Currents South Carolina
A PUBLICATION OF MPD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
JANUARY 2024
REFLECTING onResilience
Fifteen years after US Airways flight 1549, a local survivor shares his recollection of the Miracle on the Hudson Page 6
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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Melvin Carabo
Preston Gainey
James Goodson
Eddie Gordon
David Howell
Sam P. “Bo” McInnis, Jr., Chairman
Robert Norton
Hamer Parnell
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New Year, Same Me?
Eat healthy. Exercise more. Stress less. Save money.
Sound familiar? Well, if you are anything like me, this is just a short list of New Year’s resolutions I have made and failed at throughout my many trips around the sun.
What is it about watching that crystal ball slowly descend in Times Square that causes us to make promises to ourselves that we know will most likely be broken by the time February rolls around? Do we think that somehow singing all the verses of “Auld Lang Syne” at the stroke of midnight will miraculously transform us into the perfect person we hope to be?
If you are a resolution maker, you’re not alone. In a poll conducted in 2022, around 37% of Americans—125 million people—claim to have made at least one New Year’s resolution that year.
If you have made a resolution in the past and failed, again, you are not alone. Researchers suggest only 8% of Americans who make resolutions complete them. In fact, research shows 23% of people quit their resolution by the first week of January, and 43% quit by the end of the month. Failing at New Year’s resolutions is so common there are even several (unofficial) dates commemorating such failures. Some cite “Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day” as January 17, while others denote the second Friday in January as “Quitter’s Day.”
You may ask yourself, “Where did this failure-prone tradition come from? Is this just another marketing tool created by gyms and health-food companies to take my hardearned money out of my wallet?”
Nope! The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first to make New Year’s resolutions some 4,000 years ago. They were also the first to hold recorded celebrations to honor the new year. The Babylonians did not celebrate New Year’s Day on January 1 but instead chose mid-March, which coincided with the planting of their crops. (Also, January and February were not added to the calendar until Julius Caesar tinkered with it in 46 B.C., but that is another story.)
Am I saying that you should give up on New Year’s resolutions altogether and accept that you will essentially be the same person in January as you were in December? Not one bit! There isn’t a better feeling than setting a goal and achieving it.
So, take some time to figure out what you would like for the new year and set some realistic goals. The beauty of goal setting is that you don’t need a ball to drop to signal a fresh start. If you find yourself slipping, you can recommit to your resolutions anytime. If all else fails, June 1 is unofficially known by many as “New Year’s Resolution Recommitment Day,” so just get back on the resolution wagon then.
Happy new year, and God bless you and your family. Here’s to an amazing 2024, with or without successful New Year’s resolutions.
MELVIN CARABO
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
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
South Carolina Currents (issue 57) 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!
Savor Some She-Crab Soup
There’s a lot to love with this classic
Riverbanks Zoo offers new ways to connect with the natural world Page 22
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REFLECTING REFLECTING
The Hudson River separates New York City and Jersey City.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY FELIX MIZIOZNIKOV
ON Resilience
Fifteen years later, a local survivor shares his recollection of the Miracle on the Hudson
By Jodi Helmer
On the afternoon of January 15, 2009, Michael Nunn boarded US Airways flight 1549 from LaGuardia Airport in New York to Charlotte, North Carolina. He fastened his seat belt, settled into window seat 6F and watched the New York skyline grow smaller as the plane took off.
At 3:27 p.m., just three minutes into the flight, the Airbus A320-214 hit a flock of Canada geese and lost engine power. Following the crash, The New York Times reported the pilots saw large birds at their windshield, the crew heard a thud, the engines went quiet and the smell of burning birds filled the air.
Michael remembers looking out the window, seeing something enter the engine and then feeling the plane rock. He was seated next to a pilot returning to Charlotte and said, “I think we just had a bird strike.” The pilot agreed and guessed the plane would be returning to LaGuardia.
“What we didn’t know at that time was that the same thing happened on the other side,” Michael says. “The other engine was out, and we literally didn’t have any engines at all. The pilot sitting beside me said, ‘This doesn’t feel right.’”
Moments later, with the plane at an altitude of 2,818 feet and 41/2 miles from the airport, the pilots—Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger III and Jeffrey Skiles—came over the loudspeaker and said, “Brace for impact.”
A Change of Plans
In January 2009, Michael was working as a medical malpractice attorney and had traveled to New York from his home in Florence, South Carolina, for a deposition.
He booked a return flight scheduled to leave LaGuardia on the evening of January 15, but things were moving faster than he anticipated. He texted his assistant to see if he could rebook on an earlier flight.
“She texted back and said, ‘There is one seat left on the 3 o’clock flight. Do you want it?’” he says.
Michael boarded flight 1549 a few hours later. He remembers the flight was full, the skies were clear, the air was crisp, and the taxi and takeoff were routine.
After the bird strike disabled both engines, Sully made a mayday call to the control tower. Air traffic controllers held all other departures so US Airways flight 1549 could land. Seconds later, Sully radioed back that he was unable to return to LaGuardia and asked for other options. Air traffic controllers gave him permission to land at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey.
After an initial affirmative response, Sully radioed back, “We can’t do it. … We’re gonna be in the Hudson.”
He then advised passengers and crew to brace for impact.
Michael says the flight attendants followed suit, shouting, “Brace, brace. Head down, brace.”
“We were descending ever so slowly, and we were lined up with the river,” he says. “As we were descending, I thought this was it, that we would never survive this. So, if this is the end, I’m not putting my head down. I’m going watch this all the way down.”
Michael remembers taking comfort in his faith, saying, “I knew where I was headed,” but he was worried about his family and how they would process the news. As these thoughts filled his mind, he felt a massive deceleration.
At 3:31 p.m., the plane landed in the middle of the North River section of the Hudson— just opposite the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in Manhattan.
“Everything went forward,” he says. “Bags flew out of the overhead bins, my head hit the seat back in front of me, and it felt like the seats were going to be ripped up out of the floor.
“All of a sudden, I looked up, and the plane was floating; it didn’t fragment and break apart like I had expected that it would. We were just floating on top of the water. And I thought,
The US Airways plane is guided down the Hudson River Jan. 15, 2009. BELOW: Passengers in an inflatable raft move away from the plane after it lands in the Hudson River. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
‘There’s a chance that some of us might make it.’”
Post-incident reports found that the aircraft began a glide descent, reaching a speed of 210 knots—about 240 miles per hour—as it descended toward the ground.
The flight crew helped passengers evacuate. Michael used the emergency exit behind the cockpit where the doors were open and inflatable slides were floating in the water. Other passengers stood on the wings as water entered the plane.
As news and rescue helicopters circled overhead and divers entered the water to assist passengers who jumped from the wings of the aircraft, Michael called his wife. She picked up the phone, and he realized he had no idea what to say.
