili by number—two-, three-, four- or five-way: Two-Way Chili: Chili served on spaghetti. Three-Way Chili: Additionally topped with shredded Cheddar cheese. Four-Way Chili: Additionally topped with chopped onions. Five-Way Chili: Additionally topped with kidney beans.
Pedernales R iver Chili What's Cooking America / Serves 12 4 pounds beef, coarsely ground (chili-grind) 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon oregano, dried 1 teaspoon ground cumin
6 teaspoons chili powder 2 (16-ounce) cans whole tomatoes, cut up 2 to 6 dashes hot sauce, or to taste Salt to taste 2 cups hot water
Directions
In a large frying pan, brown meat with onion and garlic until meat is lightly browned; transfer ingredients to a large heavy kettle or cast-iron Dutch oven. Add oregano, cumin, chili powder, tomatoes, hot sauce, salt and hot water. Bring just to a boil; lower heat and simmer, covered, for approximately 1 hour. Remove from heat. Skim off grease and serve.
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26 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
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Beer Matters
When in doubt ... BY MIKE THOMAS
28 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
FOR MANY BEER DRINKERS, a change of season brings about a change of beer styles. It’s a time to put aside the crisp refreshing pilsners and IPAs for something bigger and bolder. Don’t worry, I won’t be talking about pumpkin spice anything, so no need to dust off your fuzzy boots. Cooler seasons bring one particular beer style to my mind: stouts, which can run the full range of flavor and ABV from mild and simple to dramatic and complex. Stouts evolved from the stout porter, a higher alcohol version of the porter, popular in 1800s London. The stout as we know it today is a mild dark beer in the 4% ABV range, typified by the wellknown Guinness. The traditional English stout takes its flavor from dark roasted grains. The bitterness is derived from these roasted grains, and there is very little in the way of hop presence. While modern American stouts can have a more pronounced hop flavor, there are many variants and you will commonly see stouts labeled as imperial, oatmeal and milk. We can thank Peter the Great of Russia for the imperial stout, which was brewed in London at his request. Imperial stouts are great big beers usually over 8% ABV and very complex. As you may recall from the last edition, imperial gets added to other beer styles as well to denote higher ABV percentages. We will discuss more about imperial stouts farther down. Oats have been used in stouts for hundreds of years, but early 1900s London saw a rise in popularity of the oatmeal stout as a health restorative. This trend was started by Rose and Wilson Brewery and was followed by Maclay Brewing. One marketing ad from Rose and Wilson noted: “OATMEAL STOUT—most nourishing and strengthening, strongly recommended for Invalids. See medical opinions. Brewed from Oatmeal, Malt, and Hops only.”
The flavor profile of oatmeal stouts is best described as earthy and nutty oat flavors, balanced sweetness; fruit flavors are possible, along with mild notes of coffee with a medium hop bitterness and flavor. Modern brewers of oatmeal stouts include Founders Breakfast Stout and New Holland’s the Poet. The milk stout originated in 1900s London when it was common for the labor workers of the day to add whole milk to their stout porters to make them “more nutritional.” As stouts split from porters, brewers began adding the lactose or milk sugar into the brewing process. Milk stouts, also referred to as sweet stouts, or cream stouts, are very smooth and satisfying, often with a hint of sweetness. These stouts are a good introduction for the new stout drinker due to the mild sweetness and typically lower ABV (usually in the 5% range). Popular examples include Southern Pines Brewing Company’s
Prioress, Duck-Rabbit’s Milk Stout and Left Hand Milk Stout. Now let’s get back to the imperial stouts. These are my favorite of the stout variants. Imperial stouts are big, bold and complex, often coming in at
12-14% ABV. In particular, I love the barrel-aged varieties. These are stouts that are brewed normally but then are aged anywhere from six weeks to a year in either bourbon, whiskey or rum
barrels to allow for complex flavors to develop. A well-done barrel-aged stout will have very complex flavors with notes of dark fruit, chocolate and coffee. The mouth feel will be almost velvety and viscous. These beers are perfect for sitting outside on a chilly day and sipping away, and they make great companions with cigars and pipes, if you so indulge. For me, my favorite pairing with a barrel aged imperial stout is salted caramel ice cream. Hard to beat! One of the quintessential examples of the style is Southern Pines Brewing Company’s Drunken Vigils. This beer sets the bar high for barrel-aged imperial stouts. Unfortunately, it is also a beer that’s hard to get your hands on. So as the long sleeves start to come out and maybe even the fuzzy boots, I hope the change in weather triggers some thoughts on trying stouts. I like to think of them as the cozy flannel of the beer world.
