SC Currents, MPD Electric Cooperative, October 2025 by utilitypioneers

Currents urrents

Conway casts a spell on visitors with its spooky celebrations Page 6

PHOTO BY KRISSY HAYNIE

mpd.coop

OFFICE LOCATIONS

1301 E. Pocket Road

P.O. Box 100561 Florence, SC 29502

843-665-4070

676 Highway 9 East P.O. Box 1057

Bennettsville, SC 29512

843-479-3855

REPORT POWER OUTAGES

866-747-0060

OFFICE HOURS

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

PRESIDENT/CEO

William L. Fleming Jr.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

John Alford

Melvin Carabo

Preston Gainey

James Goodson

Eddie Gordon

David Howell

Sam P. “Bo” McInnis Jr., Chairman

Robert Norton

Hamer Parnell

Jeff Quick, Secretary

Ronald “Ronnie” Quick

Janelle Sauls

LaShon Sellers, Vice Chairman

Charles R. “Ricky” Smith

Don R. Teal

Patricia Ann Toney

Lee C. White

CO-OP NEWS EDITORS

Katie W. Wilcox, CCC kwilcox@mpd.coop

Matt Haynie

mhaynie@mpd.coop

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to serve the energy needs of our members today and in the future at the lowest cost consistent with sound economic principles and management.

MPD Electric Cooperative Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Support Operation Christmas Child This Holiday Season

Have you noticed big retail stores have started putting out Christmas decorations with their fall decor items? On one side of the aisle, there’s a pre-lit reindeer; on the other is a giant skeleton that follows your every move. If you’re like me, you’re probably trying to enjoy these precious fall months before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begins. But Christmas will be here before we know it.

The folks at Samaritan’s Purse work year-round to make Christmas a special time of year for children around the world with the Operation Christmas Child program.

If you were at our annual meeting Oct. 4, you may have bought one of our raffle tickets or a soda or hot dog from our food tent. This year, MPD Electric is using proceeds from these sales to buy Christmas gifts for Operation Christmas Child.

Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy and the good news of Jesus Christ to children in need around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes. For many children, it is their first gift and is a tangible expression of God’s love.

Through a vast network of people like you, Samaritan’s Purse collects donated gifts, toiletries and school supplies packed in shoeboxes. These boxes are delivered to children in more than 100 countries around the world by pastors and community leaders who want to share the message of the gospel. They also host child-friendly outreach events and discipleship programs.

This month, if you would like to donate an item from the list below, please bring it to either our Florence or Bennettsville location. There is also an Operation Christmas Child storefront on Amazon if you need help picking out a gift. The MPD Power to Serve team will pack these items in shoeboxes in early November and get them to Samaritan’s Purse.

If you missed the chance to donate at the annual meeting or can’t bring a gift, you can still pray. Samaritan’s Purse asks for your prayers for the families of children who receive gifts, the pastors who deliver the shoeboxes and the communities where the families live to be transformed by the good news of the gospel.

Gift Suggestions

Samaritan’s Purse asks for new items only, please. Remember, these need to fit in a shoebox.

• Wow items: small backpacks or purses, dolls, sports balls and pumps, stuffed animals, hobby kits and toys

• Personal care items: toothbrushes, washcloths, combs, brushes, nail clippers, nail files, water bottles and flashlights

• School supplies: pencils, sharpeners, erasers, pens, crayons, colored pencils, markers, notebooks, index cards, calculators, children’s scissors, rulers, glue sticks, small adhesive tape and drawstring bags

• Clothing and accessories: flip flops, shoes, sunglasses, hats, watches, costume jewelry, hair accessories, undergarments, hats, scarfs and mittens

Please do not donate soap, food, candy, toothpaste, scary or war-related items, liquids, lotions, aerosol items and breakable items. Visit samaritanspurse.org/occ for more information.

PAT TONEY Trustee

CEO Michael Shepard

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT

Leon Espinoza

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Chasity Anderson, CCC

SC CURRENTS EDITORS

Jennifer Paton, CCC

Valeri Saldanha Rosa

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Victoria Hampton, CCC

David Herder, CCC

Sable Riley, CCC

Nina Todea, CCC

SENIOR MANAGER, PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION

Elizabeth Beatty

SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR

Alyssa McDougle

South Carolina Currents (issue 77) is published monthly, except in December, by Pioneer Utility Resources, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Preferred periodical postage permit number 23830 paid at Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 and additional mailing ofﬁces.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: South Carolina Currents, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Subscription price of $9.89 per year includes postage.

HOW TO CONTACT CURRENTS

Have a problem receiving your edition of South Carolina Currents? Utility members should contact MPD Electric Cooperative. Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Pioneer Utility Resources.

MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Please do not send unsolicited materials. If interested in writing for South Carolina Currents, query first. Include a selfaddressed stamped envelope for writers’ guidelines. Address requests and queries to Pioneer Utility Resources.

DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

American MainStreet Publications 611 S. Congress Ave. Ste. 504 Austin, TX 78704 800-626-1181 or 512-441-5200

Willie Wiredhand is the longtime mascot and spokesplug of electric cooperatives around the United States. He was adopted in 1951 by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Here’s your task: Willie is hidden somewhere in every issue of Currents. See if you can find this friendly face among the news and stories as you read!

Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

E. B., Stone Mountain, GA “Gift

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Conway casts a spell on visitors with spooky celebrations

By Jodi Helmer

In 2020, Conway City Manager Adam Emrick had the idea to string plastic pumpkins from the trees along Main Street. He drove to all of the big-box stores in the area and bought all of their plastic pumpkins. The total investment: $300.

“When we first put the pumpkins in the trees, we saw the foot traffic that was generated and heard stories of people changing their plans to come to Conway to see the ‘pumpkin trees,’” he says. “We knew that was a measure of success from a small investment, and we knew that Halloween could be something bigger.”

Halloween became such an iconic event that city leaders passed a 2022 proclamation declaring Conway the City of Halloween.

“People always tell us, ‘I can’t wait when I drive to work to see the pumpkins in the trees,’” says June Reavis Wood, public information officer for the city of Conway. “That’s kind of like the official (sign) the City of Halloween is starting.”

Spooky

Celebration

Going all in on Halloween was Plan B for the historic river town. The original goal was to be included on Southern Living magazine’s list of Cutest Christmas Towns in the South.

Conway had always made a big deal about Christmas with a celebration of lights, carnival and Santa’s village. Adam couldn’t figure out why Conway was being snubbed—until he checked out the competition.

“We went to Dahlonega, Georgia, which has a very compact (town) square,” he says. “They put up a million lights, and it’s had a huge impact. We put up 6 million lights, and we just can’t make the same dramatic impact that they can make in a small footprint.”

He also traveled to McAdenville, North Carolina.

“They planted Christmas trees throughout the city 60 years ago, and now those trees are mature and they decorate them all the same,” Adam says. “We can’t re-create that.”

But the city could create something brand new. For the past five years, the City of Halloween has expanded from pumpkins hanging in trees along Main Street to a celebration of all things spook-tacular.

ABOVE: Conway became “The City of Halloween” in 2022.

LEFT: The fear of clowns is known as coulrophobia. It’s a relatively common phobia for children and adults.

BELOW and BOTTOM LEFT: Skeletons and other scary creatures can be found throughout downtown Conway and its riverfront.

PHOTOS BY KRISSY HAYNIE

Witch hats hang from municipal buildings. Skeletons stand guard in the local park. A “tunnel of bones” connects two downtown streets along with such attractions as Shiverfront Park, the Shiverwalk, the Town Scream, Haunted Harbor, Haunted City Hall and the Witch’s Garden. Halloween displays are tucked into every open space in downtown and along the riverfront.

“We used to use (our downtown spaces and parks) as places that were just pretty,” June says. “Now we think, ‘Let’s make them somewhere that people want to visit.’”

An ever-growing number of Halloween decorations helps make that happen.

A pirate ship with cannons that fire smoke is docked near Conway Marina, and a 12-foot-tall skeleton covered in mirrored tiles is the guest of honor at a skeleton disco in the park. This year, the city created a skeleton marching band dressed in Coastal Carolina University school colors. A foam carving of the mayor’s face that measures almost 6 feet tall uses a projection screen to talk to crowds. The decorations are on display throughout October.

“One of the bigger things that we realized was that events are great, but people want to do it at their own pace and on their own time,” Adam says. “The really great thing about decorations during Halloween is, it doesn’t matter if it’s 11 o’clock in the morning or 11 o’clock at night, there is something to see.”

