South Carolina Living November 2020

A walk in the woods CHANGEOUT Spend the day in Congaree National Park

SC RECIPE

Deliciously decadent desserts HUMOR ME

NOV/DEC 2020

Guppies before puppies

From sweeping mountain views and towering waterfalls to treasured historic sites and wide-open sandy beaches, South Carolina’s 47 state parks offer countless opportunities for adventure and surprises around every corner. Find your perfect outdoor destination at SouthCarolinaParks.com

THE MAGAZINE FOR COOPERATIVE MEMBERS VOLUME 74 • NUMBER 1 1 (ISSN 0047-486X, USPS 316-240)

Read in more than 615,000 homes and businesses and published monthly except in December by The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. 808 Knox Abbott Drive Cayce, SC 29033

2020|nov•dec

Tel: (803) 926‑3175 Fax: (803) 796‑6064 Email: letters@scliving.coop EDITOR

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

Josh Crotzer

12 Harvesting hope South Carolina’s largest food bank responds to the COVID-19 pandemic and a record demand for assistance with an army of caring volunteers.

PUBLICATION COORDINATOR

Travis Ward

ART DIRECTOR

Sharri Harris Wolfgang DESIGNER

Susan Collins PRODUCTION

Andrew Chapman WEB EDITOR

Chase Toler

COPY EDITORS

Trevor Bauknight, Jennifer Jas, Jim Poindexter CONTRIBUTORS

Mike Couick, Dena DiOrio, Tim Hanson, Andrew Haworth, Jan A. Igoe, Sydney Patterson, Belinda Smith-Sullivan

4 CO-OP NEWS

Updates from your cooperative

6 AGENDA

PUBLISHER

Lou Green

The staff and contributors of South Carolina Living wish you happy holidays.

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

10 DIALOGUE A season of gratitude

As we close the books on a tumultuous year, let’s all take time to count our blessings.

When he’s not officiating NCAA men’s basketball games, the always-entertaining referee known as “TV Teddy” calls Charleston home.

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 2020. 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.

17 TRAVELS Much to see at Congaree

Boasting the largest old-growth floodplain forest in the country, Congaree National Park offers fourseason fun for nature lovers.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

$8 nonmembers

$5.72 members,

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RECIPE

Deliciously decadent desserts

The holiday season is the ideal time to pull out all the stops on desserts. Chef Belinda Smith-Sullivan shares some of her favorite recipes that will delight your family and friends.

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27 MARKETPLACE 28 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 30 HUMOR ME Guppies before puppies Member of the AMP network reaching more than 9 million homes and businesses

A walk in the woods

Take it from our humor columnist, not all dog lovers are meant to be dog owners.

Spend the day in Congaree National Park

SC RECIPE

Deliciously decadent desserts HUMOR ME

Guppies before puppies NOV/DEC 2020

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS:

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16 SC STORIES Court is in session

TO P A N D CENTER: A N DRE W H AWO RTH; BOT TO M: G I N A M OO RE

Visitors explore the boardwalk winding through the oldgrowth floodplain forest of Congaree National Park.

Photo by Andrew Haworth.

SC | agenda EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy holidays! We’ll see you next year!

AS WE HEAD INTO THE HOLIDAY SEASON ,

the staff and contributors of South Carolina Living hope you enjoy this combined November/ December issue of your co-op magazine.

We’ll be back in your mailbox in January with more co-op news, tips on wise energy use, festivals and events, profiles of interesting South Carolinians, award-winning stories and photos—and of course, lots of delicious recipes.

We invite you to keep in touch during December by signing up for our email newsletter at SCLiving.coop/newsletter and visiting SCLiving.coop. On Dec. 1, we’ll post new web-exclusive stories to help you enjoy the holidays with family and friends.

Take care and God bless. —KEITH PHILLIPS

GONE FISHIN’

ONLY ON SCLiving.coop

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.

Put an extra $100 on your holiday wish list

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Pet gadgets

Here in South Carolina, our pets are more than a hobby— they’re part of the family.

Pamper and care for them with these ingenious devices.

See them all under the Home & Garden tab of SCLiving.coop.

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L . A . JACKSO N

Find us on Facebook

Get social with South Carolina Living. Share your holiday plans and favorite memories as we celebrate the end of a crazy year at facebook.com/SouthCarolinaLiving.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | NOV/DEC 2020 | SCLIVING.COOP

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Winter wonder blooms

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NOVEMBER

Just in time for holiday shopping! Sign up today for our November Reader Reply Travel Sweepstakes and your chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. We’ll draw the winning name from all eligible entries received

by Nov. 30. Register online at SCLiving.coop/reader-reply.

