South Carolina Living April 2021 by South Carolina Living

Full

tilt CHANGEOUT Columbia flips for pinball

SC RECIPE

Dinner for two HUMOR ME

APRIL 2021

The tax bunny cometh

THE MAGAZINE FOR COOPERATIVE MEMBERS VOLUME 75 • NUMBER 4 (ISSN 0047-486X, USPS 316-240)

Read in more than 600,000 homes and businesses and published monthly except in December by The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. 808 Knox Abbott Drive Cayce, SC 29033 Tel: (803) 926‑3175 Fax: (803) 796‑6064 Email: letters@scliving.coop EDITOR

2021 |april 10 Grow your

own veggies

Keith Phillips Tel: (803) 739‑3040 Email: Keith.Phillips@ecsc.org

Satisfy your taste for fresh, homegrown produce this summer with advice from expert gardener Joe Lamp’l.

FIELD EDITOR

Josh Crotzer

PUBLICATION COORDINATOR

Travis Ward

ART DIRECTOR

Sharri Harris Wolfgang

21 Full tilt

DESIGNER

Camille Stewart

Columbia is flipping for pinball as the classic game makes a comeback in South Carolina. Meet the top players, see the best venues and learn the secrets to claiming the high score.

PRODUCTION

Andrew Chapman WEB EDITOR

Chase Toler

COPY EDITORS

Trevor Bauknight, Jennifer Jas, Jim Poindexter CONTRIBUTORS

Michael Banks, Mike Couick, Andrew Haworth, Jan A. Igoe, L.A. Jackson, Maria Kanevsky, Patrick Keegan, Pamela A. Keene, Sydney Patterson, Belinda Smith-Sullivan, Brad Thiessen

4 CO-OP NEWS

PUBLISHER

6 AGENDA

Lou Green

Updates from your cooperative In the search for cleaner and greener sources of electricity, engineers and scientists are taking a fresh look at how to build a nuclear reactor.

ADVERTISING

Mary Watts Tel: (803) 739‑5074 Email: ads@scliving.coop NATIONAL REPRESENTATION

American MainStreet Publications Tel: (512) 441‑5200 Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication. If you encounter a difficulty with an advertisement, inform the Editor. ADDRESS CHANGES: Please send to your

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

The end of the pandemic is in sight, but putting COVID-19 behind us for good will require a true team effort.

14 SC STORIES Teaching by example

When it comes to helping students at North Charleston High School, principal Henry Darby isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and go to work.

Periodicals postage paid at Columbia, S.C., and additional mailing offices. © COPYRIGHT 2021. The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. No portion of South Carolina Living may be reproduced without permission of the Editor.

16 RECIPE Cooking for two

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.

18 GARDENER Who loves ya, okra?

Settle in for a delightful dinner with easy-to-prepare entrees from Chef Belinda Smith-Sullivan.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

$8 nonmembers

$5.72 members,

Member of the AMP network reaching more than 9 million homes and businesses

Even if you can’t stand to eat the stuff, here’s why okra deserves a place in your April gardening plan.

34 36 38

MARKETPLACE CALENDAR OF EVENTS HUMOR ME

All our eggs in one bracket

Full

Nobody likes paying taxes, but at least we can get a laugh from all the wonderful ways dear old Uncle Sam spends our hard-earned dollars.

tilt

Columbia flips for pinball

SC RECIPE

Dinner for two HUMOR ME

The tax bunny cometh APRIL 2021

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS:

8 DIALOGUE We’re in this together

FRO M TO P : K A RM EN S I U Y TA , DEP OS ITPH OTOS; A N DRE W H AWORTH; G I N A MOORE

Bring plenty of quarters for a night on the town at Columbia’s top pinball venues. Illustration by Thomas Haller Buchanan.

SC | agenda New thinking on nuclear power

for better ways to generate electricity from carbon-neutral and renewable sources, Small modular reactors (SMRs) are the biggest new idea in nuclear power. Concept art from solar and wind power NuScale Power shows how reactors could be used individually to power small communities, tend to grab the heador placed side by side to supply electricity to larger cities. lines. But scientists and energies, and by stacking several SMRs side by side, engineers are also taking a fresh look at nuclear the total energy output could be customized to the power, specifically, new reactor designs that needs of the surrounding community. promise clean energy at a reduced cost. NuScale Power, one of the most prominent U.S. One promising idea on the drawing board: small companies currently developing this technology, is modular reactors (SMRs) capable of being transplanning to build the first SMR complex in the U.S. ported by truck. Although they would produce less by the end of this decade. Several other companies electricity than large nuclear facilities, SMRs could be assembled at a central location and transported —such as TerraPower, X-energy, and Terrestrial where needed, reducing the upfront cost of a new Energy—are also developing their own SMR designs. power plant by 15% to 40%, according to one study. There’s no way to know how viable SMRs Their portability means they could be located will be until the first units are built, but there’s in areas that can’t support a large nuclear facility, great promise in the flexibility and affordabillike a remote town or a mining area. They could be ity this technology could bring to the electric grid. used alone or in combination with other renewable —MARIA KANEVSKY IN THE SEARCH

ONLY ON SCLiving.coop We’re off to the races

South Carolina Living and Discover Camden–Kershaw County Tourism Partners are celebrating the 2021 Carolina Cup Steeplechase Races. Sign up today for our April Reader Reply Travel Sweepstakes and your chance to win a $100 Visa gift card and a Carolina Cup Steeplechase prize package, which includes four general admission tickets and one infield parking pass to the May 22, 2021, event. Register online at SCLiving.coop/reader-reply.

Prepping pork tenderloin

Before cooking a pork tenderloin, you’ll need to remove the silverskin membrane. A butcher can do this for you, but it’s also an easy do-it-yourself job. Chef Belinda shows us how it’s done in this how-to video at SCLiving.coop/food/chefbelinda.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2021 | SCLIVING.COOP

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

AM Major

Minor

PM Major

APRIL 15 1:16 6:31 9:16 2:01 16 1:31 6:46 10:31 2:31 17 1:46 7:01 — 3:16 18 — 6:46 — 4:31 19 — 3:16 — 5:46 20 — 3:01 — 7:16 21 9:46 3:16 1:31 8:16 22 9:46 3:31 3:01 9:16 23 10:16 4:01 4:01 10:01 24 4:16 10:46 10:46 5:01 25 4:46 11:16 11:31 5:46 26 5:01 11:46 — 6:46 27 12:16 5:31 7:31 12:31 28 12:46 6:01 8:31 1:01 29 1:31 6:31 9:31 1:46 30 2:16 7:01 11:01 2:46

