Retired NASCAR driver Ron Barfield changed lanes to become owner of Dillon Motor Speedway Page 6
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We Celebrate Our Lineworkers on April 18
Lineworkers power our lives.
The skilled workers who install, maintain and repair power lines are electrical first responders. They keep power flowing to critical infrastructure, including hospitals, police and fire stations, water treatment plants, the traffic grid and our homes.
Every day, lineworkers climb power poles, handle power lines and work with high-voltage electricity. Their work requires physical strength and technical expertise. Lineworkers need to be brave because electrical linework is consistently ranked among the most dangerous occupations in the United States.
Even with personal protective equipment and advanced technology designed to help keep workers safe, federal occupational safety data shows lineworkers experience 6,000 nonfatal occupational injuries and 40 fatalities every year. Falls, broken bones and electrical burns are the biggest risks for lineworkers.
Crews often work in dangerous conditions, repairing electrical lines or transformers and restoring power in all kinds of weather, from heatwaves to hurricanes. In fact, severe weather is the main cause of power outages in the United States. When power is restored, lineworkers are on the front lines supporting cleanup efforts after storms.
National Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 18. MPD Electric Cooperative honors the men and women committed to public safety, working around the clock to keep our customers connected to the grid and helping maintain our growing energy infrastructure.
The next time you see MPD Electric Cooperative trucks and lineworkers installing, maintaining or repairing the power lines in your neighborhood, be sure to wave and thank them for their bravery in providing an essential service.
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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!
54,087 and Counting On the search for the secrets of monarchs. Page 36
Beyond the
Retired NASCAR driver Ron Barfield changed lanes to become owner of Dillon Motor Speedway
By Jodi Helmer
Fans packed the grandstand, clapping and cheering as racecar drivers revved their engines and waited for the green flag to drop during the first race in 1966 at Dillon County Raceway. Watching drivers speed around the dirt oval track was a popular weekend pastime until the racetrack closed in 1973.
The raceway reopened 1977-80 only to be shuttered again, and the site was abandoned for almost three decades. By the time Ron Barfield purchased the racetrack in 2006, nature had taken over, and the track and grandstands were so overgrown with weeds it would have been impossible for the retired NASCAR driver to do a single lap.
“When the track opened, there was record attendance with around 3,000 people in the grandstands; it was a sold-out crowd,” Ron says. “When I bought it, you couldn’t even tell there was a race track there. I wanted to bring back racing at the Dillion Raceway because it had so much history. I revived the racetrack because I love the sport.”
For the Love of Racing
Ron started racing go-karts when he was in elementary school. As a teen, he won the World Karting Association National Dirt Series Championship; he later switched from go karts to stock car racing, collected 46 feature wins and was named the Texas Pete All-Pro Series Rookie of the Year.
In 1996, he started racing in the major NASCAR series, starting with the Truck Series. Ron drove for several teams
during his racing career, including Bill Elliott’s New Holland team, before starting his own team in 2000 and racing for three additional seasons.
“I (was driving) in the era when the racecars weren’t as safe as what NASCAR is today, (and) I was very fortunate that I got out of it and didn’t get hurt,” he says. “I had two kids, and I wanted to focus on them and learning the racetrack business. Now, I’m on the other side of the fence trying to help the local racers.”
Although Ron no longer gets behind the wheel of a racecar, he knows what it feels like to dream of competing for the checkered flag, and he wants to help novice drivers get their shot at their racing dreams.
“Everybody wants to make it to NASCAR,” he says. “I wanted to give families somewhere to race, somewhere drivers could get experience and hopefully get the same shot that I got.”
A Family Affair
When he bought the racetrack, Ron knew it would take a lot of work to get Dillion Raceway ready for another season: The original buildings had collapsed, trees grew up through the track and the concrete grandstands were obscured by overgrown vegetation.
Harold Brazing, designer of Darlington and Dillon raceways, worked on the original tracks and designed them to be similar, right down to ovals that were larger on one end than the other. However, time had taken a toll, and the original track couldn’t be saved. Ron opted to replace the dirt track with asphalt.
“I didn’t win much on dirt tracks,” Rons says. “My background
the Finish Line
grading dirt, pouring concrete walls, building the pit areas, and planning the concessions and other amenities, Ron never questioned the decision to bring racing back to Dillon.
Many NASCAR greats raced in Dillon, and he believed the track’s storied past would help pave the way for a bright future. The location near I-95 would also be a key element in the track’s success.
“The fans love having racing here,” he explains. “The track is half a mile off of the interstate. It’s 30 miles north of Florence (and) 30 miles south of Lumberton, so it’s kind of in the middle of nowhere, but it has a lot of potential to pull from two bigger markets.”
Dillon Raceway reopened as Dillon Motor Speedway for the 2007 racing season. Fans have been filling the grandstands ever since.
Just as Ron relied on a race team when he was a driver, he has an entire team helping to ensure the racetrack is successful. His dad manages technology, his mom and daughter sell tickets and his son helps with track announcements while Ron oversees track operations.
A team of staff and volunteers manage other responsibilities ranging from concessions to social media.
“It’s a big family affair,” Ron says. “We all love racing, and this racetrack was the way that we could continue racing as a family.”
Start Your Engines
Drivers love Dillon Motor Speedway, too.
The race season runs March through October, and the speedway hosts races on alternating Saturday nights. At each event, drivers take their starting positions, rev their engines and wait for the green flag to drop.
Ron took a few laps around the track after it was completed
ABOVE: ARCA Racing legend Frank Kimmel talks with fans during a pit party before the start of a Grand National Super Series racel.
BELOW: A mini stock practices during a New Year’s race weekend.
TOP: Mike Kurkowski drives his car during the Grand National Super Series.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER NEAL PHOTOGRAPHY
and calls the 4/10-mile oval asphalt track a challenging course that’s distinct from others on the racing circuit.
“Most of the short tracks around here don’t have a lot of banking on them; they’re pretty flat,” he says. “Turn one and two have about 10 degrees of banking, (and) turns three and four have about 12 degrees of banking, so, turns three and four are a little bit tighter than turns one and two, and I think drivers like that challenge. They like Dillon Motor Speedway because it’s not what we call a cookie cutter racetrack where both the ends of the racetrack are exactly the same.”
When it was a dirt track, most of the drivers were local. The asphalt track tends to attract drivers from other states who want to compete in Dillon, but there are still a lot of local drivers competing for the checkered flag.
Ron points to Hal Goodson, a local driver whose dad raced at Dillion Raceway, as one example of the strong local connections to racing.
“We saw the kids racing here, and now we’re starting to see the grandkids racing,” Ron says.
Getting the next generation interested in racing has been one of Ron’s goals. He offers free admission to children younger than 12 in the hopes of inspiring future racecar drivers and lifelong racing fans who will keep the sport going.
“Local racing is great family entertainment. You can bring your kids … and get a lot of bang for their buck on the Saturday night,” he says. “Once you come to see a race, you’ll definitely want to take your family and go again.”
A series of special events, including the annual New Year’s Bash, were also designed to draw crowds. More than 30 drivers are on the racetrack during the first weekend in January to compete in the action-packed event.
These popular events mean Dillon Motor Speedway isn’t just a racetrack, it’s an economic engine that drives business to local restaurants, hotels and other businesses.
Ron admits that running a racetrack requires a lot of work but adds there is nothing better than seeing drivers racing toward their dreams.
“When you run these races and see these guys in victory lane getting their trophies and cheering with their crews that makes it all worthwhile,” he says. n
ABOVE: Racecars line the front stretch during the Grand National Super Series pit party.