The Boo Crew

line.

There is also a packed event schedule. The 200-plus events include the Graveyard Grand Prix Coffin Race, which invites participants to create coffins to push through downtown in a race for the finish line. There are also midnight markets, ghost walking tours and pumpkin patches.

Halloween displays may be only up for a few weeks, but transforming Conway into the City of Halloween takes all year. As the scale of the Halloween celebrations grew, so did the crew required to manage it.

The city employs three full-time staff members, including a new holiday coordinator. Employees in departments ranging from planning and construction services to parks and recreation pitch in to make the City of Halloween a success. This year, more than 100 volunteers signed up to help with essential tasks, such as repairing decorations and building new displays.

“We’re all working in unison to make sure that the season is pulled off, and the reason for that is pride,” June says. “There is nothing cooler than looking out your window at 10 a.m. on a Monday and seeing crowds of people walking through the city. That doesn’t happen anywhere but Conway in October.”

The event has become so popular that the city has started factoring it into infrastructure and investment decisions, according to Adam.

Currently, the decorations are contained to downtown and the riverfront, but that could change.

“We have space to grow,” Adam says. “As development grows the city, the holidays will grow with it. So, if Elm Street becomes the next street that is going to be developed, we’re thinking about where along Elm Street we need to buy property to be able to have an impact for the holidays because we’re going to need something for Halloween on this block.”

Not only have the holiday celebrations enhanced the vibrancy of Conway, the City of Halloween has been a boon for local businesses.

The city’s displays and events attracted 250,000 visitors in October 2024— it’s grown by about 50,000 per year since 2022. City officials are aiming for more by upgrading the public displays.

PHOTOS BY KRISSY HAYNIE

Hospitality fees—taxes collected on the sale of food, beverage and lodging—fund the efforts and allow the city to buy more decorations to expand the event. The investment has paid off. In the first year, downtown restaurants saw a 20% increase in hospitality fee collections. Each year since, downtown restaurants have seen additional 20% increases over the previous year.

“It’s totally an economic generator,” Adam says. “The money that goes to do Halloween is not tax revenue. It is 100% paid for by the traffic that we’ve driven into downtown for this holiday. The hospitality fees that are generated by the increase in foot traffic pay for the increase in decorations.”

As the celebration continues to grow, so does the enthusiasm for the City of Halloween. Residents have become unofficial boosters, posting photos and sharing information on social media that has fueled viral social media moments. One TikTok video of a drive through town racked up 1.5 million views. A recent Facebook post featuring an 8-foot foam pumpkin drew more than half a million views, according to June.

‘We

something cute.’ And now they’re like, ‘We want to be like Conway.’”

Spreading Holiday Cheer

Conway might be the City of Halloween, but the goal is to expand the festivities to include other holidays.

The city continually expands its Christmas displays and has started coming up with new installations to mark every holiday, from Valentine’s Day and Easter to St. Patrick’s Day. This year, the crew that built the pirate ship built a replica of a Venetian gondola. Volunteer gondoliers offered rides that were popular with couples for Valentine’s Day.

It was all part of a plan to create unique experiences that make Conway stand out. June compares it to the approach that theme parks take to wow crowds.

“Disney is a theme park that operates like a city,” she says. “And I like to think of Conway as a city that operates like a theme park.”

“When our residents really start embracing who we are and the things that we’re doing, they do all of the advertising,” she says. “For the size of our city, we have a pretty big impactful social media presence.”

Looking to the future, the City of Halloween plans to continue expanding its seasonal celebration. Pumpkins will keep multiplying, the pirate ships and skeletons will keep getting bigger, and Conway will continue to prove that a small Southern city can carve out its own holiday magic.

That pride has spread. While Conway is not known as a tourist town, the Halloween displays draw big crowds, with some visitors driving long distances to experience the seasonal celebration. It also inspires imitators. Adam often speaks at conferences and fields calls from other cities who want to follow the City of Halloween model.

“It’s changed the dynamic of Conway,” he says. “It’s changed the narrative. At first it was like, ‘Oh, look, Conway doing

“We take so much pride in who we are as a city,” June says. “It’s about pride and seeing people want to be in a place that we all love more than anything.” 

City of Halloween festivities run through Oct. 31. Visit conwaysc.gov to view the entire event calendar.

Downtown Conway has spooky sights to immerse you in the Halloween spirit.

Whether you’re hunting for last-minute costume accessories or simply enjoying the eerie atmosphere, this town is the perfect backdrop for a day of festive fun.

Where in the Community?

Every month, MPD Electric Cooperative features a new, recognizable spot from somewhere in the Pee Dee. Check out next month’s page for the answer.

Pageland’s newest mural stands as a vivid, emotional tribute to this small town’s spirit. The mural blends striking visuals of a train—a nod to the town’s early railroad roots—with watermelons, which symbolize community tradition and its nickname as the watermelon capital of the world. This poignant piece by Shane Pierce of Abstract Dissent was scheduled to be finished live in July during the town’s annual watermelon festival. Following the tragic death of 17-year-old football player Sean Davis during the festival, Shane decided to pay tribute to the teen by adding a bold yellow daffodil, which represents remembrance, and the number 5, which was Sean’s jersey number. The mural is a living memorial reminding viewers that community strength endures even in the face of sorrow.

CYBERSECURITY Awareness Month

Ever-advancing technology plays a predominant role in our lives. Along with wonderful benefits, there is a dark side distorting and corrupting technological advances.

In 2004, the U.S. government designated October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month to encourage citizens to identify and safeguard themselves against cyberattacks.

You are key to your cybersecurity and need to understand scams that could harm you. Be alert if someone contacts you and threatens to disconnect electric service if payment is not made upon demand. Scammers can “spoof” or alter the name and phone number on caller ID to show your utility. Your electric utility does not make phone calls to solicit immediate payment.

Scams can often happen through email, phone calls, text messages, surveys and social media.

If contacted, call your utility directly or check the app connected to your account to determine its status.

Tips to Protect Yourself From a Scam

• If someone calls threatening to shut off your power if you don’t pay, hang up. It is a scam.

• Call your utility to report the scam.

• Don’t click random email links. Verify the source and its validity before proceeding.

• Never give personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller.

• If you think you are the victim of a scam, contact the police. 

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation

Required by 39 USC 3685

Filed with the USPS on 9-22-25

SOUTH CAROLINA CURRENTS, (USPS 23830), is published monthly at 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Eleven issues are published annually with a subscription price of $8.91 paid by utility members in their electric bills.

The name and complete mailing address of the publisher is: Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124.

The name and complete mailing address of the editor is Chasity Anderson, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124.

The owner is Pioneer Utility Resources Inc. (PUR). There are no known bondholders or other security holders. PUR is a nonproﬁt organization mailing under DMM Section 423.12.

Its purpose, function and nonproﬁt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed in the preceding 12 months.

Chasity Anderson, Editorial Director

for these crispy-tender, savory-sweet treats Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

Everyone falls

Story and photos by Libby Wiersema

The cool of autumn has put me in the mood for baking. It’s time to crank up the oven and fill the house with the cozy aromas of the season.

Last year, my passion was apple cider muffins. This year, I am enjoying an obsession with nutty, salty-sweet, buttery cookies—specifically, cranberry pistachio shortbread cookies. The savory-salty toasted pistachios are the perfect match for the sweet and tangy dried cranberries. When baked in a buttery shortbread cookie dough, you get a warm, heavenly marriage of flavors and textures.

This cookie has a lot going for it, not the least of which is ease of preparation. Shortbread cookies are some of the easiest to make, with only six ingredients.

Variations

Some people like to dip half the cookie in melted chocolate, then sprinkle chopped nuts and cranberries for a more festive effect.

I prefer Ghirardelli’s melting chocolate in dark and

white. Place the amount you need in a microwave-safe bowl, and pop it into the microwave on 50% power. Stir at 15-second intervals until smooth.

Techniques

There are a few guidelines for making cranberry pistachio cookies you must follow to produce the best results. If you have ever made Scotch shortbread cookies, this is a refresher. If not, here are some pointers to mind along with the reasons for doing so:

• Choose your sugar. For a melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a fine crumb, use powdered sugar. For a more rustic cookie with a bit of crunch and larger crumb, opt for granulated sugar.

• Choose a high-quality butter, such as Kerrygold or Plugra. You can use cheaper brands, but there is a notable difference in richness and taste.