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Haunted H
ave all your favorite Halloween events been canceled this year? Have the past six months living like you’re in a never-ending horror movie left you completely devoid of the spooky spirit? Not to fret! Here at Sand & Pine, we made productive use of our time in self-isolation by watching Beetlejuice and the Ghostbusters movies so many times that we’re pretty sure we are certified paranormal investigators by now. And so, as resident self-proclaimed experts, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to compile a list of some of the creepiest alleged haunted hotspots in the area for your enjoyment. If you’re feeling brave, lace up your walking shoes, grab a flashlight and head to one or all of these locales. We can’t promise you’ll see a poltergeist, but we can guarantee you’ll be feeling like the “ghost with the most, babe” faster than you can say “Peter Venkman.” The Boyd House at Weymouth Woods You’ve probably walked your dog along the scenic trails 30 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
or had a picnic in the picturesque gardens, never really knowing that the Boyd House is teeming with apparitions aplenty. The rambling house was constructed in 1920 and was a popular hangout for literary legends like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Paul Green and Thomas Wolfe during their heyday. Now the house is used as a writing retreat for the Writers in Residence program. According to local lore, a tragic death of some sort occurred in one of the upstairs bedrooms and since then, several resident authors have reported seeing the ghost of a young girl, walking along the balcony in her nightgown. You can take a scheduled tour in the daytime, but if you’re wanting to try your luck at summoning spirits via moonlight, your only real option is to channel your inner Stephen King and get accepted into the Writers in Residence program, like the rest of us working stiffs. Pinehurst Convalescent Center Established as a hotel in the 1920s, then reconfigured as a nursing facility in the 1950s, why this location was
Haunts abandoned and never reused isn’t exactly clear. After watching several somewhat convincing YouTube videos about paranormal activity here, we couldn’t wait to check out this spot where a lot of people literally checked out. This abandoned nursing home in Aberdeen is a bit tricky to locate, likely because the best directions we could find were “Follow an old dirt path in the woods behind a carpet store.” Luckily, we aren’t quitters (and we have Google Maps) because, while this place isn’t exactly writhing with wraiths, it will definitely give you the heebie jeebies—and possibly tetanus or a hantavirus. This haunt is actually super run down and rather dangerous, so it’s probably best if you take our advice, trust the living just this once, and leave this one to the specters. The Jefferson Inn This Southern Pines Inn was established in 1901 and, given its proximity to the railroad, we can only imagine the number of guests and ghouls that have bedded down here. While there doesn’t seem to be much substance (that we
were able to dig up) to claims that this location is haunted, we can personally attest to the fact that after a few drinks from the tavern, the lush leather armchairs in the lobby and the hypnotic swirling pattern of the carpeted staircase start to give off major paranormal vibes. Magnolia Inn This Victorian mansion was completed in 1896 and is the second oldest boarding house in the historic Village of Pinehurst. It was sometimes used as overflow rooming for the Carolina Hotel and for a short time functioned as a medical office where Dr. Francis Owens was known to perform minor surgeries. One feature that really weirded us out was the “staircase to nowhere.” Though odd, it has a perfectly logical and innocuous explanation. James Walker Tufts, the founder of Pinehurst, didn’t like that the Magnolia Inn obscured his view of the Village of Pinehurst from his room at the Carolina. As a result, the top two floors were removed, which gives the Inn its current design. www.SandandPineMag.com | 31
A former waiter in the dining room once quit because of the regular appearances from two guests who never made reservations: the ghosts of a little boy and girl. There are many patrons who were taken aback while, when sitting at the bar enjoying a cocktail, feeling a tug at their pant hem from the sprightly sibling spirits trying to get their attention. We aren’t sure what it is with lemures and lodges but here’s another inn that you definitely want to check out! See what we did there? Pinehurst Theatre Building This gorgeous landmark in the historic village of Pinehurst opened in 1919. Famous performers like Will Rogers and John Phillips Sousa once graced the stage but the theater closed in 1963, and the building now hosts a hodgepodge of small shops, as well as the village’s Welcome Center. The playhouse once known for its musicians and live theater acts is now better known for its visitors of the unearthly assortment. There are many different apparitions to be on the lookout for when visiting here. You may get a peek at the phantom known as the Lady in the Red Dress, who likes to descend the staircase dramatically, or a glimpse of the Man in the White Trench Coat, thought to be a former caretaker of the theater, who frequently paces up and down the second floor. Be especially careful if you’re wearing Adidas brand tennis shoes, as one of the ghoulish residents is more of a Nike fan and is known to violently toss any three striped sneakers right off the golf apparel vendor’s shelves. Consider yourself forewarned. Holly Inn Constructed in 1895, this is Pinehurst’s very first hotel. In the early ’30s, the upper floor of the property was rented out as chic apartments for two well-to-do families. 32 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