“I said, ‘Honey, a plane’s gone down, but I’m fine, and as soon as I know anything, I’ll call you back,’” he says. “(After we hung up), she put on the television and saw what was happening in real time but still had no idea I was on that flight because I was supposed to be on the later flight.”
Chaos After the Crash
Upon receiving the radio message from Sully that the plane was going to land in the Hudson River, air traffic controllers asked the Coast Guard to radio vessels in the area.
Two ferries arrived within minutes and began helping passengers aboard. Coast Guard vessels also arrived on the scene and transported passengers to docks, where New York City firefighters waited to assist.
Michael made it aboard one of the ferries and was taken to a dock on the Manhattan side of the river. The ferry terminal was filled with first responders, from paramedics and fire rescue to counselors and chaplains who handed out blankets and hot drinks. Passengers called loved ones while airline representatives made hotel arrangements. Michael calls the response “phenomenal.”
The airline offered passengers several options to get to their final destinations, from rebooking flights or arranging bus or plane tickets to coordinating longer hotel stays in New York until they felt prepared to travel. Michael was eager to return to Florence and opted to take a flight at
7 a.m. the following morning.
“I will admit that I was a little apprehensive, especially until we climbed above (the altitude) where geese flew,” he says. “But once we got going, I was OK. I was seated next to one of my fellow passengers from the day before, and she sobbed the whole way back to Charlotte. My heart broke for her.
“Everybody processes this a little differently, and my head told me this is still the safest way to travel. And I wanted to get back home.”
The Miracle on the Hudson
All 155 passengers and crew aboard US Airways Flight 1549 were rescued. There was a thorough investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board examined the plane, flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders. It confirmed a bird strike caused the engine failure.
As part of the investigation, experts used flight simulators to determine if Sully could have landed at LaGuardia or Teterboro airports. In several of the simulated settings, the plane crashed. Sully testified before the NTSB that he believed an attempt to return to an airport would have resulted in a crash, killing the passengers and crew onboard.
The board ruled that he made the correct decision, and the flight became known as the Miracle on the Hudson. An NTSB official later described it as “the most successful ditching in aviation history.”
“It was a miracle that any of us survived,” Michael says. “It was the perfect day for flying: clear and cold. The river was calm, the fuel tanks were full, and that helped in the plane being buoyant. But the main thing was that we had, at the helm of this airplane, probably the only pilot who could pull this off.”
Sully served as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force before becoming a commercial airline pilot. At the time of the crash, he had logged almost 20,000 flight hours. He also had experience as a glider pilot and glider instructor.
“What are the chances that, of the thousands of flights that took off that day, that someone with this unique ability just
happened to be on the very plane that needed that skill?” Michael asks. “That made it a miracle.”
The Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators awarded the flight crew the master’s medal in honor of its heroic and unique aviation achievement. The experience was so dramatic it was made into a movie, “Sully,” starring Tom Hanks as the pilot.
The Carolinas Aviation Museum— renamed Sullenberger Aviation Museum in 2023—bought the aircraft and its engines. It’s on display at the Charlotte museum.
Michael, along with passengers and crew, visited the museum when the plane arrived in the spring of 2009. He says it was a “very emotional, very poignant” gathering.
As the 15th anniversary of the Miracle on the Hudson approaches, Michael reflects on how the experience shaped his life.
“I think it would be hard to go through something like this without serious reflection,” he says.
Michael traded private practice for a position as in-house general counsel and public information officer for the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. The sworn law enforcement officer, now known as Major Nunn, has served as the best man at his sons’ weddings and welcomed five grandchildren because of Sully and the flight crew.
“None of us are guaranteed another day,” Michael says. “I never leave home without telling the people that I love that I love them. I’m so grateful for all of the blessings that I’ve experienced over the last 15 years. Every day is a gift, and we need to enjoy it one day at a time.”
Michael Nunn was one of 155 passengers and crew aboard the US Airways Flight 1549.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MORNING NEWS
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.
Henry C. Burn’s carpentry shop was built in 1882 next to his home in Society Hill, where he settled after serving as a Confederate soldier in the war. Henry became a representative of the Darlington District in the South Carolina House from 1890 to 1892, followed by roles as the postmaster of Society Hill from 1893 to 1900, a delegate to the South Carolina Constitutional Convention of 1895 and the Darlington County superintendent of education from 1900 to 1908. He died in 1912.
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S avor Some She-Crab Soup
There's a lot to love with this classic South Carolina dish
Story and
photos
by Libby Wiersema
She-crab soup has long been a highly prized component of South Carolina foodways. Consider this ditty from the 1950 edition of “Charleston Receipts:”
“A soup to remember! The feminine gender of crabs is expedient—the secret ingredient. The flavor essential makes men reverential who taste this collation and cry acclamation.”
Before blue crabs shuffled their way into the soup pots of Lowcountry restaurants, they were commonly found in the bubbling soup kettles of home kitchens.
Creamy and rich, she-crab soup is a much-sought-after South Carolina delicacy studded with roe and the sweet, tender meat of blue crabs, then finished with a decadent spike of sherry for good measure. Mace and nutmeg are often added as enhancements.
Like shrimp and grits, this is a dish rooted in Gullah cuisine that Lowcountry chefs gussied up by adding their own
creative touches. It is now a staple in halls of fine dining across the Lowcountry and beyond.
She Crab: An Evolution
According to culinary historian John Martin Taylor, author of “Hoppin’ John’s Lowcountry Cooking,” the forerunner of she-crab soup was partan bree, a broth with added cream and crab. It was introduced to South Carolina by a wave of Scotch-Irish settlers in the 1700s. Over the centuries, French and Creole influences inspired cooks to use roux to thicken their crab soup, while some used a simple flour or cornstarch slurry.
But it was a Charleston culinary legend who is credited with putting the “she” in she-crab soup. In the early 1900s, William Deas—a highly skilled chef and butler for then-Charleston mayor, R. Goodwyn Rhett—tweaked a pot of crab soup in the kitchen of the historic John Rutledge House by adding a glossy, red-orange cluster of crab roe to the pot.
Not only did the roe give the soup a velvety orange hue, it
The tender meat of blue crabs is the base of a sought-after delicacy. Keep in mind, you may not capture female crabs carrying fertilized eggs.
Classic She-Crab Soup
Always pick through your crabmeat to remove any bits of shell.
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 pound fresh crab meat
¼ pound crab roe or four hard-cooked egg yolks
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1⁄8 teaspoon white pepper
1⁄8 teaspoon ground mace or nutmeg
1 quart whole milk
2 cups light cream
½ cup sherry wine
1 teaspoon salt
Chopped parsley and paprika to garnish
In a heavy soup pot, sauté onion in half the butter until softened. Add the remaining butter.