Minor

AM Major

Minor

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

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SC dialogue

We’re in this together

MIKE COUICK

President and CEO, The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina

unified the national effort to LAST MONTH, A FEW DAYS AFTER The cooperative spirit eradicate polio. The foundaour state opened COVID‑19 that electrified rural vaccine availability to those tion funded the research of of us in the 1b crowd, I was in Jonas Salk, who introduced the America is needed to a Publix grocery store standfirst effective vaccine in 1955. Salk chose not to patent or seek ing awkwardly in front of defeat COVID-19 at profit from his team’s discovery about 50 people having the home and overseas. in order to maximize its global first of the two required shots distribution. Thanks to consisadministered. The shot itself elicited almost no pain, but I tent, widespread childhood vaccination, polio was can tell you that I felt different than I did the day deemed eradicated in the Americas in 1994. before. There was some relief and plenty of hope We can hold up individual heroes of these as I had taken the first step toward personal immusuccessful efforts, for sure. But they were only achievable because everyone did their part. Me nity from COVID-19. walking around Publix with just one shot doesn’t My parents, 86 and 88, are feeling even better. solve the problem. They have had both shots and are well past the It’s like the electric cooperatives. If one person CDC-recommended post-vaccination buffer. They were wealthy enough to bring electricity to just their are still very careful, but they have a hope of farmhouse, the rural electrification movement might hugging family again soon. never have happened. Instead, those early leaders I look forward to all of us sharing that sense of worked to get everyone involved in the co-op out of security and freedom. I look forward to returning concern for their community. Each new member, to normal, or whatever version of normal is in our paying their $5, not only built the line to their home collective future. I pray it comes soon. but to their neighbor’s as well. I know that to get there, however, it is going to The cooperatives did not stop deploying take all of us—all of us wearing masks as long as electricity at our nation’s borders. In 1962, NRECA we need to, regardless of mandates; all of us getting International was established to share lessons vaccinated as soon as we can, regardless of which learned in the rural electrification of the United one we prefer; all of us staying home or distant States with developing countries around the world. until we are sure it’s safe to do otherwise, regardNow, over 160 million people in 48 countries—that’s less of the degree of our cabin fever or wanderlust. It certainly took that kind of collective effort almost four times as many cooperative consumers as when we were challenged by other global epidemin the U.S.—have benefitted from access to reliable and affordable electricity. ics. Smallpox killed billions of people around the That cooperative spirit is needed to defeat world until the very first vaccination proved effecCOVID-19 everywhere it has taken lives, separated tive in 1798. By the mid-1850s, the counterintuifamilies, and disrupted economies. Just as America tive practice of subjecting people to the similar, but did in the middle of the 20th century, we have the nonlethal, cowpox virus became widely accepted. opportunity to lead again, to show the world how Now, thanks to infant immunization practices to eradicate a virus and then share those solutions across the world, a disease that plagued humanwith the global community. kind throughout history has been eradicated. Have questions about the vaccines? Visit the My parents can recall the fear that gripped the SCLivingMagazine YouTube channel to hear Dr. Jane nation during the polio epidemic in the first half of Kelly, assistant state epidemiologist, explain how the the 20th century. The virus typically struck infants vaccines work. and children, but its most famous victim was a 39-year-old man who would later have a hand in the creation of electric cooperatives, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt founded the March of Dimes, which

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2021 | SCLIVING.COOP

YOUR ENERGY SUPERHEROES

Best in class service is our superpower. We’re a local, not-for-profit electric cooperative. We don’t have customers, we have members. People aren’t just our number one priority, they’re the reason we’re here. To learn more about the power of the cooperative difference, visit TouchstoneEnergy.com

YOUR SOURCE OF POWER. AND INFORMATION.

Satisfy your taste for fresh, homegrown produce this summer with advice from expert gardener Joe Lamp’l BY PAMELA A. KEENE

Whether you have a multiple-acre plot or a patio, you can grow your own vegetables. With a little bit of know-how and a sunny place, enjoying the bounty of your own labors can be fun, rewarding and tasty. “There are so many reasons to grow your own vegetables, and the flavors are ever so much better than store-bought,” says Joe Lamp’l, founder of joegardener.com and host of the nationally syndicated Growing a Greener World, which airs on public television in all 50 states. “Money can’t buy the kind of taste you get fresh from the garden or the satisfaction of knowing you’re eating what you’ve grown.”

Sunlight, soil and water Three components are vital to successful vegetable gardening: sunlight, soil and water. “Choose your spot carefully to have plenty of sunlight, at least six hours a day,” Lamp’l says. “Look for a place that’s not obstructed by trees or other buildings. Sunlight is one of the three basic components to successful gardening. The other two are good soil and having access to a reliable water source.” Many gardeners build raised beds. By elevating the growing area off the ground, it’s easier to plant, tend and harvest with less bending or squatting. “Most people choose wood to construct raised beds, but be sure to consider the size,” Lamp’l says. “Use 2- by 12-inch boards to build a bed that your space can accommodate. Be sure to make it about 3 feet wide to give good access from all sides. This will make weeding and harvesting easier, and you can more closely inspect your plants for signs of disease or insects as they grow.” Leave enough space between beds for a wheelbarrow to pass to bring soil and mulch into the garden area. The soil in your garden is crucial for good production, and with raised beds, you have more control over the composition of the soil, the nutrients and the quality.

BUMPER CROP Growing a Greener World host Joe Lamp’l, top, maintains long-but-narrow raised beds in his garden, which allow for efficient weeding and harvesting, as well as being easier on the knees.

“Packaged garden soil is a good choice because it’s disease- and weed-free, but be mindful of the quality. Cheaper is not better,” Lamp’l says. “The soil provides the main support for your plants, so it needs to have the right nutrients and the right texture. If the soil compacts too easily, it will be difficult for plant roots to thrive. Amend it with organic matter, also available at your box retailer or local nursery, to promote good growth.” Make sure a good water source is nearby to avoid constantly moving hoses back and forth throughout the growing season. “In an ideal world, drip irrigation is best, but it can be costly to install into each bed,” he says. “Consider hand-watering if you have a smaller garden plot. Apply the water directly to the base of the plant to prevent wetting the foliage. Prolonged periods of wet foliage can increase the potential for plant disease.” Watering can be tricky. “Don’t water just because it’s a certain day of the week, because you run the risk of overwatering,” he says. “Check the moisture level of the soil, and water accordingly, allowing enough flow to soak the ground. Then wait until the top inch or so of the soil feels dry before watering again. Your plants will be healthier and produce better results.”

TH IS S PRE A D: JO E L A M P ’ L A N D WATERI NG COU RTESY O F JO EGA RDEN ER .CO M; SCLIVING.COOP A LL OTH ERS DEPOS ITPHOTOS

| APRIL 2021 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

Seedlings or seeds Summer vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant and peppers are generally easier to grow from seedlings, which can be purchased at a local nursery or box retailer. Look for healthy plants with several sets of leaves. They can be planted in the garden after the last frost in your area. “If you want to start from seeds, back up your indoor starting time to have nice-sized seedlings by the ideal planting time for your region,” Lamp’l says. “I’m a big proponent of starting vegetable seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before planting, but you will need the proper light setup and the commitment to manage the process from seeds to moving the seedlings into the garden.” Once the soil warms up, beans, squash and cucumbers are easy to plant directly in the garden. Their germination time is fairly quick. Be sure to purchase seeds packaged for the current year by finding the date stamp on the package and follow planting instructions.