According to local lore, two young residents began a brief relationship that upset both their families. This led to a romantic tragedy in which the starcrossed lovers ended their story in the style of Romeo and Juliet, right there on the third floor. During WWII, the third floor of the lodging house was converted into a makeshift hospital and an untold number of unfortunate soldiers were used as medical guinea pigs for testing treatments for ailments such as pneumonia and bronchitis. After the war, the floor resumed its original purpose as a respite for wealthy travelers. In 1999, pro golfer Vijay Singh and his entourage stayed at the Holly Inn during the U.S. Open. Singh and his crew rented out—you guessed it—the third floor. Throughout the course of his stay, the sports star made numerous calls to the front desk complaining about a little boy in his room. The hotel staff were unable to locate any such little boy, and the athlete ended up cutting his stay short because the appearance of the ghost child unnerved him so badly. We aren’t sure if the spirit had anything to do with it, but it is worth noting that Singh’s performance at the U.S. Open was not quite up to par. Sunrise Theater We aren’t going to lie, when we heard this Southern Pines landmark might be haunted, we became all kinds of skeptical. Probably because we’ve watched too many movies to count and attended numerous events at this theater, never once hearing the word “boo.” Honestly, the closest we ever got to a ghost encounter here was watching Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore murder some pottery during a Sunrise Summer Classic showing last year. But when we really started thinking about it, it can be pretty creepy sitting solo in the balcony section during a late showing AND our buttered popcorn vanished practically into thin air, so maybe there is something to this haunted rumor after all ….
SP
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Photos courtesy of Sam Steffen
( Be Inspired )
Resin Art with Sam Steffen BY CHRISTIN DAUBERT
34 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
THERE’S NOTHING I LOVE MORE than a story about someone finding their creative voice. OK, well maybe one thing: being able to share stories about people finding their creative voices. I’m excited, therefore, to introduce you to Sam Steffen. You might already recognize her beautiful resin art from around town or the Art Walk last fall, or maybe you’re one of her followers on Instagram. I am eager to talk with Steffen about her creative journey, because I often find that so few of us start with the intention of where we end up—art often fills a void when we find ourselves wanting more in other areas of life. For Steffen, it was a pack of watercolor markers gifted to her by her sister. “I had just moved and couldn’t find a job that challenged me,” she says. “My sister sent me this set of watercolor markers, and so I started with little pictures to send back home to my niece. It was an accidental first step but I needed a creative outlet.” It was no surprise that Steffen grew up in family that valued creating. Her father works wood and her sister is a watercolor artist. She studied dance in college and was in a company after graduation. Having always done performative art, those watercolor markers inspired her to connect with her family while she was living apart from them. Much of her inspiration comes from nature—a large part, in North Carolina. Family vacations would captivate Steffen to challenge herself and recreate colors she saw in nature. To understand more about Steffen’s art, we need to talk about what “resin” and “alcohol inks” are. Epoxy resin is comprised of two parts: resin and a hardener. When the two are mixed, a chemical reaction takes place, hardening it into a solid plastic. Alcohol ink is typically used in resin art because of its vibrancy and high concentration. Resin is a popular choice to use as it holds well to
Trial and error are an integral part of the creative process and one that is necessary to grow and find your artistic voice. many porous and nonporous surfaces. Ventilation is very important as the fumes are quite noxious. It is common to see resin artists use several colors in layered effects as they create a piece to avoid unintended mixing. “I loved the moody rich pigments that tended to be more emotional that the watercolors I used months before,” she says. Captured by the textural and dimensional tone of alcohol ink, Steffen researched and started learning how to work with it before completely diving in. “Materials are expensive. The colors and resin add up, and it can get expensive trying new techniques.” Steffen is right. Creating and experimenting with new techniques and materials can get expensive. So few artists nail their aesthetic right out of the gate. Trial and error are an integral part of the creative process and one that is necessary to grow and find your artistic voice. So it’s always advisable to balance research with experimentation. “I’ll start mixing colors together to see if I can match the beauty of the Carolina coast. I can spiral very quickly once I get inspired,” she says with a laugh. Because this style of art requires ample drying time between layers and protective coatings, Steffen and I talked about how long a piece of her resin art takes from start to finish. “Pretty much every piece takes at least a week.”