TOP LEFT: Street stocks practice during a New Year’s race weekend.
TOP RIGHT: Jeff Sparks racing during the annual New Year’s race.
OPPOSITE: Lauren Butler drives car 53 during Grand National Super Series practice.
Plan a Trip to the Track
Ready to head to the races?
Dillon Motor Speedway is at 1340 Old Race Track Road in Dillon. Tickets start at $12 for adults. Children younger than 12 get in for free. Prices are higher during big race weekends, and pit passes and concessions are extra.
Check out these upcoming races:
X April 6-7: MASS Spring BASH NY BASH Qualifier.
X April 20: DuctWorks Heating and Cooling 300.
X May 4 : Darlington Raceway 300 “Night At The Races.”
X May 18: Blacks Tire Service 300.
X June 1: First Bank 200.
X June 15: Shriner’s Race for Children 300.
X July 6: Salute America 200 Fireworks.
X July 20: Independence BASH 3rd annual Charles Hutto Memorial.
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.
Francis Marion University in Florence maintains a pair of historic hewn-timber cabins. The structures, which date back to 1836, were living quarters for slaves—and later sharecroppers—on what used to be the cotton plantation of J. Eli Gregg. Of the eight original cabins, two remain on Wallace Woods Road. They are named after their last remaining tenants, Ms. Catherine and Ms. Tena, who left the cabins vacant in the early 1950s. The buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places to preserve African American heritage. Visitors can stop by to read detailed signage and learn about the history of the cabins’ builders and residents. Guided tours are also available from March until November by appointment.
Free yourself from the kitchen and discover
Georgetown's newest dining adventure
Story and photos by Libby Wiersema
The first coating of pollen on my windshield brings on an irresistible urge or two. While that devil dust triggers sneezes, it also awakens within me a foodie wanderlust that cannot be ignored.
In March, that wanderlust built to a crescendo that demanded to be satisfied. That is why I took a drive to the coast and landed in Georgetown, where I experienced a new and exciting dining option.
If you have not visited the Hammock Coast lately, you are in for a real treat. A
handsome boutique hotel, The George, now graces Front Street, and its restaurant is already creating a buzz.
Perhaps you have heard of The Independent, which made its debut on Valentine’s Day. If not, then listen up, because this latest offering from Indigo Road Hospitality Group, which includes Florence’s Town Hall in its robust restaurant portfolio, is an attractive, delicious nod to Georgetown’s roots as a colonial seaport.
Some of that inspiration is driven by more recent events. Georgetown residents were stunned in 2023 to learn about the sale of Independent Seafood, a fresh seafood market that had served the area for more than 80 years. The new restaurant paid homage to the longtime Georgetown tradition by securing the blessing of the seafood market to use its name.
The Independent likewise honors the area through its commitment to supporting local purveyors, such as Harrelson’s Seafood in Murrells Inlet, and Blue Truck Organics and Tiny Victory Farms in Georgetown, among others.
Chef Thomas Vance says a local focus on ingredients is a high priority.
“Our aim at The Independent is to focus on fresh, simple and local,” he says. “We are excited to be a part of such a community.”
There is a nautical but upscale feel to the dining room, with wine colors and a mix of velvet, leather, marble and wood textures that create an inviting, warm vibe. Of course, the menu is seafood-centric. The bar features an array of hand-crafted cocktails, wines and local beers.
My dining partner and I sampled the restaurant’s offerings, beginning with cornmeal-dusted and fried blue crab claws
The George Hotel and The Independent are handsome additions to Georgetown's historic Front Street.
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Grilled oysters are light and pillowy. Blackened flounder with lump crab and andouille sausage pileau, fried okra and lemon beurre monte’ is a popular dish. A server browns the meringue in a presentation of Mile High Key Lime Pie.
served with a remoulade sauce for dipping. Our server said this has quickly become a customer favorite. I found these crusty little nibbles to be a perfect intro for my meal—not too filling but satisfyingly tasty.
Next, I sampled oysters, both on the half shell and grilled. I have found a certain finesse is required to pull off grilled oysters. What sounds simple—a freshly shucked oyster topped with seasonings and lightly grilled—is a bit trickier to execute as there is a tendency to add too much topping and overcook them, thereby producing a dish that overpowers the oyster’s lightness and flavor.
Not so at The Independent. These grilled oysters, dressed in garlic butter, breadcrumbs, lemon and parsley, arrived at the table looking like oyster pillows in their shells. They were just as light on the palate. I could have eaten them as an entree.
But I am glad I did not, because I would have missed out on another amazing dish: a spicy, blackened flounder served over a pileau studded with lump crab and andouille sausage. Garnished with fingers of crispy fried okra, microgreens and a drizzle of lemon beurre monte, it was a luscious marriage of textures and tastes.
While you may be familiar with beurre blanc, you might be wondering about beurre monte. This light French sauce is made from water and butter that has been
heated and emulsified until creamy—kind of like whisking pasta water into butter and Parmesan to make alfredo sauce. In any case, it adds flavor and silkiness to the dish without being overtly rich or cloying.
I was impressed with how well the flavors of this dish balanced one another. Alone, the flounder was wonderful, but a forkful of everything at once was downright terrific. Chef Vance might originally hail from New York, but he crafted a pileau that would make any Lowcountry cook proud. Years spent honing his cooking chops at Charleston and Charlotte establishments was time well spent.
The she-crab soup at The Independent bears its name honestly. Whereas so many restaurants these days offer a soup called she-crab, it usually is missing the roe, which technically eliminates the “she.” But this version is the real deal, roe and all. Not too thin and not too thick, it hit the right notes with lots of tender, white crabmeat and just enough sherry to set it off and not overwhelm. Again, it is all about balance.
Sides of roasted rainbow carrots, crispy Brussels sprouts and a sweet potato gratin were spot-on. I was unable to clean my
many plates, though I put a serious dent into each dish.
Just as I was whipping out my credit card, our server proffered a cylindrical cloud atop a swirl of pomegranatepunctuated syrup. With a flourish, he torched the meringue cloud to an appetizing golden brown then placed a spoon in front of me.
This was my introduction to Mile High Key Lime Pie.
If you despise the highly sugared Key lime custards served in thick, petrified graham cracker crusts, you are going to fall in love with this version of the beloved dessert. Light as air, it is served on a thin, moist disc of graham cracker with a filling that strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Hats off to Indigo Road Pastry Chef Anne White for developing this bit of heaven.
I already have plans to explore more of the menu and to spend a night at The George, which is gorgeously appointed and overlooks the water. If you try out The Independent, be sure to make a reservation and check the hours of operation before heading over. As of this writing, plans were underway to introduce weekend brunch, so keep an eye out. n
The Independent is at 615 Front St., Georgetown at The George Hotel. For more information or to make a reservation, call 854855-8251 or visit www.theindependentsc.com. Libby Wiersema writes about dining, food trends and the state’s culinary history for Discover South Carolina, and other print and online media. Contact her at libbyscarolinaspoon@gmail.com, or visit the Carolina Spoon Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SClibby.1111.
Our Invisible Heroes
By Dave LaBelle
They scrub and vacuum our floors, clean our desks and windows and toilets. But we don’t really see them, even when we watch them working.
These are the invisible heros.
I recently learned that 87-year-old Shirley Vorwald was still washing dishes and cleaning at a nearby elementary school, as she had also done
Renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
the past 48 years.
When I asked about Shirley from those who knew her well, all agreed she was a tireless worker and charitable giver. But they warned she would never let me do a story on her because “she is an introvert and is not likely to talk with you.”