Once the soil warms up, beans, squash and cucumbers are easy to plant directly in the garden. Their germination time is fairly quick.

Gardening help right where you live

M A ST E R G A R D E N E R S

With the resources of your local extension office, you have a pipeline to gardening success BY PAMELA A. KEENE

No matter where you live, access to factbased gardening information is merely a click or phone call away. The Cooperative Extension System, housed at land-grant universities across the nation, provides research-based hyperlocal advice about everything from how to solve blossom-end rot on tomatoes to keeping garden pests, such as deer or insects, at bay. “Best of all, it costs nothing to contact your local extension office where trained and educated experts can help the public solve their gardening challenges,” says Doug Steele, Ph.D., vice president for food, agriculture and natural resources of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, based in Washington, D.C. “Extension is designed to educate Americans on food, agriculture and national resources. It’s research-based and continuously updated and revised based on the latest knowledge.”

HERE FOR YOU Clemson Extension has an office in each South Carolina county with experts who offer gardening advice geared to local conditions.

R E L I A B L E I N F O R M AT I O N Local extension agents generally hold either bachelor’s or master’s degrees in agriculture, horticulture or a related field. While they may specialize in crop management, turf grasses or animal science, they are trained to educate the public and provide reliable and understandable knowledge. “The internet is filled with all kinds of gardening and plant advice, but when people call their local extension, they’re assured of getting the latest information from a tested, peer-reviewed and reliable source,” he says.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2021 | SCLIVING.COOP

Many local extension offices offer formalized community education through Extension Master Gardener programs. Open to private citizens interested in garden education, volunteerism and community service, candidate Master Gardeners attend classes taught by experts. “While formal programs vary in duration and number of classes from state to state, the objective is the same,” Steele says. “The focus is to train community members to assist the local extension office with horticulture education and to provide a strong volunteer resource in the area.” Master gardener groups conduct youth programs in schools, create educational community gardens and sponsor annual plant sales. They offer public seminars and speakers for garden clubs and church groups. Candidates must apply for the annual course; most states have online applications. There is a nominal cost to participate, which includes class materials. Once they complete their studies and pass exams, they become certified Extension Master Gardeners. To maintain their active status, they are required to volunteer a prescribed number of hours in the community.

TH IS PAG E: SQUA SH COU RTESY OF JOEGA RDEN ER .COM; TOM ATO SEED LI NGS BY DEP OS ITPHOTOS; SEED PACKE TS BY SH A RRI WO LFGA N G; W EB PAG E BY C LEMSO N E X TENS IO N

Gardening is a lifelong learning experience, and no one gets it 100 percent right all the time. “Vegetable plants are heavy feeders,” he says. “It’s important to fertilize them as they start to produce. A slow-release organic fertilizer is a nice way to deliver the nutrients on a continuous basis. Be sure to follow the application instructions for best results.” Top-dressing vegetables with compost during the growing season provides additional nutrients and improves the soil.

Patio and deck Some vegetables are well-suited for planting in containers, as long as they have ample sunlight. Again, at least six hours a day applies. Tomatoes are available in patio and bush forms that are more compact and better suited for containers. Growers also have introduced a wide variety of peppers that grow nicely on a patio, from sweet to hot, plus colorful bell peppers. “The key is to provide a container that’s large enough for the roots to grow and support production,” he says. “Containers also tend to dry out more often, so it’s important to keep them properly watered. Feeding regularly is important as well.” Lamp’l suggests avoiding clay or terra cotta pots that lose moisture more quickly. “Lightercolored plastic pots work better, but make sure they have drainage holes in the bottom,” he says. “Adding a layer of mulch will help retain moisture and keep the roots a little cooler. ”

GET MORE Ready to start gardening? Dig into these handy resources. FROM CLEMSON UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION Need professional advice from your county’s extension agent? Visit clemson.edu/extension. Clemson Extension also offers the Home and Garden Information Center, a website with free PDF gardening handbooks. See hgic.clemson.edu. For more information on the extension service’s Master Gardener program, visit clemson.edu/extension/mg.

Patience pays off Gardening is a lifelong learning experience, and Lamp’l says that no one gets it 100 percent right all the time. “Don’t get frustrated if you’re not successful in your first year of growing vegetables,” Lamp’l says. “Much of gardening is trial and error. The number of resources— YouTube, online, websites, blogs and more—is infinite and can be overwhelming, so learn to filter the sound advice from the not-so-good. “You also have an excellent local resource just a phone call or web click away with your local extension office,” he says. “They can help solve pest and disease issues, answer your gardening questions and connect you with other gardeners. And best of all, it’s free.”

UNDER THE “HOME & GARDEN” TAB AT

SCLiving.coop

POT LUCK You have a shady lawn but sunny deck? No yard, just a balcony? With six hours of daily sunlight, some varieties of tomatoes and peppers can thrive in large plastic containers.

Gardening in small spaces—If thoughts of producing fresh, homegrown edibles have you ready to dig in the dirt, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and start a vegetable garden. Plus: tips on picking veggies at peak perfection. Tasty homegrown tomatoes—Step up to the challenge of growing better-tasting tomatoes this season with expert advice from Clemson University Extension Agent Chase Smoak. Ten vegetables with the best payback—If you’re going to take a shot at growing your own dinner this year, a good place to start is by picking the crops that offer the best return on your investment.

TH IS PAG E FRO M TO P: iSTOCK ; SH A RRI WO LFGA N G; DEP OS ITPHOTOS; PIX A BAY SCLIVING.COOP

| APRIL 2021 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

SC stories

Teaching by example Students at North Charleston High School often gaze at the wall of awards principal Henry Darby has amassed over the past 40 years. He’ll ask them what they believe is the greatest honor among the stack of plaques. They never pick the starched white shirt hanging in a display box. “It reminds me of my humble beginnings,” says the North Charleston native. “It’s not the height that you reach, it’s the depth that you come from.” The shirt came from cloth his mother found at a dump. Florence Darby took the fabric home, boiled it in a kettle and sewed the garment that her son wore to school two to three days a week for the next four years. Darby knows poverty, but also the value of education and hard work. He made national headlines in January when his students discovered he was working an overnight job stocking shelves at a local Walmart in order to give the proceeds to needy students and their families. “The first six weeks or so it was pretty rough,” he says of his job as a stocker. “Just standing, standing, standing. Muscles I hadn’t been using before. Feet swollen, knees swollen. But I’m not a quitter.” Some of his friends, worried about his age, have urged him to slow down. He proudly points to the 40 pounds he’s lost in the first seven months and says he has no plans to stop. “I know what it is to live in poverty, and it’s not a good feeling. I just do my best to help those I can,” he says. “Whenever I can’t teach or can’t help someone, I’m just gonna say, ‘Swing low, sweet chariot. You can carry me home now.’” —MICHAEL BANKS | PHOTO BY MIC SMITH

Henry Darby AGE:

66.

