PHOTO BY KATIE WILCOX
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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
William “Buster” Rogers, Chaplain
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
email: kwilcox@mpd.coop
Matt Haynie email: 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.
The Legend of the Dogwood
Just when it seems like winter will last forever, the dogwoods begin to bloom. It’s always one of my favorite times of the year. When the bare branches start to sport leaves, followed by clusters of vibrant flowers, I finally feel the sense of renewal that comes after the cold months. I get excited thinking about the warmer days ahead.
In the South, we love our dogwood trees for more than their beauty. A legend is told and retold, especially around Easter, that this species of tree bears the scars of Jesus’ crucifixion. The legend says the dogwood tree once grew tall and robust, much like our beloved live oaks, so it was favored for its wood. Because of its height and strength, it was chosen as the wood for the cross on which Jesus was crucified.
The legend says that after the crucifixion, God cursed the tree so it would be small, its branches gnarled and its cross-shaped flowers forever a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice.
The legend has a few forms, but my favorite is slightly different. The one I like says using this beautiful tree for such a terrible purpose caused God distress, and he changed it because he loved it so much. There’s an anonymous poem that reads,
“All who see it think of Me, Nailed to a cross from a dogwood tree. Protected and cherished this tree shall be.”
In this version of the legend, the tree’s new diminutive size protects it, and the flowers remind us of His love and our redemption. The next time you’re near a dogwood in bloom, look closely at the flowers. They bloom in clusters resembling a cross, with notches at the end of each petal appearing like nail indentations.
Was the dogwood tree used to make the cross? I don’t know. There isn’t a specific reference to it in the Bible. But whether or not the legend is true doesn’t really matter to me. When the dogwoods bloom, it always reminds me that dark times end, life renews, and happier days are always on the horizon.
HAMER PARNELL Trustee
Table of Contents
CEO Michael Shepard
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT
Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Mike Teegarden, CCC
SC CURRENTS EDITORS
Jennifer Paton, CCC
Valeri Pearon
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Chasity Anderson, CCC
Victoria Hampton, CCC
David Herder, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nina Todea
SENIOR MANAGER, PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION
Elizabeth Beatty
PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
South Carolina Currents (issue 59) 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.
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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!
From medieval charms to metropolitan wonders, the country offers multiple delights
No Place Like Home
House of Hope serves those facing homelessness or addiction
By Jodi Helmer
Walk with House of Hope CEO Bryan Braddock on a newly acquired 240-acre property called the Woods at Black Creek off Freight Road in Florence, and he points to the future site of zip lines, a par 3 golf course and glamping sites to help fund the House of Hope ministry.
While excited about this most recent venture, Bryan tells the story of a man who spent three decades in prison before entering the House of Hope Life recovery program. This is where he received the love, Christian discipleship, life-skills training and community support that enabled him to get a job, buy a home, get engaged and turn his life around.
in the Pee Dee
Florence. The couple “stepped out in faith with some credit cards,” Bryan says, and bought an old school building to start New Life Rescue Ministry.
“They drew the attention of a local Sunday school class at First Baptist Church in Florence, and that class became the board of directors,” Bryan says. “They got (nonprofit) status and began to formulate what became Hope House of the Pee Dee.”
Bryan also talks about the young couple who pulled up to House of Hope in a battered old car, pregnant and battling addiction with no place to go. House of Hope provided housing, addiction recovery services and ministry. The couple later got married, found work and built a happy family. They now own a successful painting company and serve faithfully with the addictions program at their church, helping others along the path they, too, have walked.
“At the shelter, we don’t turn anyone away,” Bryan says. “Depending on the situation, it could be life or death; it’s the difference between hope and hopelessness.”
House of Hope has changed lives since 1990. Jean and Bill Fryar started the organization after noticing a line of people needing a place to spend the night at the homeless shelter in their hometown of
In 1996, under the leadership of Lucy T. Davis, House of Hope built a new facility to serve women and children. For 20 years, men, women and children were served with the two transitional housing facilities.
In 2016, House of Hope expanded to include the Courtney McGinnis Graham Shelter, a facility that provides emergency shelter for men, women and children for up to 30 days. It was a giant step forward for the organization but still not sufficient to meet the needs of the local unhoused community.
Fundraising is underway for a community day center. The proposed 5,000-squarefoot building on Church Street will house Whosoever Church and the House of Hope day center, including a warming station, cooling station, showers, food, lockers, laundry room and internet access.
The vision is to create a friendly place of refuge during storms, heat waves and cold snaps or just a regular day that a person facing homelessness wants to avoid the general public. The hope is to have caseworkers and partner agencies on-site to provide individual case management to help people experiencing homelessness find
a path off the streets.
To date, the project has secured $750,000 to build the day center. Fundraising is underway to cover the remaining costs. Homelessness doesn’t discriminate.
Every year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determines the number of unhoused people nationwide. In 2023, more than 650,000 people experienced homelessness in a single night—a 12% increase over 2022—due to myriad factors, from addiction and domestic violence to sex trafficking and job loss.
There are more than 500 unhoused residents in the Pee Dee region. House of Hope provides emergency shelter for up to 1,500 people a year, including an estimated 60 new homeless guests every month.
Often, Bryan notes, it’s difficult to tell who is homeless. Some are couch surfing, while others are sleeping in cars.
“Sure, there is the stereotypical person that you’re going to see on the corner, but— for the most part—people don’t want you
to know that they’re homeless,” he says. “But homelessness doesn’t discriminate.”
Those who have sought emergency shelter at House of Hope include men and women, college graduates, teachers and professionals. For most, Bryan says, it wasn’t a single instance or circumstance that led to homelessness. It was a combination of two or three things in a short time from which they could not recover.
A Holistic Approach to Homelessness
Police departments, hospitals, churches and other shelters are the main sources of referrals to the shelter, but some guests find House of Hope through an internet search or word of mouth. It’s not uncommon for people to show up with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.
Unlike shelters requiring identification, House of Hope offers emergency shelter to everyone who comes through its doors. Bryan notes women who are victims of trafficking often lack ID because, without a driver’s license, it’s impossible to get a hotel
room, rental car, food stamps or other assistance that would allow them to escape.
“It’s a low barrier to entry,” he says. “We don’t turn anyone away.”
But Bryan knows having a place to sleep won’t solve homelessness in the Pee Dee region.
“If you just put someone in a house, they’re not homeless anymore,” he says. “But without some behavior modification or addressing some of the issues in their life, they’ll end up right back in the same situation.”
To encourage a successful transition out of homelessness, House of Hope offers emergency and transitional housing, meals, addiction recovery programs, counseling and mentorship. House of Hope is a Christian nonprofit, and Bible studies and church attendance are part of the program. Bryan calls it a holistic approach to addressing homelessness.
The programming is free, but residents who receive money from a job, disability
ADOBE STOCK AI ILLUSTRATION BY IRISSCA
Railroad ties have been made into crosses throughout the House of Hope property. Dogwood trees are planted near this chapel in the woods in memory of those who have died from addiction. Contact House of Hope to donate or plant a tree. PHOTOS BY KATIE WILCOX
or unemployment must pay one-third of their income in program fees, while saving one-third of their income and covering living expenses with the remainder. Bryan calls this policy, “very important in terms of participating in their own recovery.”
In 2020, House of Hope took another giant step and opened HOPE Village, a community of 24 240-square-foot tiny homes.