They were wrong, at least about talking to me.
Shirley was cordial and talkative, and even invited me into her small home, showing me every detail—living room, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, even the smaller-than-standard oven in which she bakes hundreds of pies each year. Besides holding down at least two jobs most of her life, she loves to bake pies for people.
In fact, some only know her as the pie lady.
Never married, she says with no bitterness, “My dad didn’t believe in marriage. He didn’t want to lose his help on the farm.”
Shirley is the last of nine children. Her brother, Jerry, died recently at age 92. The day before Christmas, she baked him a birthday cake he never got to eat.
“He was in bed. He could see it but he couldn’t eat it,” she shares.
She is content. Working has been and is her life since growing up on a farm. At a time in life when most count the days to retirement, Shirley just wants to keep working. n
Reader Challenge
Find an unseen hero in your community and shine a light on them. Explain to them that you see and appreciate them for what they do. You might have to persuade them since these invisible people can be shy. Honest, caring persistence can crumble those walls of distrust. Ask if you can interview them and do a portrait or even a short story about them. It is often easier to get shy people to talk than agree to be photographed, so talk first before asking about pictures.
Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to GPH@pur.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
LEFT: NIKON D800, 50mm lens ISO 2000, f/9 at 1/60
ABOVE: NIKON D800, 31mm lens ISO 2000, f/3.5 at 1/250
Shirley Vorwald is dedicated to her work at a local elementary school, even after 48 years of cleaning. PHOTOS BY DAVE LABELLE
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.
How Do Caves Form
Few things fascinate children as well as adults, but I think caves fall squarely in that category. No matter how old I get, caves never lose their mystery. Who doesn’t love a cave? Besides claustrophobic people, I mean.
The first ingredient a cave requires is 3 million years of dead sea animals. Over time, the carcasses compress to create a layer of soluble rock such as limestone, gypsum, marble or dolomite. Once the rock has formed, we only need a few hundred thousand more years of rain before our cave is ready.
Rain absorbs small amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it falls. The combination of H2O and CO2 molecules makes a weak acid called carbonic acid, which can dissolve rock over time. Sulfuric acid—formed by bacteria breaking down in groundwater or water seeping through sulfurous rock—can also dissolve rock.
Caves form when these naturally occurring acids get deep into the Earth through small cracks or fractures. When they hit a soluble rock layer, the acids slowly widen the cracks into cavities, eventually forming caves and cave systems known as caverns.
You might be surprised to learn there are 173 caves in South Carolina, and those are just the ones registered with the National Speleological Society. There may be many more we don’t know about.
Our cave-friendly terrain was formed about 285 million years ago when two land masses collided, causing the earth to buckle into what is now the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is a large number of caves in the Piedmont and coastal plains because the land has plenty of cracks and crevices for the rain to seep into.
However, our 173 caves are nothing compared to Tennessee’s 10,000plus caves. Our neighbor has the most caves in North America, thanks to abundant underground streams that eroded limestone over millions of years.
In South Carolina, there are above-ground caves near Cleveland: Moonshine Falls (on private property), Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve and Jones Gap State Park.
Our most famous cave system is the Santee caves, about 40 million years old, on the western edge of Lake Marion. Once upon a time, locals would picnic in the caves, cooling their drinks in the chilly underground streams. Not that long ago, you could tour the caves, but a quick look around the park gives you an idea of why you can’t anymore: The park is filled with massive sinkholes or caves with collapsed roofs.
Underground streams also run through Santee, which is why golf balls from the nearby golf course tend to pop up in weird places in the park.
The Santee caves are also home to several species of bats, including the endangered Southeastern Myotis bat, so you might not want to take your sandwich down there anyway.
Eggs– NOT JUST FOR BREAKFAST
Spaghetti Carbonara
Salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup pancetta or bacon, cut into ¼-inch dice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 pound thin spaghetti
8 extra-large eggs
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
PHOTO BY KATIE WILCOX
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup grated pecorino cheese
Garlic powder
Freshly ground black pepper
Six scallions, cut on a bias
Fresh parsley, chopped
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta or bacon. Cook until it starts to color and become crisp. Add garlic, and saute. Turn off the heat and set aside.
Drop the pasta into the salted boiling water. Cook for 1 minute less than it says on the package, about 6 to 7 minutes.
While the pasta is cooking, crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add the grated cheeses, and season with salt. Whisk vigorously until it becomes homogenous. Season generously with black pepper and garlic powder.
When the pasta is almost done, return the pan with the pancetta to medium heat. Remove the pasta from the cooking water. Toss or stir the pasta into the pancetta to coat the pasta with the remaining fat in the skillet. Vigorously stir the egg mixture into the pasta. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the egg mixture looks like a cream sauce.
Garnish with sliced scallions and parsley. Serve immediately.
Shakshuka
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Pinch of cayenne pepper
28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
6 large eggs
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
Feta or goat cheese, for garnish
Toasted pita bread, for serving
Heat olive oil in a large saute pan on medium heat. Add the bell pepper and onion. Cook for 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.
Add garlic and spices. Cook for 1 minute. Pour the can of tomatoes, including the juice, into the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Use a large spoon to make small wells in the sauce. Crack an egg into each well. Cook the eggs for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the eggs are done to your liking.
Garnish with chopped parsley and cheese of choice before serving. Serve with a warm pita.
Egg Drop Soup
4 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon turmeric
1⁄8 teaspoon white pepper
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Fine sea salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish
Whisk together stock, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, turmeric and white pepper in a medium saucepan until smooth. Heat over high heat until the stock simmers, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs in a small, spouted measuring cup.
Once the broth reaches a simmer, use a whisk or two chopsticks to stir the broth in a circular motion, creating a whirlpool. Slowly pour the whisked eggs in a thin stream into the soup while stirring to create egg ribbons. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the sesame oil until combined. Season with salt and additional white pepper to taste. Add a dash or two of sesame oil if needed.
Garnish with black pepper and green onions. Serve immediately.
Egg Salad for Sandwiches
12 eggs
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickle
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
Fill a saucepan a quarter of the way with water. Place eggs in a single layer on the bottom of the pan. Make sure eggs are covered by at least 1 to 2 inches of water.
Bring to a boil over high heat. Turn off the heat. Cover the pan and keep on the burner for 10 to 12 minutes.
Strain the water from the pan. Run cold water over the eggs in the pan to stop the cooking. Crack and peel the eggs. Running them under cold water while removing the shells can help loosen them.
Chop the hard-boiled eggs. Add to a mixing bowl with the remaining ingredients. Stir well until egg salad is thoroughly combined.
Easy Egg Custard
2 cups whole milk
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
½ cup sugar
Heat oven to 300 F.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Ground nutmeg
Place six 4-ounce ovenproof cups or ramekins in a deep baking pan just large enough to hold them.
In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer over medium-low heat.
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolks, sugar, salt and vanilla. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking gently to combine. Pour the mixture through a fine strainer into the cups. If the strainer clogs, use a spoon to scrape it clean. Lightly sprinkle the cups with nutmeg.
Pour hot—not boiling—water into the pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cups. Bake until the custard is just set, about 45 minutes. It can still be a little loose. Let the custard cool and chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Do you want to see your favorite meal in print? Submit your recipe to recipes@marlboro.coop.