Principal of North Charleston High School; 17 years as a Charleston County councilman; associate at Walmart since August 2020. BOOK SMART: A collector of rare books, his library includes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? and a first edition of The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government by Jefferson Davis. MUSIC TO THE EARS: He’s been playing the piano for 40 years and loves to listen to the music of jazz composer Charlie Parker. LATEST HONOR: Awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Gov. Henry McMaster for his exemplary service to North Charleston students. OCCUPATION(S):

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2021 | SCLIVING.COOP

We’re off to the races!

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Cooking for two BY BELINDA SMITH

-SULLIVAN

st got easier, Dinner for two ju can entrees that you thanks to these Just e. tim le in very litt get on the table ssert de d an salad, sides add your favorite even r Fo l. ea d out the m of choice to roun can e es gn lo e, the Bo more convenienc d an d ea two ah be made a day or e, or for up dg fri e th in stored the to one month in freezer.

BUCATINI BOLOGNESE SERVES 2 GW ÉN A Ë L LE VOT

Bucatini (or your favorite pasta) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 celery stalk, chopped 1 carrot, chopped 1 pound ground beef 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes 2 tablespoons fresh chopped flatleaf parsley 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil Grated Parmesan cheese

HONEY MUSTARD GARLIC ROASTED PORK TENDERLOIN SERVES 2

G cup Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons honey 2 large garlic cloves, minced Kosher salt Fresh ground black pepper 1 pork tenderloin, silverskin trimmed 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cook pasta according to package cooking recommendations, drain (reserving 1 cup of cooking liquid) and keep warm.

Preheat oven to 400 F. In a small bowl, combine mustard, honey, garlic, salt and pepper. Using a small basting brush, rub the mixture all over the tenderloin until coated.

In a large skillet (or small Dutch oven) over medium heat, add oil. Saute onions until soft, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Add celery and carrots and saute for 5 minutes. Crumble in ground beef and cook, stirring until meat is no longer pink. Reduce heat to mediumlow. Stir in tomatoes, parsley and basil, and cook until sauce thickens, about 30 minutes. Serve bucatini in pasta bowls topped with Bolognese sauce. Garnish with Parmesan cheese. If bucatini or Bolognese sit for an extended period before serving and get a little dried out, toss with a bit of the reserved cooking liquid.

In a large cast-iron or oven-proof skillet over mediumhigh heat, add oil. Sear the tenderloin on all sides. Baste with any remaining sauce. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and roast 10–15 minutes until tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Remove from oven and tent with foil; let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

CHEF’S TIP

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2021 | SCLIVING.COOP

K A REN H ERM A N N

Know the difference between a pork tenderloin and a pork loin. The tenderloin is the long, narrow boneless cut of meat that comes from the muscle that runs along the backbone of a pig. These usually weigh about 1½ pounds and are often sold two to a packet. The loin is wider, flatter, and comes from the back of the animal. The average weight is about 6–8 pounds. CHEF’S TIP

SC recipe

PAN SEARED FISH WITH TOMATOES AND OLIVES SERVES 2

1 tablespoon olive oil 2 white fish fillets (cod, halibut, turbot) Seafood seasoning (or salt and pepper) ½ onion, thinly sliced 1 large garlic clove, minced ½ cup quartered grape tomatoes 2 tablespoons white wine ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice G cup halved Kalamata olives 1 tablespoon chopped basil

G I N A MOORE

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Season fish fillets and fry on both sides until brown. Add onion and saute 2 minutes; add garlic and cook an additional minute. Add tomatoes, wine, lemon juice and olives. Continue cooking until the fish has cooked through and sauce is reduced. Plate and serve with additional sauce and garnish with basil.

BEEF FILETS WITH SAUTEED MUSHROOMS SERVES 2

2 6- to 8-ounce beef filets Kosher salt Fresh ground black pepper Olive oil 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

8 ounces bella mushrooms, sliced Kosher salt Fresh ground black pepper 1 teaspoon fresh thyme

Preheat oven to 400 F. Season filets with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large cast-iron skillet over medium high heat, add oil. (Open a window or turn on cooktop vent to help with ventilation.) When skillet is very hot, almost to the smoking point, add filets. Sear 2 minutes on each side. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and cook 5–6 minutes for medium-rare. Cook 1–2 minutes longer for each level of doneness over medium-rare. For example: 6–7 minutes for medium or 8–9 minutes for medium-well. Remove from oven and tent with foil for at least 5 minutes. While waiting, prepare mushrooms. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Stir to coat with butter and spread out in pan. Let cook without stirring for 5 minutes. Turn over and cook an additional 2–3 minutes until all liquid is evaporated from pan. Turn off heat and stir in thyme.

All meats— beef, pork and poultry— have an ideal cooking temperature, so pay close attention to recipe instructions and check cooked temperature with a meat thermometer. CHEF’S TIP

Cooked steak temperatures: Very rare/rare = 120 to 125 F Medium rare = 125 to 130 F Medium = 135 to 140 F Medium well = 145 to 150 F Well done = 160 F and above

What’s cooking at SCLiving.coop I U LI I A N EDRYGA I LOVA

PREPPING PORK TENDERLOIN Before cooking a pork tenderloin, you’ll need to remove the silverskin membrane. A butcher can do this for you, but it’s also an easy do-it-yourself job. Chef Belinda shows us how it’s done in this video at

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SCLIVING.COOP | APRIL 2021 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

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Who loves ya, okra?

APRIL IN THE GARDEN n Regular rains are naturally beneficial to any garden, but how do you know when Mother Nature provides too little, or even too much? Invest in a simple rain gauge and an easy-to-use soil moisture meter to help fine-tune your garden’s irrigation needs.

BY L.A. JACKSON

L . A . JACKSO N

TIP OF THE MONTH Gazing globes are attractive, eccentric additions for almost any garden, but usually being made of glass, they are fragile things. Bowling balls aren’t. So, if you have an old ball stuffed in a closet, drag it out and, if it isn’t already a fancy, sparkly orb, spray on a few bright coats of metal-flake, pearl, chrome or neon paint and set the indestructible gazing globe in a conspicuous cranny in the landscape. Have a talent for painting and creating crafts? Like whimsy? Transform that unused bowling ball into a one-of-a-kind work of fun garden art.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2021 | SCLIVING.COOP

L . A . JACKSO N

n This spring, plant forever—forever flowers, that is. So-called “everlastings” such as strawflowers, liatris, globe thistle, yarrow, gomphrena, statice and celosia can be easily dried and hold up quite well in indoor arrangements.