She goes on to explain that each layer of colored resin required at least 24 hours to dry. We laugh over the shared frustration of finding a pet hair or lint on our art. “I pretty much have to sand everything down and start over!” Sam has gone so far as cutting off the AC in her studio space so a rogue dog hair has less chance of floating down and disrupting the beautiful sheen of a piece. This attention to detail highlights the value of quality, handmade art. Sam has also explored a variety of surfaces for her art, like porcelain and of course, wood. When I asked what her favorite surfaces to create on is, she answered without hesitation, “Olive wood, because of its grain.” As for how her art has taken off during the past few months, a lot of her growth is happening organically through social media. Steffen shares time-lapse videos of her process of making pieces, which helps her really connect with her audience. And all of this growth and success is happening while she works full time and is planning her wedding for later this year. “I have become more organized and learned that I am a morning creator, so I adjust my schedule around that,” she says with a smile. Of all the beautiful pieces I’ve seen, Steffen’s beach scenes are some of the most striking. She uses actual beach sand, including some from Hawaii. During all the travel restrictions we’ve seen this year, her beautiful beach boards give me a taste of the sea when I’m feeling a bit landlocked. I will never tire of art’s ability to make me feel and escape, usually exactly when I need it most. Oh, and the single piece of advice Steffen offers to anyone who wants to make their own art: “Just start.” To find Sam Steffen’s art, check out Against the Grain Shoppe and Twigg & Co. Also, you can follow her on Instagram (@samandseaartistry) or visit her website (samandseaartistry.com) for more information on commissioning a piece.
SP
www.SandandPineMag.com | 35
Parenting
The Name Game BY AMANDA ODEN
36 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
IN THE
Pines
THERE’S A SAYING: “You don’t realize how many people you hate until you have to name a baby.” And after being responsible for the nomenclature of a couple human beings, I can attest that the saying is, in many ways, true. I found out I was expecting my first child the day that David Bowie died. He was my favorite musician and I was obviously upset, but after three hours of sobbing on my living room floor while Space Oddity repeated again and again in the background, I started to question if maybe my reaction was a bit too dramatic. A few frantic calculations and three pregnancy tests later (just to be sure), I realized why I was bawling like I was a blood relative of the Star Man himself—I was pregnant! Given the nature of how I determined I was about to be a mom, my husband and I decided relatively quickly that, boy or girl, we were naming the baby Bowie. We were excited about the name and naively eager to tell anyone that asked what we were going to call our firstborn. And ask they did! As soon as people know you are with child, the questions begin: “Is it a boy or a girl?” followed by “Have you decided on a name?” I was surprised by how many people didn’t love the name Bowie as much as I did. My mother’s response: “That’s, umm, interesting, but it’s OK, I will just call her Precious.” My all-time favorite was from a total stranger that was ringing up my groceries: “Bowie? Wow. Have you considered Aiden?” I tried not to let it get to me, but everyone’s opinions and suggestions were making me wish I’d kept my mouth shut until we’d signed the birth certificate! Two years later, we found out that Bowie Opal was about to be a big sister, and my husband and I had learned our lesson. Whatever name we chose, we would keep to ourselves until the baby was here and the ink had dried on the paperwork. But with
And now that we’ve discovered we have a little pandemic souvenir, from our time in quarantine, due early next year, I started playing the Name Game again. This one has proven to be even more difficult than the last time. this pregnancy, I didn’t have any major events that would make the baby’s name seem predestined. To be honest, we were having a difficult time finding something that we liked. We wanted our children's names to be unique without being so weird they wouldn’t be able to get a job. No odd spelling. Cool but not too trendy. And we had to keep in mind that other kids can be cruel, so no names that rhymed with something mean. Eventually, at the very last minute, we settled on a name that we loved. I’m really proud of the names Bowie Opal and Arlo Atticus—they’ve somehow perfectly fit each child’s personality. And the funny thing is, now that they’re no longer in my belly, people’s reactions to the monikers I chose are overwhelmingly positive. And now that we’ve discovered we have a little pandemic souvenir, from our time in quarantine, due early next year, I started playing the Name Game again. This one has proven to be even more difficult than the last time. No, there will not be a Covid Rona Oden running around in the future, so don’t ask. I’ve scoured all the baby name books and gone through all the “Top baby names you probably never thought about” lists on Pinterest. I decided to ask my kids what names they suggest for their newest sibling. Bowie, who is 4, has selected Lemmer.