• Beat the room-temperature butter until fluffy and light before adding other ingredients. Beating incorporates air pockets, which are essential for tenderness.

• Cream the butter and sugar well. This distributes

Plain or garnished with chocolate and chopped toppings, cranberry pistachio shortbread cookies are irresistibly delicious.

Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

¾ cup sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup dried cranberries, chopped

½ cup shelled pistachios, chopped

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Add sugar. Cream the mixture by beating for a couple more minutes. Add salt.

Gradually add the flour, mixing just until combined. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold in the pistachios and cranberries until evenly incorporated.

For a cut-and-bake cookie, divide the dough in half. Shape each into a 2-inch diameter log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, about 1 to 2 hours.

For roll-and-cut cookies, divide the dough in half, and form a disc with each. Wrap and chill until firm.

When cookie dough is fully chilled, heat oven to 350 F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Cut cookie dough logs into ½-inch discs. Place discs on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

For roll-and-cut cookies, lightly dust the rolling pin and

the sugar evenly and helps prevent grittiness. The dough is easier to handle, too.

• Once all ingredients are incorporated, it is crucial to not overhandle the shortbread dough. Do not knead. Gently form it into the desired shape. If you overwork it, you will develop the gluten in the flour and end up with a tough cookie. The warmth from your hands also melts the butter and prevents it from effectively coating the flour.

• Chill your shortbread dough thoroughly before baking. The butter must be firm, or your cookies will spread and struggle to maintain their shape. As the cold butter melts in the oven, it creates pockets of steam that are key to the structure of the cookie.

• Use a sharp knife to cut the raw cookie dough and prevent tearing. Place the blade atop the roll. With one hand on the dull side of the blade and the other on the handle, use gentle pressure to cut through the dough in one swift movement.

surface. Working quickly, roll dough to ½-inch thickness, then cut.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges turn lightly golden. The bottoms will be browned, but the surface of the cookie will still be light in color. Cool the cookies for 5 minutes, then use a spatula to gently move the cookies to a rack. The warm cookies crumble easily, so take care. They firm up a bit as they cool. Dip in melted chocolate and garnish, if desired.

• If you are rolling and cutting your dough, do not twist the cookie cutter. This helps prevent toughness and keeps the shape intact.

Kitchen Tools

Have the following on hand: electric mixer, cookie sheets, parchment paper and plastic wrap.

Get Going

Once everything is assembled and your butter is room temperature, it is time to bake some amazing cookies that will enhance everyone’s autumn mood. n

Libby Wiersema writes about dining, food trends and the state’s culinary history for Discover South Carolina as well as other print and online media. Contact her at libbyscarolinaspoon@gmail.com or visit the Carolina Spoon Facebook page at facebook.com/SClibby.1111.

Using a sharp knife, cut the cookie dough when it is cold and firm.

NIKON D810, 62mm lens ISO 250, f/6.3 at 1/400

BY DAVE LABELLE

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

By Dave LaBelle

When I fly into Portland, I try to get a seat on the right side—also known as the starboard side—of the airplane to see and photograph the Columbia River Valley, one of my favorite places on Earth.

The scenic airport approach along the Columbia is always different depending on the time of day, time of year and weather conditions. Ideally, I would choose to view the valley on a late afternoon in fall, maybe 30 minutes before sunset.

Whether you are a passenger in a car, riding on a train or flying in a plane, there are interesting pictures to be made, even through windows. I never pass through an airport or fly in a plane without a camera, because I never know what I might see.

However, there are a few things to consider when photographing through windows of moving vehicles.

• A fast shutter speed—1/500th or faster—is preferred when photographing a landscape from a moving vessel. Faster shutter speeds help reduce camera shake and freeze what you are taking pictures of outside. If you do not have control of shutter speeds, try increasing your ISO and the camera will compensate. Faster shutter speeds are particularly helpful if you press your lens against the glass to reduce flare or reflections.

• Focusing can be a problem. If you’re using autofocus, the

camera will often try to focus on the glass, especially if it is dirty or scratched, so it’s best to switch to manual focus, which allows you to focus beyond the window.

• Turn your flash off, especially in the evening. The flash does not help because it can only illuminate a few feet, not the hundreds of feet below to Earth. Instead, it will reflect off the glass and ruin the picture. Increase your ISO and the camera will adjust for the lower light outside. 

Reader Challenge

Try photographing from a moving vehicle. Don’t wait to pull out your camera after you arrive at your destination. Experiment and see what interesting pictures you can make on the move.

Email your best image—just one—with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.

Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing photo tips and life perspectives with readers. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog at bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.

The Glen L. Jackson Memorial Bridge snakes over the Columbia River, connecting Portland, Oregon, to Vancouver, Washington.

PHOTO

Why is the moon out in the day sometimes?

Despite what you might think, the moon doesn’t have a dusk-to-dawn schedule. Sometimes, you’ll spot her hanging around in the middle of the day, like she’s showing up to the party fashionably late with a cool, otherworldly vibe.

So why does the moon sometimes make daytime appearances?

First, let’s clear up a common misconception: The moon is always up there. It’s just that the sun is so bright during the day that it steals the spotlight.

The key to understanding the moon’s daytime appearances is how it orbits. The moon takes 29.5 days to complete one orbit around Earth. During this time, its position relative to the Earth and sun shifts, which means that the moon is in a different spot in the sky at other times of the day.

When the moon is in the waxing and waning phases, its position allows it to be visible during the day—reflecting the light from the sun. In fact, at certain times in the lunar cycle, the moon is just about opposite the sun in the sky. So, while the sun is blazing on one side of the Earth, the moon is hanging out on the other side.

To understand why we don’t always see the moon, it helps to imagine that you’re trying to spot a flashlight in the middle of a football field at noon. The flashlight is on, but the daylight is so bright that it gets drowned out. The same is true for the moon during daylight hours. When the sun is high, the moon gets lost in the sun’s blinding light.

But the moon doesn’t need to be bright to be visible. If it’s in the correct position—a little after sunrise or just before sunset—its light is subtle enough to break through the sun’s dominance.

The moon can be seen during the day much more often than you probably realize.

Depending on the time of year and the phase of the moon, it can be visible from morning to afternoon, making sporadic daylight showings. It’s not unusual to see the moon at 10 a.m. or even 3 p.m., especially if it’s waxing or waning.

The moon’s phases—complete, new, quarter—also influence when the moon might appear during the day. When the moon is in its first quarter or last quarter phase, it’s often visible for half of the day, so you’re more likely to spot it just chilling at 1 p.m.

Something the a during

Something that gives the moon a unique charm when visible during the day is its soft, almost ethereal glow. In the dark of night, the moon is reflected from the sun, but it doesn’t have to compete with the blazing daylight for your attention. When it’s visible during the day, you’re more likely to catch the moon at its most delicate. 

Ed Salley is MPD’s IT guy. Ed not only knows a lot about technology, he knows a lot about everything. Send your question to asked@mpd.coop, and it may be featured in next month’s Ask Ed column.

Outage Preparedness

By Elissa Glassman

Reliable service is a priority at MPD Electric Cooperative. MPD crews continuously work to maintain equipment by removing trees from rights of way and upgrading the cooperative’s power system.

Sometimes Mother Nature strikes with severe and unusual weather. Sudden

weather changes can create storms that may cause power outages. High winds causing downed trees and lightning are a few examples of natural conditions that can cause widespread damage to power equipment.

Even with crews working around the clock, repairs are time-consuming, difficult and often dangerous.

MPD members should be prepared

with an easily accessible emergency kit in case of a lengthy power outage. Supplies should include:

• A flashlight, headlamps, battery- or solar-powered lantern, radio and fresh batteries. Keep the batteries separate until you are ready to use them. Many cellphones can be used as a flashlight, but you should save the battery power on your phone for checking weather

updates and getting information.

• Candles and matches. Do not leave lit candles unattended.

• Bottled drinking water. Store at least one gallon per person per day. If a storm is in the forecast, fill the bathtub with water so bathroom facilities can still be used by pouring a bucket of water down the toilet to create a vacuum flush.

• If you have a fireplace or wood stove, keep kindling and dry firewood on hand.

• Clothing. In cooler weather, wear extra layers and a hat. Have sleeping bags and blankets handy, too.

• Easy-to-prepare food items. Buy items that do not require much cooking. Canned or instant soups, stews, chili, packaged freeze-dried meals, and protein or breakfast bars are good to have on hand.