Stir flour into onions, and cook for about a minute. Add the crabmeat and roe or egg yolks. Add Worcestershire, pepper, mace or nutmeg, and salt. Slowly incorporate milk.
Cook mixture, stirring periodically, over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Stir in the cream, and bring the soup to a simmer. Remove from heat. Add sherry.
Ladle into bowls, and garnish with parsley, paprika and additional roe, if desired.
Whether or not it's topped with roe, she-crab soup is a warm, creamy and rich delight.
added body and infused it with a savory tang that offset the sweetness of the crab and sherry to prime advantage.
The new twist found favor with the mayor and his wife, who submitted the recipe to a local newspaper. By the 1930s, the soup was widely served by area home cooks and eagerly slurped up by their dinner guests.
When William was hired to operate the kitchen of Everett’s— a storied restaurant that once operated on Cannon Street in Charleston—he added the soup to the menu. It soon became the eatery’s most famous dish and a South Carolina classic.
Increasingly, other restaurants developed their own interpretations of she-crab soup. Today, they run the gamut from thin to thick, though the classic preparation is on the thinner side. It is soup, after all, not chowder.
What to Know About Roe
Ecological efforts to protect the crab supply prohibit the capture of
female crabs carrying fertilized eggs. Unfertilized roe—still nestled inside the female crab—are fair game, though harder to come by. I was able to secure frozen crab roe for a decent price from Mount Pleasant Seafood near the docks at Shem Creek. You can also mail order it, but high shipping costs make the drive more cost-effective.
For some chefs and home cooks, it is worth going the extra mile to ensure there’s some “she” in your soup. In a pinch, crumbled hard-boiled egg yolk is considered an acceptable substitute. But roe or no, you don’t have to head to a restaurant to satisfy your craving for she-crab soup. Once you have your ingredients on hand, it can be pulled together in 30 minutes or less. n
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.
THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT
The Voice of Light
My heart is heavy.
One of the true blessings of writing a column is the opportunity to share with you, my readers, not only what I see but what is on my heart. The two are often interconnected. As trite as it sounds, I feel like we are family.
In the wake of the most recent war atrocities, it’s challenging to keep my attention on things like photography and positive storytelling. Yet, even as I wade through the
emotions of these conflicts, I am reminded what a lifelong gift photography is, distracting me from deep and painful events while acting as a vehicle to share what I see and feel. For this, I am forever grateful.
Armed with a purpose, photography has always been a powerful communication tool. With it, we can shine light in dark places or quietly applaud acts of love and goodness. I believe both are necessary. While I truly admire the courage of my friends who risk their lives to show us the injustices and atrocities of war, I have chosen to celebrate light and those who reflect it.
Where there is light, there is hope. The new year is the perfect time to talk about seeing and being light. Whether
literal or metaphoric, light reveals and heals. Each of us chooses how we use light. With our cameras, as with our words, we can choose to focus on the good and lovely in our world or dwell on the dark, ugly and evil.
I attended a seminar where the speaker reminded his audience of the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat. One reads the temperature, and the other changes it, he challenged.
The late Agnes Baker Pilgrim—also known as Grandma Aggie, a Native American spiritual elder I wrote about a few years ago— said she talked to water, thanking it often. She insisted water hears us. I think light is similar. I know it has a voice. n
Reader Challenge
Show me the goodness of light, as it falls on mountains, fields, streams, rooftops, bedsheets or kitchen sinks. Or, as it springs forth from the heart in acts of kindness.
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 D800180mm lens ISO 3200, f/2.8 at 1/500
On senior night, a football player embraces his father on the field before the game.
PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
Turn heads with a professional headshot in a Crowd Stand Out
By Judy Garrison
Photography by Len Garrison, Seeing Southern
First impressions are everything.
In the age of online interactions and instantaneous connections, evaluation of a person’s performance, business, and character is immediate and lasting. Everything is done online—whether it’s shopping for a graphic designer, attorney or a grocery store. If your presence doesn’t strike a chord or immediately resonate, people move on to whoever is next.
Very rarely are face-to-face meetings a decision-making moment. In order to stand out in the crowd, you’ve got to raise the bar of professionalism without uttering a word. For that reason, a professional headshot is an essential starting point.
The benefits of a professional headshot are endless and, if done correctly, will attract your ideal client.
You Only Get One Shot at a First Impression
Whether on a website or business card, the image immediately unveils the vision of your business as well as who you are
personally. Within seconds of viewing, judgements are made of whether to contact you or not. Based on a photo, the viewer is judging your trustworthiness, competence, reliability and character. A smile makes people feel comfortable much like a smirk makes you appear unserious or even questionable. Like it or not, it’s human nature to choose a service or person based on the first perception.
Boost your first impression, and update your imagery every year. These images will demonstrate the quality of work you deliver on a daily basis.
Showcase Your Confidence and Your Human Connection
It goes without saying that most people do not like to be photographed. For that reason, many shy away from reaching out to a professional photographer. However, the right photographer makes you feel comfortable, aids in posing, and creates images that are flattering and natural.
Research photographers in your area and find a photographic style you like. Begin a conversation and share your concerns about being in front of a camera; share the message you’d like to
convey with your photo.
A bright smile says, “I’m relatable;” a laughing image, “We’ll have a fun experience;” or an in-the-eye gaze, “I’m great at what I do.”
A professional photographer knows your face should take up more than half the frame; the background should be simple; and a variety of shots and poses will provide a selection from which to choose. All these elements—coupled with your chosen expression—speak volumes and reach a wide audience.
A personal benefit of a great headshot elevates your confidence when you call upon clients who have already researched and discovered everything there is to know about you.
Create a Brand That is Recognizable
If you own a small business, chances are most of your customers choose your business because of you. You are your brand, and with a professional headshot, you are selling yourself along with your business.
Maintaining a consistent image across all marketing mediums embodies professionalism and speaks volumes to potential clients. It’s strategy and art that delivers the best of what you offer to clients, elevating your visuals and credibility. You control the narrative of what others see in you.
Think of national brands. Whenever you see a swoosh, you immediately think of Nike. That’s the immediate reaction you’re seeking as you curate your branding gallery, which begins with a
telltale headshot.
Headshots are an investment in your business, one that reveals you take your career and business relationships seriously.
Stand Out in a Sea of Business Owners
Anyone can take a photo with an iPhone and crop out the noise to make a quick headshot. Will that stop scrolling traffic online? Possibly not.
Think of a well-polished, high resolution, edited headshot— whether it be a studio or environmental shot—and the message it sends. Show the human side of your profession as well as your core values.
It’s Social Media Gold
Whether it’s on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram, a professional profile image is gold. When people know nothing about you, the image gives them a peek into who you are. A low-quality photo—a cropped party shot or selfie—speaks as loudly as a professional one, sharing what you do and do not value. They might be lovely, but it will make the business look cheap. Share the best version of yourself.
