South Carolina Living April 2017 by South Carolina Living

SPRING & SUMM TRAVELER GUIDE

CHANGE OUT

CATCH

’EM ALL

Touring South Carolina’s minor league parks

APRIL 2017

SC R E C I PE

Bountiful breakfasts SC STO R I E S

Throwing bull’s-eyes

THE TRACTOR THAT STARTED IT ALL. IS CHANGING IT ALL.

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THE MAGAZINE FOR COOPERATIVE MEMBERS Vol. 71 • No. 4 (ISSN 0047-486X, USPS 316-240) Read in more than 573,000 homes and businesses and published monthly except in December by The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. 808 Knox Abbott Drive Cayce, SC 29033

APRIL 2017 • VOLUME 71, NUMBER 4

Tel: (803) 926-3 1 75 Fax: (803) 796-6064 Email: letters@scliving.coop EDITOR

Keith Phillips ASSISTANT EDITOR

Diane Veto Parham FIELD EDITOR

Walter Allread

SPRING & SUMMER TRAVEL GUIDE

PUBLICATION COORDINATOR

Travis Ward

ART DIRECTOR

Sharri Harris Wolfgang DESIGNER

Susan Collins PRODUCTION

Andrew Chapman

FEATURE

WEB EDITOR

Van O’Cain COPY EDITOR

Susan Scott Soyars

25 Take me out to the ballpark The national pastime is alive and well in South Carolina. Grab your glove, and join us on a road trip to all four of the state’s minor league parks.

CONTRIBUTORS

Mike Couick, Amy L. Dabbs, Hastings Hensel, Jan A. Igoe, Patrick Keegan, Sydney Patterson, Belinda Smith-Sullivan, Paul Wesslund PUBLISHER

Lou Green

MIC SMITH

ADVERTISING

Mary Watts Tel: (803) 739-5074 Email: ads@scliving.coop

to your local co-op. Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to Address Change, c/o the address above.

Periodicals postage paid at Columbia, S.C., and additional mailing offices. © COPYRIGHT 201 7. The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. No portion of South Carolina Living may be reproduced without permission of the Editor. is brought to you by your member-owned, taxpaying, not-for-profit electric cooperative to inform you about your cooperative, wise energy use and the faces and places that identify the Palmetto State. Electric cooperatives are South Carolina’s — and America’s — largest utility network. SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

6 ON THE AGENDA

The Blue Angels precision-flying team roars into action at the MCAS Beaufort Air Show. Plus: Learn how lithium-ion batteries could help improve the power grid.

POWER USER DIALOGUE

10 Lessons learned

The inspiring story of Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts & Sciences teaches a powerful lesson about the benefits of communitybased education initiatives. ENERGY Q&A

12 Upgrading to a more

efficient air conditioner

Replacing an inefficient air conditioner with a newer model could significantly reduce your electric bill. SMART CHOICE

14 On the road again

Getting there really can be half the fun if you have some of these roadworthy gadgets in your suitcase.

Member of the NCM network of publications, reaching more than 7 million homes and businesses

STORIES

17 Bull’s-eye

Whether it’s a pickup game with friends or an international competition with big money on the line, professional dart player Sandy “Storm” Hudson always throws to win. GARDENER

18 Beyond crookneck squash

Heirloom and hybrid varieties of summer squash provide a colorful, whimsical and tasty break from gardening tradition. RECIPE

22 Bountiful breakfasts

Impress your overnight guests or fuel up the family for a big day with Chef Belinda’s ultimate breakfast menu.

R E

ADDRESS CHANGES: Please send

Cooperative news

SC LIFE

AM OO

Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication. If you encounter a difficulty with an advertisement, inform the Editor.

4 CO-OP CONNECTION

HUMOR ME

46 Pennywise and clown foolish

SPR & SUMING MER TRAVEL GUIDE

Humor columnist Jan A. Igoe explains why an irrational fear of clowns (and ducks) just makes good sense.

42 MARKETPLACE 44 SC EVENTS

CATCH

’EM ALL

Touring South Carolina’s minor league parks

SC R E C I PE

Bountiful breakfasts SC STO R I E S

Throwing bull’s-eyes

GIN

National Country Market Tel: (800) NCM-1181

APRIL 2017

NATIONAL REPRESENTATION

Play ball! South Carolina’s minor league ballparks offer family fun and plenty of baseball action. Photo by Dmytro Aksonov.

On the Agenda For a listing complete s, see of Event 4 page 4

Highlights

APRIL 28

Blue Ridge Fest

The party you love is back in Pickens for its 20th year, as Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative employees host their annual classic-car cruise-in and evening of live bands and shag dancing. If you own a classic auto, come line it up for the crowds to admire, then meet on the dance floor for music from Little Anthony and the Imperials, the Contours, Jim Quick & Coastline, and the Flashbacks. Proceeds benefit 12 Upstate charities.

APRIL 21–23

Colonial Times: Under the Crown and Colonial Trades Fair ROB BELKNAP

For details, visit blueridgefest.com or call (800) 240‑3400.

APRIL 29

Run United

Run through historic Aiken with Olympic marathoner Pardon Ndhlovu, NBA champ Devean George, celebrity chef Havird Usry and Miss South Carolina Rachel Wyatt in Aiken Electric Cooperative’s annual road races. Cash prizes go to top finishers in the half marathon, and family members signing up together get registration discounts and are eligible for cash-prize drawings up to $1,000. There’s a Kids’ Fun Run for the youngest set. The event benefits United Way of Aiken County, assisting local agencies that help community members in need.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in 18th-century American life at Living History Park in North Augusta. The Brits occupy the Colonies, but rebellion is brewing. A new “Punch and Judy” show is featured, alongside militia drills, music and dancing, and period artisans demonstrating cabinet making, bread baking, weaving, gunsmithing and more. For details, visit colonialtimes.us or call (803) 279‑7560.

For details, visit aikenco-op.org/RunUnited or call (803) 649‑6245.

TOP PICK FOR KIDS MAY 13

Tara Hall Paddlefest

It’s a fun-filled day on the water for you and your family; it’s a day for Tara Hall Home for Boys in Georgetown to raise funds for its programs for neglected, troubled and abused boys. Come paddle down Black Mingo Creek, join in barrel-boat races, and enjoy waterside games, music and food. For details, visit tarahall.org or call (843) 546‑3000.

APRIL 29–30

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Air Show

Sky-high choreography and precision flying are in store at this free military aviation show. See the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, aka the Blue Angels (above), in high-speed aerobatics and the GEICO Skytypers, who generate giant sky-typed messages in World War II-era aircraft. Also on tap are solo daredevil stunts by pilots Rob Holland and Mike Goulian and a dual routine by Class of ’45 pilots Jim Tobul and Scott Yoak, paying tribute to those who have flown and maintained combat fighters. For details, visit beaufortairshow.com.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

EMAIL COMMENTS, QUESTIONS AND STORY SUGGESTIONS TO LETTERS@SCLIVING.COOP

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

O N LY O N

April 10 • National Lineman Appreciation Day

It’s time to say thanks to the men and women who work in challenging and often dangerous conditions to keep the lights on. Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support for the people who keep power flowing 24/7 to our homes, schools, churches and businesses.

RICK FIENBERG/TRAVELQUEST INTERNATIONAL/ WILDERNESS TRAVEL

April 22 • Practice viewing the solar eclipse

Grab your eclipse glasses and stake out a prime location to view the total solar eclipse sweeping across South Carolina this summer. The sun will be in roughly the same position on April 22 as it will be on Aug. 21, the day of the eclipse. WARNING: Do not look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. For more details on safely watching this rare celestial show, visit SCLiving.coop/eclipse.

May 7–13 • National Hurricane Preparedness Week

Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1. Is your storm kit packed? Have you reviewed your family’s evacuation plan? Learn how to prepare for tropical storms at SCLiving.coop/hurricane.