Bryan compares the tiny homes to hotel rooms: Each home has bunk beds, a kitchenette and a bathroom for a woman and her children. The village also includes amenities: a day center, playground and gardens. Women and children can live in the homes for up to two years while engaged in programming designed to address the root causes of their homelessness.
“(Before HOPE Village), we were having a hard time getting women with children to the point where they had enough money to transition successfully,” Bryan says. “The tiny homes offered a small representation of the lives that we hoped for them (and) allowed them to start dreaming a little bit. It meets their immediate needs and makes them think, ‘I could have more.’”
Plans include offering affordable mobile tiny homes to help people experiencing homelessness get back on their feet.
ABOVE: The Pavilion, with recently renovated bathrooms and a kitchen prep area, is ready to rent for weddings, reunions, church retreats and team-building events.
LEFT: Fishing piers on Black Creek are open to the public. There are plans to make kayaking available as well.
Hope for the Future
Even with holistic programming, Bryan understands the biggest obstacle to securing housing sometimes comes down to dollars and cents. Affordable housing is a significant issue in the Pee Dee.
“We don’t address (affordable housing) right now,” he says. “We’ve worked to help individuals attain income to afford housing. That’s a lot easier for a single man looking for an apartment, but it’s a lot more difficult for a mother with one, two or three children.”
venture could provide a revenue source for the growth and sustainability of the ministry for years to come.
In the meantime, House of Hope relies on the support of grants and donations from churches, businesses—including MPD Electric Cooperative—and individual donors to provide financial support for its mission.
To address the issue, House of Hope bought 240 acres of land with the intent to create affordable housing solutions. Bryan is raising funds to turn the property into a gated community where residents can buy mobile tiny homes and lease space. His goal is to begin welcoming residents in the next 12 to 18 months.
The ministry was gifted an adjacent 100-acre property. This is where the dream of zip lines, glamping sites, kayaking, hiking and a par 3 golf course come into the conversation. Bryan hopes to partner with a management company to create a family-friendly adventure and recreation park open to the public, with the generated funds helping offset the cost of services provided to people experiencing homelessness.
The House of Hope ministry doesn’t receive state or federal funding. This new
“We have always attempted to do things at a level that exceeds people’s expectations,” Bryan says. “We’re not just trying to put someone in a bed for 30 days; we’re trying to help them get a job and transportation and their own house. As we strive to do more and have more of an impact on the lives of the people that we serve, it becomes more and more difficult to achieve.”
Bryan says the 68 employees who provide 24/7/365 care often deal with compassion fatigue but believe in the mission wholeheartedly. Several employees are previous residents of the House of Hope programs.
“We have a saying around here that ‘Changed lives change lives,’” Bryan says. “From a Christian perspective, the Bible says the two greatest laws are to love the Lord, thy God, with all thy heart and love thy neighbor as thyself and to take care of the widows and the orphans. It’s a religious principle and a moral society obligation to look after those in need.”
ABOVE: Golf course architect Brandon Johnson is designing the 9-hole, par 3 golf course that will attract golfers traveling off I-95 to stop in for a quick game.
LEFT: Six glamping tents feature heating and air conditioning, along with outdoor seating and firepits. They are available to the public to rent on Hipcamp.com or by calling House of Hope.
Scan the QR code to watch a Behindthe-Pages video on House of Hope.
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.
The Florence Rail Trail is a gently sloping, paved, out-and-back hiking/biking rail trail with a nature loop at the end. The 5-mile trail connects the Ebenezer Park neighborhood with McLeod Health & Fitness Center. Area walkers, runners, inline skaters and cyclists flock here for their daily fitness routines, and visitors are welcome to join them. The paved corridor provides ample room for everyone. Replica train gates mark the trailhead at the intersection of Old Ebenezer and South Ebenezer roads. The route passes pines, sweet gums, honeysuckle and grape vines used by myriad bird species and other critters.
Perfect Pastry
When talking pie, flaky and crusty are desirable qualities
Story and photos by Libby Wiersema
It is the month of one of my favorite foodie observances. I am not talking about St. Patrick’s Day, though I do love feasting on corned beef and cabbage. Rather, on March 14 observers across the globe commemorate National Pi Day, widely recognized by the number π.
Thanks to its homophone, this auspicious day also finds delightful, delicious expression through baking pies. I was not blessed with a knack for numbers and formulas, but hand me a rolling pin, bag of flour and some shortening or butter, and watch me measure and calculate as if I never had to retake Algebra I in summer school.
I will make a buttermilk pie for this year’s pi celebration, but that is not the focus here. Instead, I want to address the
basis of every great pie: the crust.
While ready-made crusts are passable, pie excellence and crust excellence go hand in hand. The same care that goes into the pie filling should also extend to the foundation.
If the idea of making your own pastry creates anxiety, take heart. Thanks to culinary experts, even an inexperienced baker can achieve buttery, flaky results that will wow the pie-loving crowd. If you typically take the ready-made shortcut, do yourself a favor and give a homemade crust a try. It is a real game-changer.
I will not lie: Making awesome pie crust requires mindful consideration. Skip one step, and you will likely end up with a pie shell that is crumbly, tough or that— yikes!—shrinks in the oven.
Here is my tried-and-true go-to. It is based upon a recipe developed by the
test kitchen at the flour company King Arthur. It calls for both shortening and butter. According to King Arthur, the high melting point of shortening reinforces the crust’s structure and helps prevent collapse during baking, while the butter adds richness and flakiness.
This recipe makes two crusts, which you can use for any double-crust fruit pie or for making two pies because, hey— everybody loves pie! Buy the highest quality ingredients you can afford for the best results, and follow instructions precisely. Resist the urge to use shortcuts, and never rush the process.
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.
Homemade Pie Crust
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1¼ teaspoons salt
¼ cup vegetable shortening
10 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (use name-brand)
6 to 10 tablespoons ice water
Prep and Measure
Begin by cutting the butter into ½-inch cubes. Transfer to a bowl and return to the refrigerator to keep cold until ready to use. Measure out flour by lightly spooning it into a measuring cup—do not pack it—and use a knife to level. Dump it in a medium-sized mixing bowl, and add salt. Toss well with a wooden spoon or use a wire whisk to incorporate and break up any flour clumps.
Work in Fat
Add the shortening and work it in with your fingers until the flour has the consistency of cornmeal.
Now it is time for the icy cold butter cubes. Pinch the cubes into the flour with your fingers, but aim for inconsistency this time. You want a mix of fine and chunky pieces—dime-size and smaller. Each chunk of cold butter forms a pocket in the crust as it melts during baking. This is what creates flakiness.
Add Water
Begin by sprinkling 4 tablespoons of ice water over the dough mixture. Toss gently with a wooden spoon. Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, tossing to moisten the flour mixture. You do not want a sticky dough.
As you go along, take a small handful of the mixture and press it. When it just holds together, no more water is needed. Form the mixture into a ball, flatten it slightly, then cut it in half. Shape each half into a disc—do not overhandle or attempt to make it perfectly smooth— and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare Pans
Lightly coat two 8- or 9-inch pie pans with cooking spray. This helps ensure easy removal of your pie slices. For pies that require a pre-baked crust, cut two
rounds of parchment paper large enough to cover the bottoms of your pans, and go slightly up the sides.
Rolling
Lightly coat your rolling pin and dust a clean, smooth surface with flour. Remove one pie crust from the refrigerator, unwrap and begin rolling. Do not go back and forth with your rolling pin, but roll it out in one direction from the middle, turning as you go along. You should see large streaks of butter throughout.
At intervals, use a dough scraper to loosen the crust and dust the rolling surface with a bit of flour. Continue until you form a 12- to 13-inch round.