A strong online presence doesn’t just happen; it takes time to build a consistent appearance from a website to social media. Although content and imagery may change with seasons or business offerings, let the headshot be a strategic, decisive and consistent element, easily recognizable to anyone who lands on your site.
Across A picture house (6)
Across
7 A picture house (6)
8 Mom’s sis, informally (6)
9 One admired for bravery (4)
10 Charmed gift (8)
Mom's sis, informally (6)
11 Northwest ____, an elusive and deadly Arctic route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans (7)
One admired for bravery (4)
13 Former SAT section that sounds like the first two letters of “SAT” (5)
15 ____ Birds video game (5)
16 Overseas diplomatic office (7)
Charmed gift (8) Northwest ____, an elusive and deadly Artic route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (7)
18 Deduct (8)
19 Instrument to beat (4)
21 Bounced off the walls, say (6)
22 Measuring cup measurements (6)
Down
1 Michelin or Dunlop (4)
2 Rally, protest (13)
3 Household trash (7)
4 Cut through Panama (5)
5 Realizing what’s up, proceeds with consideration (13)
Former SAT section that sounds like the first two letters of "SAT" (5)
6 How crabs move (8)
12 To proclaim (8)
14 A robot’s lack (7)
17 Vegas hotel where the Rat Pack performed (5)
20 A Swiss army knife has lots of them (4)
____ Birds video game (5) Overseas diplomatic office (7)
Deduct (8)
Instrument to beat (4)
Bounced off the walls, say (6)
Measuring cup measurements (6) Down Michelin or Dunlop (4)
(13)
Puzzle solution on page 27.
Stay Warm With RESTAURANT-STYLE SOUPS
Minestrone
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup diced carrots
½ cup diced celery
½ cup chopped onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
32 ounces chicken broth
28-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
15-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed
15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Parmesan cheese rind
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
1 fresh rosemary sprig
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 medium zucchini, diced
2 cups baby spinach, chopped kale or chopped collard greens
Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for garnish
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, celery, onion and garlic. Stir. Saute until tender and fragrant, about 15 minutes.
Add broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, cheese rind, salt, pepper, rosemary, bay leaves, basil and parsley. Bring to a boil. Cover. Cook on low for 40 minutes.
Remove the bay leaves, rosemary and Parmesan rind. If you prefer a thicker soup, pulse a few times with an immersion blender.
Add the zucchini and spinach. Cover. Simmer until the zucchini is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
PHOTO BY KATIE WILCOX
Zuppa Toscana
16 ounces Italian sausage links, medium or hot
6 slices bacon
¾ cup chopped onion
1½ teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons chicken soup base
1 quart water
Heat the oven to 300 F.
2 large potatoes, cut into ¼-inch slices
2 cups kale, washed, dried and shredded
1⁄3 cup heavy whipping cream
Parmesan cheese
Place sausage links on a sheet pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until cooked through. Cut links in half lengthwise, then cut at an angle into ½-inch slices.
Cook bacon and onion in a large saucepan over medium heat until onion is almost clear. Remove bacon and crumble. Set aside.
Add garlic to the pan with the onion. Cook together for about 1 minute. Add chicken soup base, water and potatoes. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add bacon, sausage, kale and cream. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
6 cups chicken broth
2 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cubed
6-ounce package long grain and wild rice blend, quick-cooking version with seasoning packet
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup butter
1 cup carrot, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup onion, diced
3 cups half-and-half
Open rice package. Set aside the seasoning packet. In a small bowl, combine pepper and flour. Set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, combine broth and chicken. Bring to a boil, then stir in rice. Cover, and remove from heat.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add carrots, celery and onion. Saute for 5 minutes. Stir in the contents of the seasoning packet. Continue cooking vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add seasoned flour gradually while constantly stirring to form a roux. Saute roux for 3 to 4 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
Whisk in cream, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir cream mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through and rice is done, 15 to 20 minutes.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
2 large onions, chopped
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups water, divided
4 cups chicken broth
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1½ cups mashed potato flakes
½ pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
¾ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried basil
1⁄8 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup half-and-half
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, sliced
In a large skillet, saute onions in butter until tender. Stir in flour. Gradually stir in 1 cup water. Bring to a boil. Stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Transfer to a 5-quart slow cooker.
Add the broth, potatoes, potato flakes, bacon, pepper, salt, basil, thyme and remaining water. Cover. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until potatoes are tender. Stir in cream, and heat through. Garnish with cheese and green onions.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
4 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 stick of celery, diced
½ cup carrots, julienned
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups half-and-half
½ teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon mustard powder
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
16 ounces potato gnocchi
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 pinch red pepper flakes,
Salt and pepper, to taste
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery and carrots. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic. Cook for 1 more minute.
Add the flour, and stir to combine. Cook until the flour begins to turn a golden color, about 2 minutes.
Add the chicken broth and half-and-half in splashes, stirring to incorporate. Don’t add it too quickly, or you will break the roux. Add the thyme and mustard powder.
Add chicken breasts to the broth. Bring it to a gentle boil. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes. Dice the chicken, and add it back to the soup. Let the soup simmer until reaching the desired consistency. It will continue to thicken as it simmers.
Add the gnocchi. Simmer according to package instructions.
Reduce heat to low. Add the spinach, red pepper, salt and pepper. Simmer until spinach is wilted, about 1 minute.
Building Your
Forever
without losing your mind or money
By Judy Garrison Photography by Len Garrison, Seeing Southern
When my husband and I decided to downsize about 18 months ago and sell our home in Athens, Georgia, we imagined we’d be rising with the sun in our 1,200-square-foot Western North Carolina mountain home a year later. Having owned this triangle of land for decades, it was time to build our dream home, and we were ready to leave the chaos of Athens for the quiet of Hayesville.
A year came and went, and we’re finally home. Changed by the journey, as well as receiving a monumental education in the building process, we ended this construction dream with a mixed bag of emotions. However, pushing beyond the emotions, the knowledge gained is immeasurable.
We compiled a list to consider as you begin construction on your forever home, especially if you’re in your retirement years:
• Credit cards can be your friend. We hired our first general contractor, making our deposit of $6,500 on a credit card. However, once payment was made, we never heard from him again. We issued a charge-back with the credit card company, and within a couple of weeks, the money was returned to our account. If we had not made that type of payment, we would have lost that money.
• Do your research. Ask the contractor or builder for references. Call everyone, see completed homes, and look at everything and listen to everyone. We still receive phone calls regarding our final general contractor, and we’re happy to share our experience.
• Find a design and create a budget. We picked our design online through architecturaldesigns.com. We received excellent service, and with their wide number of selections, we found exactly what made us happy. If possible, begin with a budget that’s less than your end goal. Every change—added outlets, moving a fan, taking out a window, etc.—equals a change order and additional money simply for making a change to the original plan. As much as you think through the process, there will be changes. Know the time when you can make changes and when that window closes.