• Gas camp stoves, lanterns or barbecues. Make sure to have extra fuel for cooking outdoors. Never use a camp stove or barbecue indoors. Be sure to use any lanterns on a flat, stable and nonflammable surface.

• An ample supply of essential prescription medications and over-thecounter drugs. During a storm, road travel may not be possible for several days.

• A first-aid kit. Make sure all supplies are filled and ready to go. If you have a medical condition, have a backup plan to enact at a moment’s notice.

• Games. Board games and cards are fun and handy to pass the time.

Power Outage Do’s and Don’ts If the lights go off, know what steps to take to be comfortable and safe and to help MPD restore service quickly.

• Check your electrical panel. Look for tripped breakers or blown fuses. Try to reset the breakers by switching them off, then on.

• Call MPD at 866-747-0060 and report the location of your outage. Report any flashes, bangs or trees in power lines to help repair crews locate damage.

• Turn off major appliances. The water heater and heating-system breakers need to be turned off to avoid overloading your circuits when the power is restored. Unplug any voltage-sensitive equipment.

• Install surge protectors to protect voltage-sensitive equipment. You can buy high-quality surge protection devices from a variety of online dealers and local electricians.

• Switch on an outside light. This may assist crews in determining if your power has been restored late into the night.

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food in a refrigerator will last 12 to 24 hours if the doors are kept closed. A full freezer can last 24 to 48 hours. Helpful hint: Drape a sleeping bag over

your refrigerator or freezer for added insulating value in case of an extended power outage.

• Keep the freezer full. The freezer will stay colder longer if it is full. Milk jugs filled with water and placed in a halffull freezer can be a supply of both water and ice in an emergency. Consider buying dry ice to help prevent spoilage.

• Listen to radio reports. Keep either a battery-operated or hand-crank radio on hand for emergencies. During an extended outage, listen to local radio stations for updates and information.

• Never go near or touch a downed power line. Call MPD or 911 immediately.

• Never wire a portable generator directly into your electrical panel.

Important Outage Reminders

Remember these tips during an extended outage:

• Let the repair crews do their job. It is tempting to stop crews and ask questions about when the power will be restored, but this only delays the restoration process. While the crews want to be helpful, they also want to restore your power quickly so they can get home to their families.

• Be a good neighbor. Severe storms usually increase the number of accidents and medical problems. This can cause increased response time for service agencies. Organize people in your area to check on each other and lend assistance.

• If not used correctly, portable generators can cause fatal accidents involving lineworkers. Plug appliances into the generator. Do not connect household breaker circuits to the generator without a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician.

• Investigate emergency water sources. Runoff from rooftops can be collected and used for washing, but do not drink it. A water heater can supply drinking water. Be sure the breaker is off before you drain it, and fill it before turning the breaker back on.

MPD crews work hard to keep your power on, but should you experience an outage, call MPD at 866-747-0060 or report your outage on SmartHub. n

Across Strict guideline; one is golden (4)

Across

1 Strict guideline; one is golden (4)

3 Occurred, took place (8)

9 What Waze monitors (7)

10 Render irreparable; entire quantity (5)

Occurred, took place (8)

11 Imperial unit of weight equal to 28.35 grams (5)

12 Walther PPK, for one (6)

What Waze monitors (7)

14 Purpose of a pass (6)

16 Like commands given to Siri or Alexa (6)

19 U.S. state since 8/21/1959 (6)

Render irreparable; entire quantity (5)

21 A blunder or mistake (5)

24 Department with attorneys (5)

25 Earth/sky line (7)

26 Toward the flank (8)

Imperial unit of weight equal to 28.35 grams (5)

27 Arborist’s specimen (4) Down

1 Employing reason (8)

Walther PPK, for one (6)

2 Foo Fighters’ track, “____ to Fly” (5)

4 Say “yes” to (6)

5 Maze passages (5)

6 ABC, for one (7)

Purpose of a pass (6)

7 Word with paper or rag (4)

8 Real estate proposals (6)

13 Coming onto a stage, fill with delight (8)

Like commands given to Siri or Alexa (6)

15 Formally accused (7)

17 A metrical composition from an Edgar Allan essay (6)

U.S. state since 8/21/1959 (6)

A blunder or mistake (5)

Department with attorneys (5)

Earth/sky line (7)

Toward the flank (8)

Aborist's specimen (4)

(5)

Employing reason

Cybersecurity Protects Power and People

At MPD Electric Cooperative, everything we do starts with our members in mind. In today’s connected world, keeping the lights on also means protecting the digital systems that support our cooperative and safeguarding operational technology and personal information you trust us with.

That’s why cybersecurity is one of our co-op priorities.

Guided by the board of directors, we’ve built a thoughtful, proactive approach to protecting our systems and infrastructure and your data. Our goal is simple: to keep your power reliable, information safe and the cooperative strong.

Built on a Strong Foundation

Our cybersecurity program follows proven national best practices tailored to the needs of a rural cooperative like ours. We work closely with other utilities, statewide associations and industry partners so we can stay ahead of new threats and share knowledge.

Together, we’ve built a strong network of protection that includes:

• Around-the-clock monitoring and quick response: Our systems are watched 24/7. If a threat appears, our trained team responds right away to contain, mitigate and investigate the issue.

• Regular check-ups and testing: Outside experts help us conduct regular evaluations of our systems through third-party audits and simulated cyberattacks to find and fix vulnerabilities before they cause problems.

• Well-trained employees: Every member of our team, from front office staff members to lineworkers, is regularly trained to spot and stop cyber attacks. Our team is well-equipped to recognize threats, follow secure data handling protocols and report concerns right away.

• Resilient and redundant systems: Our grid technology has multiple layers of protection, along with backup plans and recovery systems to ensure service continues even in the face of challenges.

• Board oversight and strategic planning: Cybersecurity is an ongoing leadership commitment. Our board of directors reviews cybersecurity policies regularly and works with management to make sure we plan for the future with the right tools, funding and upgrades.

What This Means for You

Most of this work happens quietly in the background, but it has a big impact. It helps ensure your electricity is safe, affordable and dependable, while keeping your personal information secure.

We also encourage you to take small steps at home, such as using strong passwords, keeping devices updated and being cautious with email links. When each of us does our part, we make the whole community safer. Cybersecurity is more than an IT project. It’s part of how we care for our members and operate responsibly as your cooperative. As new challenges

Small Beans, Big Energy

VERSATILE CHICKPEAS BRING THE FLAVOR

Chickpea Fritters (Panelle)

1½ cups chickpea flour

3 cups water

1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, plus extra for sprinkling

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 pinch fennel seeds

Sunflower oil for frying

Lemon wedges for serving

Place the chickpea flour, water and salt in a medium-sized saucepan. Whisk until smooth. Set over medium heat, and whisk constantly as the mixture slowly heats. Keep whisking, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan frequently, until the mixture is smooth, thick and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the parsley and fennel seeds.

Pour the mixture onto a parchment-covered baking sheet that is approximately 12-by-15 inches. Quickly spread the mixture with a spatula, before it cools and sets, so it fills the pan in an even layer, about ¼-inch thick. Refrigerate for about an hour, until completely firm.

Once cooled, cut into squares with a sharp knife. Carefully lift the pieces from the pan with a spatula or your hands.

To fry the panelle, pour enough oil into a wide, heavy skillet to cover the bottom to a depth of ½ inch, and set over medium heat. When the oil is hot, fry the panelle about 3 minutes, until the underside is crisp and golden. Flip and brown the other side, about 2-3 minutes.

Place the panelle on paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot.

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY DOMINIC

Marry Me Chickpeas

1 yellow onion, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon oregano

½ teaspoon chili flakes

14-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

½ cup sundried tomatoes, sliced

1 can full-fat coconut milk

3 tablespoons tomato paste

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

1 cup baby spinach

4-5 fresh basil leaves, julienned

Garlic naan

In a large pan over medium heat, saute onion in olive oil until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, oregano and chili flakes. Saute for another 1-2 minutes.

Add chickpeas, sundried tomatoes, coconut milk, tomato paste, salt and pepper to the pan. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Add basil and spinach. Stir in to wilt. Serve with naan.

Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup

3 garlic cloves, unpeeled

4 medium fresh tomatoes

1 small yellow onion, sliced into quarters

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

½ teaspoon sea salt, plus a pinch for sprinkling

Freshly ground black pepper

1⁄3 cup canned chickpeas

14-ounce can diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

½ teaspoon maple syrup

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Croutons or crusty garlic bread

Heat oven to 450 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Wrap garlic cloves in a piece of foil. Place them on the baking sheet with whole tomatoes and onion wedges. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tomatoes and onions are well-browned. Peel the garlic, and transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender.