Gently fold the dough round in half, then in half again to form a triangle.
Arrange and Crimp
Place the point of the triangle in the center of your pie pan, and unfold. The crust should be evenly placed. Lightly press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pan.
Using scissors, trim the dough edge so you have a 1-inch overlay, then fold the overlay back and tuck it into the pan. Squeeze the folded overlay so the dough sticks together and forms a tall edge.
Crimp the edge using both hands by placing one finger on the back of the dough edge and pressing it between two fingers placed on the front of the dough edge, working your way around the pie.
Chill Again
This might be the most important step of all. Once your pie crusts are situated in the pans and crimped, cover them with sheets of waxed paper and refrigerate. Chill them for at least 50 minutes. Do not shorten the time or skip this step.
Baking Time
If your pie recipe does not call for a prebaked crust, simply fill and bake as directed. Otherwise, remove one pie crust from the refrigerator, line it with the cut parchment paper, and add enough pie beads or dried beans—such as pintos— to cover the bottom. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, carefully lifting out the beads by grasping the edges of the parchment paper.
If your pie recipe has a no-bake filling, prick the crust bottom with a fork and return it to the oven for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bottom is browned.
If your recipe calls for a partially baked crust, there’s no need to brown the bottom. Simply add your filling and return the pie to the oven as your recipe directs. Should the edges begin to overbrown during baking, use a pie crust shield or fashion one from aluminum foil.
Celebrate Pi with Pie
Once your baked pie cools or your refrigerator pie has adequately chilled, divvy it out, and prepare to be amazed. It does not take a mathematician to figure out you are now a pie wizard.
When making a no-bake pie, brown the crust completely before filling.
Family Tree Tales
By Dave LaBelle
Some people are fascinated with architecture or angels; I love trees.
A grand lone oak tree stands—as if on watch—at the side of a road not many miles from where I live. Each time passing it, I wondered its age and who planted it there. Finally, my curiosity got the best of me, and I had to know more.
I learned the man who planted it is gone. So are his
children and his children’s children, but the old oak tree John Vorwald placed in the earth in 1895, as a marker for the northeast corner of the town that would become New Vienna, Iowa, still stands 128 years later. His great-grandson Kevin Vorwald still lives on the family property.
Kevin’s great-grandfather was the first mayor of the town when he planted the tree. Though New Vienna was founded in 1843, it wasn’t incorporated until some 50 years later, long after Iowa became a state in 1846. Kevin says his great-great-grandfather married a girl whose father bought the land from the government when James Polk was president. Polk’s name is on the deed.
Trees are living, breathing
gifts, and may possess greater memory and intelligence than we imagine. Research has revealed that like people, trees can have elaborate, far-reaching root systems that allow them to talk to each other.
Just like us humans, trees are connected and often members of large families.
I am reminded of the late Shel Silverstein’s powerful book, “The Giving Tree,” about the relationship between a boy and an apple tree. Every tree is a giving tree. Just as I imagine how lacking a world without birds would be, I think how sad our walk on Earth would be without trees. I have often said that next to a good mother, God’s greatest creation is a tree.
Had I not chosen photojournalism, I might have become an arborist. n
Reader Challenge
Your challenge is to choose a tree that speaks to you—one that you admire and maybe even feel a connection to. Research its species and origin. Was it indigenous or a species brought to your area, transplanted from another state or even another country? Does the tree have a story? And then set out to make a photograph that captures how you feel about the tree. Consider the angle, composition, light and lens, even the time of day or night that best reveals how you see this magnificent creation.
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.
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.
NIKON D800, 34mm lens ISO 100, f/9 at 1/400
This oak stands witness to the evolution of an Iowa community.
PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
OXYGEN THERAPY THAT MOVES WITH YOU
Easy to move around with a portable oxygen concentrator.
With its reliable, pulse-dose based Intelligent Delivery Technology®, Inogen POCs are powered to provide medical grade oxygen delivery all day, every day.2
Up to 12 hours, 45 minutes of battery life with the Inogen® Rove 6™ 3
Rove 6™
Rove 4™ Coming Soon
USES: The Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrator provides a high concentration of supplemental oxygen to patients requiring respiratory therapy on a prescriptive basis. It may be used in home, institution, vehicle, and various mobile environments. DO NOT USE IF: This device is not intended to be used in any way other than described in the indications for use. Do not use in parallel or series with other oxygen concentrators or oxygen therapy devices. This device is to be used as an oxygen supplement and is not intended to be life sustaining or life supporting. ONLY use this product if the patient is capable of spontaneous breath, able to inhale and exhale without the use of a machine. The conserving, or pulse dose, oxygen delivery technique used by this device is contraindicated in persons whose breathing during normal resting would be unable to trigger the device. Proper device triggering, setup and operation must be confirmed by an experienced clinician or other respiratory professional. Not for pediatric use. Not for use by tracheotomized patients. WARNINGS: The device produces enriched oxygen gas, which accelerates combustion. Do not allow smoking or open flames within 2m (6.56ft) of this device while in use. If you feel ill or uncomfortable, or if the concentrator does not signal an oxygen pulse and you are unable to hear and/or feel the oxygen pulse, consult your equipment provider and/or your physician immediately. If you are unable to communicate discomfort, you may require additional monitoring and or a distributed alarm system to convey the information about the discomfort and or the medical urgency to your responsible caregiver to avoid harm. Use only spare parts recommended by the manufacturer to ensure proper function and to avoid the risk of fire and burns. To avoid danger of choking or strangulation hazard, keep cords away from children and pets. TALK TO YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: The oxygen flow setting must be determined and recorded for each patient individually by the prescriber, including the configuration of the device, its parts, and the accessories. It is the responsibility of the patient to periodically reassess the setting(s) of the therapy for effectiveness. The proper placement and positioning of the prongs of the nasal cannula in the nose is critical for oxygen to be delivered.
Inogen®
Inogen®
Are There Still
Carrier Pigeons?
Carrier pigeons, also known as homing pigeons, are the unsung heroes of avian postal services, the feathered FedEx of yesteryear. While the era of telegramtoting pigeons may seem like a distant memory, these plucky birds haven’t entirely retired their wings in the face of modern communication methods.
Are there still carrier pigeons in the 21st century? Surprisingly, there are. In the age of emails, texting and TikToks, these relatives of the rock dove haven’t thrown in the towel. And they’re pretty remarkable. A carrier pigeon can cover up to 1,000 miles of terrain or open water at speeds up to 90 mph. Dedicated pigeon enthusiasts, also known as “pigeoneers” (because why not?), continue to organize races and events to show off the remarkable navigation skills of these birds.
Carrier pigeons are trained through a long process that begins with getting accustomed to a loft, which becomes their permanent home. Trainers then gradually introduce the pigeons to short-distance flights, using positive reinforcement. The distances increase over time to build their homing instincts.
You might wonder, “What’s the point of using pigeons when I can send a text faster?” Well, dear reader, it’s not just that pigeons offer a certain old-world charm. In some areas, particularly in rural regions or during events where conventional communication can falter, pigeons swoop in (quite literally) to save the day.
Carrier pigeons have played heroic roles throughout history as reliable messengers, often in situations where human communication was challenging or dangerous. During times of war, these feathered couriers were employed to transmit vital military messages across
enemy lines, contributing to the success of strategic operations.
Their remarkable ability to navigate over long distances and deliver messages swiftly and accurately made them indispensable in military campaigns, earning them a lasting place in communication history. There’s even a heroic taxidermized pigeon called Cher Ami in the Smithsonian Museum.