GONE FISHIN’ The Vektor Fish & Game Forecast provides feeding and migration times. Major periods can bracket the peak by an hour. Minor peaks, ½ hour before and after. Minor

APRIL

17 3:16 18 8:01 19 10:16 20 9:01 21 9:31 22 10:01 23 4:16 24 4:31 25 5:01 26 12:01 27 12:46 28 1:16 29 2:01 30 3:01

AM Major 7:46 1:16 2:16 2:46 3:16 3:46 10:31 11:01 11:31 5:31 6:01 6:31 7:01 7:46

Minor — — — 1:16 2:46 3:46 4:31 11:16 — 7:01 8:01 9:01 10:01 11:16

PM Major 4:01 5:31 6:46 8:01 9:01 9:46 10:31 5:31 6:16 12:16 1:01 1:46 2:31 3:31

Minor

MAY

1 5:22 2 10:52 3 9:07 4 9:52 5 10:37 6 4:22 7 4:52 8 5:07 9 — 10 — 11 12:52 12 1:22 13 2:07 14 2:37 15 3:22 16 4:37

AM Major

Minor

PM Major

SCLiving.coop

BONUS VIDEO Berry nice. Want a berry delicious topping for waffles, pancakes and French toast? Discover how to make a simple blueberry compote at SCLiving.coop/food/ chefbelinda.

INTERACTIVE FEATURE Win a $100 gift card. Don’t miss your chance to win big in this month’s Reader Reply Travel Sweepstakes. Four lucky readers will be drawn at random to receive a $100 gift card. If you want to be one of them, register by April 30 at SCLiving.coop/reader-reply.

T E ST YO U R E N E RGY K N O W L E D G E Think you’re pretty smart about saving energy? Prove it by playing Home Energy Adventure, a new online game from Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Point your browser to adventure.touchstoneenergy.com, answer a few questions and the quiz begins. You’ll get feedback along the way, and at the end, you’ll find out if you are a beginner, intermediate or expert saver.

energyEFFICIENCYtip

9:22 1:37 2:52 3:37 4:07 11:07 11:37 11:52 5:37 5:52 6:22 6:37 7:07 7:22 7:52 8:07

— 5:22 — 6:52 1:22 8:07 3:07 9:07 4:22 10:07 5:07 10:52 11:22 5:52 11:52 6:37 7:07 12:22 7:52 12:52 8:22 1:22 9:07 1:52 9:52 2:22 10:37 2:52 11:37 3:37 — 4:22

Air dry clean dishes to save energy. If your dishwasher does not have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off the dishwasher after the final rinse and prop the door open slightly so the dishes will dry faster. SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

SCLIVING.COOP | APRIL 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

EMAIL COMMENTS, QUESTIONS AND STORY SUGGESTIONS TO LETTERS@SCLIVING.COOP

ENERGY 101

Better batteries could improve electric service What do electric cars, laptop computers and smartphones have in common? They’re all powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, a 40-year-old technology that could soon be a part of the power grid. As manufacturers race to make lithium- ion batteries that are smaller, less expensive and more efficient, utilities are studying the potential of using them in large battery banks to store and deliver electricity via the traditional distribution network. Such grid-scale battery systems could protect sensitive electronics, enable prompt restoration of power outages and store the energy produced by wind and solar for use when the sun doesn’t shine and wind doesn’t blow.

NEED A ROOF? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

“Battery companies are working hard to engage utilities and work with them, because they want their piece of equipment to be the utility solution,” says Andrew Cotter, a program manager with the Business and Technology Strategies group of the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (NRECA). Only a handful of utilities currently use battery systems, but one industry research group predicts that number will grow eight times by 2020, making battery storage a $2.5 billion industry. “The technology is available, people are interested, but no one knows the flaws yet,” Cotter says, adding this prediction: “As utilities gain experience

using batteries in routine operations, they will learn the imperfections and start figuring out … conventional uses. Vendors, in turn, will start developing batteries for those specific applications.” —PAUL WESSLUND

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

LIGHT READING

Diane Veto Parham’s solar eclipse article (“Total blackout,” March 2017) was TOT AL BLACKOUT great! I’ve been to eight total solar eclipses around the world and she got it right. Some observers purposely go to the edge of the path of totality. Although totality is short at the edge, you get extended viewing of Baily’s beads, the prominences and the diamond ring. It’s good to see that there is finally some South Carolina publicity for the eclipse. Other states have been publicizing this for a while. —BILL SCHWITTEK, CLOVER Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse

MARCH 201 7

On the Agenda

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SC F E ATU R E

Kids in the garden SC R E C I PE

Low-carb cooking

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Dialogue

Lessons learned learning, the Wickses began connecting with community THE OLD, ABANDONED WEST HARDEEVILLE SCHOOL in Jasper groups and school officials to explore possible solutions. County had come on hard times. In the school’s early planning stages, Jasper County Graffiti covered the walls, parts of the building had families gathered together in places like the Coosawhatchie been set on fire and the trophy case was smashed, with Community Center to talk with Dr. Wicks about not just broken trophies on the floor. There was even evidence raising test scores but giving their children opportunities to that squatters had lived in the building, leaving behind grow. With a mission to help every child taste success, these clothes, candles and food. This once well-tended commugroups envisioned a school that wouldn’t charge tuition nity resource had become an eyesore and a symbol of the and would be open to all children in the county through a academic hardships many children faced in this district. random lottery. These days, there is new life within those once graffitiWhen they presented their proposal to the S.C. Charter covered walls, thanks to a community coming together to School District, the school’s planners were able to demon address a problem. In a place where children once strugstrate that the Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts & gled to succeed, students from kindergarten to high school Sciences had the strong support of the community—one are now engaged in hands-on learning activities and are receiving innovative, individualized instruction that meets of the biggest hurdles to starting any new charter school. their needs. And although it might have been simpler to start fresh The new Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts & with a brand-new building instead of rehabilitating the Sciences charter school opened its doors in August 2012. once-abandoned West Hardeeville School, the Wickses With more than 90 percent of its population recognized the appeal of bringing an old qualifying for free or reduced lunch, these building back to life. They recognized that GET MORE For more are kids who were not generally expected to the hope and the history of the building on finding or starting excel. In fact, many of them arrived at their weren’t in the structure itself, but rather in a public charter school new school’s doors about two or three years the local people—many of them parents and in your community, behind where they should have been acagrandparents of current students—who once contact the S.C. walked through those school doors. demically. But within this positive learning Charter School District Wanting to celebrate every kind of environment that fosters academic pride, posiat (803) 734‑8322; learner, this school has not only enhanced tive peer support and personal responsibility, sccharter.org. the academic life of the county but has also these students are now thriving and growing demonstrated the power of community-based toward their full potential. solutions to long-term challenges. This impressive transformation came about through Royal Live Oaks Academy is just one example of local vision and community collaboration, spearheaded by friends and neighbors coming together to change their the school’s cofounders, Karen and Les Wicks. Dr. Karen community for the better. As we continue to explore the Wicks and her husband relocated to South Carolina with theme of people making big differences through local an eye toward retiring here from New Jersey. As they connections, we’re eager to hear from you. Email me got to know the area, these educators with over 40 years’ at connections@ecsc.org, and then meet back here each experience began to reimagine what their retirement month for more stories about turning challenges into might look like. Seeing local schoolchildren struggling to opportunities for growth and connection. succeed gave them the desire to put their experience to work on a community need. With her Ph.D. from New York University, Karen Wicks has taught middle and high school, as well as on the college level. Before moving to South Carolina, she and her husband also founded an educational program in New Jersey that helped children learn by finding their strengths and weaknesses and developing their criticalthinking skills. Recognizing that Jasper County students MIKE COUICK President and CEO, could benefit from a similar individualized approach to The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina 10

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

TAX-FREE MINI-BONDS

Santee Cooper’s 2017 M1 Mini-Bonds empower all electric co-op members to invest in a financially sound future. These bonds are available for a limited time, April 3-28, 2017. BUILD TO SUIT

Invest anywhere from $200 to as much as $50,000.

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Limited-time offer available to all electric co-op members — inquire today! This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sales of the Bonds without delivery of the Official Statement relating to the Bonds. The Mini-Bonds are available to South Carolina residents, Santee Cooper customers, members of the electric cooperatives of South Carolina and electric customers of the Bamberg Board of Public Works and the City of Georgetown, South Carolina, upon the terms and conditions of the Official Statement. Persons in Nebraska, North Dakota and Ohio are not eligible to participate unless they are residents of South Carolina. The 2017 M Bonds may also be offered and sold to customers of any wholesale customer of the Authority, provided (i) such wholesale customer consents to such offer and sale and (ii) such offer and sale does not require the Authority to register as a broker-dealer in any jurisdiction.