Across What Waze monitors (7)
Across
1 What Waze monitors (7)
5 David Blaine’s field (5)
8 Flat highland (7)
9 Adam Sandler buddy comedy, ____Ups (5)
David Blaine's field (5) Flat highland (7)
10 Difficulty for fisherman? (5)
11 Strong, as emotions (7)
12 Takes pleasure from (6)
14 It needs to be built up when it’s bad (6)
Adam Sandler buddy comedy, ____Ups (5)
17 Moving like a bunny (7)
19 Product of oyster (5)
22 Emulates Dracula (5)
23 ____ poll or public ____ (7)
24 Number of blind mice or little pigs (5)
Difficulty for fisherman? (5)
25 Appeared suddenly (7)
Down
Strong, as emotions (7) Takes pleasure from (6) It needs to be built up when it's bad (6)
1 Conversation focus (5)
2 Adjust to a change (5)
3 Recently ... baked (7)
4 “My ____ Vinny,” Joe Pesci film (6)
5 Power – possibly? (5)
6 Sighed with pain (7)
7 Change, transform (7)
12 Article produced as evidence (7)
13 Largest planet (7)
15 Lizard, snake, e.g. (7)
16 Don’t consider (6)
Moving like a bunny (7)
18 Publication – subject for debate (5)
20 Not getting any younger (5)
Product of oyster (5)
Emulates Dracula (5)
____ poll or public ____ (7)
Number of blind mice or little pigs (5) Appeared suddenly (7)
Down Conversation focus (5) Adjust to a
Lineworker Appreciation
Appreciation Day
Celebrate the power behind the power on April 18 by thanking a lineworker.
By Judy Garrison
Fireflies are one of childhood’s greatest wonders. Right before dusk, like clockwork during warm summer evenings, fireflies begin to switch on their lights.
The yearly ritual of synchronous fireflies
As a child, I would follow the first firefly I spotted. Then, like magic, one became a dozen, which transformed into a multitude of flickering lights, dancing in the dark.
Mason jar ready, I would capture as many glowing objects as possible, shoving them into the jar, then turning the lid tightly to prevent escape. My lantern became my imagination’s spotlight, allowing me to be wherever it took me. At bedtime, I would release them all, watching them flitter away into the night sky. The exciting thing was that I could do it all over again the next night.
As an adult, I still adore the season’s first
firefly sighting. Although my childhood fireflies weren’t synchronous fireflies, the marvel of rapid-fire light still thrills me.
As wondrous as beholding a few flashing fireflies in my front yard is, the light show of synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) wraps the landscape of darkness into a veil of greenish-yellow light, illuminating the forest into a wonderland of spirals and waves of motions and creates a pulsating experience.
The Phenomenon of Synchronous Fireflies
Most of the world calls them lightning bugs; others refer to them as fireflies or beetles. Once Photinus carolinus fireflies reach adulthood, they only live for about three weeks.
Their signature synchronous flashes of light indicate mating season. The male
emits a flash pattern—four to eight bursts in two seconds—and waits for the female to respond. Males fly and flash in unison, vying for the female’s attention. It is this repetition that illuminates and transforms the darkness.
The female’s response, not nearly as bright, signals her location, which is usually stationary near the ground. After making sure they are one of her own and not predators, the female may reject some males, forcing them to go elsewhere and continue their flashing pattern.
Lasting about two to three weeks each year, the congregation of synchronous fireflies is the perfect storm of temperature, environment and soil moisture.
As the season begins, flashes initiate, then intensify as days pass. The fireflies do not flash if there is a heavy rain burst. Temperatures below 50 F shut down the
The forests become a magical place as fireflies begin their yearly ritual.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DISCOVER SOUTH CAROLINA
The Secret Light of Fireflies
A firefly’s light is generated through a chemical reaction in the organs within its abdomen. Scientists believe fireflies control the flashing by how much oxygen goes through their lightproducing organs. Each species has its own flashing pattern that serves as a mating call as well as a defense mechanism.
the show as well, resulting in the need for controlled viewing.
Where to Find the Best Light Show
There are only three locations in the United States where the phenomenon of synchronous fireflies occurs. While watching the fireflies from the deck of a cabin in the mountains is possible, light, movement and fewer fireflies decrease the chance of seeing the phenomenon. For that reason, it is best to visit one of these national forests to see the most aweinspiring light show.
With the increased popularity of the experience, protecting firefly habitats from humans and light pollution is paramount.
The following locations all require tickets for admission. Lottery applications (a $1 service fee, then a $24 event fee) begin months before the event. Begin planning in the spring and watch websites for the lottery notification.
Allegheny National Forest, Warren, Pennsylvania
Congaree National Park, Hopkins, South Carolina
The South offers two locations for this spectacular display of nature. One of them is in South Carolina.
The light show is May 16-25 in Congaree National Park in Hopkins. A lottery system is used to control the crowds. The 2024 online pass lottery is April 4-10. Limited to one per household, 145 parking passes are issued each night and are only good for the designated night. Certain areas of the park are closed during the event.
Viewing fireflies is best between 9-10 p.m., and the park service confirms it happens like clockwork. The activity is a short walk from the visitors center parking lot. The park service often creates a firefly trail indicated by lighted red lanterns.
Find the lottery at www.recreation.gov.
The northern-most location is in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest. Fireflies paint the skies with an incredible light show from the summer solstice into the second week in July.
If travel takes you north during the summer, you can find information on the firefly experience in Pennsylvania at www.pafireflyevents.org.
Great Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove, Tennessee
Another Southern location for spotting this phenomenon is in Tennessee.
Synchronous fireflies are one of 19 species that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
In the southern Appalachians, the Little River Valley in the Elmont area of the park is considered the best viewing location and is known to have the largest population of fireflies in the Western Hemisphere. The best viewing area is near Jakes Creek and Little River trails.
The light show takes place the first two weeks of June. Admission is issued through a lottery application that usually opens April 1. Apply and choose two preferred dates; applicants are notified if they are selected. Only 120 vehicle registrations are issued per day. Lottery information is available at www.recreation.gov.
Firefly Etiquette
If you’re lucky enough to garner a ticket for any of the light shows, there is an
established etiquette all viewers are expected to follow:
• Remain on the designated trail at all times. Don’t walk into the forest and disrupt the habitat.
• Consider leaving your cellphone behind. It likely will not capture anything.
• Be silent and wait.
• Use a flashlight only to find your viewing spot. Cover your flashlight with red cellophane or a red filter. Fireflies don’t respond to red light, and white light interferes with breeding. Always point your flashlight at the ground.
• Do not attempt to catch or disturb the fireflies.
How to Photograph the Show
Considered one of nature’s most dramatic shows, fireflies ignite sparks of light, and it’s that instantaneous spark a camera needs to capture. A cellphone or camera that does not allow for manual settings likely will not capture the speed of light. If that’s all you have, be in the moment and enjoy the show.
Take the path to the Firefly Trail at Congaree National Park.
A Party for the Paws
Bone-E-Fit evening under the stars benefits Florence Area Humane Society
Spring is here, and Florentines know this means it’s time for the Bone-E-Fit pawty to support the Florence Area Humane Society.
The need to raise funds is even greater this year as the shelter has hit capacity from the overwhelming volume of animals coming through its doors.
“I’d love to see a day when we don’t need the shelter and don’t need to have a place for the helpless, homeless and abused,” Florence Area Humane Society President Jayne Boswell says. “There are some really sad animal situations out there. Animals large and small are suffering in our community. We
need to do all we can to save those that have no one else to turn to.”
Jayne says the FAHS stays full of animals in overflow locations and foster homes, hoping to find forever homes. Everything the humane society does is dependent on donations.