Today’s carrier pigeons face modern challenges, such as aerial traffic and the ever-present threat of predators. They’re sort of like the airborne equivalent of mail carriers dodging dogs, with a dash of Hitchcockian drama thrown in for good measure.
The technology behind pigeon communication has also evolved. Forget scrolls tied to their legs—today’s carrier pigeons might carry microchips or GPS trackers, turning them into avian data carriers.
Carrier pigeons wear colored leg bands and are accustomed to being handled by humans. If you find a tired or disoriented banded pigeon, it will be vulnerable to predators. Put it somewhere safe, like a garage or a large dog crate lined with paper, provide water in a bowl about 1 inch deep, and offer dried oats, corn, peas, sunflower seeds or wild bird seed. Allow it to rest for a day or two, then release it.
Though they may not have Twitter accounts or Instagram pages, carrier pigeons continue to wing their way into the hearts of many, reminding us that, in the grand tapestry of communication, there’s always room for a bit of whimsy.
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.
Across
Across
1 What many do on the Sabbath (4)
What many do on the Sabbath (4)
3 Decade that is less than a decade away (8)
9 Sculpted figures (7)
Decade that is less than a decade away (8)
10 Admiral’s command (5)
11 Rigorously precise (12)
14 The Southern 500 has 367 of these (3)
16 Unit of length, in London (5)
17 Gambling cube (3)
Sculpted figures (7) Admiral's command (5)
18 Gratitude; increase in value (12)
21 “____ the fruited plain!” (5)
22 Use for a warehouse (7)
23 Official one in church; senior politician (8)
24 Close in proximity (4)
Rigorously precise (12)
Down
1 Look or be like (8)
The Southern 500 has 367 of these (3)
2 Brainy (5)
4 Belongs to him (3)
5 Cool appliance (12)
6 It’s separated from Iceland by a sea (and a “c”) (7)
Unit of length, in London (5)
7 Adjusts, as a clock (4)
8 Places for groceries (12)
12 Upstairs room that ticks boxes (5)
Gambling cube (3)
13 Comet seen on December 24 (8)
15 Popular theater snack (6)
19 Spitting ____, exact likeness (5)
20 Handy source of coconuts (4)
Gratitude; increase in value (12) "____the fruited plain!" (5)
Use for a warehouse (7)
Official one in church; senior politician (8)
Close in proximity (4)
Easter Sunday DINNER MENU
Garlic and Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops
2 pounds thick-cut lamb rib chops
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
¼ cup olive oil
Combine the garlic, rosemary, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, lemon zest and olive oil in a measuring cup.
Pour the marinade over the lamb chops, flipping them over to cover completely. Cover and marinate the chops in the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to as long as overnight.
Let the lamb chops come to room temperature before grilling.
Grill the lamb chops on medium heat for 7 to 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 135 F.
Allow the lamb chops to rest on a plate covered with aluminum foil for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
PHOTO BY KATIE WILCOX
Simple Roasted Asparagus
2 pounds fresh asparagus
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Heat oven to 400 F.
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 lemons, cut in wedges
If the stalks of the asparagus are thick, peel the bottom half of each. Lay them in a single layer on a sheet pan spread with aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with pepper and salt.
Roast until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and return to the oven for another minute. Serve with lemon wedges.
Spinach Pomegranate Salad
Salad
10-ounce bag baby spinach leaves, rinsed and drained
½ cup walnut pieces
½ cup crumbled feta
Vinaigrette
¼ cup aged balsamic vinegar
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 to 3 tablespoons honey
¼ medium red onion, sliced thin
¼ cup alfalfa sprouts
½ cup pomegranate seed
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper
Combine all vinaigrette ingredients. Shake well.
Duchess Potatoes
2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Salt
¼ cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 large egg yolks
Place potatoes in a medium to large pot, and cover with a few inches of cold water. Add a few teaspoons of salt to the water. Bring to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are forktender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
While the potatoes are boiling, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, and set aside. You will use this butter to coat the potatoes right before they go into the oven.
Heat the oven to 425 F.
When the potatoes are cooked, drain in a colander. Put the potatoes back in the pot, and set over low heat. Allow them to release steam for a minute or two.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter, and mash the potatoes until the butter has been incorporated. Add the nutmeg, black pepper and heavy cream. Continue mashing the potatoes. Once everything is incorporated, add salt to taste. Add the egg yolks. Continue to mash until the mixture is smooth. Do not over-mash, or your potatoes will end up with a gluey consistency.
Put the mashed potatoes in a piping bag with a large star point. Pipe the potatoes onto a cookie sheet. Brush the swirled edges with melted butter so they brown nicely in the oven.
Bake until nicely browned, about 20 minutes. Serve hot from the oven.
Place spinach in a salad bowl. Top with walnuts, feta, red onion, alfalfa sprouts and pomegranate seeds. Drizzle with vinaigrette.
1 package yellow cake mix
3.4-ounce package instant pistachio pudding mix
Icing
3.4-ounce package instant pistachio pudding mix
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
¾ cup cold whole milk
Heat oven to 350 F.
4 large eggs
1 cup club soda
½ cup canola oil
2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar ½ cup chopped walnuts for garnish
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, soda and oil. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes.
Pour into a greased and floured 10-inch fluted tube pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting, beat the pudding mix, cream, milk, and confectioners’ sugar on high in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. Frost cake. Sprinkle with walnuts. Refrigerate until serving.
Pistachio Pudding Cake Cake
MPD Electric Scholarship Committee presents:
The MPD 2024/25Scholarship
Open to children of current MPD Electric Cooperative members, this scholarship is available to those who plan to, or are currently attending any 2-year or 4-year college as a full-time student. Annual awards available are up to $9,500!
Apply online at www.mpd.coop
The application deadline is Friday, March 29th!
• Selected applicants will be required to provide a final transcript before issuance of scholarship.
• Scholarships will be renewed each semester of attendance, not exceeding the two- or four-year limit, based on cumulative GPA obtained within each year the scholarships have been applied. Payment will be sent to the financial-aid business office of the applicant’s chosen school each qualifying semester and applied to the recipient's school account.
• To renew the scholarship, recipients must maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher, based on a 4.0 scale.
• Student progress will be reviewed annually following each academic school year. Students who fall below the minimum GPA requirement and full-time status of at least 12 hours each semester will be ineligible to further receive the scholarship.
• Students who are eligible for the LIFE or HOPE scholarships, or other academic scholarships, are eligible to receive the scholarship. In such cases, the amount of the MPD Scholarship may be used to supplement the other scholarships received, but the total scholarship package may not exceed the total cost of the college’s tuition and fees.
Deadline March 29, 2024. Current transcript and completed scholarship application
Please submit online at mpd.coop
For questions, call Katie Wilcox at 843-292-4387.
Applications will be narrowed down and selected for an interview process in May.
By Robin Howard
Chemically known as magnesium sulfate, Epsom salts have been celebrated for their versatility for centuries. Harvested from natural mineral springs, this compound is widely used for many applications, from gardening to promoting relaxation and pain relief.
Epsom salts’ story begins in 1619 in the town of Epsom in Surrey, England, where the compound was first identified and discovered in mineral springs. A local cow herder realized his cows wouldn’t drink the water despite the area being in a drought. However, they would wade in it, and the cows that waded in the water had cuts that healed faster than those that didn’t. Thanks to an observant cow herder, the salt quickly gained popularity for its therapeutic properties. Over time, its use expanded beyond medicinal purposes.