No, there will not be a Covid Rona Oden running around in the future, so don’t ask.
Not lemur or lemon but an entirely new, nonsensical name, Lemmer (at least it’s gender neutral). Arlo, who is almost 2, would like to name his new brother or sister after his new favorite word, which just so happens to be Butts. So clearly I’m getting a lot of solid help from my offspring. My husband isn’t much use at this point either. He’s still in shock that our family is expanding again and whenever I ask him for name suggestions he just babbles incoherently about minivans, college tuition and insurance premiums. We still have a few months to come up with something, and I’m hoping the perfect name magically comes to me somehow. But please don’t judge if you hear me at the park in a few years yelling something like “Lemmer Butts Oden, stop shoving your sister and come put on some more sunscreen this instant!” Covid Rona doesn’t seem that bad, in comparison.
SP
www.SandandPineMag.com | 37
Pet D R . DA N A VA M VA K I A S
Care VA N G UA R D V E T H O S P I TA L
Pet anxiety: the new diagnosis for everything behavioral. While I do believe pet anxieties are real, I would first advise pet owners that pharmaceutical remedies for behavioral issues are seldom the solution. As pet owners, we are constantly adapting our pets into our lifestyle, which can add varying levels of stress (emotional and physical). Therefore, we are unconsciously placing a lot of expectations on the behavior and emotional intelligence of our pets. And when we do, it can often lead to anxious behavior. Pet stores, for an extreme example, have reported more than 5 million dollars in sales last year of just pet clothes, and that doesn’t include leashes or collars. Just clothes! We dress them up to wear outfits, costumes,
A
Q
My dog will not chill out! Should he be on antianxiety meds?
38 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
foot gear, etc., which will often impact how an animal moves. And while we may think it’s cute or precious, this alteration of how your pet physically functions can cause any number of stresses. Even the basic but very unnatural act of taking your pet in the car can cause stress, as many animals suffer from motion sickness. In addition, we humans are constantly changing our surroundings, from décor and smells to lights and visitors—all of which can impact your pet’s physical and mental health. Food can also be a source of stress. In our effort to be “better pet parents” and the blitzkrieg marketing efforts of the pet food industry, we are constantly adding more treats and chews and varieties of foods to their diets, and so there are dietary/intestinal stresses that can emerge. And let’s not forget our pets’ intuitive nature. So if you’re feeling stressed, sad or anxious, your pets will absorb these emotions. Thanks ’Rona! You add up all these stressors and genuine anxious behavior can start to manifest. The barking, whining, panting, aggression, pawing, chewing, shaking—any or all of these symptoms can emerge and, really, how can you blame them? So I would suggest the first step in helping relieve your pet’s anxiety is to problem solve from home. Is your dog
more anxious after a car ride? Maybe he suffers motion sickness. Is your cat suddenly more aggressive? Think about any new smells or new foods you introduced recently. Does your dog shake when family and friends visit? Maybe large crowds are not her thing. Often a solution is right in front of you and is a cheap, easy fix. If the source of your pet’s worries aren’t apparent, however, then talk with your veterinarian, seek out a dog training professional and/or research natural remedies for easing your pet’s stress. One option is looking at natural approaches. The use of certain amino acids—tryptophan, melatonin and others— have made their way into veterinary medicine (please talk to your veterinarian before starting these). There are calming pheromones in products like Adaptil collars and diffusers that can be purchased through most pet stores and veterinary hospitals. Other approaches can include acupuncture and pulse field electromagnetic therapy. All of these things should be exhausted before going down the medication path. When medications are needed, remember that frequent communication with your veterinarian is important, since not all medications work the same way in every patient. Taking the calm approach to your pet’s stress solutions will be better for your furry loved one—and for you too.