Reduce the oven to 400 F. Line the baking sheet with a fresh sheet of parchment paper.

To the blender, add chickpeas, canned diced tomatoes, vinegar, syrup, thyme, 1 tablespoon olive oil, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Blend until creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. At this stage, the soup should still be hot. If not, pour it into a pot to reheat it. Serve with croutons or garlic bread.

Chickpea Korma Curry

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped or minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped or grated

1 tablespoon fresh green chili, finely chopped

1 tablespoon mild curry powder

1 teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon turmeric

½ teaspoon ground cardamom

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons butter

1 can coconut milk

2 cans chickpeas

½ teaspoon salt

A handful fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Cooked rice or naan

Heat coconut oil in a large, deep pan. Cook onion for 3-4 minutes over medium heat.

Add garlic, ginger and fresh green chili. Cook for 1 minute.

Stir in the spices, and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste, butter and coconut milk. Stir to combine until the sauce is smooth.

Add chickpeas and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the cilantro. Serve over rice or with naan.

Spiced Chickpea and Couscous Bowls

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon sea salt

Dash of cinnamon

Dash of cayenne

2 14-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 14–ounce cans fireroasted diced tomatoes, undrained

Cucumbers, chopped

Couscous, cooked

Mint, minced

Parsley, minced

Cilantro, minced

Yogurt or hummus

Olive oil

Lemon juice

Toasted pita wedges

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, and saute until soft. Add garlic, spices, salt and chickpeas. Stir until fragrant. Add the tomatoes. Simmer for 20 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.

Arrange bowls with desired amounts of remaining ingredients.

A history of last meals FINAL FEASTS

By Robin Howard

The tradition of granting a last meal to condemned prisoners serves several purposes. Most importantly, it represents a final act of mercy and dignity.

While many people’s first response to a serial killer eating pizza in their last moments is that the person doesn’t deserve any comfort, allowing someone a choice of last meal is actually for the benefit of society at large. It acknowledges the condemned person’s humanity even as justice carries out its harshest punishment. This practice dates back centuries and continues in many jurisdictions, though specific policies vary.

From a practical perspective, the last meal can keep the condemned calmer during their final hours, potentially reducing security risks. Some argue it helps prison staff members maintain their humanity

while performing difficult duties. However, some jurisdictions have restricted or eliminated this practice, citing cost concerns or public criticism over excessive requests.

Notable Historical Last Meals

One last-meal request famous for its simplicity was Victor Feguer’s single olive with the pit still in it. Victor, executed in Iowa in 1963 for kidnapping and murder, reportedly hoped an olive tree might grow from his burial site.

This poetic final gesture has become emblematic of the symbolism sometimes present in last-meal choices. However, after Feguer was pronounced dead, the pit from the olive was found in his pocket. He was buried in Fort Madison City Cemetery, where no tree marks his grave.

John Wayne Gacy was a former parttime clown and convicted serial killer. Before his execution in 1994, he requested

a dozen deep-fried shrimp, a bucket of original-recipe KFC chicken, French fries and a pound of strawberries. John’s choice reflected his previous work as a KFC manager and demonstrated how last meals often connect to memories of better times.

In 2001, Timothy McVeigh, also known as the Oklahoma City bomber, chose two pints of mint chocolate chip ice cream as his final meal. The simplicity of this choice from a man responsible for one of America’s deadliest domestic terrorist attacks created a striking contrast that drew significant media attention.

In 2010, Ronnie Lee Gardner was executed for killing a person during an attempted escape from a court appearance. His last meal consisted of steak, lobster tail, apple pie, vanilla ice cream and 7UP. He also requested to watch the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy while undertaking a 48-hour fast. This elaborate request showcases how

some individuals attempt to create a final memorable experience.

Convicted serial killer Aileen Wuornos was executed in Florida in 2002. Wuornos declined a last meal, but drank black coffee in her final hours. Christina Riggs, executed in Arkansas in 2000 for murdering her two children, requested a supreme pizza, cherry Coke and strawberry ice cream. She ate every bite.

Velma Barfield, a convicted serial killer known as the “Death Row Granny,” was executed in North Carolina in 1984. She chose Cheez Doodles and Coca-Cola as her final meal.

Judy Buenoano, executed in Florida in 1998 for murdering her husband and son and attempting to murder her boyfriend, requested asparagus, broccoli, strawberries and tea. Prison officials substituted frozen vegetables due to seasonal availability.

Karla Faye Tucker, executed in Texas in 1998 for killing two people during a burglary, asked for a banana, peach and garden salad. She was the first woman executed in Texas since the Civil War.

Finally, Teresa Lewis, executed in Virginia in 2010 for killing her husband and stepson, requested fried chicken, sweet peas, German chocolate cake and Dr. Pepper. She shared part of her meal with her spiritual advisers.

Cultural Signiﬁcance and Patterns

Many last-meal requests gravitate toward comfort foods from childhood

or culturally significant dishes. Fried chicken, hamburgers and ice cream appear frequently, suggesting a desire to connect with comforting memories.

Chain restaurant items, mainly burgers from specific fast-food establishments, are frequently included in last-meal requests. This request might reflect nostalgia for everyday experiences about to be permanently lost. Some inmates also request dishes reminiscent of their youth, such as specific candies, cereals or homecooked items their mothers once made.

Surprisingly, others request healthy final meals, including salads or fresh fruit, perhaps reflecting a lifelong habit or a final gesture of self-care. Some last meals reflect religious beliefs or cultural traditions, such as kosher or halal requirements, demonstrating the importance of faith even in the final moments.

Modern Changes and Restrictions

In 2011, Texas eliminated the last-meal custom after Lawrence Russell Brewer requested an extensive meal, which he left untouched. He asked for two chicken-fried steaks, a triple-meat bacon cheeseburger, fried okra, three fajitas, pizza, ice cream and peanut butter fudge.

Several states now impose strict restrictions on last-meal requests, typically limiting the cost or requiring food to be sourced from prison kitchens. Florida, for example, limits last-meal expenses to $40, while Oklahoma caps them at $15.

Some will provide meals from outside if it’s nearby. For example, California permits restaurant takeout up to $50.

South Carolina allows a final meal, using the euphemism “special meal.” Alcohol is not permitted in any state.

Psychological Perspectives

Psychologists note that offering a choice of last meal can provide a sense of control in an otherwise powerless situation. This final decision represents one of the few choices remaining for condemned individuals.

Today, as more states modify or restrict their last-meal policies, this tradition continues to evolve. Yet the historical record of last meals remains a compelling window into human nature, justice systems and the complex emotions surrounding capital punishment. Whether elaborate or simple, these final requests continue to fascinate and provoke discussion about mortality, dignity and the nature of justice.

In 2021, artist Julie Green created an installation titled “The Last Supper” that featured painted plates illustrating the lastmeal requests of death-row inmates.

“A final meal request humanizes death row for me,” she writes. “Selections provide clues on region, race and economic background. A family history becomes apparent when an Indiana Department of Corrections officer adds, ‘He told us he never had a birthday cake, so we ordered a birthday cake for him.’ Why do we have this tradition of final meals? I still wonder.” 

Festivals, folklore and customs shape the spooky holiday we know today

By Robin Howard

More than 2,000 years ago, ancient Celts, people living in Scotland, Ireland and northern England divided the year into two halves—dark and light.

Samhain—pronounced sow-in and meaning “summer’s end” in Irish Gaelic— was the first day of the dark half when the veil between living and dead was believed to be thinnest. On this day, spirits, faeries and souls of the dead would walk among the living in search of food and comfort, playing tricks if they didn’t get it. Druid priests built huge bonfires at night and offered sacrifices to welcome and appease spirits. To fool tricksters from the

otherworld, people disguised themselves in masks and costumes, and carried treats to bribe spirits if they were caught.

Around 40 A.D., Samhain was reintroduced with Christian meanings and used to spread Christianity. Then, on May 13, 609, Pope Boniface IV dedicated Rome’s Pantheon to Mary and all martyrs, a feast that evolved into All Saints’ Day or Allhallowmas.

In 731 A.D., Pope Gregory III moved the All Saints festivities to Nov. 1 and adopted rituals that looked very much like how the Celts had been appeasing otherworldly spirits for centuries. The shindigs once again involved bonfires, costumes and food offerings to tame unruly ghosts who might possess the spirits of saints.