Epsom salts owe their beneficial properties to two key components: magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium is an essential mineral. It plays a significant role in muscle and nerve function, as well as the regulation of blood sugar and blood pressure. Epsom salts are a natural source of magnesium, which can be absorbed through the skin or digestive system, providing various health benefits.
Sulfate, a form of sulfur, is essential
for multiple biological processes, such as building and repairing DNA, helping metabolize food, detoxifying, and contributing to the health of joints, skin and other tissues.
Health Benefits of Epsom Salts
Perhaps best known for their health benefits, Epsom salts can help provide relief in numerous ways.
Relaxation and stress reduction. Epsom salts are renowned for their ability to promote relaxation and alleviate stress. Adding Epsom salts to a warm bath helps soothe muscles and relax the mind, making it a perfect choice for unwinding after a long day.
Pain relief. Magnesium can help relieve muscle and joint pain when absorbed through the skin. Epsom salts baths or compresses are often recommended for individuals with sore muscles, arthritis or headaches.
Constipation relief. Epsom salts can be used as a gentle laxative to alleviate constipation. When ingested—for adults, two teaspoons in 8 ounces of water—it draws water into the intestines, softening the stool and facilitating bowel movements.
Skin health. Epsom salts’ exfoliating properties can benefit the skin. Mixed with olive oil to make a paste, it helps
A Natural Wonder
remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin smoother and more vibrant. It can also be used to relieve skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Detoxification. The sulfate in Epsom salts aids detoxification by flushing out toxins and heavy metals from the body. A detox bath with Epsom salts can help cleanse and rejuvenate the system.
Improving sleep. A warm Epsom salts bath can promote better sleep by relaxing the body and easing tension, making it an excellent bedtime ritual for those who struggle with insomnia.
Beauty and Personal Care
Epsom salts’ benefits extend beyond health, making them a valuable addition to beauty and personal care routines. Epsom salts can add volume to and remove excess oil from hair. They can be mixed with a regular shampoo for a thorough scalp and hair cleansing.
salts is a great way to rejuvenate tired and sore feet. It can also help alleviate conditions such as athlete’s foot and ingrown toenails.
Epsom salts’ gentle exfoliating properties make them an effective
body scrub. By removing dead skin cells, an Epsom salts scrub leaves the skin refreshed and radiant.
Blackhead removal. Epsom salts can be combined with a small amount of warm water to make a homemade mask for removing blackheads and minimizing pores. Allow the paste to sit on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse.
Hand and nail care. Epsom salts baths benefit the health of hands and nails, softening cuticles and promoting healthy nail growth.
Gardening and Plant Care
Epsom salts are not just for humans’ wellbeing. They are also a valuable aid in gardening and plant care.
Fertilizer. Epsom salts are a safe and cost-effective fertilizer that can enhance plant growth. They provide essential nutrients, promoting healthy foliage and blooms in roses, tomatoes and peppers, especially if they’re growing in containers.
Plant stress relief. Epsom salts can help plants recover from stress, including transplant shock and damage from overfertilization.
Pest control. When used as a natural pest control remedy, Epsom salts can deter slugs, snails and other garden pests.
Improved seed germination. Soaking seeds in an Epsom salts solution before planting can improve germination rates and overall plant growth.
Household Uses
Epsom salts’ usefulness doesn’t stop at personal care or gardening. They also have applications in various household chores:
Tile and grout cleaner. Epsom salts can be used as an effective and eco-friendly cleaner for bathroom tiles and grout, breaking down soap scum and mold.
Laundry booster. Adding Epsom salts to your laundry can help soften hard water, brighten colors and remove detergent residue from clothes.
you’re buying 100% magnesium sulfate. Avoid scents. Epsom salts are sometimes sold with added scents such as lavender or eucalyptus, which should not be taken orally and may cause urinary tract irritation.
Allergies and sensitivities. Some individuals may be sensitive to Epsom salts. If you experience skin irritation or discomfort, discontinue use.
Oven cleaner. Epsom salts are a natural abrasive that can aid in scrubbing and cleaning your oven without harsh chemicals.
Considerations
While Epsom salts offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to keep a few precautions in mind: Make sure they Read the label to be sure
Oral ingestion. While Epsom salts can be ingested orally for their laxative effect, they should be used with caution and as directed by your doctor. Don’t use them if you have kidney disease or a magnesiumrestricted diet.
Open wounds. Don’t use Epsom salts if you have an open wound, burn or skin infection.
Hydration. After an Epsom salts bath or oral ingestion, stay well-hydrated to prevent dehydration.
Consult a professional. If you have underlying health conditions or concerns, consult a healthcare provider before using Epsom salts for medicinal purposes.
Epsom salts enhance beauty and personal care routines. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY JPCPROD
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY OTELLOSTPDC
Fun Festivals&
MARCH 8-16
The Play that Goes Wrong
Welcome to opening night of the Cornley University Drama Society’s newest production, “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” where things go from bad to disastrous. Visit orencelittletheater.org for tickets.
FLORENCE LITTLE THEATER
417 S. Dargan St., Florence
MARCH 11
An Evening of Laughter, featuring Je Foxworthy Join this comedian for a night of laughter. Proceeds bene t the House of Hope of the Pee Dee.
6:30 p.m.
FLORENCE CENTER
3300 W. Radio Drive, Florence
MARCH 14
The Palmetto Mastersingers
With a repertoire ranging from spirituals to show tunes, “South Carolina’s Musical Ambassadors” preserve the unique sound of men’s choral music. Tickets are $20.
7:30 p.m.
THE BEAN MARKET
111 Henry St., Lake City
MARCH 15
Lucky Shamrock Festival
This St. Patrick’s Day block party includes live music, food, drinks and a kid zone.
5:30-9:30 p.m.
100 S. Dargan St., Florence
MARCH 23
Snow White
MARCH 15
Lucky Shamrock Festival
MARCH 16
Humane Society of Dillon County Chili Cook-O
Keep warm with a bowl of chili during the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. Sampling is $5.
11 a.m.-2p.m.
FOUNTAIN PLAZA Downtown Dillon
MARCH 16
Mullins Backyard 5K, BBQ and Bog O
Bring the family for fun, tness and food. For more information, call Ogleretta White at 843-464-9583, ext. 6.
9 a.m.-6 p.m.
MULLINS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
207 W. Buck St., Mullins
MARCH 16
Helicopter Egg Drop
Meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy egg hunts and farm fun. For more information, visit mcarthurfarms.com.
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
MCARTHUR FARMS
1708 SC-38, Bennettsville
MARCH 18
Florence Symphony Orchestra presents The WannaBeatles
The WannaBeatles commemorate the 60th anniversary of the rst United States Beatles performance.
7:30-9 p.m.
FMU PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
201 S. Dargan St., Florence
MARCH 23
Easter Eggstravaganza
Volunteers hide eggs throughout Coker University’s lawn for children to nd.
10 a.m.-noon
THE CITY OF HARTSVILLE
300 E. College Ave., Hartsville
APRIL 3
Harlem Globetrotters World Tour
MARCH 18
The WannaBeatles events@marlboro.coop
MARCH 23
Snow White – South Carolina Ballet
This production transports you to a world of pure wonder.
7:30 p.m.
FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY
201 S. Dargan St., Florence
MARCH 30
Eggstravaganza 2024
More than 20,000 eggs are hidden in the garden, along with crafts, games and a visit from the Easter Bunny. If bought in advance, tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 1 to 18 years old, and free for children 1 and younger.