With a little bit of paint and a lot of whimsy, an old bowling ball can become a bulletproof piece of garden art.

is a good time for gardeners from Columbia to the coast to begin planting okra, while backyard growers in western parts of the state can start around May 1— but why bother? Looked upon with the same suspicion as grits by Northerners, universally Pleasing to the eye, Red Burgundy okra stands out in the hated by kids at dinnergarden or anywhere you choose to plant it in your landscape. time and avoided by home cooks adverse to yuck, it is Applying low-nitrogen fertilizer at a wonder okra is even grown at all. planting time will get okra off to a good I’ll admit a plate of boiled, slimy start, but to keep the pods coming, sling okra doesn’t put wind in my sails, but another dusting at first harvest. Finally, breaded and fried—can I please have water at least once a week during another heapin’ helping? And in our extended stretches of dry weather. state, I do believe it is an obligatory While South Carolina’s own Clemson ingredient in most stews and soups, Spineless has been the okra standard especially gumbos. for decades, there are many other Okra is, of course, worth including possibilities also worth considering. in any vegetable garden, and once For starters, gardeners limited in space plants mature, they are pod-producing might try the compact Baby Bubba or machines if you pick them regularly similarly restrained cultivars, including and often. Quick tip: The best tasting, Cajun Delight, Jambalaya and Lee. tenderest pods are usually harvested And then there are okra selections before they reach five inches long. Want to grow okra from seed? Before that flash visual sass. Being from the mallow family, okra is a rather handyou start poking around in the dirt, okra seeds are about the size of BBs— some plant anyway, both in foliage and flower, but introductions such as Red and just as hard—so, to help soften Burgundy, Candle Fire and Red Velvet their outer coating and improve the sporting stunning crimson stems and germination rate, soak them in water pods kick this veggie’s eye appeal up overnight before planting. a few notches. Enough, in my humble An okra bed can be started with opinion, to even be a worthy ornamenyoung transplants, too, but either way you choose to get growing, do pick a tal addition to any sunny flower border site that basks in the summer sun for or perennial bed. these heat-seekers. Also, make sure the soil is well-worked and heavily amended L.A. JACKSON is the former editor of with compost or a quality commercial Carolina Gardener magazine. Contact soil conditioner. him at lajackson1@gmail.com. THE MIDDLE OF APRIL

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T L I T L L U F LINA’S SOUTH CARO IS CAPITAL CITY R FLIPPING FO PINBALL PHOTOS STORY AND HAWORTH EW BY ANDR

l good pinball ACTION! Like al LIGHTS, BELLS, s at Firefly Toys & Games le and ears. games, The Beat feast for the eyes in Columbia is a

A quarter epths falls into the d g with a satisfyin of the machine e and relays wak rs a ge s, g n ri p S clink. nd a silver ball a r, e b m u sl c ri from their elect g into a psyin n e re ca t n se to be rs. appears, ready ps and bumpe m ra f o e rs u co le chedelic obstac e ball into play, th s e ch n u la st ri y of A flick of the w ith a cacophon w s d n o sp re e chaniand the machin nd visceral me a s d n u so ct ra music, abst flippers chatter, e h T s. le tt ra d cal clacks an e orbits around th to in ll a b e th g battin score r watches their board. A playe millions, uu shoot into the

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF PINBALL As a pastime, pinball has experienced its fair share of ups and downs, and for more than 30 years, Lexington County’s Marco Pinball—the world’s largest supplier of pinball machine parts—has helped keep the game alive. Pinball-style games date back to the late 1800s, but most were games of chance. Balls were launched into play with a spring-loaded plunger and bounced off strategically placed pins.

C A PTA I N CR A Z Y PRODUC TIONS

Like any hobby, pinball has layers. Some people enjoy the artwork, others like competition and others enjoy tinkering and the restoration of vintage machines, says Marc Mandeltort, CEO of Marco Pinball, the world’s largest supplier of pinball parts. And what’s not to love? “They are a unique, hand built part of history,” he says. The 1930s and 1940s led to many innovations that are recognizable to players today. These included tilt sensors to prevent cheating, bumpers, lights, and perhaps the key innovation, the flipper, which turned a game of chance into a game of skill and strategy. As technology improved through the years, so did pinball, with solid-state electronics in the 1970s, to today’s new machines with high-definition screens, light shows and booming soundtracks. Pinball took a back seat to video games in the arcades that flourished in the 1980s and then struggled to stay afloat with the popularity of home video game consoles and PC gaming. By the 2000s, arcades and pinball were both nearly extinct, and large pinball companies, like Williams and Bally, abandoned the game, leaving it to hobbyists and small upstart companies to keep pinball alive. Through it all, Marco Pinball has been there. “Pinball has been declared dead a dozen times, and it keeps rising from the ashes,” founder and CEO Marc Mandeltort says. “The industry is rebuilding itself right now.” More than a dozen new pinball titles were released in 2020. Ironically, the pandemic has been good for business because hobbyists, many stuck at home in quarantine, began buying and repairing pinball machines. “We never would have guessed it,” Mandeltort says. “The market has exploded.”

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2021 | SCLIVING.COOP

looking for enough points to win a free game or claim the high score. An unlucky bounce sends the ball into the “drain,” followed by an inevitable groan of frustration and the jingle of more quarters down the coin slot. It’s a ritual that repeats night after night around Columbia. Pinball is enjoying a resurgence in South Carolina, and the capital city is at the forefront. Serious “pinheads” and aspiring wizards alike are flocking to the city, where a handful of venues are offering unique takes on the classic arcade experience. “We’re doing something pretty special here,” says Frederick Richardson, a two-time pinball world champion and owner of Bang Back Pinball Lounge. “We’re bringing the community of pinball to the state of South Carolina.”

BANG BACK PINBALL LOUNGE Located in Five Points near the University of South Carolina, Bang Back Pinball Lounge is built around the social aspects of the game, says Richardson. The venue boasts 16 machines, arranged “pinwheel style”—like spokes on a wheel—rather than the traditional side-by-side layout. This provides for safe distancing during the pandemic and also allows enthusiasts to get a better look at the playfield and the artwork on the colorful backbox where scores are displayed. “People can stand on the sides and converse, and be with their family and loved ones,” he says. As a kid growing up in Michigan, Richardson says he “scraped dimes out of the couch to put credits up,” on pinball machines, but largely forgot about the game until the 1990s, when he wandered into an arcade and discovered the Terminator 2 game. “It had a gun, a cannon, a video display and a countdown,” he says. “I think I played that game for three hours straight.”