• Make a list of wants. As travelers, my husband and I have been making a list of wants for years. Staying in some of the best accommodations in the world and some of the most unique vacation rentals inspired our wish list. For example, Europe taught us that towel warmers are amazing on cold mornings. A Viking cruise enlightened us to heated bathroom floors. Kitchens with a pot filler made life easier. With that said, be flexible. From that list, label the must-haves and the ones you can live without. Once you price out these wants, they might be too extravagant. Building is often about compromise, and the extras are where it starts.
• Contracts answer questions. Contracts are essential because they answer questions before they become issues. Look at a contract as if everything goes wrong. Of course, the contract will protect the general contractor or builder, but only you will look out for you. Who pays for well and septic permits? I want to buy the tile and you’ve given me an allowance; do you reimburse me from the
MIDDLE: In addition to the tile brought from Italy, tile was shopped for in specialty shops locally.
The homeowner discusses the plans with the general contractor.
bank draw and how long will that take? Can I see samples of the doors included on the allowance? What happens if the framing crew builds the deck with the wrong materials? How often will I see you on-site? Will you leave the build site clean, and what does clean mean to you? How many projects do you have going on at the moment, and how many crews do you have working for you? When we do the final walk-through, what is the time frame to fix the items on my punch list? Make sure every answer to every question is spelled out in a written and signed contract.
• Never take your eye off the project. In the first month of construction, we discovered the wrong blue print in our job box on site; at that point, we never assumed anything again. Be on-site every day and know what is going on. However, don’t micromanage. Subcontractors work for the general contractor, and they are the experts. If there are issues or questions, or if you see
LEFT:
TOP: Sherry Pellegrino, of Saving Time Design, discusses the dark colors with painters.
something done incorrectly, take these to the general contractor. Don’t settle with the way it’s done if it isn’t according to plan. If you are overseeing remotely, hire someone local to be your advocate, such as a designer or on-site representative who knows the county’s building codes.
• Use a local bank. There’s nothing that solves financial issues like sitting face-to-face with a banker. Make sure to research the bank.
• Communication is key. At our initial meeting with our general contractor, we stressed the importance of communication. Since this was our first build, we had no idea of the timeline or process. However, you should not have to guess or be blamed. Our foundation was initially dug in the wrong area and became a difficult problem to solve without proper communication.
• Be proactive. Understand the permitting process. Contact your county building department for timelines and pricing. Don’t wait for the general contractor to handle this. Know your service providers: cable, gas, water, electricity, garbage, internet, post office, deliveries, etc.
• Keep an ear to the wind. Talk to your subcontractors. There might be indicators your general contractor is over extended or is financially in trouble. Early hints of trouble will allow you to make moves before the situation gets difficult.
• Remember the end game. Landscaping, grading, driveways, etc., will come next. Get lots of quotes, and always compare
BELOW: Named Ivet’s Vista, the home design reflects the homeowner’s Italian heritage and love of travel.
apples to apples.
• Hire a designer/advocate. The most important decision we made was hiring a designer to oversee the project; a designer who prioritized our needs. After extensive interviews, Saving Time Design knew our budget and what was important to the design of our home. From choosing colors to tile, building unique elements (a library wall) and restoring furniture, the duo made our custom home a reality while staying within budget. As important as the design was, it turned out that their knowledge of building codes and the general building process saved us from problems we would have encountered later. Being on-site most days, they found issues that would have never raised any red flags with us.
Building a home is exhausting and stressful, even if everything runs as smooth as silk. However you decide to move forward in your build, have fun and let nothing take the joy away from this amazing and life-changing adventure. n
ABOVE: The custom designed library is the focal point of the home.
Fun Festivals&
JANUARY 11
25th Annual MLK Jr. Event
Join the Florence Chamber and Francis Marion University for “A Celebration and Remembrance Through the Arts.” Keynote speaker is Sen. Mia McLeod.
6:30-8 p.m.
FRANCIS MARION
CHAPMAN AUDITORIUM
4822 E. Palmetto St., Florence
JANUARY 11
Art Explorers
Don’t miss this hands-on art experience for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Entry is $5. Email art eldsjr@art eldssc.org to register.
4:30-6 p.m.
TRAX VISUAL ART CENTER
122 Sauls St., Lake City
JANUARY 17
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
This classic production is presented by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.
7:30-9:30 p.m.
FMU PERFORMING
ARTS CENTER
201 S. Dargan St., Florence
JANUARY 19-27
Ain’t Misbehavin, the Fats Waller Musical
Catch the musical energy of an American musician as the cast struts, strums and sings the songs of Thomas “Fats” Waller.
FLORENCE LITTLE THEATRE
417 S. Dargan St., Florence
JANUARY 17
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
JANUARY 11
25th Annual MLK Jr. Event
JANUARY 25
Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute
One of the best Fleetwood Mac tribute bands around performs the group’s classics.
7:30-9:30 p.m.
FMU PERFORMING
ARTS CENTER
201 S. Dargan St., Florence
JANUARY 27-28
Kids Jamboree
This jamboree includes games, rides, educational activities and unique attractions.
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday FLORENCE CENTER
3300 W. Radio Drive, Florence
FEBRUARY 2-3
Florence Stampede and Pro Rodeo
Come see the pros and their craft in the arena.
7 p.m.
FLORENCE CENTER
3300 W. Radio Drive, Florence
FEBRUARY 3
Analog Saints
A three-piece rock trio cover band performs music from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.
8-11 p.m.
CYPRESS MUSIC HALL
1 Village Park, Cheraw
FEBRUARY 9
24th Annual Father/ Daughter Dance
This night is for fathers and daughters, so no moms are allowed. All proceeds bene t the Florence Family YMCA’s Scholarship Program.
6:30-9 p.m.
SIMT
1951 Pisgah Road, Florence
FEBRUARY 12
Florence Symphony
Orchestra features Claire Compton
In its 75th season, the orchestra welcomes principal oboist Claire Compton.
7:30 p.m.
FMU PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
201 S. Dargan St., Florence
FEBRUARY 18-19
American Heritage Festival
The home of Swamp Fox features reenactments and weapon demonstrations.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday GRAHAM’S FARM 843 McCutcheon Road, Lake City
JANUARY 2728 Kids Jamboree FEBRUARY 1819 American Heritage Festival
The Best
Cookbooks Plant-Based
By Robin Howard
Plant-based—or plant-forward—eating emphasizes nutrition mostly from plants and plant products, including nuts, healthy oils, seeds, whole grains, beans, legumes, fruits and vegetables. A plant-based diet has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, reduce depression and improve overall mental and physical function.
If you’re concerned about getting enough protein, don’t worry. Proteins—the workhorses of the body—are composed of chains of amino acids. These amino acids serve as the building blocks that enable proteins to perform their diverse and essential functions in our cells and tissues.