10 a.m.-noon
MOORE FARMS
BOTANICAL GARDEN
100 New Zion Road, Lake City
APRIL 3
Harlem Globetrotters World Tour
See the Globetrotter stars as they dribble, spin and dunk their way past their relentless rivals.
7 p.m.
FLORENCE CENTER
3300 W. Radio Drive, Florence
APRIL 6
Ribs and Rods
The ribs are calling your tastebuds and the cars are calling to your inner greaser. Come take in some food and music as judges award winners in the cook o and car show. Registration is still open.
11 a.m.-8 p.m.
MAIN STREET
Clio
For the Love of Pimento Cheese
By Judy Garrison
My first memory of pimento cheese takes me back to dinner on the grounds after Sunday services at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Long concrete-slab tables were topped as far as the eye could see with casseroles, fried chicken and banana pudding. Women uncovered Blue Bonnet CorningWare dishes and slapped away children’s hands.
Always near the end of the menagerie of plates and bowls, hidden among the congealed salads, were white triangles of bread oozing with orange. I knew it was loaf bread with the crust sliced off, but as for the orange ooze, I had no clue. It was years later when I learned about pimento cheese and its place on the Southern table.
Known as Carolina caviar or Southern pâté, pimento cheese got its start in New York in the late 1800s when canned red
peppers were shipped from Spain. Its two ingredients—cream cheese and pimentos— became all the rage in the South.
After World War II, cream cheese shifted to hoop cheese then to cheddar held together with mayonnaise. It was affordable yet elegant. Pimento cheese, in all of its creative forms, now intensifies the menu of any restaurant that claims its Southern roots.
“Pimento cheese remains a personal favorite I have enjoyed since baby days in Atlanta,” food and wine journalist Doc Lawrence says. “My mother was a gifted self-taught Southern cook, and her children regularly had pimento cheese sandwiches packed in (their) school lunches.”
Market shelves and refrigerated sections display a variety of unpretentious pimento cheese: spicy, smoked and chunky. However, once grandmothers and moms began
making the spread at home, there was no turning back. Each had her favorite style.
When World War I began, Eugenia Duke wanted to help the war effort. She and her daughter whipped up sandwiches for the soldiers in Greenville, South Carolina, before they shipped overseas.
At 10 cents apiece, the classic egg salad, chicken salad and pimento cheese sandwiches created an empire.
“Mayonnaise is a big deal for many,” Doc says. “We seemed to have different ones, and I don’t recall any objections. We used what was available. Funerals, weddings, birthdays, Wednesday night church suppers, dinner on the grounds and picnics always included something with pimento cheese. Others would gussy up their versions adding sliced olives and what I perceived to be some spices.
“We seemed to always have it in the refrigerator. Custom-made, available
The low country hashbrowns at Cafe Strudel include hashbrowns, grilled shrimp, fried green tomatoes, green onions, bacon and pimento cheese. PHOTOS BY LEN GARRISON, SEEING SOUTHERN
to enjoy on crackers, on celery ribs or sandwiches: white bread, mayonnaise and the orange-colored spread.”
A
Festival and an Iconic Sandwich
In Cary, North Carolina, the cheese is spread each June at the Pimento Cheese Festival.
Everyone has heard of—but few have eaten—the famed $1.50 pimento cheese sandwich, an icon wrapped in green translucent plastic served at the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. The origins of this recipe are believed to have started in Aiken, South Carolina.
A
Pimento Cheese Route
Move east to Columbia, and you’ll find one of the oldest pimento cheese recipes was printed in a 1912 fundraising cookbook, “A Friend in Need.”
It is here in Columbia that restaurants attempt to create the creme de la creme of pimento cheese dishes and highlight them with the Pimento Cheese Passport.
There are 16 eateries included in the Columbia SC Pimento Cheese Passport. Download the mobile passport at www.experiencecolumbiasc.com/pimentocheese-passport. Information on eatery websites and an interactive map are provided.
Following are a few stops found along the pimento cheese route.
Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits
If I had known pimento cheese would taste this amazing, I would have picked up that triangle of bread long ago. I must confess, Rambo’s was my favorite stop on the passport journey.
Replacing the bread triangle is a Fat Cat biscuit, and there are no complaints here. The chipotle pimento cheese and sausage biscuit draws a crowd in the Soda City suburb of Columbia. Rambo’s house-made sausage and signature pimento cheese starts the day with a bang.
For more information, visit www.fatcatcolumbia.com.
Cafe Strudel West Columbia
Make sure you’re hungry when you arrive at Cafe Strudel. Its plates are piled
high with hash browns, topped with grilled shrimp, and layered with fried green tomatoes, green onions, bacon and pimento cheese.
Lunch or dinner calls for the fried green tomatoes appetizer dripping in pimento cheese and bacon jam.
For more information, visit www.cafestrudel.com.
Midwood Smokehouse
Worlds collide at the smokehouse with barbecue, cheese and fries.
The pimento cheese fries are homemade and topped with pimento cheese, and chopped pork or brisket.
For more information, visit www.midwoodsmokehouse.com.
River Rat Brewery
River Rat Brewery has the ideal atmosphere for a Southern tradition. Order a pint and a pimento cheese appetizer served warm with tortilla chips. Once the cheese grabs you, order the pimento cheese quesadilla topped with sour cream, salsa and your favorite meat.
Go crazy with the pimento chicken or brisket Philly: pimento cheese, brined chicken or smoked brisket, green peppers and onion on a hoagie. It’s a definite star.
For more information, visit www.riverratbrewery.com.
Sandwich Depot
Sometimes, you can’t get any better than the original. However, the choice of bread is a change. No white bread here—they choose grilled jalapeno cornbread at Sandwich Depot.
For more information, visit sandwichdepotsc.com.
Terra
Doc’s Pimento Cheese
Doc Lawrence’s idea of the perfect summer afternoon includes a dash of pimento cheese.
“On a blazing summer afternoon, “I like to enjoy a dry white wine with pimento cheese on crackers or on celery rib, an albarino from Spain or a sparkling Gruet from New Mexico,” he says.
Doc’s secret to an afternoon of culinary delight: his own pimento cheese recipe, which he borrowed in bits and pieces from chefs around the South. His only lament: This recipe uses Hellmann’s mayonnaise and not Duke’s.
Pimento Cheese
½ cup Hellmann’s mayonnaise
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces cream cheese
4 tablespoons diced pimentos
2 teaspoons grated onion
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Dash of Tabasco sauce
Mix ingredients, cover and refrigerate. Enjoy.
Spotted Salamander
Located in Columbia’s historic district, this small intimate cafe dishes out homemade pimento cheese spread with toasted baguettes.
Open for lunch, Chef Jessica Shillato creates light, local fare that compliments any sunny afternoon.
For more information, visit www.spottedsalamandercatering.com.
When you want simple food for dinner, it doesn’t get any better than woodoven pizza.
The pimento cheeseburger pizza draws crowds into Terra. Terra compliments its homemade pimento cheese with the Italian tradition of wood-fired meats and crusts.
For more information, visit www.terrasc.com.
DIY Seed Bombs
What better way to celebrate spring than by spreading wildflowers with do-it-yourself seed bombs?
Seed bombs—also known as seed balls— are a fun and easy way to plant beautiful flowers. This ancient method of sowing seeds into balls of clay keeps seeds from washing or blowing away and protects them from the mouths of hungry birds and insects before germination.