Learn about the hardy hellebore, a colorful plant that ignores the chilling cold of winter and flowers during the shortest, dreariest days of the year. See the story under the Home & Garden tab of SCLiving.coop.

Keep cold air out to save energy. Seal air leaks around pipes and any gaps around chimneys and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. SOURCE: ENERGY.GOV

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Do your part while you’re in North Carolina and keep your distance, wash your hands and wear a face covering.

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Set your GPS for Smithfield to visit the renown Ava Gardner Museum, home to an incredible collection of Hollywood memorabilia on Ava’s life and career. Also, don’t miss the outstanding savings at Carolina Premium Outlets for the holidays. It’s easy to remember I-95, Exit 95!

This holiday season, it isn't about the number of people around the tree. Rather, it's about escaping to a simpler place. New Bern has taken the time to string the lights, we've hung the stockings, heck we've even stoked the fire for you. We cannot wait for your visit.

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RETHINK RURAL Drink in Our History,

Toast to Your Future Relaxation and adventure await when you travel back to Winston-Salem. Savor the moment by dining at one of our eclectic downtown eateries, creating your own Craft Draft Crawl, strolling our Downtown Arts District, or sampling award-winning wines from our 40+ nearby wineries. Raise a glass and look forward to your Winston-Salem getaway.

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Plan your getaway at VisitWinstonSalem.com

Do your part while you’re in North Carolina and keep your distance, wash your hands and wear a face covering. Visit CountOnMeNC.org.

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SC dialogue

A season of gratitude we loved visiting my aunt and uncle’s farm outside of Monroe, North Carolina.

During one visit, Uncle George gave us two Catawba Indian arrowheads he’d found while plowing his corn field. At ages eight and 10, our sibling rivalry quickly manifested in the moment. No sooner had the prized artifacts touched our hands, than we were arguing about which was whose.

My dad knew just how to settle the dispute. Since neither one of us had thought to thank Uncle George, the arrowheads could just stay at the farm with him. It was two great lessons: Always start with a thank you and never respond to a gift with discontentment.

Saying “thank you” not only fulfills one of our parents’ primary edicts of good manners, it makes us feel better. As we reflect upon a year that has been a struggle for mental, social and physical well-being, it seems like a good time to make a gratitude list. Since I am so encouraged by the way cooperatives and our state have met 2020’s epic challenges, I’ve made a cooperative gratitude list.

WHEN MY BROTHER AND I WERE YOUNG,

✓Local cooperative service I am thankful for every distribution cooperative that continued to deliver safe and reliable energy to their members during a global pandemic. They may have shut down their office lobbies, altered hours or canceled community events, but the essential service was never disrupted. Whether working the drive-thru windows or climbing the poles, they kept our power on.

✓CARES Act I am thankful that electric cooperatives were recognized as small businesses essential in their communities and were able to receive support from the CARES Act, allowing Newberry Electric, Aiken Electric and Lynches River Electric to bring broadband internet to more people in their communities this year.

✓Broadband legislation COVID-19 further exposed the dire need for broadband internet access in our rural communities. Although South Carolina has more steps to take, I am thankful that the General Assembly has opened the door for electric cooperatives to be a part of filling that gap. The Broadband Accessibility Act gives cooperatives the authority to provide broadband in and around their assigned territories.

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SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | NOV/DEC 2020 | SCLIVING.COOP

✓Virtual Youth Experience Although the Rural Electric Youth Tour—an annual c­ ooperative-sponsored trip for high school juniors to our nation’s capital—fell victim to COVID-19, I’m thankful we were able to provide a different opportunity to some of our South Carolina teens. The Virtual Youth Experience was a week-long web conference that allowed students selected by their local cooperatives to engage with state leaders. They even produced their own podcasts where they discussed how the events of 2020 have impacted their lives.

✓Annual meetings Another cooperative tradition that required a significant adjustment this year was the cooperative annual meeting.

This year’s meetings were especially important as many cooperatives were changing their bylaws to adhere to the state’s new transparency and accountability statutes. I am thankful that some were able to have a new and safer kind of annual meeting that featured an online business presentation, drive-thru voting and registration and, in some cases, record levels of participation.

✓Hurricane aid As tough as it has been for many of us in South Carolina, we’ve escaped the terrible consequences of a natural ­disaster. The same cannot be said for those on the Gulf Coast. I’m sure the victims of Hurricanes Laura, Sally and Delta in Louisiana and Florida are thankful for the South Carolina cooperative linemen who have helped to restore their power. I am thankful the linemen returned safely after working under harsh conditions hundreds of miles away.

I hope you feel grateful for these cooperative blessings, as well. I also hope you’ll take the opportunity to make your own gratitude list and keep it handy. Within the burdens and challenges of our time, there is always bravery, innovation and hope. It is for our own benefit to find it and be appreciative of it.