While most plant-based foods may lack some essential amino acids, combining complementary sources such as beans and rice can provide a complete protein profile, offering a nutritious option for vegetarians and vegans. As long as you eat a variety of plants, you get everything your body needs.
Adopting a vegan diet often leads to cost savings, as plant-based staples such as grains, legumes and vegetables tend to be more affordable than meat and dairy products. The reduced consumption of processed and convenience foods, often pricier than whole, plant-based ingredients, can further contribute to cost savings.
Though the terms vegan and plantbased are often used interchangeably, plant-based eaters might occasionally eat meat, eggs or dairy. If you’re plant-curious,
you can experiment with new recipes without giving up your favorite meals. The good news is there’s no shortage of fabulous cooks whipping up delicious recipes for herbivores to try.
“Vegan for Everybody”
From America’s Test Kitchen
This is not just a cookbook; it’s a comprehensive guide demonstrating how accessible and delicious vegan cuisine can be for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about plant-based eating.
Authored by a team of culinary experts, this book is a treasure trove of meticulously tested recipes that ensure your journey into veganism is healthy, ethical and incredibly flavorful.
Whether you’re looking to recreate your favorite comfort foods or explore new culinary horizons, “Vegan for Everybody” is a valuable resource that delivers on its title to help make vegan cooking approachable and enjoyable for everyone. The book has more than 200 recipes, each with a short statement about why the recipe works. If you only try one cookbook, this is it.
“Cooking From the Spirit”
By Tabitha Brown
Tabitha Brown’s first plant-based cookbook is a delight. For years, Tabitha suffered from an undiagnosed illness. After watching the documentary “What the Health,” she decided to try a 30-day vegan
challenge. She never went back. The author has a positive, down-to-earth and funny demeanor. This cookbook is filled with simple, delicious recipes and no judgment.
“Southern
Vegan”
By Lauren Hartmann
As a native Southerner, chef Lauren Hartmann understands most of us are not about to give up our biscuits and gravy or hushpuppies. This book is a delightful culinary journey that fuses Southern cuisine’s rich and soulful flavors with creative vegan twists, showcasing the versatility and deliciousness of plant-based eating.
Lauren guides you through the steps to make all the decadent and comforting Southern food you love, including fried, stewed and barbecued goodies without meat, eggs or dairy.
“Afro-Vegan”
By Bryant Terry
James Beard Award-winning chef Bryant Terry believes good food is an everyday right. Terry’s recipes take traditional Southern, African and Caribbean recipes and turns them into plant-based flavor bombs.
If you are feeding nonvegetarians, these recipes are sure to convert your crowd. The author includes sidebars to help you learn techniques and history of ingredients, and every recipe comes with a suggested playlist.
“A Modern Way to Eat”
By Anna Jones
Anna Jones is a British vegetarian chef who regularly cooks for vegans. The book is organized around the seasons, using easy-to-find ingredients. No processed foods are used in her recipes, and almost every one has the correct combinations to deliver a complete protein at every meal.
If you’re going plant-based for weight loss or to eliminate chemicals and processed foods, Anna creates clean recipes with delicious flavor combinations in generous portions. Some of her recipes include eggs and cheese—with suggestions for substitutions—but most are 100% plant-based.
Anna’s recipes are failproof, so you can quickly develop a short list of easy recipes to turn to. If you like “A Modern Way to Eat,” you may also like her other cookbooks, “A Modern Cook’s Year” and “One Pot, One Planet.”
“Crossroads”
By Tal Ronnen
Straight from one of Los Angeles’ premier fine dining hotspots, “Crossroads” is a collection of sophisticated recipes. Chef Tal Ronnen doesn’t use a long list of ingredients or disguise plants as anything they’re not; they’re simply savory, rich, healthy and packed with flavor.
From warm kale and artichoke dip to acorn squash ravioli with black garlic butter sauce, Tal takes plant-based food to another level.
“Isa
Does It”
By Isa Chandra Moskowitz
Isa Chandra Moskowitz is all about showing how easy it can be to cook plantbased meals that you forget are plantbased. This is a whopper of a cookbook with beautiful photographs that take the guesswork out of what’s for dinner. Isa ensures her recipes are simple and only require ingredients that are easy to find— no trips to specialty stores required.
“Plant-Based on a Budget”
By Toni Okamoto
Toni Okamoto knows what it’s like to have a low-paying job, vet bills, car troubles and student loan/credit card debt, so she’s no stranger to stretching the grocery budget. This is an excellent cookbook for young people, new cooks or anyone who wants to eat healthier and purposefully save money (and time).
The book has 100 recipes, great photos to help you see where you’re going and a short list of straightforward ingredients. These recipes are particularly good for quick meals and plant-based lunches and snacks to take to work.
Mastering Meal Prep: Your Guide to a Healthier, Hassle-Free Year Ahead
It’s that time of year again when millions of people make resolutions and set goals for a fresh start to the new year. For most Americans, eating healthier is at the top of that list. But we all know how easy it is to start strong in January, only to find our new healthy habits slipping away as February rolls along.
This is where meal prep comes in handy, keeping you on track with your nutrition goals all year round. By streamlining your cooking and simplifying meals, meal prep can be a real game changer—saving you money, time and unplanned calories.
Here are a few meal prep tips to help you turn healthy eating into a long-term habit:
Kitchen Organization
An organized kitchen is essential. Before planning meals and creating lists, organize your freezer, fridge and pantry.
Get rid of anything expired and donate any non-perishable foods you know you shouldn’t eat, like over-processed foods that don’t belong in your daily diet. You won’t be tempted to eat it if it’s not there. Once organized, you will know exactly what you have on hand and where every ingredient and tool can be found.
Plan Ahead
Look through the weekly ads at your local grocery stores and create your grocery list and meal ideas around what’s on sale for the week.
Focus on fresh, in-season ingredients to get more bang for your buck. A little trick is to stick to shopping on the outer perimeter of the store, avoiding the center aisles where processed foods are located.
Quality Storage Containers
Stock up on high-quality storage containers. Options in all shapes and sizes are available online or at your favorite retail store.
Stainless steel or glass are durable options that are dishwasher safe and stainand odor-resistant. With the right food container set, you’re guaranteed all the
storage you need for on-the-go meals that will stay fresh longer.
Stock Up
A fully stocked pantry will set you up for meal prep success. Keep a bulk supply of frequently used spices, condiments, and canned and dry goods with a longer shelf life. That way, you always have what you need to throw together a wholesome meal at your fingertips.
Fruit and Vegetable Prep
Instead of waiting to deal with produce the day you need to use it, wash, prep and store as much as possible when you get home from the store or farmers market.
You are more likely to use and eat fresh ingredients if they are prepped and ready to go.