Unlike traditional seed-planting methods, which can often be time consuming and require spacing, this technique ensures the seeds are already planted, while saving you the back pain that often comes from sowing directly into the ground.
Scatter the seed bombs in your desired areas and let Mother Nature take its course. This makes for a carefree way to brighten up any landscape with flowers, while also providing essential habitat and food for pollinators.
The simplicity of this method encourages people to embrace the joys of gardening and makes the perfect hands-on activity to do with children. Seed balls can also easily be made in bulk to give as gifts or party favors for teachers, friends and neighbors. Give the bees and butterflies something to buzz about, and spread the joy of wildflowers all around with this DIY gift.
Supplies Needed
• Potting soil.
• Clay mix (white air-dry clay is readily available in the arts and craft section of stores, but red clay powder is also a great option).
• Native wildflower seeds of your choice.
• Large container to mix ingredients.
• Large box to dry and store seed balls.
• Optional: Dried or pressed flowers, for decor purposes.
How to Make Seed Balls
Step 1: Roll a small amount of clay into a ball in the palm of your hand, then press it down on a flat surface to create a small disc wide enough to hold about 2 tablespoons of potting soil. You want a ratio of about 4 parts clay to 1 part soil mix.
If you are adding decorative dried flower petals to the outside, attach them by pressing them, face up, into the clay. Then flip the disc over, and place potting soil or compost to the center of the disc, followed by a pinch of seeds on top of the dirt.
Step 2: Seal the opening of the clay by folding the edges upward and pinching them together at the top, encasing the soil and seed mixture inside the clay. Gently roll the seed bomb in your hand until you have a smooth ball. Repeat with remaining materials.
Feel free to use a little bit of water if your clay mix begins to dry out and becomes harder to work with. Simply wet your fingers as you are rolling to bring it back to a desired texture for shaping, and smooth out any wrinkles.
Another fun option is to press your dough balls into fun shapes with ice cube trays or cookie cutter molds.
Step 3: When you are done rolling all your seed balls, place them on parchment paper, wax paper or cardboard and let them air dry. This process will take a day or two depending on how humid conditions are.
Once the seed balls are completely dry, they can be stored in a cool, dry and dark place until you are ready to use them. You can also wrap them individually in cute fabric scraps, tied with a tag and ribbon to use as a gift.
It’s best to use your seed balls in early spring or fall. Simply toss them into areas you would like to cover in wildflowers. This produces a natural method of seed dispersion that mimics Mother Nature.
Wait a few weeks after good rainfall for the seeds to begin sprouting. If you prefer a more intentional look, you can place the seed balls on top of soil in your garden in a layout of your choosing. No need to plant, just press them gently into the dirt.
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.
Seed bombs are an easy and creative way to plant flowers this spring. PHOTOS BY BRANDI FAULK
Minimal Organic Circle Hoops, $42
Discover the perfect mix of bold style and timeless elegance with these hoop earrings from Freshie and Zero.
Hoops have been a fashionable statement earring for ages and for good reason. While most trends come and go, some variation of hoop earrings have remained in style. The right pair of hoops has the power to pull any look together. They add an effortless elegance to even the most basic wardrobe staples in your closet.
Hoop earrings bring a youthful playfulness to any look, while also working to frame and accentuate the features of your face. Hand-formed and hammered from sturdy metal with a shiny gold tone, these earrings have a unique textured pattern that is sure to catch the eye.
Lightweight and easy to wear, this bestselling customer favorite makes a great choice for your everyday jewelry collection.
Freshie and Zero’s curated collection of hand-hammered jewelry designs includes chic pieces for all occasions. You can find its collection of bracelets, earrings, necklaces and more at more than 150 independent retailers across the country, as well as on Etsy, Uncommon Goods and its website.
freshieandzero.com
Poppies Embroidery Kit, $40
Ready to learn how to stitch like a pro and jump into the world of embroidery with this DIY embroidery kit?
Whether you are a beginner looking to elevate your crafting skills or searching for the perfect gift, Snuggly Monkey has the embroidery kit for you.
Each kit comes with everything you need to get started. Kits include an oval beechwood hoop, blue pattern
fabric, a transfer pattern, full skeins of thread, a needle, backing materials, and fullcolor printed instructions with plenty of pictures and details to guide you through the design.
Dozens of patterns are available and are original designs derived from a community of independent artisans who have kept embroidery enthusiasts
returning to Snuggly Monkey since 2011.
Snuggly Monkey is a onestop shop for all your hand embroidery, sashiko and crossstitching needs, with premium craft supplies including thread, tools, notions, and a carefully curated selection of fabric, organizers and kawaii stationery items.
snugglymonkey.com
Creme Brulee Candle, $24
Recreate the smell of this classic French treat in any room of your home with the sweet aroma of the Creme Brulee Candle by Honey Studio.
Indulge in the fragrance of rich and creamy vanilla custard with tempting notes of caramelized sugar and maple. This ivory candle sits in a charming reusable glass jar. Made of 100% pure soy wax, each candle is hand-poured in small batches for a premium, ecofriendly candle that is free of toxins, parabens, phthalates and cruelty. The soy makes for a cleaner burn that lasts longer than traditional candles crafted with paraffin wax and without the soot.
Designed to create a welcoming atmosphere for family and friends, Honey Studio candles are available in more than 10 scents, such as the new Blueberry Cheesecake, Beach Bonfire, Chai Latte and Jasmine White Tea. Make your life sweeter with Honey Studio’s candles. Grab your favorite scent today, or get your own discovery set to smell them all. Every purchase helps support local nonprofit animal rescue.
honeystudio.co
Why Not Belgium?
From medieval charms to metropolitan wonders, the country offers multiple delights
Story and photos by Vikki Moran
Do you like food from all over the world? Would you enjoy experiencing Belgian fries, which are nothing like any french fries you’ve ever tasted? Do you have a chocolate passion bordering fanaticism? What about exploring a variety of beers that encompasses many styles and complexities?
If you answered yes to these questions, Belgium deserves to be on the same bucket list as Rome, Paris and London.
It has long been a mystery to travel agents and writers alike that Americans do not flock to Belgium. This beautiful country is compact enough to explore its entirety in the time you would allot to any of the aforementioned cities. A sevenday adventure throughout the country is easy by train or car.
ADOBESTOCKIMAGEBY
Brussels
The Brussels airport is convenient and easy to navigate. Easily accessible and frequent trains from the airport connect travelers to new and unique European settings. Elevators throughout the station provide an alternative to those who may not want to use stairs. The local languages are French, Flemish and English, making communication a breeze.
The bustling city of Brussels is the administrative center of the European Union and the capital of Belgium. Dotted with restaurants and breweries showcasing food from around the world, the streets of Brussels are winding and seemingly unending.
Brussels is known for its beer-making prowess. Selections range in alcohol content and include nonalcoholic options. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Beer-sampling tours are available within the city, but if you are feeling decadent, a tour that adds chocolate-tasting stops is easily found.
The bars are fun and pepper the streets of Brussels. Poechenellekelder is a bar with a great mix of travelers and locals as patrons. The beer is excellent and the conversations lively. Another great option in Brussels—and all over Belgium—is Delirium cafes. With the largest Delirium in Brussels, the cafés offer food, hundreds of beers on tap and countless bottled varieties.
Artisan Chocolatier Mary is the most famous chocolate shop in Brussels. It opened in 1919 and holds the prestigious Royal Warrant from the Belgium monarchy. If the shop is too busy to enter—and this does happen—fear not. There are other alternatives, including Neuhaus, Laurent Gerbaud, The Belgian Chocolate Makers and Pierre Marcolini.