The Bone-E-Fit annual fundraiser is steeped in tradition. It’s an outdoor soiree with tasty food, cocktails, a silent auction and live music. Locals say it is one of the must attend events each year.
The event is Thursday, May 9, at Collins Grove, 2467 N. Williston Road in Florence. The Jebb Mac Band will provide entertainment.
There is always a wide variety of food—from barbecue and burgers to sushi and pork tenderloin, not to mention table after table full of desserts.
The crew at Micky Finn’s will host the bar. They have even planned a few new specialty drinks.
“We are overwhelmed by the success of this event each year. We are still surprised at how big it has grown,” FAHS board member Carrington Wingard says.
“We have over 500 people who attend the event annually. We never take the support from the community for granted.”
The silent auction features items such as a handmade canoe, fine art, jewelry, gift baskets with different themes and special getaway packages. Bone-E-Fit T-shirts are also available for $20 at the event.
“This is our largest fundraiser, and it will still be needed for years and years to come to help fund our mission to save the homeless animals in our area,” Jayne says. “The Florence Area Humane Society is dependent on donations and the continued success of the Bone-E-Fit is vital to provide a safe haven and medical care for animals in need.”
Come party for the paws at the 16th annual BoneE-Fit. Sponsorships are available in various packages, and individual tickets for the Bone-E-Fit are $100. Sponsorships and tickets can be bought at www. florencehumanesociety.org.
ABOVE AND OPPOSITE PAGE: The Jeb Mac Band is ready for a fun night of entertainment this year.
RIGHT: Alongside musical entertainment, attendies are offered tasty food and cocktails. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORENCE AREA HUMANE SOCIETY
Fun Festivals&
APRIL 12
Birding
Join bird guide Jay Keck to search for songbird inhabitants at Moore Farms Botanical Gardens. Bring your own lunch.
8 a.m.-2 p.m.
MOORE FARMS
BOTANICAL GARDENS
100 New Zion Road, Lake City
APRIL 12-13
Florence Food Truck Festival
More than 30 food trucks serve up meals, alongside live entertainment, a kids’ zone and craft beer at the festival. The event is pet friendly.
4-10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday FLORENCE CENTER
3300 W. Radio Drive, Florence
APRIL 13
Earth Day Festival
This festival o ers falconry, beekeeping, nature walks, a reptile collection, plant sales, music with Jim Money, arts and crafts, games and more.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
KALMIA GARDENS
1624 W. Carolina Ave., Hartsville
APRIL 18
Taste of the Symphony
Fill your ears with sounds of the symphony. Tickets are $80 per person at eventbrite.com.
7-10 p.m.
ROSENEATH FARM
1104 Cherokee Road, Florence
APRIL 18-21
Pee Dee Spring Plant and Flower Festival
Shop spring plants and owers, gardening equipment, decor and seasonal produce.
PEE DEE STATE FARMERS MARKET
2513 W. Lucas St., Florence
APRIL 20
Baby Goat Yoga
Join the spring kids for relaxing goat yoga as you stretch and relax with baby goats.
11 a.m.
LITTLE PEE DEE STATE PARK
2841 Park Access Road, Dillon
APRIL 26MAY 4
2024
APRIL 20 Baby Goat Yoga
ArtFields
APRIL 20
Fifth Annual Farrah Turner Foundation 5K Run/Walk
This event bene ts the Farrah Turner Foundation whose mission is to protect and serve children who are victims of sexual assault.
9 a.m.-Noon BRIGGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1012 Congaree Drive, Florence
APRIL 20
Food Truck Rodeo
This annual spring gathering celebrates regional food trucks and provides a fun day of outdoor activity.
10 a.m.-7 p.m.
CITY OF LAKE CITY
111 Henry St., Lake City
APRIL 20
Taste of Society Hill
Take in a night lled with avors, melodies and community spirit. A ra e and best vendor competition are included. Tickets are $20 per person at the gate. Proceeds bene t Long Blu Historical Society of Society Hill.
6-9 p.m.
THE ADAM MARSHALL HOUSE
454 S. Main St., Society Hill
APRIL 26-MAY 4
ArtFields 2024
Get ready for a nine-day Southern artfest that includes live concerts, celebrated Southern chefs, artist workshops, a farmers market, crafts and dancing. Lake City
APRIL 1213
Florence Food Truck Festival
APRIL 27
Pee Dee Backcountry Day
eventsTO SUBMIT
events@marlboro.coop
APRIL 26 – MAY 4
Beautiful, The Carole King Musical
This musical is an inspiring tale about a girl who became King written by the late Oscar- and Tony-nominated Douglas McGrath and the music and lyrics of icons. Buy tickets at orencelittletheatre. org.
FLORENCE LITTLE THEATRE
417 S. Dargan St., Florence
APRIL 27
Pee Dee Backcountry Day
Immerse yourself in the history of Colonial Times, spanning from the pre-Revolution era to the aftermath of the American Revolution.
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
LYNCHES LAKE HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM
103 Irvin St., Lake City
APRIL 27
Celebrate Main Street Festival Car, Truck & Bike Show
Music, food and a 50/50 drawing accompanies this car, truck and bike show. There are trophies for the top three in each class.
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
PALMETTO CRUISERS
301 W. Main St., Dillon
MAY 4
Capes for Kids Run
This annual 5K, 10K and Kids Fun Run honors a Carver Elementary student who lost her life due to physical abuse and neglect. For more information, capesforkidsrun. itsyourrace.com/register. BRIGGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1012 Congaree Drive, Florence
Turkey Hunting in South Carolina
By National Wild Turkey Federation Staff
For many Southern sportspeople, the dawning of spring is a hallowed time of year. Days begin to get longer and warmer, and new growth emerges as colors return through budding trees and flowers.
Most importantly, though, hunters venture into the state’s hardwood or pine forests, agriculture fields or swamps, all in pursuit of one of nature’s most wary creatures: the wild turkey.
In South Carolina, wild turkeys are revered as the state’s official game bird. Edgefield is the home of the National Wild Turkey Federation, a national conservation nonprofit with a mission to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage.
The state also holds a historical significance in the restoration of the wild turkey as the use of rocket nets to capture turkeys—a practice still used today for trapping and transferring wild turkeys or to conduct vital research work—was first used in 1951 by wildlife biologist Herman Lindsay “Duff” Holbrook in the Francis Marion National Forest.
Make the right call. To be successful in turkey hunting, many hunters rely on turkey calls to bring the birds within the ethical shot range of 40 yards or less. There are diaphragm/mouth calls, pot and striker calls made with glass, slate, aluminum and other materials, wood box calls and many others. Some take more practice than others. Start with one call. Learn the basic turkey sounds like the cluck and yelp to start, and advance to other wild turkey vocalizations. As your ability increases, you can learn what each sound means and when to use it, becoming more proficient at speaking the wild turkeys’ language.
Though turkeys were once scarce across the state, today South Carolina has an estimated turkey population of about 90,000, offering the state’s hunters a season that runs more than a month and allows for the harvest of as many as three birds per licensed hunter.
Those who pursue the male birds—known as toms or gobblers—are in for a challenge. The bird has exceptional hearing and sight, and can run at speeds of up to 25 mph and fly at speeds of about 55 mph. But hunters continue to take to the field each spring with hopes of hearing the sound of a turkey’s gobble and the opportunity to bring home a bird that makes for great table fare.
To help increase your chances for success this spring, here are a few tips:
Camouflage Is key. As mentioned, wild turkeys have incredible eyesight, so you want to conceal your movements as much as possible while hunting. A good camo pattern for the terrain you are hunting is essential. Be sure to keep your hands, neck and face covered. Because turkeys are not at the top of the food chain, they are extremely wary of unfamiliar colors and any movements that could be a potential predator. A hunter’s ability to blend in with the woods’ surroundings is crucial.