Be Efficient
Try doubling up if you have multiple recipes on your weekly menu that call for the same ingredients. This makes it easier to create multiple dishes in a flash.
Don’t over-complicate things. Your meals can be delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Shredded chicken and pork are great options. They can easily be made in a slow cooker or electric pressure cooker,
so you can set it, forget it and only worry about shredding it.
Use them for taco night with low-carb tortillas, salads and breakfast omelets, or simply pair them with a favorite veggie. Add variety with different sauces, spices and sides.
Have Fun
Meal prepping doesn’t have to be intimidating. Solidify your new routine by finding ways to make it a fun part of your week.
Turn on your favorite podcast or music playlist or watch a movie in the background. Try scrolling online for new, fun recipes via TikTok or Instagram, with hashtags like #mealprepping or your dietary needs. It’s as simple as typing in #keto, #cleaneating, #lowcarbmeals, etc., and finding something that looks exciting to make.
Meal prepping can play a huge factor in changing your relationship with food. Instead of cooking daily and constantly asking the dreaded, “What’s for dinner?,” save yourself the chaos and tackle the new year with meal-prepping bliss.
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.
It’s easy to find healthy recipes online. ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY VORDA BERGE
Learning to meal prep can turn healthy eating into a long-term habit for the year ahead.
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY FEVZIIE
Roll-Top Lunch Bag, $32
Eat lunch in style with the durable, insulated roll-top lunch bag from Gentlemen’s Hardware.
Easily store food on the go, whether on the way to school, work, the gym or outdoors. The roll-top closure makes the bag easy to open and close, keeps anything in your bag from leaking out, and adjusts in height to the size of the contents it holds.
The click-and-go strap then acts as a handle, making it easy to carry the bag around by hand, on your arm, in a backpack or even on a bicycle. It’s designed to work well for everyday use and adaptability. Compact and lightweight enough for easy travel, lunch has never looked so good.
Gentlemen’s Hardware offers an extensive array of gentlemanly products, from multi-tools to grooming essentials, tech accessories, outdoor goods, barware and more. Check out their responsibly sourced goods online.
gentlemenshardware.com
Magnesium Oil Spray, $19.95
Did you know two out of three adults have a magnesium deficiency and don’t know it? Magnesium is an essential mineral every cell in your body needs to function properly.
Unfortunately, most adults no longer receive adequate amounts of magnesium from food and water. Without reaching daily intake recommendations, many are suffering from these symptoms:
- Agitation and anxiety.
- Restless leg syndrome.
- Sleep disorders.
- Abnormal heart rhythms.
- Low blood pressure.
- Muscle spasms and weakness.
- Hyperventilation.
- Insomnia.
Magnesium oil is considered one of the most effective natural remedies, packed
with vital nutrients and therapeutic benefits. Odorless, clear and leaving no residue on your skin, Magnum Solace’s topical magnesium spray is a convenient way to increase your magnesium intake. Simply apply a few sprays to your skin, and the magnesium will be absorbed directly into your body. This spray allows for targeted application to particular areas of concern. Spray it on after workouts to soothe overused muscles and joints, on the temples or back of the neck to relieve headaches, or at bedtime to help you relax.
Magnum Solace is a family-owned and -operated company that has proudly bottled up the Dead Sea’s healing properties with its complete line of self-care products ranging from lotions to body oils and bath soaks manufactured in the United States.
Daily To-Do List Planner,
Pick up this daily planner by Natural Life any time of the year to keep your life organized and goals on track.
Part planner and part journal, the undated format encourages you to personalize, adapt and tackle your scheduling needs like never before. Let your creativity flow as you fill in the days at your own pace.
As beautiful and uplifting as it is, it’s also functional, with 20 perforated pages for grocery lists, meal plans and errands. Gorgeous artwork and inspirational quotes are
$16
scattered across all 200 pages, so break out the colored pencils and fill in the designs as an added source of stress relief.
“Give and live happy” is the mission that inspires the women who make them under the company name Natural Life.. Add a pop of happiness to each day with their vibrant collection of free-spirit-style clothing, bedding, accessories, unique gifts and treasures to fill your home.
naturallife.com
Edith Bolling Galt Wilson Museum
A unique part of the South awaits
By Vikki Moran
Only eight historic sites across the United States are dedicated to commemorating the first ladies of our nation. It’s surprising given the influence first ladies have had on this country. There are likely few people with more firsthand knowledge and access to American history than the spouses of the presidents.
It’s logical to believe these brave, strong women—all witnesseses to the inner workings of the United States, in triumph and tragedy—should be endowed with respect.
Edith Bolling Galt Wilson is one of these first ladies, but she is cloaked in a shroud of mystery.
The Edith Bolling Galt Wilson Museum is one of the sites dedicated solely to a first lady. Located in the heart of her hometown—Wytheville, Virginia—and in the home in which she was born, the museum is open to the public at no charge.
in Wytheville, Virginia
Until recently, the museum believed Edith’s story was overlooked. With her recently questioned role in the White House at pivotal moments during World War I, she has become the subject of movies, television and books. However, the story of her upbringing can best be experienced in her first home, where her intellect, grace and Southern manners were fostered.
Edith married Woodrow Wilson a year after the 1914 death of his first wife, Ellen. It is said the sad and lonely president fell in love immediately.
Soon after their wedding, Edith became deeply involved in her husband’s presidential affairs. As first lady during World War I—a complex and tumultuous time for the country and the couple—she volunteered with the Red Cross and encouraged rationing efforts by American women to help in the war efforts, following the path of other wartime first ladies.
“An American Experience: Woodrow Wilson,” a PBS
docuseries, claims while vigorously campaigning in 1919, Woodrow suffered a stroke, and Edith’s role quickly shifted.
We know now the stroke he suffered was devasting, despite claims otherwise by the family and White House at the time. Making life-and-death decisions during the war would have been impossible for the president.
The question frequently asked is, “Did Edith truly become the de facto president with little or no political or governmental training or experience?”
Her childhood home and museum cannot answer that nor can it explain why the vice president at the time was overlooked in favor of Edith. These questions are often at the heart of her legacy.
The museum sheds light on Edith’s early life, highlighting her childhood home, her family and perhaps where her love for her husband and country were borne.
There are good books for readers looking for the story within a story: “Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson” by William Hazelgrove and “Untold Power: The Fascinating Rise and Complex Legacy of First Lady Edith Wilson” by Rebecca Boggs Roberts.
Wytheville is the county seat of Wythe. Small in population and located in rural Southwest Virginia, it has a rich historical background beyond Edith.
The area was named for George Wythe, though the well-respected Virginia lawyer, professor and signer of the Declaration of Independence never came to the area.