If you get your fill of eating and drinking your way through the streets, head to the architectural marvel of La Grand-Place in the center of Brussels. Embodying the mercantile city of Europe at its peak in the early centuries, La Grand-Place was laid in ruins by Louis XIV in 1695. Destroyed in merely three days, this UNESCO Heritage Site underwent a rebuilding campaign—the speed and magnificence of which is a source of pride for Belgians.
Two whimsical stops in Brussels are Museum of Musical Instruments and Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate. The best places to people-watch are Bois de la Cambre Park and Cinquantenaire Park.
Bruges
Picturesque Bruges is a medieval fairy tale city come to life. Guidebooks may recommend just one or two days to visit Bruges, but extend your stay if you have the time.
Like most cities in Belgium, Bruges is easy to navigate by foot and water. Horse-drawn carriages make their way through cobblestone streets, passing street musicians playing as if they were performing in Carnegie Hall.
Bruges’ churches hold religious relics that draw Christian pilgrims from all over. Church of Our Lady has been restored and holds many works of art and tombs, including the Madonna of Bruges. It is the only Michelangelo sculpture taken outside of Italy during the master’s lifetime. The marble sculpture depicts the virgin and child, a serene expression on both figures’ faces.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is another spiritual treasure. The basilica holds a precious, venerated small vial that is said to contain a cloth with the blood of Jesus, brought to the city from Alsace in the 12th century after the Second Crusade. Every May since before the 13th century, the Procession of the Holy Blood escorts the relic around the perimeter of the city walls and commemorates the freeing of Bruges from the French.
Market Square is the center of everything in Bruges and where the iconic Belfry of Bruges resides. The tower is worth the long trek up the spiraling stairs for the view. The bells toll as they did in medieval times, with alternating bells indicating the time.
The most captivating piece of the bell tower is the 16th-century carillon—a musical instrument that consists
of 47 bronze bells and is played with a keyboard—that a carillonneur plays at daily concerts.
A not-to-be-missed experience is a narrated, guided canal ride through Bruges. Swans swim in the picturesque canals while riders pass by. Scheduled trips leave frequently, fitting into just about any itinerary.
Bruges delivers museums, art galleries, chocolate, beer and, of course, Belgian fries (dipped in mayo, not ketchup). The city stands out with undeniable charm.
Ghent, Leuven and Flanders Field
The region of Flanders, in the northern part of Belgium, is generally Dutch-speaking and agriculturally rich. It is home to Flanders Field, and therein lies the importance of a visit.
The Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial is tranquil and engaging. Sweeping willow trees and lovely landscaping surround the cemetery, creating a quiet, reverent home for the 368 heroes buried there. These young men gave their lives liberating Belgium in World War I.
Ghent is a city with a younger vibe. Enormous city squares are entertaining and vibrant in the evenings. While here, experience and explore medieval monasteries, modern cafes and restaurants, museums and castles. The Geeraard de Duivelsteen (“The Castle of Geeraard the Devil”) is just one medieval fortress/castle.
Stop by Al Castello Gravensteen for pizza. Try one that has a sour cream sauce under the toppings.
If there is a modern-day place to see and be seen in Belgium, it is Leuven, a train stop east of Brussels. A college town with the magic of medieval roots, Leuven offers lively breweries and fun late nights.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Ghents Korenmakt Square glistens on a rainy evening. Canal cruising is relaxing and magical. Brussels is proud of its world cuisine, including the treats from this Middle Eastern dessert shop. Market Square is the site of the world-famous Bell Tower.
Turn Your Yard Into a Certified Wildlife Habitat
By Jodi Helmer
Habitat destruction, pollution, forest fires, farming, climate change, invasive species and pesticide use are shrinking wildlife habitats, causing big problems for small creatures. Research shows 48% of animal species are declining worldwide, and habitat loss is the main cause.
1973. To date, there are more than 250,000 certified habitats across the United States.
Other organizations, including the Audubon Society, North American Butterfly Association and Monarch Watch, also introduced certification programs that provide instructions for saving the birds and bees, plus plaques to honor the efforts.
sources. In South Carolina, wild columbine, coral honeysuckle and spotted bee balm are among the native species that serve as excellent sources of nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies.
To encourage gardeners to make their landscapes more welcoming to wildlife— and help combat habitat loss—several conservation organizations created certification programs that honor gardeners for their efforts to protect wildlife.
The National Wildlife Federation created its Certified Wildlife Habitat program in
Most wildlife habitat certifications have five requirements:
Provide nutritious foods. Your garden can serve up the pollen, fruit, seeds and nuts that wildlife depend on. A landscape that includes at least three distinct food sources is essential to certification as a wildlife habitat.
The food sources you choose depend on the size of your space. Pecan and peach trees are great additions to large properties, while a few rows of strawberries or passionflower vines are better for a suburban backyard.
Native plants are also excellent food
Your wildlife habitat can include birdfeeders, but the seeds shouldn’t be the main food source for wildlife. They are often less nutritious than the berries, nuts, fruits and seeds that birds eat in the wild.
Create a beverage station. Water is essential for wildlife. Ponds, creeks and other natural water sources do count toward certification, but a certified wildlife habitat can also include bird baths, fountains and even shallow dishes of water where wildlife can stop for a sip.
Consider placing the basin of a birdbath on the ground instead of on a pedestal so turtles, rabbits and other small creatures can access it, too. You need at least one source of water in your garden to earn certification.
Remember to change the water often to ensure it’s clean. In the winter, when it’s harder for wildlife to find water, break the ice in bird baths and bowls and replace it with tepid water.
Water isn’t just for drinking. Birds use shallow water for bathing; frogs, toads and other amphibians use it for shelter and breeding; and butterflies absorb nutrients from the soil/water combination found in puddles.
Give them shelter. Mature trees, shrubs, thickets, rock piles, burrows, ponds and brush piles provide wildlife with safe spaces to hide from predators or seek shelter from the elements.
Dense plantings, including hedgerows or clumps of bushes, provide more cover for wildlife and are ideal forms of shelter to include in the garden. Manmade shelters such as roosting boxes, birdhouses, butterfly boxes, insect hotels and toad abodes count toward certification—and add decorative features to the garden—but natural forms of shelter are best.
A landscape needs at least two forms of shelter to meet certification requirements as a wildlife habitat.
Make space for mating. For wildlife populations to thrive, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals need safe places to engage in courtship, mate and raise their young.
Different species have different requirements. Birds build nests in trees; snakes burrow under rock piles; and frogs depend on water sources for mating and laying eggs.
Mature trees, meadows, nesting boxes, caves, host plants for caterpillars, burrows and ponds are all important mating and nesting spots. You need at least two different options to earn certification.
Stick with sustainable gardening. Implementing sustainable gardening practices is critical. By conserving soil and water, controlling exotic species and prioritizing organic practices, you can ensure the air, water and soil are clean and healthy for wildlife.
To earn certification, you must practice at least two sustainable gardening techniques, such as saving rainwater, limiting water use, removing nonnative plants and animals, planting native plants, eliminating chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and composting.
Once you’ve ensured that your landscape meets all of the requirements, it’s time to get certified.
The process for certification varies among organizations. Most have an application process and nominal fee that goes toward supporting the environmental efforts of each nonprofit.
Although it costs extra to get a yard sign or plaque to let others know that your yard is a certified wildlife habitat, it has the added benefit of spreading the word about the impact a landscape can have on the ecosystem.
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