PARLOR GAMES Ariel Dutton plays Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with Callie Holman during a ladies night event at Bang Back Pinball Lounge in Columbia.

p BANG FOR YOUR BUCK Bang Back Pinball Lounge in Five Points arranges their pinball machines like spokes on a wheel that encourages players to get up close and personal with the games. t QUICK STUDY Shelby Butler concentrates while playing the

latest addition to Bang Back Pinball Lounge, the new Led Zeppelin machine. Butler says she picked up the game two months ago and now she’s “playing with the top players in Columbia.”

Richardson was soon competing in national pinball championships, eventually becoming a twotime champion doubles player. “That began a very formidable part of my life, which is competitive pinball,” he says. “I’ve been doing it for 29 years.” Bang Back—named for a frowned-upon technique that involves smacking a pinball machine to keep balls in play—features older classics such as Twilight Zone, to modern hits like Avengers. Richardson’s beloved Terminator 2 is also on the floor. The lounge is tournament-ready. Thursday is Women’s Pinball Night, and Bang Back is home to the first women’s pinball league in the state. “We’ve had this huge interest from women in pinball,” Richardson says. “We’re kind of at the epicenter of it here.” The location features a menu of unique cocktails, craft beer and food items, served from their “funky fresh indoor food truck.” Richardson recommends the Bao Bun, a Korean steamed bun with dark hoisin pulled pork. For the less adventurous, there are tacos, sliders and other bar standards, often incorporating regional flavors. Bang Back Pinball Lounge is located at 741 Saluda Ave. in Columbia. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 3 to 10 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 3 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

HOURS:

DETAILS:

Call (803) 834-4462; bangbackpinball.com. uu

Frederick Richardson, a two-time doubles world champion and owner of Bang Back Pinball Lounge, enjoys sharing the social aspects of the game with visitors to his barcade. “Intelligent people are really drawn towards pinball,” he says. “It’s a thinking person’s sport. There’s something about solving that puzzle.”

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TRANSMISSION ARCADE

ON A QUEST Transmission Arcade offers a full bar, a menu heavy on smoked meats, a variety of video games, and pinball, of course, like this Black Knight classic from the early 1980s.

Food is at the forefront of Columbia’s other new barcade, Transmission Arcade on Main Street. But what began as an attempt to create “a really cool restaurant” gave birth to an arcade featuring a rotating roster of vintage video games and pinball machines, some dating back to the 1970s. “People in Columbia like pinball; there’s plenty to go around,” says J.P. Rainwater, one of Transmission’s four joint owners. “We don’t focus on the newest, latest and greatest. We focus on titles that have a little character and history.” Indeed, the 8-bit chirps from an original Frogger cabinet, alongside the clicks and clacks of a Williams Black Knight pinball machine, can bring a nostalgic tear to the eye of the most jaded Gen-Xer. The restaurant’s eight pinball machines are a top draw for guests because “there is nothing like it at home,” Rainwater says. Adding to the arcade experience: Guests who achieve high scores on games get their name on a giant scoreboard posted near the bar. “You can play arcade (video) games at home; it’s not the same but it’s very similar,” he says. With pinball, there is “physical chance” at play. “There is nothing else you can do besides interact with this game. You’re locked in and you can’t pause it.” Transmission has an extensive selection of craft beer, and their menu is heavy on in-house smoked meats, thanks to the expertise of chefs from Columbia’s Smokey Loggins. Everything down to the barbecue sauce is made from scratch. “Most people don’t expect the food to be good,” Rainwater says. “They don’t anticipate an arcade having anything beyond Velveeta.” Transmission Arcade is located at 1712 Main St. in Columbia. HOURS: Wednesday through Friday, 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. (21 and older after 7 p.m.). DETAILS: Call (803) 667-9140; transmissionarcade.com.

GRANBY GRILL Located on Whaley Street in the historic Olympia neighborhood, Granby Grill sports just five pinball games but has become a destination for hardcore pinball enthusiasts. The games here are a mix of old and new, but they all cost just 50 cents to play. “I meticulously maintain these; it’s a passion project,” says daytime manager and semi-pro pinball aficionado Tony Evans. The grill offers up new titles like Black Knight: Sword of Rage, and their most recent acquisition is The Flintstones, 24

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2021 | SCLIVING.COOP

SKILL SHOT Pinball enthusiast Tony Evans plays machines in the Granby Grill, on Whaley Street, located in Columbia’s Olympia neighborhood.

an older machine based on the 1994 movie. On a recent evening, South Carolina’s top-rated tournament player—Marcelo Hazan, a professor of Latin Studies at the University of South Carolina— was feeding quarters into a Star Trek game. In March 2020, Hazan represented South Carolina in the International Flipper Pinball Association’s national competition in Denver, where he placed 24th. Then the pandemic forced a shutdown of tournament events. Hazan has only recently started playing pinball again. “After last March, I can count on my fingers the number of times I’ve flipped,” Hazan says of his visit to Granby Grill. “This is a place where you can do everything. You can play on really good machines, meet up with your friends, and have a really good burger.” Granby Grill is located at 612 Whaley Street, Suite C, in Columbia. HOURS: Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. DETAILS: Call (803) 834-6717; granbygrill.com.

FIREFLY TOYS & GAMES The largest selection of pinball games in the Columbia area can be found at Firefly Toys & Games, located on St. Andrews Road just 10 minutes from downtown. They may not have a bar, but they do have a dedicated lounge packed with 18 pinball machines, most of them, like Stranger Things and The Beatles, representing the latest and greatest in pinball technology. uu

For Marcelo Hazan, the appeal of pinball can be summed up in one word. “It’s escapism,” says South Carolina’s top-ranked player. “When you play these machines, you forget about everything that’s going on, you forget your problems at work and home. Time stops and you’re there, in the game.”

CLAIM THE HIGH SCORE With YouTube and game-streaming sites like Twitch, it’s easier than ever to learn how to play pinball. But there is one principle most players rely on to run up big scores. “Hit what’s lit,” says Robbie Wise of Firefly Toys & Games. “There is a strategy to each game, but telling people to ‘hit what’s lit’ works too. It’s the number one rule in pinball.” Ball-control techniques such as “cradling,” the art of using a flipper to stop a ball to set up an aimed shot, and “transfers,” moving a ball from one flipper to another, are the first things new players learn. A deep understanding of the unique rules of each game is also key, Wise says. “Learn the nuances of a particular machine. Learn what to hit and when.” Frederick Richardson, a two-time doubles world champion and owner of Bang Back Pinball Lounge, offers this advice: Select a game that you really enjoy and “play it over and over,” to learn how to maximize points. “Find a partner to help read the table. Learn the language of the game.” And if all else fails, simply ask an arcade staffer for advice, says Richardson. “I spend hours every week teaching people how to play pinball.”

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For nearly a decade, Firefly has been a familyfriendly hotspot for tabletop gaming like Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer, and Magic: The Gathering. In 2017, they added pinball, and it’s been full-tilt ever since. The shop holds weekly pinball meetups and monthly tournaments and even hosts a summer pinball camp for kids. Embracing the latest technology, many of the machines in Firefly are equipped with a camera so guests can watch the gameplay on high-definition screens above. “It’s really interesting because people walk in and see we have pinball, and they ask, ‘Is pinball back?’ ” says Firefly employee Robbie Wise. “It never really left.”

