2022 Car Show Benefit - Veterans Victory House Walterboro

Air Force Veteran Burt Emmett, with Best in Show
1950 Ford Club Coupe, and volunteers
Barry Crosby and Patrick Quigley

The volunteers that belong to the Walterboro Cruisers car club held their first Car Show to Benefit the Veterans Victory House since Covid. They had held this event for 13 years with the last one being held in 2019, and volunteer Barry Crosby said they were glad to restart this effort in 2022. The show is held on the grounds of the Veterans Victory House in Walterboro and encourages the residents to come outside and enjoy the nostalgia and camaraderie. The entire proceeds of the event, which is just over 10K in 2022, goes the the Activity Fund at the House which provides opportunities to get these same Vets outside.

Three U.S. Vets / Gent on left is 100-years old!

One such resident is Air Force Veteran Burt Emmett, originally from Romeo, Michigan. He served the United States in Viet Nam and in Korea. I met him as he navigated his wheelchair through the parking lot to view the older autos on display. "Being in the Air Force, those were the good old days," said Emmett. "And I remember riding in a car like this old American-made Ford, with the windows down to stay cool. I am having a great time being outside today." His wheelchair was moving very slowly, but to his credit he declined my offer for assistance, and was fine making his own way at his own pace.

Car Show Plaque for Participants

A total of 45 cars registered for the Car Show and the threat of rain never materialized. Residents from Walterboro, Summerville, Charleston, Savannah and even one from North Carolina brought their cars to display in honor of the Veterans. Each entrant received a plaque to display at ensuing Car Shows. Other residents at Veterans Victory House took place in the Awards Ceremony and were recognized in various ways. One man turning 100-years old was presented a blanket with American Flags on it, and the entire crowd sang him Happy Birthday. Overall the Spirit of the Day was to return Thanks to the Veterans  for their Service to the United States of America.

To view past blog entries regarding Veterans click on Wounded Nature / Boat Clean Up - Wounded Warrior Deer Hunt / ACE Basin - Wounded Warrior Duck Hunt / Santee Delta - SCI Pathfinder Award

2022 Birding Journal Observations - July / August

Blue Grosbeak at the feeder in late August

The unusually dry weather pattern of early summer changed over to a wet July. In August it was a mixed bag depending on what part of the Lowcountry your bird feeders reside. For me, August was dry with a total of 2.4-inches of precipitation. However, this two-month combo led to a very strong period of avian reproduction with lots of young birds appearing in late summer, everything from bluebirds to wild turkeys. 

Another twist to the last days of August is an abundance of signs of Fall. Lots of cloudy weather has kept the sun from scorching the landscape, and Mother Nature has begun sending signals to the ecosystem. Leaves are falling from trees, acorns are hitting the ground, and yes migratory songbirds are arriving. Some Baltimore Oriole scouts arrived at the end of August, and a host of warblers too. While the humidity remains high, the temps have not, and the signs of Fall are undeniable, including increased movement by reptiles like turtles and snakes.

Cardinal enjoying sunflowers at the supper table

My July and August observations were strong for colorful migrants including blue grosbeak, painted bunting, and summer tanager. An increase in blue jays seems to have equalized the quantity of cardinals, who are in a balancing act with other large birds like brown thrashers and mockingbirds. And can't forget to mention the woodpeckers - ALL of them: pileated woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, red-headed woodpecker, hairy woodpecker and downy woodpecker. 

To view the most recent Birding Journal Observations click on March / April 2022

To view past Birding Journal Observations for July / August click on 2021 -  2018- 2017- 2016 - 2015- 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2009