SP
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e Fly On the Fly On the Fly On the Fly On the Fly On the Fly On the Fly On the Fl Celebrity you would most like to have brunch with? Forest Galente. My son loves him, he seems like an outgoing, friendly guy. And I'm sure there'll be an adventure afterward. Best local spot for a date night? Leadmine on Pennsylvania Ave. The food and drinks are phenomenal, and so are the atmosphere and people there. What's one book you wish everyone had to read? Book of Five Rings by Musashi Myamoto (Art of War being No. 2) Early bird or night owl? Even though my job has me up early, I'm a total night owl. What was your best subject in school? Your worst? My best subjects were always math, science and English. If I had to pick a worst, I'd say PE if it bored me. What is the best gift you have ever received? My kids will always be the best gifts I've ever received. What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? I'm a total overthinker, so, I wouldn't want to screw up anything good in my life. So, I'd tell myself to just do my best. Three words that describe me? Ambivert. Empath. Leo. Do you have a hidden talent and if so what is it? I taught myself to paint in 2017. I started an IG page, paint bleeds, and have sold quite a few since then. Name a place you have always wanted to travel. China and Japan. I love Eastern philosophy.
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DIY
By PATTI RANCK, Indigo Earth Creative
Retro Refresh Y
ay for fall weather being officially here! Cool weather and jacket season, baby! Break out the good ol’ denim jacket! You know, the one you’ve had forever, ’cause those things just never die and they’ve been in style for the past couple generations. So, this year, if you feel like you might want to give yours a bit of a refresh, I have just the thing: A super easy craft—and no two will ever be exactly alike. A little ombré bleach dip-dye. Actually, it’s more of an “un-dye” since we are removing color, but read on to see how it’s done.
The Stuff
Tip No. 1: The best results are obtained when using 100% cotton denim. If your jacket is a synthetic/cotton blend it may yellow as it lightens, resulting in a slightly different effect.
42 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
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Denim jacket (a vest or jeans will work too).
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2 plastic buckets or large containers
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A permanent marker
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Bleach
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White vinegar
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Water
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Rubber gloves
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Safety goggles
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Face Mask (we all have these now)
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Apron or old work clothes that you don’t mind getting stained with bleach, because no matter how careful you think you’ve been, the spots will be there; trust me on this.
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An old cleaning rag in case of drips or splashes.
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A long-handled wooden spoon or dowel for stirring your solution and to help submerge your jacket into the bucket and poke at it from time to time as you check its progress.
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Plastic hangers
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2 measuring cups. One glass with spout for the bleach (Pyrex type is good) and a plastic one for the vinegar
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Optional: Rubber bands or jute for “special effects”
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Optional: Spray bottle with a bleach/water solution