IN TUNE Robbie Wise keeps The Beatles pinball machine humming along at Firefly Toys & Games. With 18 pinball games, the family-friendly gaming parlor has one of the largest selections in the Midlands.

Firefly Toys & Games is located at 736C Saint Andrews Road in Columbia. HOURS: Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, 1 p.m. to midnight. DETAILS: Call (803) 996-3473; fireflytoysandgames.com.

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SCLIVING.COOP | APRIL 2021 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

SC calendar APRIL 6–MAY 31

Upstate APRIL

6, 13 Time Travel Tuesday,

interactive Zoom webinar hosted by Historic Brattonsville. chmuseums.org. 10 Uncertain Times: Homefront 1865, virtual theatrical event hosted by Historic Brattonsville. facebook.com/HistoricBrattonsville. 15–17 Pickens Azalea Festival, downtown, Pickens. (864) 301‑1798 or pickensazaleafestival@gmail.com. 16–17 Spring Plant Festival, Greenwood County Farmers Market, Greenwood. (864) 980‑6060. 23–24 Ghost Creek Gourd Fest, Ghost Creek Gourd Farm, Laurens. (864) 682‑5251 or rmartin@backroads.net. 29 Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Twichell Auditorium at Converse College, Spartanburg. (864) 948‑9020 or music@spartanarts.org. 29–May 1 Spring Festival, downtown, Abbeville. (864) 366‑9673 or ebledsoe@abbevillecitysc.com. 30 24th Annual Blue Ridge Fest, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, Pickens. (800) 240‑3400 or brfestfacebook@blueridge.coop. M AY

1 The Return of John Williams, Twichell Auditorium at Converse College, Spartanburg. (864) 948‑9020 or music@spartanarts.org. 6–16 The Great Anderson County Fair, Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center, Anderson. (864) 309‑6618. 7–9 Artisphere, South Main Street, Greenville. (864) 283‑6825. 13–15 SpringSkunk Music Fest, Skunk Farm, Greer. dixie@albinoskunk.com. 17 Assaults on Mount Mitchell and Marion cycling races, starting at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg. (864) 414‑6581 or director@theassaults.com. 20 Converge Autism Summit, Greenville Convention Center, Greenville. (864) 834‑8013. 20–30 The Fair at Heritage Park, Heritage Park, Simpsonville. (864) 296‑6601 or ray@trzmanagement.com. 27–29 Plum Hollow Bluegrass Festival, Plum Hollow, Campobello. info@moonshiners.com. O NG O I N G

Third Thursdays ArtWalk,

downtown cultural district, Spartanburg. (864) 542‑2787.

SCLiving.coop/calendar Our mobile-friendly site lists even more festivals, shows and events. You’ll also find instructions on submitting your event. Please confirm information with the hosting event before attending.

28–May 2 2021 North Charleston Arts Fest, Charleston Area Convention Center and Olde Village area, North Charleston. (843) 740‑5854 or culturalarts@northcharleston.org. MAY

As this issue went to press, South Carolina was still in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing many festivals and events to be canceled or postponed. Please check with organizers if you plan to attend these events and follow current health recommendations to stop the spread of the coronavirus. For updates on the pandemic, visit scdhec.gov/covid19. EDITOR’S NOTE:

First Fridays First Fridays Open Studios, Mayfair Art Studios, Spartanburg. (864) 278‑3228 or aheckel@spartanarts.org.

Midlands APRIL

15 2021 South Carolina Read-In,

South Carolina State Library and S.C. State House, Columbia. (803) 545‑4432 or acook@statelibrary.sc.gov. 15–24 Come-See-Me Festival, downtown, Rock Hill. (803) 329‑7625 or comeseeme@comporium.net. 16 Virtual Lunch and Learn: Madeira to Moonshine: A Drinking History of South Carolina, USCLancaster Native American Studies Center, Lancaster. (803) 313‑7172. 17 Spring Florals (mixed media) with Marcia Kort Buike, Center for the Arts, Rock Hill. (803) 328‑2787 or arts@yorkcountyarts.org. 17–18 Indian Land Fall Festival, Indian Land High School, Indian Land. info@indianlandfallfestival.com. 18 Greg Gutfeld, Columbia Speedway Entertainment Center, Columbia. contact@colaconcerts.com. 23 Blackberry Smoke and North Mississippi Allstars, Columbia Speedway Entertainment Center, Columbia. contact@colaconcerts.com. 23–24 11th Annual Blythewood DOKO Rodeo, Blythewood Community Center, Blythewood. blythewoodrodeo.com.

24 Heart & Sole Women’s

Five-Miler, Finlay Park, Columbia. (803) 731‑2100 or info@carolinamarathon.org. 24 Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires, Columbia Speedway Entertainment Center, Columbia. contact@colaconcerts.com. 24 Kid’s Day of Lexington, Virginia Hylton Park, Lexington. (803) 356‑8554. 25 Wynonna Judd, Columbia Speedway Entertainment Center, Columbia. contact@colaconcerts.com. MAY

1 Rosewood Crawfish Festival, State Fairgrounds, Columbia. (803) 960‑3552 or rosewoodmerchants@gmail.com. 1 Shovels & Rope, Columbia Speedway Entertainment Center, Columbia. contact@colaconcerts.com. 6–June 11 Aiken Artist Guild Annual Member Show, Aiken Center for the Arts, Aiken. (803) 641‑9094. 15 Mt. Joy, Columbia Speedway Entertainment Center, Columbia. contact@colaconcerts.com. 15 Watercolor Textures and Surfaces with Marcia Kort Buike, Center for the Arts, (803) 328‑2787 or arts@yorkcountyarts.org. 21 A Taste of Newberry, downtown, Newberry. (803) 321‑1015 or prt@cityofnewberry.com. 21 Virtual Lunch and Learn: “Finding Fish Weirs in East North America,” USC-Lancaster Native American Studies Center, Lancaster. (803) 313‑7172 or usclnasp@mailbox.sc.edu. 29 Aiken Memorial Day Parade, downtown, Aiken. aikenmemorialdayparade@gmail.com. ONGOING

Daily through April 25 Arts

Council of York County Members Show, Dalton Gallery at the Center for the Arts, Rock Hill. (803) 328‑2787.

Daily through April 30

“Grounded” Exhibition, Hang on tight! The Blythewood Aiken Center for the Arts, Aiken. DOKO Rodeo is April 23–24. (803) 641‑9094.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2021 | SCLIVING.COOP

Daily through April 30 Karey

Santos Exhibit, Aiken County Visitors Center, Aiken. (803) 642‑7557 or lbusbee@aikencountysc.gov.