EnergyQ&A

BY PATRICK KEEGAN

Upgrading to a more efficient air conditioner

Energy auditor Buddy DeLozier checks out a new AC unit for a co-op member in South Carolina.

My home’s central air conditioner is at least 15 years old—not very efficient, but it still works. Should I replace it now or wait until it fails?

THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Replacing an inefficient air conditioner with a more efficient model could significantly reduce your electric bill. A new AC unit is 20 to 40 percent more efficient than one from the 1990s, and Energy Star-certified systems are even more efficient. Replacing an aging system now, before summer starts, could help you avoid installation delays or price premiums. How much money you may save depends on how often your AC runs and your electric rate. If you are in a hot climate and you keep your home’s temperature in the low 70s, your cooling cost will be substantial, and so will the potential savings from replacing your old air conditioner with an efficient new one. The best way to determine possible savings is to have an in-home assessment conducted by a qualified heating, ventilating and air conditioning professional or a certified energy auditor (see resnet.us to find energyefficiency professionals). Contractors should be knowledgeable about energy-efficient systems and have good references. It’s a plus if they have North American Technician Excellence certification. Electric co-ops are often interested in reducing peak summer loads and may be able to offer helpful information. Your contractor needs to size the

system to your home. A unit that is too small will not cool your home to the levels you want. If it is too large, it may not dehumidify your home sufficiently, and it will cycle on and off more frequently, which can increase wear and tear on the system and shorten its life significantly. To size the system, the contractor will assess your insulation levels. By adding insulation where it’s most needed, you may be able to install a smaller AC unit and enjoy greater comfort and lower cooling costs. Your contractor should also assess your ductwork, which may be poorly designed, leaky or inadequately insulated. Air-conditioning options are suited to different situations. Ask your contractor whether it’s practical to change to a different type of system. u Central

air conditioning is generally either split or packaged. A split system, which has the cold coils inside the home and an outside unit

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

exhausting heat, is the most common. Packaged systems, which are sometimes installed because of space constraints, combine these functions into one box located outside the home.

u A heat pump can provide cooling and heating in homes with or without ducts. If you are currently using propane or natural gas as your fuel source, this may be a good option. u A ductless mini-split heat pump can be an efficient way to cool up to four zones inside the home. If your existing ductwork is in bad shape or poorly designed, this could be a good solution. u Window

units are much less efficient than other options, but they can be effective for cooling a single room. It’s worth paying a little more for a new Energy Star-compliant unit. Replacing an aging air conditioner is a great way to improve comfort, cut energy costs and reduce peak energy demand. You can learn more about home cooling at energy.gov and find information about energy-efficient products at energystar.gov. Send questions to Energy Q&A, South Carolina Living, 808 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033, email energyqa@scliving.coop or fax (803) 739‑3041.

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SmartChoice

BY DIANE VETO PARHAM

On the road again

Just because y ou’re traveling d have to le oesn’t mean you av of home. e all the comfort s Take som e with yo to make u the trip m ore pleasant.

CREATURE COMFORTS DRIVE TIME AUDIENCE FRIENDLY Make peace in the backseat during car trips with the dual screens on the Philips Portable DVD Player PD9012M/37, powered by the car charger. Mount the matching 9-inch LCD screens to headrests with a simple strap, so passengers on both sides get equal views. Now, who picks the movie? $140. (888) 381‑0749; usa.philips.com.

HAND ME A SAMMIE Minimize pit stops on the road by keeping snacks and drinks handy in the car. The Koolatron P20 Compact Cooler stashes neatly in tight spaces. No ice needed; it plugs into a 12-volt receptacle, and it can also be set to keep warm food warm. $140. (800) 265‑8456; koolatron.com/us/en. REST EASY Strange place, strange bed, strange noises—how’s a body supposed to get some sleep? Drift off with soothing white noise from Marpac’s Rohm portable electronic sound machine. Less than 4 inches in diameter, it packs easily, masks distracting noises wherever you go and recharges via USB cable. $35. (800) 999‑6962; marpac.com.

WELL CONNECTED

FRESH AIR Let’s say you’re that rare breed whose car doesn’t smell like cigarette smoke, unwashed dog, last week’s fast food or the gym bag in the backseat. Passengers will still breathe better with a Schatzii AIR Ionic Car Air Purifier and Car Charger. Plug it into the cigarette lighter to minimize odors, fumes, dust, pollen and airborne contaminants, and gain two USB ports to charge devices. $50. (415) 812‑8695; schatzii.com.

ROUGH AND READY Wherever you need to power up your mobile devices, the myCharge All Terrain portable charger can take the heat—and the cold, the dirt, the water and the roughhousing. The durability of these rugged, military-grade chargers, with both smartphone and USB ports, means you can get away from it all, but still stay in touch. $40. (248) 668‑4500; mycharge.com. ON TRACK Can’t promise you won’t get lost, but at least you’ll know where your luggage is. Toss a LugLoc Tracker in your suitcase and turn on the tracking app, and the geo-tracking technology will use worldwide cellular networks to keep a trace on your bag wherever it travels. $70, plus monthly service plan. support@lugloc.com; shop.lugloc.com. SMART SUITCASE Bluesmart One is a single carry-on bag with a multitude of solutions. Easy-access pockets for electronic devices speed you through airport check-ins. Other clever built-ins include a location tracker, device charger, TSA-compliant remote locking and digital scale. You’ll have to roll it yourself, though. $449. support@bluesmart.com; bluesmart.com.

WHERE NOW? More than just mapping your route, Garmin’s DriveLuxe 50LMTHD acts as an on-board navigator, alerting you to speed-limit changes, tricky interchanges, traffic updates and other safety info. Voice-activated navigation keeps your hands safely on the wheel. Customize it to display incoming texts and calls on screen. $239. (888) 237‑8289; bestbuy.com. 14

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

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Stories

CARROLL FOSTER

Bull’s-eye

If you ever run into Sandy “Storm” Hudson at a sports bar, don’t challenge her to a casual game of darts—unless you intend to lose. As her nickname implies, Hudson is a force of nature, making a name for herself inter nationally as a professional player of Cricket (in which players aim to close out the board with three strikes in the numbers 15–20 and the bull’s-eye) and 501 (in which players subtract their points from 501 until they get to zero). When Hudson steps up to the line, she operates with a laser-like focus, a consistency of repetition and an unwavering confidence—qualities that have earned her six trips to the World Darts Championship in England, 114 singles titles, 34 straight National Qualifier wins and two American Darts Organization National Championships. “I always had pretty good hand-eye coordination,” she says between games at Local Cue, a Greenville sports bar where she sometimes likes to play after work with her husband/ manager, Chuck Hudson. “But confidence is the biggest thing—know the game, know what you do, but also know what your opponent can do. You always assume anybody can beat anybody, so you’ve got to play that way.” Whether it’s a pickup game with friends, a local tournament or an international competition with big money on the line, Hudson always plays to win, but she also enjoys the social aspects of the sport. “Darts allows me to be competitive,” she says. “It also allows me to teach. I want to help other dart players better understand the game and the strategies.” —HASTINGS HENSEL

SC Life

Sandy “Storm” Hudson AGE:

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Professional

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Before darts, she was a two-sport athlete at Eastside High School in Taylors and played basketball for Mars Hill University

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SCLIVING.COOP | APRIL 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

SCGardener

BY AMY L. DABBS

Summer squash, fried with onions in a cast-iron pan, is one of my favorite Southern dishes. Seems like it’s practically mandatory, if you plant a garden in the South, to grow crookneck yellow squash or green zucchini—they’re tried-andtrue, easy to grow and tasty to eat. But with all the hybrid and heirloom summer-squash varieties out there, why not try something new? 18 18

| SCLIVING.COOP SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING LIVING | APRIL 2017 |

FOR LATE-SPRING/SUMMER HARVEST

Lowcountry Midlands Upstate

March 20–April 10 April 1–20 April 15–May 15

FOR LATE-SUMMER HARVEST

Lowcountry Midlands Upstate

August 10–25 August 1–15 July 1–20

p Pattypan varieties grow on bush-type plants. u Tromboncino squash grows on vines, and the

fruit is straighter when it has room to hang.