Jack-O’-Lanterns

The Celts are also responsible for the tradition of the jack-o’-lantern. During Samhain, they carved root vegetables such as beets and turnips into grotesque faces and placed them in their windows to scare away the dead—and the living—who might be up to no good. But the history of the jack-o’-lantern hasn’t always been tied to Halloween.

Ignis fatuus is a natural phenomenon in which decomposing organic matter in peat bogs spontaneously combusts, creating flickering phosphorescent lights, which can be seen at night. This phenomenon is sometimes called ghost lights or willo’-the-wisp. In Irish mythology, a meanspirited blacksmith named Stingy Jack invited the devil to have a pint with him. Stingy Jack didn’t want to pay the tab, so he talked the devil into turning himself into a coin. Jack kept the coin instead,

putting it in his pocket next to a piece of silver, trapping the devil.

Eventually, Jack felt guilty and freed the devil, but then went on to trick him twice more—first into climbing a tree, where the devil was trapped for 10 years, and then into promising the devil wouldn’t take Jack’s soul when he died. At last, Stingy Jack died. Because heaven wasn’t having him and the devil couldn’t take him, Jack was cursed to wander the bogs alone, carrying his flickering lantern lit by an ember from hell.

When Irish immigrants came to New York, they brought the story of Stingy Jack and will-o’-the-wisp with them and found pumpkins were plentiful and much easier to carve than turnips.

Trick-or-Treat

Modern trick-or-treating draws on two older customs. In medieval England, “souling” involved going door to door during Allhallowtide for “soul cakes” in exchange for prayers for the dead. In Scotland and Ireland, “guising” (recorded by the 16th century) meant visiting homes in costume and earning treats by singing, reciting or playing a tune.

As Irish and Scottish immigrants arrived in the United States, they brought their creepy caroling traditions with them. Americans loved the idea of misbehaving under a cloak of

anonymity and the holiday’s spooky connection to pagan rituals. Halloween masquerades became all the rage, with people working on their costumes yearround to outdo each other.

Marketers latched on to Halloween and began licensing images of cartoon characters, such as Popeye and Mickey Mouse, for costumes. However, in some places, things got out of hand, and Halloween became a night of anarchy with revelers committing crimes, assaults and damaging property. To end the chaos, officials recast the holiday as a time for children to have fun and for adults to behave.

Costumes

As Halloween evolved, we’ve kept the pagan and Christian traditions of wearing costumes and handing out offerings. Many modern costumes tend to be funny, sweet or reflect what’s happening in popular culture. Still, they were traditionally much more sinister as the idea was to create a costume so terrifying it would scare an evil spirit. As Halloween changed, it also became a day when you could act outside of society’s norms, so wearing a horrifying getup was part of the way Victorians expressed themselves.

Bobbing for Apples

While most Halloween traditions have delightfully spooky backstories, the history of bobbing for apples is a little saucier.

Apples have long been a symbol of fertility and immortality, and they were frequently used in fortune-telling. During harvest season, young girls would secretly mark apples, put them in a barrel of water and would-be suitors would try to catch the fruit with their teeth. Whoever’s name was on the apple they caught would become their romantic partner.

Apples play other roles in Halloween, making their way into our traditional treats. Because they were associated with immortality, apples cheered people up. As for the candy apple, that was a fluke. In 1908, a candymaker in Newark, New Jersey, dropped his apple in his candy syrup, accidentally inventing a delicious new Halloween tradition.

Haunted Houses

We have Marie Tussaud to thank for the tradition of haunted houses. In 19th-century London, Marie created an exhibition of wax figures depicting decapitated French royalty, including Marie Antoinette. She called her exhibit the Chamber of Horrors, and it was a huge success. As Halloween pranks escalated, haunted houses became a way to distract would-be tricksters and vandals.

As we continue to celebrate Halloween with its rich tapestry of traditions and stories, may the echoes of its fascinating history remind us of the enduring magic and mystery that this beloved holiday has brought to our lives for centuries.

ADOBE STOCK IMAGES BY HUDHI, AHDAN, BRGFX, TAKDESIGN, SRI

Fun Festivals&

OCT. 2-31

Black Creek Arts Exhibits

In October, three solo exhibits are on display for the public: “Consumed,” by Katina Hope Eckert; “Nod to Mod,” by Cara Davis; and “To Excavate an Absence,” by Chloe Compton. These exhibits are free and open to the public 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second Saturday.

BLACK CREEK ARTS

116 W. College Ave., Hartsville

OCT. 4-5

Fall Family Days

Join Langston Ranch for Fall Family Days from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 1:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday. Enjoy the pumpkin patch, petting zoo, jungle gyms, slides, food trucks, horseback and wagon rides, face painting, zip lines and more. Admission is $20 per adult, and free for children 2 and younger.

LANGSTON RANCH

3603 Union School Road, Coward

OCT. 6

Taste of Marion County Enjoy an evening of community and food. Tickets are $35 at the Marion Chamber of Commerce, Mullins Chamber of Commerce or Mullinschamber.com.

THE AUCTIONEER

228 N. Main St., Mullins

 OCT. 17

Kickin’ Chicken Wing & Chili Festival

OCT. 9

Homeschool Day

Every Thursday, the Dillon County Library hosts Homeschool Day with activities from 10 a.m. to noon that include arts and crafts, card games and 3D puzzles.

DILLON COUNTY LIBRARY

600 E. Main St., Dillon

OCT. 10

Downtown Florence Festival of Frights

Bring the children for trick-ortreating, a costume contest and music at 5:30 p.m. DJ VooDoo Child performs 5:30 to 7 p.m. Starting at 7 p.m., adults can enjoy live music from ’80s cover band Miracle Max & the Pet Monsters with an adult costume contest.

DOWNTOWN FLORENCE

100 S. Dargan St., Florence

OCT. 10-12

Fall Plant & Flower Festival

Shop for seasonal plants and decor. The market is stocked with fall produce and a large selection of pumpkins. Food vendors are on-site.

PEE DEE FARMERS MARKET

2513 W. Lucas St., Florence

OCT. 16

Taste of Hartsville

Come with an appetite for mouth-watering delights prepared by local chefs from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets bought in advance are $45. Beginning Oct. 10, tickets are $50. This event is for those 21 and older. Tickets are available at Hartsvillechamber.org.

HARTSVILLE

COUNTRY CLUB

116 Golf Course Road

OCT. 17

Kickin’ Chicken Wing & Chili Festival

This event o ers great food from wing and chili competitors, as well as live music and vendors from 5-8 p.m.

DOWNTOWN FLORENCE

100 N. Dargan St., Florence

OCT. 18

Downtown Dash & Bash

Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to run through historic downtown Bennettsville. Activities begin at 8:30 a.m. at the corner of Market and Marlboro streets. The event includes a 1-mile run/walk, 5K and 10K. Food trucks and vendors are available following the run. Bennettsville

OCT. 18-19

Fall Harvest Festival & Dock Dogs Show

A day of fun and all things fall is waiting for you from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to the festival, watch the Dock Dogs Show, the world’s premier canine aquatics competition. A portion of the proceeds from this event bene t the Marlboro County Humane Society.

MCARTHUR FARMS

1708 SC-38, Blenheim

OCT. 18

Trucks ‘N Treats

Explore, climb and touch trucks from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. while dressed in your favorite costumes.

DARLINGTON RACEWAY

1301 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington

OCT. 18

2X Monster Trucks

These world champion trucks will leave you on the edge of your seat with jaw-dropping stunts and power from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. For tickets, visit 2Xmonstertrucks.com.

FLORENCE MOTOR SPEEDWAY

836 E. Smith St., Timmonsville

OCT. 23

Treats on the Streets

Enjoy candy, costumes and a spooktacular night of family fun from 5-7 p.m.

COKER UNIVERSITY

300 E. College Ave., Hartsville

 OCT. 18 Trucks ‘N Treats

 OCT. 1819

Fall Harvest Festival & Dock Dogs Show

OCT. 23-25

Olanta Gator Festival

The event begins with a concert Thursday night, followed by festivities Friday afternoon through Saturday.

TOWN OF OLANTA West Main Street, Olanta

OCT. 25

Trick or Treat Trail and Movie Night

Dress up in a costume from 6-8:30 p.m. to walk the trail, while getting candy and enjoying an evening of fun. A free showing of “Monsters Inc.” is also on the books.