The Doing 1. Choose a very well-ventilated area, like the backyard, and be sure buckets are placed away from children and pets. Tip No. 2: This craft is NOT advisable for the kiddos to participate in. Sorry, but you don’t want to take any chances; bleach is serious. Also, working outside gives you easy access to water, fresh air, and no need to worry about splashes, drips or spills. 2. Use the marker to label your buckets. One bleach and one vinegar. Label your spray bottle as bleach solution, if using. As always, practice mise en place. Prep your space and line up everything you’ll need. 3. Shields up! Time to put on all your safety gear. Now to mix your “potions.” Fill your buckets with 2–3 gallons of water. Don’t put more water than you think you’ll need to completely submerge the bottom part of your jacket. The less water used, the less bleach you’ll need. Now slowly and carefully pour in 1–1½ cups of bleach into bucket No. 1 and the same amount of vinegar into bucket No. 2. The purpose of the vinegar water is to stop the bleach from, well, bleaching. Dunking the jacket immediately into the vinegar/water solution will halt the process. It also helps to kill that bleachy smell. 4. Gently stir with the wooden dowel and slowly lower the jacket a third or halfway into the bleach solution. You can dip the sleeves in as well, or you can bleach the top and leave the bottom dark—your choice. Optional: If you’d like to create a bit of a special effect, you can gather up the fabric and wrap tightly in rubber bands or tie with twine. I used a single wrap of twine on a vest to show an example of this option. 5. Now give the parts of the jacket you are dipping a bit of a swish and poke to be sure it is completely wet and submerged. Once the fabric is wet enough the weight will keep it under the surface of the liquid. Tip No. 3: Ignore all those tutorials that say “Super quick! Just soak for 10–15 minutes!” Total. Lie. Denim is a heavy, densely woven fabric and it takes quite a while to lighten up that indigo dye. I ended up leaving mine in for almost 2 hours. I gave it a swish and poke of the stick occasionally and lifted it out a bit to check if I was liking the results. Just note, more delicate fabrics will take less time. 6. FYI, the ombré effect happens almost naturally as the water is absorbed up into the dry part of the fabric. If you feel you’d like a little more gradual ombré look, you can spray some bleach solution right above the wet line. This will add a more subtle transition of light to dark. 7. When you think it’s done (it will look a bit darker when wet, so keep in mind that the colors will brighten after the garment has fully dried), slowly lift out of the bleach bucket and right over into the vinegar bucket. Again, swish around with the stick until you think it’s good and rinsed. Lift and wring out a bit and hang on a nearby tree to dry. Give it a real wash and dry to be sure all the bleach and vinegar is gone before you wear your new creation. Tip No. 4: Optional: If you’d like to add a little extra something to the back, go online at sandandpinemag. com past issues and check out our DIY screen printing technique. Ready for fall and looking pretty dang good in your “new” jacket sitting at your favorite coffee shop sipping a pumpkin latte! Ooooh that sounds good. Wait right there, I’m on my way to join you!
SP
www.SandandPineMag.com | 43
Hangin' Out
(so we're droppin' in)
Sunrise Theater
9.7.20
Southern Pines
Help Others Vote
9.13.20
Aberdeen
44 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
Live
Pattie & The Current •Oct.Hank, 24
Bradshaw Performing Arts Center Pinehurst
Carthage
Southern Pines
Maness Pottery and Music Barn
Bell Tree Tavern 155 NE Broad St.
24 / 27, 6 miles west of Carthage
Every Friday, Free, Live music
Every Tuesday, 6 p.m., Free Live bluegrass, country and gospel music
Jefferson Inn 150
Friday, Oct. 23, 8 p.m. Dillon Branson
Pinehurst
All Shows Free
Saturday, Oct. 24, 8 p.m. Whiskey Pines
Dugan’s Pub
Friday, Oct. 2, 8 p.m. Two Stories Wide
Friday, Oct. 30, 8 p.m. Pete O'dea
Saturday, Oct. 3, 8 p.m. John Allen
Saturday, Oct 31, 8 p.m. August Burning
W New Hampshire Ave.
2 Market Square Every Friday & Saturday, Free Outdoor Live Music Every Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m., Free Live music
Bradshaw Performing Arts Center 3395 Airport Road Saturday, Oct. 24, 7:p.m., $28 Hank, Pattie & The Current
•
Friday, Oct. 9, 8 p.m. Tony Barnes Friday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m. John Allen Saturday, Oct. 17, 8 p.m. Faith Bardill
•
Virtual Thursday, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m., Carolina Philharmonic Virtual Gala for Music Education with Marissa McGowan
•
All dates and times subject to change. Check directly with event organizers before making plans.