breadcrumbs and onions. Some varieties to look for include Flying Saucer, Sunburst, Peter Pan and G-Star. Patty pan squash grow on bush-type plants and can be harvested at any size. Round, ball-shaped varieties of green zucchini are another squash well suited for stuffing and are considered a gourmet treat. The hybrid varieties Eight Ball and Black Ball have dark-green skin and mature quickly, within 45–50 days after planting. One Ball is a round zucchini with bright-yellow skin. Other yellowskinned zucchini with a more traditional squash shape include Goldmine, which has white stripes along the cylindrical fruit. The exotically named Cocozelle, or Cocozella di Napoli, are open- pollinated, heirloom Italian zucchini characterized by darkgreen skins and white or light-green ribs and prized by chefs for their delicious flavor. Harvest these tender squash early and often to keep them producing fruit longer. Tromboncino (Cucur bita moschata) are trumpet-shaped squash more closely related to winter squash but harvested as summer squash. Similar in flavor to zucchini, this Italian heirloom grows on vigorously climbing vines. When harvested young, it has a sweet, tender flavor. Left on the vine, tromboncino squash develop hard skins that l l

JOAN McDONALD

Squash seed-planting times

D. LEONIS

Many years ago, a horticulture colleague shared this rule of thumb about choosing seeds: Stick with 80 percent tried-and-true varieties, and experiment with 20 percent new and unusual plants. Trying that with summer squash can lead to delicious discoveries! Squash are grouped into either summer or winter types. Winter squash, such as spaghetti, acorn and butternut squash, are grown while temperatures are warm but typically are harvested in early fall. They have higher sugar contents than summer squash. With their hard outer shells and dense, sweet flesh, these squash are perfect for storing and eating well into winter. Summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) grow best when temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahren heit. Yellow straightneck, crookneck and green zucchini are all varieties of the same plant with different fruit shapes, sizes and growth habits. They’re ready for harvest when they are young and tender, while your fingernail can pierce the thin, edible skin. Eat them raw or cooked, but quickly; their shelf life lasts only about a week before fruit quality begins to decline. Among the varieties of summer squash, you may have seen a rounded, scallop-edged squash that resembles a flying saucer. That’s pattypan squash—sometimes called scaloppini or sunburst squash. These whimsically shaped squash are often served scooped out and stuffed with garlic,

Battling blossom-end rot Just like tomatoes, squash can get blossom-end rot, a dark-brown or black rot that occurs near the end of the fruit. Blossom-end rot is caused by a lack of calcium available to the plant while the fruit are forming. This can be caused by a deficit of calcium in the soil and exacerbated by dry periods or irregular irrigation. TO COMBAT BLOSSOM-END ROT:

l Test garden soil regularly, and apply lime only if

recommended. l Mulch vegetables with 2 to 3 inches of organic materials, such as grass clippings, pine straw or leaves, to prevent soil from drying out. l Don’t overfertilize plants with nitrogen or potash (potassium). Excessive amounts of these nutrients depress the uptake of calcium. l Irrigate squash plants during long dry periods. l Improve soil by adding organic matter, such as good-quality compost. Compost improves soil structure, drainage and water-holding capacity. Adding organic matter helps increase plant uptake of water and calcium. Plus, all the critters in good, healthy soil help combat diseases and insects naturally.

SCLIVING.COOP | APRIL 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

SC GARDENER

Cooking with squash If you’ve got summer squash, we’ve got recipes. Check out ideas for transforming your squash and zucchini into delicious pies, soups, pasta and more at

SCLiving.coop/food/squash.

VEGETABLE CASSEROLE

Layer a rainbow of vegetables to bake up as a summer side dish.

ZUCCHINI LASAGNA

Everything you love about lasagna is in this hearty dish, minus the carb-laden pasta noodles.

SUMMER-FRESH YELLOW SQUASH SOUP Seasoned

with basil, cumin and lemon pepper, this brothbased soup makes for a light and healthy meal.

SUMMER RIBBON PASTA

SQUASH PEPPER CASSEROLE

TRACIE’S SQUASH PIES

BANANA-ZUCCHINI NUT BREAD Moist and flavorful,

ZUCCHINI PARMESAN Thick slices of zucchini star in this vegetarian version of an Italian classic.

is hot, put a char on your squash, zucchini and other favorite vegetables threaded on a wooden skewer.

These pies are a sweet surprise with just a hint of flaked coconut.

Toss thin strips of sautéed squash and other vege tables with fettucine for a garden-fresh summer supper.

this versatile quick bread is delicious at breakfast, dinner or snack time.

Start with a classic Southern combo of yellow squash and Vidalia onions, then mix in more veggies, rice and just the right seasonings.

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: MICHAEL PHILLIPS; BELINDA SMITH-SULLIVAN; GINA MOORE; JONATHAN SLOANE. BOTTOM ROW: LEEANN WHITE; INA PETERS; SANYI KUMAR; WILLIAM P. EDWARDS; ELZBIETA SEKOWSKA

DIANE VETO PARHAM

allow them to be stored a bit longer. Cucuzza squash (Lagenaria sicer aria) is another popular Italian hybrid. The pale-green fruit resemble long, skinny baseball bats growing on a vine. Typically, they are harvested for eating when they are less than 3 inches in diameter and between 15 inches and 3 feet long. Botanically, cucuzza is really a gourd. Unlike other summer squashes, its skin is too tough to eat, and it’s best eaten cooked. You might hear cucuzza called “googootz,” a slang term that can mean any zucchini squash or a term of endearment for a loved one. No matter what you call it, eat it stuffed, like a true Sicilian, for a tasty summer supper. When planting, follow soil-test recommendations for fertilization rates. Avoid applying too much nitrogen; this can lead to vigorous growth with few flowers. Don’t fret if the first flowers on

GRILLED VEGETABLE SKEWERS When the grill

Cucuzza squash is really a gourd, and the skin is too tough to eat, but it’s a great choice for stuffing.

your squash don’t produce any fruit; they can’t, because they are male, pollen-producing flowers. All squashes produce both male and female flowers

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

on the same plant. After a few days, female, fruit-producing flowers emerge, and tiny squash fruit will follow. Pollinators are critical for good fruit production. Honeybees and squash bees, a native pollinator, do the lion’s share of the work. Misshapen fruit are a sign of poor pollination. To attract a variety of pollinators, try planting zinnias, cosmos and other pollinator-friendly flowers nearby. If you grow tired of eating the fruit of your summer squash, try eating the flowers. The edible flowers are delicious stuffed with cheese, fried or simply chopped over pasta. Harvest squash blossoms first thing in the morning before they are fully opened. No matter how you eat them, summer squash are versatile, diverse and delicious! is an area horticulture agent for Clemson Extension based in Charleston County. Contact her at adabbs@clemson.edu.

AMY L. DABBS

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Recipe

BY BELINDA SMITH-SULLIVAN

Bountiful breakfasts

Most days, a cup of coffee or a bo wl oatmeal may su of ffice. But for specia l da ys, overnight gues ts or a twist at dinnertime, a more bountiful breakfast is in order. This loaded egg ca sserole is a mea l by itself and ca n be prepared the night befo re. For treat, try quick- a sweet and-easy fruit pinwheel s. And red velvet waffles pair nicely with map leglazed ham.

MAPLE-GLAZED HAM STEAK SERVES 3–4

¼ cup peach preserves 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder Pinch of cinnamon 1 ¼-pound smoked ham steak, ½-inch thick

KAREN HERMANN

In a small bowl, combine preserves, maple syrup, chili powder and cinnamon. Make diagonal cuts, 1 inch apart, on outer edges of ham steak to prevent it from curling up. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, place ham steak, and brush top with peach glaze. Cook 4–5 minutes, then turn over. Brush cooked side with glaze, and cook another 4–5 minutes. Remove to a platter, brush once more with the glaze, and let rest 5 minutes.