AMAZING GRACE PARK

307 W. Dozier St., Marion

OCT. 25

Trunk-or-Treat

Bring your candy, costumes and courage from 6-8:30 p.m.

Make sure to stay safe and spooky.

FLORENCE COUNTY COMPLEX

180 N. Irby St., Florence

events@marlboro.coop

OCT. 25

Witch’s Run

Be a part of this family-friendly 5K through downtown Hartsville starting at 8 a.m.

Wheelchairs, strollers and dogs are welcome. Early registration is $30, and day-of registration is $35.

HARTSVILLE YMCA

111 E. Carolina Ave.

OCT. 30

Scare on the Square

Enjoy an evening of trickor-treating from 4-8:30 p.m. Activities include a movie.

PUBLIC SQUARE, DARLINGTON

Home Lighting 101

By Abby Berry

Lighting is something most of us don’t think much about—until it’s wrong. Maybe the living room feels too dim for reading or the kitchen lights cast an odd glow. We often grab whatever bulb or fixture looks good without considering how it will perform. With a little planning, your home can be brighter, cozier and more energy efficient.

Watts vs. Lumens

When shopping for light bulbs, it’s easy to focus on wattage, but that only measures how much energy is used. When it comes to brightness, what matters is the lumen count. Lumens measure the actual light output. For example, an 800-lumen LED bulb gives off about the same amount of light as an old-fashioned 60-watt incandescent bulb.

You’ve likely replaced all incandescent bulbs with long-lasting, energy-efficient LEDs. If not, it’s time to make a switch.

A rule of thumb: The higher the lumens, the brighter the light while lower watts result in less energy consumed. Check wattage ratings for fixtures and install bulbs that meet the fixture’s wattage safety requirements.

Color Temperature and Consistency

Light bulbs vary in color temperature. This detail is often overlooked—until you replace one bulb and notice the new light doesn’t

match the others.

Consider installing bulbs of the same brand and wattage at the same time. That way, the look stays consistent, and you won’t be stuck hunting for a perfect match later.

Dimmers and Switches

Installing dimmers in place of on/off switches can be a game changer. Dimmers give you more control over brightness, help save energy and create a more comfortable atmosphere. Not all bulbs are dimmable, so double check labels before buying.

While thinking about light switches, consider whether you have enough of them and whether they’re in the right places.

A light you can only turn off from one end of a hallway becomes annoying. For installations or upgrades, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician to ensure everything is wired safely and efficiently.

Form Meets Function

Bulbs are only part of the equation—fixtures matter, too. Each type serves a purpose.

Ambient lighting from sconces or glasscovered ceiling fixtures provides general illumination. Task lighting—provided by pendants, desk lamps or track lighting— focuses light where you need it most.

When choosing a fixture, think beyond looks. Does the light provides the right amount of brightness for the space? A beautiful chandelier might look perfect over

the dining table but leaves the rest of the room too dim. Alternatively, an oversized fixture could flood the room with more light than needed, wasting energy and money.

Energy Efﬁciency Meets Convenience

Smart lighting adds a layer of control, but the real magic is convenience. With smart bulbs, you can adjust brightness and colors, and set schedules from your phone or an assistant such as Alexa or Google Assistant.

Want the lights to dim automatically for movie night or to turn on before you get home? Smart bulbs make it easy.

Smart lighting also personalizes your space. You can go classic with warm, white tones or experiment with colors to set the mood—anything from a soft glow for winding down to vibrant hues for a party.

Smart bulbs rely on power from a wall switch, which needs to stay in the “on” position for remote controls to work. If you prefer using a physical switch, consider pairing smart bulbs with a smart light switch.

Many of today’s smart switches also come with motion detectors, adding another level of efficiency and convenience.

Good lighting makes your home look better and feel better. You can create spaces that are welcoming, functional and energy efficient. Whether you stick to traditional bulbs and fixtures or explore the flexibility of smart lighting, thoughtful choices today will brighten your home for years to come. 

Trending Halloween DIY Floral Ghosts

One of the latest trends popping up on craft blogs and Pinterest boards is DIY floral clay ghosts. Cottagecore puts a spin on Halloween, transforming florals into boo-tiful decor.

These DIY ghosts are the perfect mix of spooky and sweet, and the best part is that they’re easy to make. No sculpting skills required. Whether you’re looking to decorate your mantel, create a centerpiece or make a keepsake project with family, these floral clay ghosts are the perfect Halloween craft.

If you are ready to add a touch of handmade magic to your home this fall, this easy step-by-step guide will show you how to create your own unique ghost family.

Materials Needed:

• Air dry clay—white works best for that ghostly look.

• Small bowl or spice bottle to drape clay over for shaping.

• Pingpong ball or aluminum foil rolled up into a ball.

• Rolling pin or glass bottle to flatten shape.

• Plastic wrap to prevent the clay from sticking to form.

• Craft knife, straw or toothpick to create holes.

• Floral napkins, or dried, faux or pressed flowers.

• Mod podge.

• Paintbrush.

• Scissors.

• Battery tea lights.

• Optional: clear sealant spray to protect your ghost.

Step 1: Shape your Ghost

Start with a ball of clay about the size of a small apple. Roll it out with your rolling

pin until it’s about ¼-inch thick. Grab a small glass jar or spice bottle and place the crumpled foil ball on top to create your form. Then cover your form in plastic wrap, which will help to prevent the clay from sticking.

Drape your clay shape over and adjust the edges so they ripple like fabric, gently pinching sides to create folds. Don’t worry about perfection, the charm is in the handmade look.

Dip your finger in water and run over any cracks or imperfections to smooth out the surface and edges of the ghost.

Step 2: Make the Face

Once your clay is shaped, use a toothpick or straw to poke holes for the eyes and mouth. You can make them oval, round or even a little smile shape.

Step 3: Dry and Prepare

Allow your ghost to dry completely. Depending on the brand of clay, this could take 24 to 48 hours. The ghost will be ready once the clay is completely firm.

Step 4: Decorate with Florals

If you are using disposable floral napkins, cut out the floral designs into small patches and remove excess paper from around the edges.

If you are using dried or faux flowers, create tiny floral arrangements. Brush the backs of your florals with glue and place them directly onto the ghost’s body. Then brush another thin layer over the top. Repeat with as many floral designs as you like.

Step 5: Adding Finishing Touches

You can color the eyes with black paint or a permanent marker. Some crafters add tiny smiles or rosy cheeks.

Swap out florals for glitter or gold leaf, if you prefer a glam look. Add lace, twine or a tiny hat for extra character.

To protect your creation, you can paint the entire ghost with mod podge or lightly spray with a clear sealant. This is especially useful if you are using fragile pressed flowers.

Step 6: Styling your Floral Clay Ghosts

These little figurines are endlessly versatile. Group them on a mantle surrounded by pumpkins, acorns or fairy lights, or place LED tea lights under them to light up their mouth and eyes.

Arrange them down the center of a dining room table with candles for a whimsical centerpiece. Or tuck one onto a bookshelf beside framed family photographs. 

Brandi Faulk and her family are excited to share their homesteading journey with MPD Electric members. Their home, built in 1895, is a former railway hotel and farmhouse in Chesterfield County. Search “faulkfamilyfarmhouse” to see more photos of their experiences on Instagram.

DIY floral ghosts put a spin on Halloween while giving you a beautiful addition to your fall home decor.

PHOTO BY BRANDI FAULK

Creative

Energy Soy Lotion Candle, $38

For candlelight, cozy scents and skin that stays soft all season long, try the 2-in-1 lotion candle from Creative Energy.

More than just a candle, this innovative design combines fragrance with moisturizing skin care. Giving you a product that’s as practical as it is luxurious. Each candle is hand-poured in Columbia, South Carolina, with a 100% natural soybean wax and coconut oil blend that

burns for up to 200 hours. As it burns, the wax melts into a warm, silky oil enriched with vitamins K, E and A.

The lotion is rich but not greasy, quickly absorbing into the skin to relieve dryness that often comes with cooler weather. Warm to the touch, it feels like a deluxe spa treatment at home that will leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated and lightly perfumed with the candle’s fragrance.

Blanket

Choose from seasonal scents such as No. 31 pumpkin, cashmere and amber, and autumn bliss. Scents also include rosemary and lavender from the champagne series. Clean burning, toxin free and packaged in a chic reusable glass jar, this multitasking candle is perfect for gifting, entertaining or elevating your own self-care routine.