Wine Cellar
241 NE Broad St. Every Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m., Free
•
• Photographs courtesy of the artists
www.SandandPineMag.com www.SandandPineMag.com| 45 | 45
Puzzles
LET'S BREAK IT DOWN
DIFFICULT
Place numbers into the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains each of the digits 1 to 9. No guessing is needed. Across 1. Russian community 4. Donkey 8. Rum 11. Single items 13. A particular 14. Owing 15. Surreptitious, attention getting sound 16. Final age for a teenager 18. Containing iodine 20. Spiteful 21. Take weapons from 23. Commercials 24. Last month 25. Argument 27. Kilocalorie 31. King of the beasts 33. Knight's title 34. Prefix, Chinese 35. Lively 36. Redact 38. Metal can
EASY
__________ NEW ___________
39. Donkey 41. For a short time 43. Keen edged 46. Withdrawn 47. State of USA 49. Prehistoric sepulchral tomb 52. Expression of disgust 53. Employs 54. French military cap 55. Your 56. Nipple 57. Indian dish Down 1. Swab 2. - and outs, intricacies 3. Electrical resistance device 4. Reduces to lowest possible amount 5. Auricular 6. Knowledge 7. Revise 8. Poems 9. Performance by two
10. Refuse 12. Portico 17. Chores 19. Arid 21. In due manner 22. Hip bones 23. Trapeze artist 26. Young goat 28. Having city habits 29. Indigo 30. Solitary 32. Draws close to 37. A couple 40. Nozzle 42. Joint in the hind leg of a horse 43. Filth 44. Lofty 45. Wan 46. Region 48. Avail of 50. Mineral spring 51. Sesame plant
Ladderword puzzles are like crosswords but with a twist. The words in the middle column are anagrams of the words of the first column. The words in the last column are anagrams of the middle column plus one additional letter. The anchor words (the down clues) are related by a common theme. Across 1. Chemical compound 3. Tams 5. U.S. lexicographer 6. Played the part of 7. Located 8. Heart-shaped
9. Convocation of witches 10. Wanes 11. Side by side 12. Rub out 13. Unwilling 14. Young beef cattle 15. Dubber 16. Stingier
17. Wander Down 2. Daring 4. The earth
46 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
Puzzle answers found on SandandPineMag.com
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Last Word Electoral College Remember the 2000 presidential election? It
may feel like a century ago, but we only have to look back two decades. George W. Bush, Al Gore, hanging chads, Florida, the Supreme Court, Ralph Nader, the electoral college. Is it coming back now? All of it was the stuff of history books, as we had to wait more than a month for the Supreme Court to reverse a ruling of the Florida Supreme Court that would have allowed for a manual recount. Instead, Bush was ruled the winner of Florida by a mere 327 votes out of six million and banked the 25 electoral votes that gave him the presidency (271 to 266 in the electoral college). As Gore would later say: “You win some, you lose some. And then there’s that little-known third category.” To further bitter the pill, Gore won the national popular vote by just over a half a million votes, making it, at the time, the fourth instance where a candidate won the popular vote but lost the election. Since then, one more election has been added to that list, when Hillary Clinton received nearly 3 million more votes than Donald Trump but lost the election anyway (304 to 227 in the electoral college). All of which may make you wonder: What is this process that we call a presidential election? How can our democracy allow a candidate to get the most votes but still lose? How is this thing called an electoral college in any way democratic? “It wasn’t like the founders said, ‘Hey, what a great idea! This is the preferred way to select the chief executive, period,’” says George Edwards III, a professor at Texas A&M University on history.com. “They were tired, impatient, frustrated. They cobbled together this plan because they couldn’t agree on anything else.” Doesn’t sound like the best way to pick our leaders, but we must go back to those hot, humid, summer days of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 when our founding fathers were sincerely concerned for the survival of their little experiment. Small states versus large states. Slave states versus 48 | SAND& PINE MAGAZINE October/November 2020
free states. A distrust of executive power. A distrust of legislative power. A profound distrust of the uneducated masses. The fear of a populist president wielding too much power or a democratic mob steering the country in the wrong direction. This was not a “we’re all in this together” moment in our history. Eventually, out of endless debate and a number of broad misguided assumptions, came a compromise: States would appoint independent “electors”—chosen by Congress or elected by the people—who would then cast the actual ballots for the presidency. Thus the nation would be saved by landholding elitists with the intellect to decide for us all who is best suited to lead. From the start, however, the electoral college never worked as intended. As David Roos notes in his article on history.com, “Not only was the creation of the Electoral College in part a political workaround for the persistence of slavery in the United States, but almost none of the Founding Fathers’ assumptions about the electoral system proved true.” So why haven’t we just gotten rid of the thing? Why has the electoral college lasted all these centuries? Edwards explains: “The party in power typically benefits from the existence of the Electoral College and the minority party has little chance of changing the system because a Constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds supermajority in Congress, plus ratification by three-fourths of the states.” Further, he offers, the electoral system has its benefits. For all its faults, in our modern political system, the litigation tsunami that would erupt to contest even large margins of victory would prolong voting results for months. And a call for a national recount would further confuse and complicate the results. So for now, we’re stuck with this democratic albatross. And so it goes.
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