MAKES 6 8-INCH WAFFLES

2 cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 tablespoons cardamom (or cinnamon) 1 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons sugar 3 whole eggs, beaten 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted

2 cups buttermilk, room temperature 1 tablespoon red food coloring 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¾ cup chopped pecans Mascarpone frosting (recipe at right) Fresh berries (optional) Maple syrup

Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cardamom, salt and sugar. In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, food coloring and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to the dry, and stir until combined. Allow to rest 15 minutes. Ladle waffle batter onto the iron, in the amount recommended for your model. If you do not have a waffle iron, use batter to make pancakes. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons pecans onto batter. Close lid, and cook until waffle is golden on both sides and is easily removed, about 4 minutes. Keep warm in a 200 F oven until ready to serve. Spoon mascarpone frosting into a zippered plastic bag. Snip off one of the bottom corners of the bag to form a piping tip. Pipe desired amount onto the top of waffles. Serve with berries and maple syrup. 22

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

MASCARPONE FROSTING MAKES 2 CUPS

4 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (more, if needed) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a stand mixer, beat butter on medium speed until smooth. Beat in cheese. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix on low for a few minutes. Increase speed to medium, and beat until smooth. Leftover frosting will last up to a week in the refrigerator.

KAREN HERMANN

RED VELVET PECAN WAFFLES

Want a berry delicious topping for waffles, pancakes and French toast? See how to make a simple blueberry compote at

SCLiving.coop/food/chefbelinda

IULIIA NEDRYGAILOVA

EGG CASSEROLE WITH POTATOES, SAUSAGE AND PEPPERS 1½ pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed or sliced 1 pound spicy bulk sausage 2–3 large green onions, sliced, whites separated from green tops 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese 6 large eggs ½ cup heavy cream or milk ¼ teaspoon dried thyme Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large pot over medium-high heat, boil potatoes 5 minutes in salted water. Drain, and let cool. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage until browned, breaking into bite-size pieces. Remove from skillet with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper-towel-lined platter. Reserve one tablespoon grease in skillet; discard the rest. Cook white parts of the onion with bell pepper in skillet about 3 minutes. Add garlic, and cook an additional minute. In a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish, mix potatoes, sausage, onion and bell pepper. Cover with cheese. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, cream, thyme, salt and pepper; pour over mixture in baking dish. Bake 30 minutes or until eggs are fully cooked. Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with green onion slices. To make ahead, prepare casserole, but don’t bake. Cover, and store in refrigerator. Before baking, bring casserole to room temperature. Bake as directed above.

GINA MOORE

SERVES 8–10

FRUIT PINWHEELS MAKES 8

2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed ½ cup cream cheese, softened ½ cup jam, any flavor ¼ cup melted butter ¼ cup granulated sugar Fresh berries, for garnish

GLAZE

½ cup powdered sugar, sifted 2 tablespoons cream

Preheat oven to 375 F. Roll out each sheet of puff pastry on lightly floured work surface until it is a 10-inch square. Cut each into four 5-inch squares, and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a tablespoon of cream cheese in the center of each square, smoothing and flattening with back of spoon into a 1½-inch circle. Top with a dollop of jam. With a knife, make a 1½- to 2-inch cut at each corner of the dough, diagonally toward the center. (Do not cut underneath cream cheese.) Each square will now have 8 points. Gather every second point, bringing them to the center of the pastry. Press these 4 corners together slightly. Brush pastry with melted butter; sprinkle with sugar. If desired, add fresh berries. Bake 25 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown. Cool completely before applying glaze. To make glaze, in a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and cream, stirring or whisking until smooth. Use a fork to drizzle glaze over pastries. SCLIVING.COOP | APRIL 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

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SPR G & SUMIN M TRAVELER GUIDE

k r a p l l a b e h t o t t Take me ou America’s national pastime is at home in South Carolina

BY DIANE VETO PARHAM | PHOTOS BY MIC SMITH

Just 5 years old at the time, John Katz walked into Boston’s Fenway Park beside his dad, eager for his first ball game. Climbing up into the stands, gazing awestruck at the giant Green Mon ster scoreboard, surrounded by throngs of pumped-up baseball fans—that day seared into him lifelong memories that, years later, still give him goose bumps. “That’s the type of memories we want to build for people here,” says Katz, now president of the Columbia Fireflies, the Greenville Drive infielder Josh Ockimey heads out to minor league the field for the next inning against Hagerstown at Fluor Field. ball club

SCLIVING.COOP | APRIL 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

FLUOR FIELD AT WEST END

that took up residence in downtown Columbia last baseball season. “We’re creating memories for families and bringing generations together.” In communities where minor league baseball teams have a home—and South Carolina now has four—spring and summer ball games step up to the plate as spots for affordable family-fun nights and relaxing entertainment for fans of all ages. A night at the ballpark is more than just baseball. Wacky costumed mascots, silly between-inning contests, fan interaction via videoboards, theme nights, fireworks displays—everything is designed to keep the fans engaged from the first pitch to the final out. Food offerings have moved well beyond hot dogs and peanuts—care for a shrimp taco or a brie-and-blueberry grilled cheese? Seating options suit your tastes, be it a picnic blanket on a grassy berm, reserved field-level seats, tables with wait service or barstools overlooking the outfield. And where else do you get to hear the theme songs from “The Addams Family” and “Green Acres” played in organ music? “Whether or not people watch the baseball game is not that important,” Katz says. “What’s important is the experience they are having while they’re here. It puts a smile on your face.” Here’s a look at what South Carolina’s four minor league ballparks —in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville and Myrtle Beach—have to offer.

There’s more about your team … 28 29 30 31

Charleston RiverDogs Columbia Fireflies Greenville Drive Myrtle Beach Pelicans

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SCLIVING.COOP | APRIL 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

BASEBALL IN THE HOLY CITY OPENING PITCH “The Joe,” as

fans call the RiverDogs’ home stadium, is the oldest of South Carolina’s four ballparks. It has a casual, broken-in feel, like your favorite, frayed-aroundthe-edges jeans. The concourse gets action-packed and a little tight with fans milling around on game days, and that’s the way they like it. “It’s much more than a ball game going on,” general manager Dave Echols says. Perched beside the Ashley River and an adjacent marsh, The Joe offers water views on

the first-base side and beyond right field, when you’re not watching the game. With winds coming off the river, this can be a tough park for batters to launch big hits. Fly balls can swerve into the stands; bring your glove.

BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE

Families like to stake out space on Shoeless Joe’s Hill, a cushioned green berm at the far reaches of right field, where they can spread picnic blankets under palm trees. On hot days, try to catch a breeze off the marsh in the highest seats. The brand-new Riley Park Club takes advantage of scenic views while offering padded balcony seats and an indoor lounge.

BUY ME SOME PEANUTS AND ...

Charlie T. RiverDog greets and entertains fans at “The Joe.”

Charleston scores extra points for creative ballpark food. Last season, they introduced a shrimp-and-grits corn dog, a double chicken-and-waffle burger, and a Lowcountry rice bowl topped with pulled pork, collard greens and mac and cheese. If you insist on a hot dog at a baseball game, take a swing at the Homewrecker:

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

a $10, one-pound, foot-long, all-beef hot dog that can be loaded with up to 20 toppings, including okra and pimiento cheese.

CAMERA-READY MOMENT

Charleston leads the league in videoboard fan interaction. Top of the list: “Simba cam,” during which fans mimic the scene in The Lion King where Rafiki hoists newborn cub Simba overhead. Be ready to woof along during “Who Let the Dogs Out?” after home runs, dance The Charleston or greet your neighbors when the video screen flashes “Holy City—friendliest city in the South.”

LET THE GAMES BEGIN Between-

innings entertainment on the field takes some goofy turns at The Joe. One crowd favorite involves selecting fans from the stands to dance to the theme song from Chariots of Fire—portly men are top choices for contestants. Kids get in on ribbon-twirling contests and “pony hops”—racing down the third-base line on inflatable toy horses.

Keep your camera ready for a “Simba cam” moment.

FAMILY FUN Stationed around the perimeter are a pitching booth, basketball hoops, a dunking booth and a bounce house. Sundays are Kids Club Sundays—kids get in free, parents get free parking, and young fans play catch in the outfield before the game and run the bases postgame. Come early to the Aug. 21 game to watch the total solar eclipse at the park. BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR: Actor Bill Murray. As the RiverDogs’ part owner, staff “director of fun” and a diehard baseball fan, Echols says, Murray shows up at 10 to 15 games a year. “He likes to be here whenever the ballpark is buzzing,” Echols says. “He’s very approachable, very into the game, very into wanting the fans to enjoy their experience here.”