Creativeenergycandles.com

Pancake and Waffle Mix, $14.99

There’s breakfast, and then there’s cozy breakfast. Blanket’s Pancake and Waffle Mix falls into the latter category.

For stacks of golden, fluffy pancakes and waffles with made-from-scratch taste, Blanket has you covered. Designed for busy mornings, lazy weekends and everything in between, this mix makes it easy to whip up a delicious family breakfast in minutes. Just mix with water, drizzle, flip and repeat. Then serve up pancakes with your favorite fresh fruits, a dollop of whipped cream and your choice of Blanket syrups.

Each mix is carefully crafted with natural ingredients and packaged out of Mint Hill, North Carolina, in a variety of flavors: buttermilk, honey butter, sweet potato and chocolate chip. There’s also a vegan option. Simple, delicious and irresistibly comforting, Blanket is the perfect pantry staple you’ll reach for time and time again. You can find the mixes and syrups online, or on shelves at Food Lion, Walmart and World Market.

Blanketps.com

Pete and Pedro Boost Hair Growth Oil, $39

Boost your hair game with Pete and Pedro. Healthy, strong hair starts with consistent care, and Boost Hair Growth Oil is designed to make every strand stronger, thicker and more resilient.

Although lightweight, this serum packs a punch with a potent blend of more than 20 essential oils and hairloving ingredients, all targeted to support your hair’s natural growth. Whether you are tackling thinning hair, shedding or a patchy beard, Boost is here to root for your hair, one drop at a time.

Crafted with clean ingredients, it smells fresh, leaves no greasy residue and is safe for all hair types. Simply apply two to three drops directly to your scalp, or work through the lengths of hair twice a day. A little bit goes a long way with this nourishing serum.

Pete and Pedro crafts all its hairstyling products—from serums to shampoos to its best-selling hair putty— out of Acworth, Georgia. Since being featured on “Shark Tank,” Pete and Pedro has expanded its line beyond hair care, to additional body washes, deodorant, men’s fragrances and more.

Peteandpedro.com

Spend 3 Days in

Haunted, Historic

By Robin Howard

Historic, haunted Savannah, Georgia, is one of the most beautiful, engaging and walkable cities in the South.

Established in 1733, Savannah was a strategic port during the American Revolution and the Civil War. Spared from destruction by Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman, the city’s iconic Georgian, Gothic

and Greek Revival buildings are still largely intact. Not only is the Hostess City of the South awash in history, but its culinary scene alone could keep visitors entertained for days.

Where to Stay

While Savannah is home to plenty of big hotel chains, visitors often get a better feel for the city at one of the many small inns or

Historic Savannah

bed-and-breakfasts.

If you’ve visited Savannah before and are ready for a new perspective, The Inn on West Liberty is a recently renovated B&B in the Historic District with carefully preserved history and modern amenities.

Built in 1871, the nine-bedroom Italianate home was restored to its original floor plan in 2018. Many rooms have private balconies facing the courtyard, and there is one pet-friendly room in the main house and a pet-friendly cottage on the property.

Day One House Tours and Landmark Meals Savannah is a three-hour drive from Marlboro and Dillon counties. If you leave after breakfast, you’ll arrive in time to check into your lodgings and head out for lunch.

If you’re staying at The Inn on West Liberty or nearby, The Public Kitchen & Bar is just a short and enjoyable walk away. Known for its eclectic menu, the restaurant is famous for sandwiches with international flair—ham and brie, prosciutto and mozzarella, and ham with grilled plantains and Creole mustard.

Savannah’s open-container policy allows alcohol in the designated to-go zone, so you can take your lunch beverage with you as you stroll to your next destination.

Those who enjoy history and architecture will be in heaven touring Savannah’s many house museums. Since you’re within a few minutes’ walk of the Harper-Fowlkes House and Mercer Williams House, stretch your legs with a visit.

The Harper-Fowlkes House is noted for its art and architecture, and the Mercer Williams House is famous for being the home of eccentric millionaire Jim Williams. It is featured in the movie adaption of John Berendt’s book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”

Other homes worth a visit include Andrew Low House and Sorrel-Weed House—both within a 10-minute walk.

For a more structured experience, sign up for a walk with Architectural Savannah Tours, Noble Jones Tours, or Genteel & Bard. Some tours take a broad approach to the city’s history, while others zero in on hidden treasures or specific eras in history, so you can match your tour to your energy level and interests.

Back at the inn, freshen up before dinner at The Olde Pink House, a historical landmark off Reynolds Square near River Street. Another evening option is The Grey, a hip new eatery housed in a restored 1938 art deco Greyhound bus terminal.

Day Two

Nature Tour and Ghost Walk

Spend the first half of your day exploring the area’s natural beauty with a kayak tour to Isle of Hope with Savannah Coastal Ecotours or a boat trip toward Tybee Island.

The Isle of Hope kayak tour is a threehour paddle through marshlands, where you’ll spot dolphins, turtles and birds. Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventures offers a more laid-back way to see Savannah from the water, and it doesn’t require paddling.

After a morning on the water, there’s nothing better than fresh seafood. Make your way to Vic’s on the River and Vic’s River Grill, sister restaurants both housed in a 19th-century cotton warehouse and known for Lowcountry favorites..

After lunch, take your time browsing the nearby shops and art galleries before wandering back to your room for a break before dinner.

When you’re ready to venture out, walk to Six Pence, a British pub with delicious home cooking. Nab an outdoor table so you can indulge in people-watching as you enjoy your meal. But don’t linger too long because you’re going on a ghost tour.

If you’re up for more walking, choose from a range of educational, fun and funny walking tours of some of the city’s most haunted locations.

Day Three Art and History

After breakfast and mimosas at The Inn, you may want to devote a leisurely day to Savannah’s remarkable art museums and notable galleries. Three world-class art museums are within a 10-minute walk from Liberty Street, so you could easily spend your day indulging in creativity.

A nine-minute walk away, the SCAD Museum of Art is one of the country’s best contemporary art museums. Next, the Telfair Academy features traditional art in an antebellum mansion. Just a minute away is the Jepson Center, a contemporary art museum part of the Telfair Museums group.

When you’re ready for a break, have lunch at the Gryphon, a tea room that serves American-style lunches in a turn-ofthe-century apothecary and former Masonic temple.

If art isn’t your cup of tea, there are many historical museums to explore.

The Savannah History Museum is a great place to start, followed by the KingTisdell Cottage and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. If you don’t mind a short drive, the Pin Point Heritage Museum outlines the history of Savannah’s Gullah-Geechee community. Spend the early evening wandering the streets of the Historic District, but leave time to freshen up before a special dinner at Garibaldi.

Before You Go

There is always something happening in Savannah.

Check the city’s website for seasonal events such as the annual jazz festival, hidden garden tours, historic home tours and arts festivals. You’ll have a great time if you just wing it, but if you have your heart set on a tour or restaurant, it’s good to book in advance, especially during peak season.

Whatever your itinerary, bring good walking shoes as most of the city’s sights are best seen on foot. 

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Gift Suggestions

Table of Contents

Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

When Two Hearts Join

Conway casts a spell on visitors with spooky celebrations

Spooky

Spreading Holiday Cheer

Where in the Community?

CYBERSECURITY Awareness Month

Tips to Protect Yourself From a Scam

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation

for these crispy-tender, savory-sweet treats Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

Variations

Techniques

Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

Kitchen Tools

Get Going

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Reader Challenge

Why is the moon out in the day sometimes?

Outage Preparedness

Important Outage Reminders

Across

Cybersecurity Protects Power and People

Built on a Strong Foundation

What This Means for You

Small Beans, Big Energy

VERSATILE CHICKPEAS BRING THE FLAVOR

Chickpea Fritters (Panelle)

Marry Me Chickpeas

Chickpea Korma Curry

Spiced Chickpea and Couscous Bowls

A history of last meals FINAL FEASTS

Notable Historical Last Meals

Cultural Signiﬁcance and Patterns

Modern Changes and Restrictions

Psychological Perspectives

Festivals, folklore and customs shape the spooky holiday we know today

Jack-O’-Lanterns

Trick-or-Treat

Costumes

Bobbing for Apples

Haunted Houses

Fun Festivals&

Home Lighting 101

Dimmers and Switches

Form Meets Function

Energy Efﬁciency Meets Convenience

Trending Halloween DIY Floral Ghosts

Creative

Blanket

Pete and Pedro Boost Hair Growth Oil, $39

Spend 3 Days in

Haunted, Historic

Where to Stay

Historic Savannah

Day Three Art and History

Before You Go