Never sitting on its historic laurels, Wytheville is a destination for family activity throughout the year. The town’s Crystal Springs Recreation Area sits on 1,800 acres of municipal property and boasts world-class mountain biking, hiking trails, and beautiful camp and picnic areas. Crystal Springs sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre—a German-themed, stateof-the-art venue—is a beautiful way to spend an evening or afternoon. Great food and fantastic traveling talent create a memorable experience.
Neighboring wineries, balloon festivals and Beagle Ridge Lavender Farm are short excursions from downtown.
Wytheville streets are full of outstanding eateries, including brew pubs, barbecue pits, fine dining and some of the best nostalgic hotdog experiences. Skeeters Famous Hotdogs is a step back in time and must-visit stop.
If you are not camping to take in the views Mother Nature is showing off, try staying at The Bolling Wilson Hotel on Main Street. The hotel is stately, hospitable and lovely—much like the woman it was named for. n
Outside of Wytheville, the outdoors summons the adventurous to local, state and national recreation areas. Just three miles from downtown are the Crystal Springs Recreation Area and Big Survey Wildlife Management Area. PHOTOS BY VIKKI
OPPOSITE: The birthplace of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson, the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson, sits in Wytheville.
ABOVE:
MORAN
PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT WYTHEVILLE
From Land
Story and photos by Libby Wiersema
Turning 30 can be a time for self-reflection and planning for the future.
Since 1974, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia has invited visitors to peer into the habitats of the myriad creatures who live among us. When the facility’s original Aquarium-Reptile Complex celebrated its 30th birthday in 2019, it showed some signs of disrepair. It was only natural to do a little reassessing.
“We planned a few renovations, but we brought in a prospective donor, who toured the facility and saw our coral and tortoise conservation projects, both
happening exclusively behind the scenes,” says Matt Perron, public relations manager for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “She was energized and committed to funding a renovation to showcase these conservation projects to the public. What started out as a $2 million renovation became a $10 million reimagining.”
Enter the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center. As part of the zoo’s vision to build a “bridge to the wild,” the newly renovated facility was unveiled in March 2023.
The 20,000-square-foot, state-of-theart facility invites visitors to explore the
wonders of land-to-sea habitats that are home to more than 12,000 animals representing more than 300 different species. Of these, there are 17 endangered species, including a radiated tortoise, Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise, Burmese star tortoise, Grand Cayman blue iguana, blue tree monitor, Mangshan pit viper, Wagner’s viper, mountainous star coral, symmetrical brain coral and thickbilled parrot.
“It is important to be in the forefront and a leader in conservation to ensure that our world’s wildlife and their important habitats are preserved for generations,” says Susan Boyd, CEO of The Boyd
Guests are awed by the diversity of the Earth’s oceans when they visit the aquarium at Riverbanks.
to Sea
The newly unveiled aquarium and conservation center at Riverbanks Zoo
offers new ways to connect with the natural world
Foundation. “That’s exactly what the new Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center at Riverbanks is doing for our local communities, its visitors and the greater wildlife community. It is the responsibility of everyone to make small changes in their lives that will ultimately make a huge impact.”
The center has quickly become a major attraction at Riverbanks, especially for visitors who want to escape the outside world—and the heat—and immerse themselves in the fascinating world of ocean and desert environments, complete with the critters who live there.
Forests and Deserts
Upon entering the facility, visitors see floor-to-ceiling exhibits featuring temperate and tropical forests. Among the inhabitants are an alligator snapping turtle, cottonmouth, bushmaster, blue poison dart frogs and a giant, green anaconda—
a visitor favorite.
A pathway leads to the new desert biome with its arid habitats reflective of the southwest. Desert dwellers include tortoises, rattlesnakes and Gila monsters. Be sure to look up for a glimpse of colorful thick-billed parrots and burrowing owls that seem to be sizing up humans rather than the other way around.
Children can tunnel through a barrel for a better look at slithering creatures.
“The entire desert biome has been hugely popular,” Curator of Herpetology Sean Foley says. “Kids love to get in the barrel and crate in front of the rattlesnake exhibit to get up close and personal with snakes.”
A View of the Sea
Beyond the desert, visitors can see a variety of animals, from a king cobra to tiny Panamanian golden frogs. Peer into the nursery with incubating reptile eggs
Admission to the Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center is included in admission to Riverbanks.
and new hatchlings. A walk through a mangrove habitat takes guests to where sea urchins, chocolate chip sea stars, seahorses and upside-down jellyfish thrive.
Next up is the aquarium, a vibrant ocean habitat teeming with mesmerizing sights and sounds. On any given day, a crowd stands at the biodiversity wall to drink in the ethereal sight before them: an entire wall of jellyfish.
“On the aquarium side, the moon jelly wall is a hit with both adults and children,” Aquarium Curator Kendra Bottini says. “Visitors find the floating jellies very calming and will stand in front of the wall and watch for a while. With so many interesting animals, the Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center really has something for everyone.”
Conservation in Action
Once a behind-the-scenes tour experience, the zoo’s conservation work is now in full view. At the Coral Lab, visitors learn how Riverbanks is doing its part to protect precious coral reefs. There are colonies of corals rescued off the coast of Florida, near Key West, in partnership with the federal and local government and other institutions. The aim is to help preserve genetic diversity and assist with future restoration efforts on the Floridan Reef Tract.
In the Terrestrial Lab, visitors see efforts to save endangered reptiles and amphibians from around the globe, as well as some specific to South Carolina.
“This is also where Riverbanks maintains the majority of our Malagasy leaf-tailed geckos,” Sean says. “At any given time, we care for between 300 to 400 geckos. Riverbanks is a breeding hub for leaf-tailed geckos, and over the years we have provided offspring to over 40 other institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.”
For part of the year, the area also serves as a holding area for young gopher frogs fresh off their stint as tadpoles.
“These metamorphs will be released into a habitat that has been restored by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources,” Sean says. “This is part of a cooperative effort between Riverbanks and
SCDNR to help save this state-endangered amphibian.”
How You Can Help
Supporting these efforts helps ensure future generations can enjoy these wonders for years to come.
“Simple actions can go a long way,” Matt says. “Recycling, limiting plastic use and skipping the straw are remarkably easy steps.”
Riverbanks makes it easy to lend a helping hand to their important work.
“By the end of your walk through the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center, you will see three different pledges you can make to aid in conservation and improve sustainability,” Matt says. “Simply buying a ticket to the zoo or attending any of our special events will help support the care of the animals and plants at Riverbanks and beyond.”
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Entrance to the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center is included with every admission. For information on how to support Riverbanks’ conservation efforts, visit riverbanks.org.
dwellers.
The arid environment of the Desert Biome is just right for desert
Visitors are mesmerized by a giant wall of moon jellies.
Participate in one of Riverbanks’ many fundraising programs to help ensure your children and grandchildren have fond memories, too.
Guests get an up-close view of the critical role Riverbanks plays in protecting coral reefs.
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