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR OPENING PITCH

The Fireflies’ first season didn’t produce a winning record, but the park itself scored well—Ballpark Digest named it Ballpark of the Year for 2016 and went on to gush that it’s “one of the best ballparks opened in the last decade.” All that love led to Spirit Communications Park being chosen as the site for the 2017 South Atlantic League All-Star Game set for Tuesday, June 20. Unusual for a minor league park, it features a 360-degree concourse, so there are seats

offering a view of the field from every angle. And the spacious park was designed with accessible community use in mind— you can walk lunch-hour laps around the 1/3-mile concourse, attend concerts and off-season sporting events, and even catch the total solar eclipse during the Aug. 21 afternoon game.

BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE Take your pick. Handy, built-in food-and-drink rails front several seating areas. A ledge with barstools behind center field overhangs the

warning track by about 5 feet; you can eat, drink, and watch stellar catches or heartbreaking errors directly below. Adirondack rockers behind the outfield are first come, first served. The chairs at half-circle tables all face the field, so you dine without missing any action. A grassy berm is popular with families—level tiers for picnics, and a slope for kids who just want to roll downhill.

BUY ME SOME PEANUTS AND ...

Familiar ballpark foods are well covered, but you’ll also find a wide assortment—Philly cheesesteaks, burritos, brats and more—at vendor carts around the concourse. Big sellers are the funnel cakes and house-made pulled-pork barbecue sandwiches.

CAMERA-READY MOMENT The

Mason the Firefly and house-made pulled-pork barbecue sandwiches are both popular at Columbia’s Spirit Communications Park.

camera is coming for you in Columbia, sooner or later. The “kiss cam” is a little presumptive—hopefully, you’re sitting next to someone you don’t mind smooching. Catch a glimpse of yourself on the video screen in a “hit the

Fans take in the game from behind center field as the Fireflies’ Nicco Blank pitches against Augusta.

dab” moment or leaning over a ship’s bow during “Titanic cam.”

LET THE GAMES BEGIN Plenty

of zany on-field antics keep Fireflies fans amused between innings. Bizarrely entertaining is the race to build a human cheeseburger, as fans dressed like burger ingredients layer on top of each other. The “dash for cash” pits two competitors, tied together with a bungee cord, in a tug of war to reach moneybags.

FAMILY FUN An enormous, inflated Mason the Firefly hovers over the park’s Kids Zone, where you’ll find inflatable slides, a bounce house, a cushioned play surface and wiffle ball. Plus, there’s pingpong, cornhole and lawn games on a grassy patch behind center field. Sunday is Splash Day, with water games stationed around the park. BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR:

Tim Tebow. The former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner will launch his professional baseball career with the Fireflies after spending spring training with Mets. Come early in the season to be sure to catch a glimpse of Tebow in jersey number 15.

SCLIVING.COOP | APRIL 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

Parents keep an eye on their kids and Drive pitcher Jeffry Fernandez from the playground at Greenville’s replica of Fenway Park.

SHOELESS JOE’S TURF OPENING PITCH Love baseball

history? This park’s for you. Not only does Fluor Field pay tribute to the Upstate’s historic textile leagues, it’s decked out in signage featuring legendary major leaguer “Shoeless Joe” Jackson of Greenville and other native S.C. ballplayers who rose to greatness, including some who played with the Drive’s parent team, the Boston Red Sox. The ballpark itself is a replica of Boston’s Fenway Park, with the same dimensions and its own manually operated Green Monster scoreboard in left field. The weathered-brick exterior, historic photos and urban, West End setting add a retro feel and reinforce links to Fenway. In a region that has long loved baseball, the park upholds tradition as a community gathering spot.

BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE Brandnew seating atop the Green Monster is another feature that mimics the Fenway experience. Private parties can reserve the Mountain Dew dugout for a field-level perspective. Take your beach blankets and kids who like to roll down hills out to the grassy berm in left field. New upgrades in sections 116–119—where you get the best sunset views—replaced bleachers with comfy chairback seats. BUY ME SOME PEANUTS AND ...

It’s mostly traditional fare—hot dogs, pizza slices, nachos—in the concession stands at Fluor Field, with some fast-food chains mixed in. But if you want to mix it up, try the Triple Crown Burgers at The Iron Yard 500 Club outdoor dining area—that’s three sliders, each

with its own unique topping. Other stars in the lineup are the loaded Fiesta Nachos at Carrera Cantina or a cool scoop of ice cream at Sweet Caroline’s (Red Sox fans will catch that reference).

CAMERA-READY MOMENT Reedy Rip’it—the frog mascot who reportedly loves “fly” balls and catching “flies”—does an energetic dance atop the home dugout, leading fans in dancing to “Cotton Eyed Joe.” If you follow his lead, you can check out your own moves on the outfield videoboard. LET THE GAMES BEGIN Between

innings, Greenville takes it old school with vintage sack races and three-legged races for the fans. Reedy Rip’It might also go head to head in a challenge race against the

mascots from other local sports teams or businesses.

FAMILY FUN A small, enclosed playground, conveniently stationed at the far reaches of left field, overlooks the field, so you can keep an eye on the kids and the game at the same time. There’s also a speed-pitch game near the Field Street entrance. Friday nights are for fireworks, and kids get to the run the bases after Sunday home games. BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR:

A home-game homage to the Bosox—singing “Sweet Caroline” in the middle of the 8th inning, just like they do in Boston.

On-field emcee Zach Sprunger runs the sack race with a young fan. Craig Houghton (left) changes the manual Green Monster scoreboard at Fluor Field.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

BEACH BALL OPENING PITCH With so many

competing tourist attractions nearby, the Pelicans ramp up the entertainment in a carnival-like atmosphere— balloon animals, face painting, kids with cotton candy, sideshow performers twirling lighted hula hoops, fireworks after Saturday-night games. They play a little higher-level ball here—Class A-Advanced— but, generally, “that doesn’t matter to Mom and Dad and the kids,” general manager Andy Milovich concedes. When the Pelicans became a Chicago Cubs affiliate in 2015, the ballpark underwent a “Cubsification” process that pays tribute to its parent team wherever possible, such as signs that mimic Wrigley Field’s iconic red marquee. The Pelicans even adopted Wrigley’s tradition of hoisting a “W” flag after home wins or an “L” after a loss.

BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE Check

out the manmade “beach,” at field level near left field, with sand, palm trees, beach chairs and a lifeguard stand. Nextdoor is the opposing team’s bullpen; you can scout the pitchers warming up. Sit in

the picnic area near deep right field to get really close to the action. You’ll find shade under covered seating in the stands, but steer clear of the metal posts that can block your view. Want to catch a home-run ball? Try the bleachers behind left field.

BUY ME SOME PEANUTS AND ...

At Clark & Addison Grille, named for the intersecting Chicago streets where Wrigley is located, two big-appetite sandwiches salute favorite Windy City foods: the meaty Chicago Double Play, with Italian beef slices and sausage stuffed into one bun, and the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Burger, a thick beef patty

sandwiched between personalsize pepperoni pizzas.

CAMERA-READY MOMENT

A chosen fan or celebrity guest leads the crowd in singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch, a la the Chicago tradition started by longtime Cubs announcer Harry Caray. You can post game-time selfies on Instagram to see them displayed on the videoboard during a betweeninnings song they call “Selfie Safari” (to the tune of the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ Safari”).

LET THE GAMES BEGIN Sign up

energetic kids for the mattress race, where young runners race down the third-base line toting a mattress with a teddy bear on top. For grownups, there’s the “knocker balls” contest—adults encased in giant inflatable balls run at and bounce off each other. ’Nuff said.

FAMILY FUN A mini Wrigley

Field in Grissom Plaza, near left field, has inlaid bricks and stones that mimic the layout of a baseball field. It serves as a

From left: A mini Wrigley Field with its own ivy-covered wall entices kids to play their own game. The Pelicans’ David Bote high fives the mascots before the start of their game against the Frederick Keys. The umpire directs Deuce around the bases.

wiffle ball field for kids, complete with faux ivy on the brick outfield wall and a scaled-down Wrigley marquee. On Family Sundays, have a catch in the real outfield. After any home game, kids 12 and under take the field to run the bases.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR: Deuce, a well-trained yellow Labrador, is on duty after the third and sixth innings, when he carries a basket of fresh baseballs out to the ump at home plate. And when the Pelicans win, Deuce does a victory lap around the bases.