Have the correct method of take. The most popular choice for hunting wild turkeys is a shotgun. Both 12- and 20-gauge do a good job of harvesting a turkey. Even 28-gauge or .410 shotguns are viable turkey guns thanks to modern turkey ammunition. Spending time at the gun range with your shotgun will help you become familiar with its operation. Learning how different shotshell patterns work provides added confidence during the hunt.
Find a place to hunt. Public land hunting opportunities are likely nearby for those willing to get off the beaten path. Mobile and computer applications provide users with public land options, but checking with state agencies is also recommended to ensure you follow all applicable hunting regulations for that area. Finding a place to hunt could also include asking a landowner for permission or joining/starting a hunting lease. Joining a local National Wild Turkey Federation Staff chapter is also a great way to meet new people and discover new hunting opportunities. Play it safe. From the moment you hit the woods, the most important thing is safety. Find a tree wider than your back to lean up against for comfort and to protect yourself from behind. If you are using decoys to hunt, make sure they are placed in the direction you believe the birds will come from, but also place them at a safe distance from you and clearly visible so other hunters who may approach your hunting setup can easily see they aren’t real.
Once the opportunity comes to harvest a bird, ensure the gobbler is clear of other birds to avoid wounding a nearby hen or another tom. It is illegal to harvest hens (females), so it is important to know the difference between male and female wild turkeys. Make sure to return your firearm to safety once you have made a proper, ethical shot to the gobbler’s head and neck area.
Telling the Story of the Hunt
As with most any exciting experience in life, the memory lives on through photos and the repeating of the story. Make sure to take tasteful pictures of your harvest and share the bounty of your harvest with friends and family.
There is so much more to hunting wild turkeys, and each hunt offers new lessons learned and more memories made. Just remember, the hunt is about more than coming out of the woods with a bird in hand. It is about enjoying your time in the outdoors and appreciating the incredible natural resources we are provided.
To learn more about wild turkey conservation or hunting tips and tactics, visit nwtf.org.
Ducks on the Homestead
Ducks versus chickens is the age-old question for those looking to start a backyard flock. Each have pros and cons, but as someone who has kept both of these feathered friends, let me tell you some of the top reasons ducks are a favorite for the backyard homestead.
Eggs
Having a steady source of eggs is the main reason people choose to raise birds on their homestead. Although both types of eggs are nutritious, there are those who prefer duck eggs over chicken.
Chefs in particular love the benefits of their bolder taste. Duck eggs stand out for their higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and their larger ratio of yolk to egg white. With about 15% more yolk and less water content than chicken eggs, the result is a creamier, richer taste that is highly sought after in the culinary world— especially for baking.
Duck eggs also have a thicker shell and inner membranes, which makes them harder to break, and they stay fresh longer. Another plus is that due to duck eggs being less readily available on the market, they will often sell at a higher price to chefs, Asian restaurants, farmers markets and foodies.
Behavioral Concerns
A duck’s sociable personality and willingness to fit in with almost every barnyard animal, makes them a welcome addition to any farm. If raised around humans from birth, they can imprint and become cuddly buddies that follow you around everywhere you go. They are less likely to peck or scratch, so they make for safe pets to be around little ones—as opposed to aggressive roosters. They also do not display a strict pecking order, which makes integrating new ducks into the flock a breeze.
Lawn & Pest Control
Ducks make a great organic pest control resource. They love to chow down on slugs, worms, beetles, grasshoppers, and other insects that terrorize fruits and vegetables in the garden. They will also keep your lawn trimmed and eliminate pesky weeds.
While chickens also help take care of pests, ducks don’t tear up garden beds as much or uproot plants like chickens do. Ducks don’t scratch to forage for their food. Instead, they use a less invasive approach by using their bills to carefully nibble around, leaving behind less of a mess in your garden beds.
Fertilizer
Duck manure makes an excellent fertilizer for your plants and crops, and with ducks, there’s a lot of it.
This is great for those interested in more sustainable farming. These birds fertilize the grass wherever they wander, or you can gather manure from their enclosure and spread it where it’s needed.
Since ducks spend so much time in their ponds or other water sources, you can even conserve that water to reuse in a watering can and fertilize your plants, while keeping them hydrated.
Easier to Contain
Most domesticated duck breeds do not fly. This makes containing them easier, even with low fencing. This is especially helpful if you live near neighbors who are not as animal friendly, and it will save you hours of tracking down and catching the ever rogue chicken.
Less Noise
While there is the occasional quacking, ducks tend to make less noise compared to chickens. Roosters are supposed to crow in the morning, right? That’s what all the movies show. Well, my roosters must have missed that memo. Because they crow at 3 a.m., then again and again throughout the day.
However, duck quacks are more mellow, as opposed to the shrill shrieking that comes from noisy roosters, and hens singing their egg-laying songs. This makes ducks a better fit for those in suburban areas where there are often local ordinances against having roosters or any setting where noise levels are a concern.
From eggs and free pest management to adorable little fuzzy ducklings, these are just a few of the reasons ducks make a great addition to any homestead.
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.
Ducks have many pros, with one of them being that they’re cuddle buddies. PHOTOS BY BRANDI FAULK
Take your yoga session to the next level with the allnatural cork yoga mat from Yoloha Yoga.
This mat is great for home workouts or exercise on the go. Its lightweight design allows for easy transport or storage anywhere. This eco-friendly mat lays flat every time and easily grips to any surface. The mat is meticulously crafted to provide comfort and support during each exercise session, whether simple stretching, Pilates or core fitness practices.
your body, absorbs impact and relieves stress on your joints. The cork material provides a naturally grippy texture that helps prevent sliding during your workout. This nonslip surface enables you to carry out each exercise confidently, allowing you to maintain proper alignment and stability with every pose.
Garlic Chili Crunch, $12.99
For a taste that’s incredibly addictive, grab a spoonful of Sijang’s Garlic Chili Crunch. This red-speckled sauce has taken the condiment aisle by storm. Fragrant and aromatic, it stands apart from other staples in your kitchen and will have you repeatedly reaching for the jar.
Packed full of flavor, this garlic chili sauce provides a punch of umami to your taste buds. With a unique blend of crispy texture and smoky heat, it adds a depth of flavor to every dish that is just right and not overwhelmingly spicy. Try it as a finishing sauce for noodles, stirfry or rice. Use it to flavor soups or as a marinade. Add some heat to your eggs, sandwiches and favorite proteins, such as salmon or chicken. Perfect for topping off pizza or tacos and, surprisingly, even ice cream.
The signature cork- and plant-foam blend cushions
Cork Yoga Mat, $99 yolohayoga.com
Cork is also antimicrobial. It contains compounds called phenolics, which kill bacteria. This keeps your mat clean and naturally repels odors, making it a great option for hot yoga or studios looking to
keep their shared equipment hygienic. Beautifully soft to the touch and gentle on hands and knees, the cork has a velvety smooth texture that feels great on bare skin. Its hypoallergenic qualities make it ideal for anyone with sensitive skin. Despite being soft to the touch, cork is durable and can handle repeated, demanding use, making it a favorite option for yoga lovers everywhere.
Shop Yoloha Yoga for all your sustainable cork yoga mats, props and accessories.