Lowcountry APR IL

15 Food for Thought Luncheon

Lecture: Charleston’s Springtime Gardens (Festival of Houses and Gardens), Captain James Missroon House, Charleston. (843) 722‑3405 or (843) 723‑1623. 16 Food for Thought Luncheon Lecture: Ingredients of the African Diaspora: Influences on Lowcountry Cuisine (Festival of Houses and Gardens), Captain James Missroon House, Charleston. (843) 722‑3405 or (843) 723‑1623. 16 Live at Firefly: World of Jazz: A Global Experience, Firefly Distillery, North Charleston. (843) 641‑0011 or jazz@charlestonjazz.com. 17 World of Jazz: A Global Experience, Charleston Music Hall, Charleston. (843) 641‑0011 or jazz@charlestonjazz.com. 23 Deputy Joseph C. Rodgers Scholarship Fundraiser, Lake City Country Club, Lake City. (843) 687‑7803 or bturner@jcrsf.org. 23 Red, White and Blue Jean Ball, Founders Hall at Charles Towne Landing, Charleston. (843) 566‑0072. 23–24 Colleton County Rice Festival, Civic Center, Walterboro. (843) 549‑1079. 23–May 1 ArtFields, multiple venues, Lake City. (843) 374‑1080 or info@artfieldssc.org. 24–25 The Art Market at Historic Honey Horn, Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island. coastaldiscovery.org. 24–25 MCAS Beaufort Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort. (843) 228‑7675 or scmccs@usmc-mccs.org. 25 Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival, Memorial Waterfront Park, Mount Pleasant. (843) 884‑8517.

1 Myrtle Beach Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K, Pelicans Ballpark and multiple virtual options, Myrtle Beach. info@mbmarathon.com. 1 Shadow Bay Celtic Festival, R.H. Acres, Myrtle Beach. (843) 360‑9052 or mmfvendors@gmail.com. 1 Virtual Performance: World of Jazz: A Global Experience, virtual event, based in Charleston. (843) 641‑0011 or jazz@charlestonjazz.com. 2 Pedal Hilton Head Island, Lowcountry Celebration Park, Hilton Head Island. pedalhiltonheadisland@ bgclowcountry.org. 7 Kiawah Art & House Tour, multiple homes, Johns Island. info@kiawahartsetc.org. 15–16 World Famous Blue Crab Festival, Historic Little River Waterfront, Little River. (843) 249‑6604 or info@littleriverchamber.org. 21 Live at Firefly: Symphonic Swing: Jazz Meets the Classics, Firefly Distillery, North Charleston. (843) 641‑0011 or jazz@charlestonjazz.com. 22 Symphonic Swing: Jazz Meets the Classics, Charleston Music Hall, Charleston. (843) 641‑0011 or jazz@charlestonjazz.com. 29 Original Gullah Festival, virtual event, based in Beaufort. (843) 525‑0628 or info@originalgullahfestival.org. ONGOING

Daily through April 18 Manning

Williams: “Reinventing Narrative Painting,” Gallery 8 at the Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston. (843) 722‑2706. Daily through April 24 “Diversity Endangered” Exhibit, Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, Charleston. (843) 284‑9227. Various dates through Aug. 27

Festival of Houses and Gardens, Morning History Walks, Old & Historic District, Charleston. (843) 722‑3405 or (843) 723‑1623.

First Thursdays, April through December First Thursdays Gullah

Spirituals (part of the Festival of Houses and Gardens Live Like a Local event series), Unitarian Church, Charleston. (843) 722‑3405 or (843) 723‑1623. Fridays, April 30–May 21 Festival of Houses and Gardens, Glorious Garden Tours, multiple garden locations, Charleston. (843) 722‑3405 or (843) 723‑1623.

SC humor me

All our eggs in one bracket BY JAN A. IGOE

OH YEAH, IT’S THAT TIME

again. Time for Uncle Sam to extract his due from patriotic peasants— with all the zeal of an exuberant child on an Easter egg hunt. Once you join the taxpaying masses, your second job (besides the one that pays those taxes) is to navigate a few gazillion regulatory rules and 60,000 pages of confounding case law clearly stating that you owe more than you’ve paid. That’s still less painful than finding out how our uncle spends it. For example, the National Institutes of Health will fork out more than $1 million to help grownups get over their fear of dental visits, per Sen. Rand Paul’s Festivus Report 2020. As chair of the Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management, Paul doesn’t like to see $54 billion tax dollars wasted on things like telling grownups not to be wussies about the dentist, which won’t work on anyone who had impacted wisdom teeth extracted by a dentist who swears he rented a backhoe to pry the bottom ones out. We’re also funding cool science projects like getting lizards to run on “teenytiny” treadmills. Researchers studied six Savannah monitors and Argentine tegus, according to Paul. (Tegus are enormous, ravenous, undocumented reptiles that have been decimating native species throughout the Southeast, but $1.5 million of our tax dollars are helping scientists discover how lizard joints move.) Paul can’t figure out how this will benefit us, since he learned how human joints move in med school. No lizards required. 38

The VA spent more than $3.4 billion on products that never arrived or were seriously delayed. So why didn’t they order their stuff from Amazon Prime? One caveat: Although Paul has more brains in his toenail clippings than I will ever possess, he knows squat about lizards. Tegus and monitors can reach 4 feet in length and could be mistaken for offensive linebackers. No “teeny-tiny” here. Here’s another good one: Remember how you eagerly checked the mail for your stimulus checks last year? Well, a million or so went to dead people, but you can’t just ask decision-makers to stop licking stamps and put them in a timeout. You need legislation with a pompous title such as Stopping Improper

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | APRIL 2021 | SCLIVING.COOP

Payments to Deceased People Act. It passed, but won’t take effect for three years. “Can’t rush something like that, I guess,” Paul said. Then there’s military spending. If the Festivus report is accurate, the Department of Veterans Affairs spent more than $3.4 billion on products that never arrived or were seriously delayed, sometimes for years. So why didn’t they order their stuff from Amazon Prime? They’d get it in two days. If delivery was late, they could call and scream bloody murder like everybody else. Doesn’t the military have a few highranking people in charge of fit-pitching? Alternatively, they could just borrow a tank and drive over to Amazon. That’s what any sane person would do. We also paid to find out if little kids will eat food an adult sneezed on. I wish they’d just asked me. If it’s a bowl of broccoli, then not a chance. If it’s a bowl of M&M’s, that’s fine. Sneeze away. If you haven’t done your taxes yet, please hurry. Uncle Sam needs every penny to continue vital research on how jet lag affects South American rodents and getting Mediterranean youth to lay off the hookah. Don’t be late. The military won’t deploy tanks, but the IRS might. Every April reminds JAN A. IGOE that math is not a close personal friend, but she can dye some really nice Easter eggs to barter with her accountant. Happy Easter, stay healthy and send tax tips to HumorMe@SCLiving.coop.

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