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SCLIVING.COOP | APRIL 2017 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

Calendar of Events UPSTATE APRIL

14–15 • Pickens Azalea Festival, Main Street, Pickens. (864) 508‑6483. 15 • Gardens Then and Now, Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folklife Center, Pickens. (864) 898‑2936. 17–21 • Greenville County Senior Games, various venues, Greenville. (864) 288‑6470. 18 • Maya Angelou Power of Words Talk, Hughes Main Library, Greenville. (864) 244‑1499. 18 • Tamassee DAR School Benefit Golf Tournament, The Cliffs Valley Golf Course, Travelers Rest. (864) 901‑4543. 21 • Laurens County Museum Appreciation Gala, Laurens County Museum Witherspoon Building, Laurens. (864) 683‑3688. 21–22 • “An American in Paris,” Chapman Cultural Center, Spartanburg. (864) 542‑2787. 21–23, 28–30 • “Getting Sara Married,” Oconee Community Theatre, Seneca. (864) 882‑1910. 22 • Central Railroad Festival, downtown, Central. (864) 654‑1200. 22 • Guy Penrod, Walhalla Civic Auditorium, Walhalla. (864) 638‑5277. 22 • Spartanburg Soaring, Chapman Cultural Center, Spartanburg. (864) 542‑2787. 22–30 • Greater Clemson Music Festival, various venues, greater Clemson area. (864) 650‑0585. 28 • Blue Ridge Fest, West Main Street, Pickens. (800) 240‑3400. 28–29 • Ghost Creek Gourd Fest, Ghost Creek Gourd Farm, Laurens. (864) 682‑5251. 28–29 • BRAPA Tractor and Engine Show, Broad River Antique Power Association, Gaffney. (864) 304‑7558. 28–30 • Spartanburg Spring Fling, downtown, Spartanburg. (864) 596‑2976. 29 • Community Yard Sale, Disciples United Methodist Church, Greenville. (864) 297‑0382. 29 • Kings Mountain Marathon, Kings Mountain State Park, Blacksburg. (864) 247‑6735. 29 • Military Items Sale, Military History Center at the Greenville Downtown Airport, Greenville. (864) 270‑6660. 29 • Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra Grand Finale, Twichell Auditorium, Converse College, Spartanburg. (864) 948‑9020. 29 • Spring Means Babies, Split Creek Farm, Anderson. (864) 287‑3902.

29 • Vintage Market at The Park, Greer City Park, Greer. (864) 621‑2020. MAY

2 • Cesar Chavez Power of Words Talk, Hughes Main Library, Greenville. (864) 244‑1499. 4–6 • Abbeville Spring Festival, Court Square, Abbeville. (864) 366‑9673. 4–14 • The Great Anderson County Fair, Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center, Anderson. (864) 757‑3022. 5 • Mountain Faith Band, Walhalla Civic Auditorium, Walhalla. (864) 638‑5277. 5 • Spartanburg Association Wildlife Banquet, Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg. (864) 591‑1220. 5–6 • Greer Family Fest, Greer City Park, Greer. (864) 877‑3131. 5–6 • Project Host BBQ Cook-Off and Festival, Hudson and Welborn streets, Greenville. (864) 235‑3403. 6 • Spring Express and Craft Show and Community-Wide Yard Sale, downtown, Iva. (864) 940‑2919. 7 • Tamassee Craft Beer Festival, Keowee Towne Market, Salem. (864) 557‑6168. 11 • “The Way We Worked” Opening Reception, Pickens County Museum of Art and History, Pickens. (864) 898‑5963. 12–14 • Artisphere, downtown, Greenville. (864) 271‑9398. 13 • American Truck Historical Society Palmetto Upstate Chapter Spring Show, O’Neal Church of God Community Park, Greer. (864) 677‑3453. 13 • Classic Car Show, downtown, Iva. (864) 348‑6193. 13 • Sock Hops Vocal Group, Walhalla Civic Auditorium, Walhalla. (864) 638‑5277. 15 • The Assaults cycling challenge, starts at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg. (864) 546‑4782. ONGOING

Daily through Sept. 10 • “Wyeth Dynasty,” Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville. (864) 271‑7570.

MIDLANDS APRIL

15 • Easter Bunny Eggspress Trains, S.C. Railroad Museum, Winnsboro. (803) 635‑9893. 15 • Historic Stable and Barn Tour, Rye Patch, Aiken. (803) 642‑7631. 15–16 • “Spring Fever” Dressage Show, Stable View Farm, Aiken. (484) 356‑3173.

Go to SCLiving.coop for more information and for guidelines on submitting your event. Please confirm information before attending events. 18 • USC-Aiken Chamber Ensemble, Etherredge Center, Aiken. (803) 641‑3305. 19–30 • Aiken Spring Classic Horse Show, Highfields Event Center, Aiken. (803) 649‑3577. 20 • Kershaw County Music Association Spring Instrumental Showcase, Fine Art Center of Kershaw County, Camden. (803) 425‑7676. 20–29 • Come-See-Me Festival, various locations, Rock Hill. (803) 329‑7625. 21 • Dutch Fork Choral Society Concert, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Irmo. (803) 318‑0488. 21–22 • Clarendon County Striped Bass Festival, Weldon Auditorium, Manning. (803) 435‑4405. 21–22 • Manning Lions Club Fish Fry, Manning Restaurant, Manning. (803) 473‑4377. 21–23 • Under the Crown and Colonial Trades Fair, Living History Park, North Augusta. (803) 279‑7560. 22 • Aiken Wine and Sign, Aiken Conference Center, Aiken. (803) 761‑2860. 22 • Mead Hall Strawberry Festival, St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church, Aiken. strawberryfestival@ meadhallschool.org. 22 • Pork in the Park, downtown, Newberry. (803) 321‑1015. 22 • Southern Sound Series: The SteelDrivers, McCelvey Center, York. (803) 909‑7244. 27 • Chamber Music Southeast with Phillip Bush & Claire Bryant, Fine Art Center of Kershaw County, Camden. (803) 425‑7676. 29 • 10th Annual Clinic Classic, Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County, Camden. (803) 713‑0806. 29 • Earth Day Birthday, Museum of York County, Rock Hill. (803) 909‑7244. 29 • Historic Beech Island Tour, Beech Island Historical Society Visitors Center, Beech Island. (803) 827‑0184. 30 • “Around the World in 20 Songs or So,” Aiken’s First Baptist Church, Aiken. (803) 641‑4777. MAY

3–7, 10–14 • Aiken Charity Horse Show, Aiken Horse Park, Aiken. (803) 218‑9977. 5 • Cinco De Mayo Harvest Dinner, City Roots Urban Sustainable Farm, Columbia. (828) 301‑2328.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

5–6 • Cooterfest, Allendale Community Center, Allendale. (803) 584‑4619. 5–6 • South Carolina Strawberry Festival, Walter Elisha Park, Fort Mill. (803) 487‑5413. 5–7 • Orangeburg Festival of Roses, Edisto Memorial Gardens, Orangeburg. (803) 534‑6821. 6 • Aiken Horsepower Spring Fling Show and Shine, Aiken Mall, Aiken. (803) 270‑3505. 6 • Aiken Symphony Orchestra’s Pops Blockbuster, Etherredge Center, Aiken. (803) 295‑0313. 6 • Guided Historical Walking Tours: Natural History, 12,000 Year History Park, Cayce. (803) 765‑2200. 6 • May Monthly Gospel Singing, Midland Gospel Singing Center, Gilbert. (803) 719‑1289. 6 • “Noises Off,” Aiken Community Playhouse, Aiken. (803) 648‑1438. 6–7 • South Carolina National Guard Air and Ground Expo, McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Eastover. (803) 647‑8208. 6 • We Care Sticky Open Golf Tournament, Timberlake Country Club, Chapin. (803) 467‑0734. 6 • Woofstock, Citizens Park, Aiken. (803) 514‑4313. 7 • Camden Community Concert Band Spring Concert, Fine Art Center of Kershaw County, Camden. (803) 425‑7676. 7 • The Big Nosh, Tree of Life Congregation, Columbia. (803) 361‑4858. 10 • Microbacterial Benefits, Museum of York County, Rock Hill. (803) 909‑7244. 10 • “Under the Stars” Schooling Dressage Show, Stable View Farm, Aiken. (484) 356‑3173. 12–13 • Aiken Bluegrass Festival, Aiken Fairgrounds, Aiken. (803) 640‑9287. 13 • Barbecue Dinner Trains, S.C. Railroad Museum, Winnsboro. (803) 635‑9893. 13 • Guided Historical Walking Tours: Native American Lifeways, 12,000 Year History Park, Cayce. (803) 765‑2200. 14 • Kershaw County Music Association Mother’s Day Concert, Fine Art Center of Kershaw County, Camden. (803) 425‑7676. ONGOING

Daily through April 30 • “The Way We Worked,” Blythewood Historical Society, Blythewood. (803) 348‑6945.