Chris and Kaitlyn Fitzner, a husband-and-wife team in Virginia, run Sijang. With a background in catering and years of restaurant experience, they set out to create this tasty, low-calorie treat for an all-natural, no-sugar chili crunch condiment that foodies everywhere can enjoy. And with only 30 calories per serving, you can’t go wrong. For more chili crunch creations, don’t forget to browse Sijang’s Instagram page for delicious snack and meal ideas.
sijangeats.com
Whether you are cuddling up on the couch or getting cozy in bed, this powder blue matelasse throw makes an elegant addition to your home, no matter where it’s thrown. Cool, airy and breathable, this blanket is perfect for all seasons.
Layer this luxurious throw with pillows, or drape it over a sofa or bench for an added pop of texture. Featuring a sophisticated floral pattern in classic neutral shades of white and blue, the matelasse throw effortlessly complements your current decor and gives any space a sense of refinement. Made from the softest cotton, this lightweight blanket
will never feel heavy, stiff or uncomfortable. Built to last, this quality heirloom piece can be enjoyed for years to come.
These throws are crafted by Redland Cotton, a Southern-based company whose mission is to supply luxury linens entirely made in the USA. From sheets, bedding and bath linens to its brand-new apparel line, each piece is sourced, cut and spun in America. Redland Cotton is proud to carry on the rich textile tradition spanning many generations throughout the Southern United States.
Powder Blue Matelasse Throw, $215 redlandcotton.com
By Judy Garrison
Being torn between the quest for speed and the need for relaxation becomes nothing more than a hiccup when you find yourself in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Adjacent to Charlotte and its speedway, Cabarrus County delivers the leisurely version of memorable cultural and culinary experiences.
Spend the night at Homewood Suites near Charlotte and take in the events at the Charlotte Motor Speedway or The Dirt Track. Then it’s no more than a 20-minute drive to the communities of Cabarrus County.
Begin in its largest municipality, Concord, named by HGTV as one of the 30 most charming small-town downtowns in America. Although a downtown streetscape renovation is underway, sidewalks remain open and businesses still cater to visitors who want a taste of small-town charm. Let the Avett Brothers’ mural on Union Street be your directional compass. The brothers—a hometown band that merged American folk music with rock and pop—are the pride of the community.
While on Union Street, drop in to Goldberry Books, named for Tolkien’s character from The Lord of the Rings. Goldberry draws in the community with
PHOTOS BY LEN GARRISON, SEEING SOUTHERN
The winning burger of the 2023 Cabarrus Burger Madness challenge by 2Gals Kitchen.
retreats, podcasts and evenings with authors.
Open the door to chocolate nirvana at Chocolatier Barrucand, and relish in the pastries and chocolates of husband-wife duo Jean Luc and Anne Marie Barrucand. Offerings change daily, but the French silk tarts are always in the display case.
If the luck of the Irish brings you to Concord in March—or any season, for that matter—consider it a personal challenge to take part in Cabarrus Burger Madness. Participating restaurants craft the most unique burger, and those who sample vote for the most delicious invention. In its third year, 2Gals Kitchen has won two out of three competitions, including the 2023 competition.
Having won last year, Mary Niemeier, owner of 2Gals Kitchen, had to up her game in 2024.
“We make pretty good burgers in general, so this year I really wanted something that was definitely different from our burger last year, with not your average toppings,” she says.
Building on her Mexican food obsession, the Mexican street corn burger was born: two smash patties, Mexican street corn, green chili queso cheese, guacamole and chipotle mayo.
“Obviously, we are thrilled to win again this year,” Mary says. “It feels great to be ranked with other great restaurants.
Winning is fun, but the point is increasing traffic to a bunch of great restaurants. Now we are already feeling the pressure to come up with something amazing for next year.”
This iconic burger is the ideal prelude to an event at Davis Theatre, a 227-seat intimate space in the historic 1876 Cabarrus County Courthouse. Now home to Cabarrus Arts Council, the artifact hosts exhibitions, art education and live shows. The 2023 lineup includes acts in bluegrass, Americana and country.
A gem of the community is Gibson Mill, built in 1899. Once a manufacturing company known as Cannon Mills then Gibson Manufacturing, workers created yarns, gingham and madras fabrics for towels and sheets until manufacturers abroad consumed the jobs. When the company closed in 2003, a group bought the property and renovated the brick-and-mortar building to one that thrives today with community energy and commercial potential.
For all antique aficionados, The Depot at Gibson Mill—the largest antique mall in the South—can’t be missed. Whatever you’re seeking, this 88,000-square-foot antique mall features more than 750 booths. Get fueled at Defined Coffee, adjacent to Gibson Mill Market, and prepare for a day of shopping.
In the former weaving room, Gibson Mill Market is a flurry of activity. Luck Factory Games brings back the nostalgia of gameplay with more than 1,000 board games from which to choose. Also on the lower level, High Branch Brewing Co.’s taproom is the ideal location to taste craft beer passion.
The upper level hosts family-owned Johnny Rogers BBQ & Burgers, the inaugural winner of Cabarrus Burger Madness with its candied G.O.A.T. burger. If you’re hungry from a day’s antique haul, be prepared to wait in line.
While in the Concord area, don’t miss The Smoke Pit—that is, if you can get in the door. Its slow-and-low pulled pork might only be trumped by their entry into this year’s burger competition: the Smokey Moo Cow burger featuring a slow-smoked hamburger patty, American cheese, Texas brisket, barbecue sauce and fried onion rings topped with a Texas Twinkie.
For breakfast, visit neighboring Harrisburg and Sunflower Baking Co. This location morphs a renovated structure into a joint teeming with freshly baked croissants and the aroma of Pure Intentions Coffee. As good as the croissants are, try the cheddar biscuits piled high with breakfast fixings.
In Kannapolis, the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame showcases the connections of James Taylor, Charlie Daniels, Roberta Flack and others to North Carolina. It’s also the hometown of Dale Earnhardt Sr.
The tiny hamlet of Mount Pleasant is small yet welcoming.
In Midland, Rob Wallace Park offers 143 acres of greenspace ideal for walking off some of the meals consumed.
Whether it’s a weekend or a week, Cabarrus County is full of diverse experiences for any traveler. From cultural to culinary, bluegrass to breweries, and antiques to artisans, plan your visit and experience the draw of this destination. n
BELOW: The Depot Antique and Designer Mall at Gibson Mill.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Sunflower Baking Co.
54,087
and
On the search for the secrets of monarchs
By Pamela A. Keene
John “Billy” McCord admits he’s always been fascinated by with insects, particularly butterflies, so much so that he made lepidoptery and entomology a major part of his life’s work.
As a 10-year-old growing up in Manning, South Carolina, Billy helped his older sister, Linda, create an insect collection for her high school biology class. She received an A. While attending Clemson University in ecological studies, he traveled overseas with an entomologist to search for butterfly species native to Europe.
“I’ve been quite passionate about butterflies for just about as long as I can remember,” says Billy. He worked as a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist and ecologist for nearly 33 years and retired in 2010.
“It was the monarchs that brought me back to the department, and even though I retired again in 2022, I’m still tagging and following them and making amazing discoveries,” the James Island resident says. “In fact, I was just out at my favorite place to find them—Folly Beach—and added to the total number I’ve tracked since I started in 1996. I’m now up to 54,087; some I’ve captured
A monarch butterfly lands on a flowering bush.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY
OPPOSITE: Billy McCord has tagged 54,087 monarchs along the South Carolina coast and barrier islands.
As spring approached, monarchs again repopulated the area.
“We’re not exactly certain where the new population of those monarchs comes from, but they stay and breed in some of the swamp forests along the South Carolina Coastal Plain where there’s aquatic milkweed,” he says.