Daily through May 6 • “Black Medicine/White Bodies: An Investigation of Yellow Fever Epidemics,” McKissick Museum, Columbia. (803) 777‑7251. Daily through May 21 • “Salvador Dali’s Fantastical Fairy Tales,” Columbia Museum of Art, Columbia. (803) 799‑2810.

LOWCOUNTRY APRIL

15 • Kids’ Triathlon, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island. (843) 768‑6001. 15 • Soft Shell Crab Festival and Charity Crab Race, The Sands, Port Royal. (843) 717‑3090. 15–16 • Art in the Park, Chapin Park, Myrtle Beach. (843) 446‑3830. 19 • Lowcountry Coin Club Meeting, Felix C. Davis Community Center, Charleston. (843) 302‑6210. 19 • Wine Down Wednesday, Old Towne Creek County Park, North Charleston. (843) 795‑4386. 20–23 • Charleston Race Week, Charleston Harbor Marina, Charleston. (843) 284‑7062. 21 • “Play Me, I’m Yours” Opening Night Festival, Willcox Plaza, Florence. (843) 260‑6210. 21–23 • Charleston Outdoor Festival, James Island County Park, Charleston. (843) 795‑4386. 21–29 • ArtFields, various venues, Lake City. (843) 374‑0180. 22 • Mullet Haul Trail Run, Mullet Hall Equestrian Center at Johns Island County Park, Johns Island. (843) 795‑4386. 22 • Palmetto Pump & USA Climbing Competition, James Island County Park, Charleston. (843) 762‑9511. 22 • Walk for Autism, Hampton Park, Charleston. (843) 469‑3507. 27 • Yappy Hour, James Island County Park, Charleston. (843) 795‑4386. 29 • Dragon Boat Festival, Grand Park at the Market Commons, Myrtle Beach. (843) 945‑9440. 29 • Earth Day Music Fest and Diabetes 5K, Myrtle Beach Speedway, Myrtle Beach. (843) 995‑3199. 29–30 • Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Air Show, MCAS Beaufort, Beaufort. (843) 228‑7675. 29 • Seacoast Artists Guild Art in Common Spring Festival, Valor Memorial Garden, Myrtle Beach. (843) 748‑0133. 29 • Shaggin’ on the Cooper with The Sugarbees, Mount Pleasant Pier, Mount Pleasant. (843) 795‑4386.

29 • Taste of James Island, First Baptist Church of James Island Athletic Practice Field, James Island. (843) 762‑3653. 29 • Taste of the Coast, House of Blues Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach. (843) 272‑8163. 29 • Wine and Warblers, Audubon Center at Biedler Forest, Harleyville. (843) 462‑2150. 30 • Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival, Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park, Mount Pleasant. (843) 884‑8517. MAY

2 • Starr Ward Chamber Music Series: Sam Suggs, Waters Building, Florence. (843) 260‑6210. 3 • Wine Down Wednesday, Old Towne Creek County Park, North Charleston. (843) 795‑4386. 3–4 • Hospice Care of the Lowcountry’s Hearts Open Golf-AThon, Haig Point Signature Course, Hilton Head. (843) 706‑2296. 3–7 • North Charleston Arts Fest, Charleston Area Convention Center, North Charleston. (843) 740‑5854. 5 • Angie’s Day Barbecue Fundraiser, Little River United Methodist Church, Little River. (843) 222‑3723. 6 • Beer, Bacon and Music Festival, Shelter Cove Community Park, Hilton Head Island. (843) 681‑7273. 6 • Cars on Kiawah, Ocean Park, Kiawah Island. (843) 277‑0271. 6–7 • “The Pirates of Penzance” by Carolina Master Chorale, Ocean View Baptist Church, Myrtle Beach. (843) 444‑5774. 12 • Friday Night Boogie, Mount Pleasant Pier, Mount Pleasant. (843) 795‑4386. 13 • Green and Lean 5K, Brittlebank Park, Charleston. (843) 579‑7501. 13 • Mayfest on Main Festival, Main Street, North Myrtle Beach. (843) 280‑5570. 13 • Outdoor Movie, North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, North Charleston. (843) 795‑4386. 13 • Shaggin’ on the Cooper with Shem Creek Boogie Band, Mount Pleasant Pier, Mount Pleasant. (843) 795‑4386. 13 • Tara Hall Paddle Fest, Tara Hall Home for Boys, Georgetown. (843) 546‑3000. ONGOING

Daily through April 22 • Festival of Houses and Gardens, various locations, Charleston. (843) 722‑3405. Daily through April 30 • “Painting the Southern Coast: The Art of West Fraser,” Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston. (843) 722‑2706.

SCHumorMe

BY JAN A. IGOE

Pennywise and clown foolish MY NEIGHBOR ANNIE IS A

elightful woman with a d huge heart. She teaches special-education classes and bakes cookies. She fosters puppies and recycles. But then, there’s her dark side. On the weekends, she’s a clown. Annie (aka Schmootzy) graduated from a circus-clown university, where she was salutatorian. That doesn’t mean she starts cracking jokes on Saturday morning. It does mean she switches to patched overalls, a boutonniere that squirts seltzer, a flat-topped hat sprouting live daisies and enough white face makeup to sunblock a summer’s worth of beachbound tourists. Besides advanced balloon-animal construction and stilt walking, she learned to make her face look as disturbingly nonhuman as possible. The truth is, I’ve been avoiding her on weekends. There’s something about clowns that creeps me out. It always has. As a kid, I was convinced there was a homicidal clown hiding in our basement, just waiting to electrocute me with his hand buzzer if I ever went down there alone. (You know John Wayne Gacy Jr. worked kids’ parties as Pogo the Clown, right?) We really should lock up the clowns whenever the circus isn’t using them. Unfortunately, my mother loved clowns and had a sewing machine. So, I spent several Halloweens wearing a huge ruffled collar, a red, blinking

nose and an orange, polka-dot clown suit big enough to fit a linebacker. I wanted to be Snow White, but Mom wanted Bozo. (To this day, I can’t date balding redheads.) Turns out, I was rightfully traumatized. Fear of clowns is a legitimate phobia, and lots of people had it even before clowns turned creepy and started terrorizing local communities. Last August, Greenville was plagued by reports of dodgy clowns trying to lure kids into the woods. Other “dangerous clown sightings” were reported here and abroad. Whether the reports were truth or hoax, I’m worried about Annie now that clowns have a bad rap. Gangs of vigilante clown hunters may be gunning for her, not realizing that Schmootzy—the lovable, cookie-baking clown—is the good witch of clowndom. They should be after clowns like Pennywise, Stephen King’s sewerdwelling, child-eating, epitome-of-evil

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2017 | SCLIVING.COOP

movie antagonist. They can have Bozo, too. It’s clearly time to switch to a new phobia with fewer social implications. Maybe omphalophobia—fear of belly buttons—would work. Reports of dangerous belly buttons almost never make the news. There’s fear of teen agers, or ephebiphobia, but every parent has that (especially when the teens start driving). Fear of gravity, or barophobia, could work. Gravity has no compassion for anyone over 35 and doesn’t deserve our mercy. A posse of gravity hunters could gang up on it, and no one would care. Some of us (me, me, me) would be cheering. I think I’ve settled on anatidae phobia, which is fear that a duck is watching you. Yes, it’s a real phobia. If you have ever witnessed the little paddlers in early spring, when the drakes have romantic intentions, you know that duck courtship has all the niceties of a steel-cage match. It’s not a tender ritual suitable for Animal Planet. There’s no nice worm dinner for the poor girls. If they survive the foreplay, they probably end up with anatidaephobia, too. Daffy and Donald will never be the same. welcomes new, exotic phobias and friendly ducks. If anyone needs a vintage Halloween costume, please contact her at HumorMe@SCLiving.coop.

JAN IGOE

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