Again, he tagged the monarchs into the next season.
“As I continued to tag them into the fall and winter,” he says, “I found that I was recapturing some that I had previously tagged. It provided good data to bear out that some of the butterflies may have remained in our area without a distant annual winter migration.”
In early 2015, SCDNR decided to continue the tagging program, applying for a research grant from the regional office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Charleston. The threeyear study from October 1, 2015, through September 30, 2018, included formalized monarch tagging between November and March each year.
Counting
and released multiple times.”
In November and December 1996, Billy began seeing monarchs at Folly Beach and other coastal areas, a month or so later than most monarchs typically migrate to warmer climates in Southwestern Florida to overwinter.
“Some of the monarchs we had seen in the coastal areas in the spring through fall apparently stayed in the area because as I continued tagging them through the winter and into early spring, I found that they weren’t traveling very far from this area while others had already migrated south for the winter.”
“Because of his two decades of prior tagging research, Billy led the field operations for the project mostly within the central coastal area of Charleston County,” says Michael Kendrick, Ph.D., assistant marine scientist at the Marine Resources Research Institute of the SCDNR. “He coordinated the volunteer training and tagging activities, enlisting 10 volunteers who, for the purposes of the study, tagged 5,003 monarchs over the three years.”
Although the grant-funded Cooperative Winter Monarch Tagging Project has been completed, the research continues to be important in the study of monarchs and their migration patterns.
“From the study, we found that these coastal groups of monarchs are behaving differently than those that migrate from the Midwest to Mexico to overwinter,” Billy says.
Billy says the monarchs’ overwintering along the coast is not really a new thing.
“For a long time, the monarchs here had gone relatively unnoticed, living in the swamp forests where they had plenty of food,” he says. “In reality, they’ve probably been here for years, long before I began tagging them.”
Since he started tagging South Carolina’s monarchs nearly 28 years ago, Billy has tagged 54,087 along the coast and barrier islands. And now that he’s retired again, he often spends his days at Folly Beach, capturing and tagging the monarchs there.
“I’m still fascinated by monarchs,” he says with a smile. “They are by far my favorite butterfly because they are so complex and complicated. Besides that, they are beautiful creatures.” n
PHOTO BY ERIN WEEKS
to Your Garden Attracting Monarchs
By Pamela A. Keene
As the ambassadors of pollinators, monarchs are royalty. Not only are they beautiful and distinctive, but they’re also prolific pollinators, feeding on the nectar of brightly colored flowers. They’re also very selective about where they lay their tiny white eggs that will morph into adult monarchs.
“Milkweed serves as the sole host for monarchs to lay their eggs after they breed,” says Carmen Ketron, urban horticultural agent for the South Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Darlington and Florence counties. “It’s the life-giving food for monarch caterpillars, and without it, they cannot mature.”
MonarchWatch.org works across North America to ensure monarchs have plenty of food, places to breed and shelter resources throughout their life cycles.
“The organization’s global Monarch Waystation education initiative provides guidelines for adding monarch-friendly plants to home gardens, parks, nature centers, schools and roadside space,” Carmen says. “It also grants Monarch Waystation Certification to gardens that meet certain requirements, including having monarchfriendly milkweed, nectar-producing plants, a shallow water source and plenty of shelter.”
Monarchs need shelter as well, so she suggests leaving piles of leaves and brush undisturbed for beneficial insects to pupate.
“All of these factors contribute to helping the monarch population during each stage of their lives,” Carmen says.
In the Carolinas, the project’s list of waystations shows nearly 1,500 registered Monarch Waystations. As of the start of this year, the number around the globe exceeded 46,100.
“These are impressive numbers, but they’re not enough,” Carmen says. “For one thing, monarch habitats are disappearing because of climate change, development and reduction of the natural landscape. From annual monarch census activities, we’ve continued to see a decline in the number of monarchs migrating south to overwinter.”
Another issue, she says, is the disappearance of the right kinds of milkweed available to monarchs as a food source for caterpillars.
There are many kinds of milkweed in different parts of the country that are suitable native species for the monarchs to breed on, but in the past decade or so, the invasive tropical milkweed or Mexican milkweed became more prevalent outside of its native range. It is a popular garden center staple.
“It has orange and blood-red flowers and looks similar to the native perennial butterfly milkweed, but when planted in temperate climates, especially in the Southeast, it does not die back in the
winter,” Carmen says. “This confuses butterfly migration.
“Additionally, tropical milkweed’s long growing season can exacerbate the transmission of a protozoan parasite (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha) to monarchs, which reduces their body mass, and ability to fly and successfully mate.”
Monarchs need more than milkweed to survive. While milkweed is the only plant where they lay their eggs so the hatching caterpillars will have an ample food source from the milkweed leaves and stems, they also need sustenance for adult monarchs.
“Brightly colored flowers, particularly those with tubular shapes, are a monarch’s dream for collecting nectar,” Carmen says. “They use their long probiscis to reach deep into the flower and feed on the nectar.
“Include a mixture of five to eight different varieties of plants that will bloom at different times of the year for a continuous food source. And plant them in clumps to make it easier to find them.”
Gardeners recommend turning to native plants as the backbone of a pollinator garden that attracts monarchs and other butterflies.
“Plants native to your area will attract native pollinators and insects, including monarchs,” says Kathy Harrington, of the South Carolina Native Plant Society. “These are the plants that they grew up on, and they prefer them to exotic varieties that have been
Always plant native milkweed
imported from Asia or South America.”
Colorful perennials such as black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, asters, coreopsis, blazing star, goldenrod, American yarrow, Joe Pye Weed, and cardinal flowers can be complemented with flame azaleas, flowering dogwood, native honeysuckles and Carolina holly.
“If you want to attract monarch butterflies, be sure to include native milkweed—their sole host plant—to provide a place for monarchs to breed, lay their eggs and provide food for the caterpillars that will become adult butterflies,” Carmen says. “Yes, the caterpillars will devour the leaves of the milkweed, so don’t be alarmed if a plant is stripped clean. You can bring in more milkweed throughout the spring and summer to allow the leaves to grow back.” n
The South Carolina Native Plant Society’s website, scnps.org, offers lists of native trees, shrubs and perennials to choose from, where to purchase them and how to care for them. The website also offers a comprehensive list of milkweed varieties found in South Carolina that are suited to each region of the state. For additional resources, visit MonarchWatch.org or www.clemson.edu/extension/index.html.
TOP FROM LEFT: A monarch caterpillar starts to make a chrysalis; a monarch butterfly matures in its chrysalis; a monarch butterfly comes out of the chrysalis; and a monarch perches on a milkweed.
PHOTOS BY JUDY CLAYTON WARD, PIXABAY AND MALLORY MAHER
OPPOSITE: A bee and monarch share a flower cluster. PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY
In South Carolina, there are roughly 20 different milkweed species. The preferred native species are:
X Aquatic milkweed (Asclepias perennis), in the Sandhills and Coastal Plain counties, has white flowers.
X Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) with orange and red flowers, grows across the state.
X Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) grows in the upper Piedmont counties and has rose and greenish-white flowers.
X Pinewoods milkweed (Asclepias humistrata) with rose and lavender flowers, in the Sandhills and Coastal Plain counties.
X Poke milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) is found in the upper Piedmont counties. It has greenish-white flowers, each on a long drooping peduncle.
X Clasping milkweed (Asclepias amplexicaule) has rose and purple flowers and is found in every region of the state if you wanted a generalist species.