MIKE COUICK

President and CEO, The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina

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11

A HARVEST OF HOPE South Carolina’s largest food bank steps up in a time of crisis

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANDREW HAWORTH

“We’re seeing anywhere Enthusiastic “good mornfrom 250 to 300 families ings” ring out like wind a day,” she says. “We top chimes as more than a over 1,000 individuals a dozen volunteers welcome day, easily.” visitors to Harvest Hope, The numbers are on the the state’s largest food rise throughout the state. bank, on a Monday Harvest Hope mobile panmorning in mid-July.

Each masked voluntries in Florence served more than 90,423 families teer is carrying an armload from March to September, of food—cases of bottled compared to just 2,291 for water, dairy products, the same period last year. boxes of fresh produce, The Greenville ­location selections of canned goods is also doing curbside and more—to clients service. Since the beginwaiting in cars just off the curb of the Shop Road ning of the pandemic, they PATIENCE HAS ITS REWARD A line of cars stretches a quarter mile along Columbia’s facility in Columbia. have helped an average of Shop Road as clients wait for Harvest Hope to open one morning this past summer.

It’s already a sweltering 1,445 individuals daily on day, and heat is rising in waves off the freshly paved blacktop. days when the pantry is open. For perspective, that location Temperatures are approaching 95 degrees, and still, the cars served an average of 384 people daily during the spring and keep coming. Even before the facility opened that morning, summer period last year. the line of cars waiting to enter was backed up a quarter mile.

Harvest Hope began in 1981 as a collaboration between There are more friendly greetings, more cars, and more business leaders and the faith community, who wanted to food items safely tucked away in trunks, truck beds or back provide for the hungry in Columbia. The agency grew and seats. Some volunteers break down boxes, others unpack palnow provides help to families in 20 counties in the Midlands, Pee Dee and Upstate. lets. Everyone is sweating. Food bank staff haul away the empty Harvest Hope accepts donations from individuals, canned pallets and piles of cardboard and bring more crates of food food drives and “rescues” food from stores. The food, after from around back, up to the curb. The operation will last until being inspected to ensure it’s safe, is distributed to other food 1 p.m. and volunteers will return on Wednesday to do it again. pantries, shelters and soup kitchens. They also operate proSERVING OTHERS grams to feed vulnerable citizens, such as children, the elderly and rural residents. Harvest Hope estimates there are norThis is life at Harvest Hope during the COVID-19 pandemic, where safety concerns have resulted in contact-free curbside mally about 700,000 people in South Carolina who don’t have pickup as demand for the food bank’s services has soared. enough food.

This summer, Harvest Hope was supporting nearly double The Greenville and Columbia emergency pantries, where the number of families it did before the pandemic, says families in need can get a week’s supply of groceries for free, Taylor Davids, development and communications specialist. have become even more important to the organization’s 12

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | NOV/DEC 2020 | SCLIVING.COOP

This summer, Harvest Hope was supporting nearly double the number of families it did before the pandemic.

p CURBSIDE SERVICE Volunteers bring food to the cars in an effort to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. t READY TO HELP Harvest Hope

volunteer coordinator Kara Pippin gives assignments during a morning shift this past July.

ALWAYS ROOM FOR MORE Volunteer Nickey Bostic, left, unwraps pallets of fruits and vegetables at the Midlands Harvest Hope location in Columbia.

SCLIVING.COOP | NOV/DEC 2020 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

13

p EVERY JOB MATTERS Volunteers John Evans and Rosa Creech break down cardboard during a morning shift last July. u LEAVE NOTHING TO WASTE Volunteers distribute boxes of

produce provided by the USDA Farmers to Families initiative.

q RAIN OR SHINE Volunteers, from left, Caroline Clarkson, Susan Gums and high school senior Taylor Hamilton-Hankins prepare to load food into waiting cars on a stormy August morning.

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SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | NOV/DEC 2020 | SCLIVING.COOP

mission in the wake of “ It’s a pretty COVID-19. In March, the humbling agency switched to curbside service to ensure famexperience to see ilies get their food safely.

Then they had to deal how many people with a shortage of non-­ are involved in perishable goods, foods like canned fruits and veghelping to feed etables and peanut butter, people.” —TALAE WHITE owing to the grocery-­ buying frenzy during the first months of the pandemic. the volunteer response “It was hairy there at “awe-inspiring.” the beginning,” Davids says.

“The COVID-19 crisis “The panic buying dropped has presented many our retail donations down. ­challenges for Harvest NO TIME TO LOSE A volunteer zips through a distribution area with a cartload of food We were down 100,000 Hope,” Broderick says. for clients waiting outside during curbside service at Harvest Hope. pounds of food compared “One of these challenges to last year in March, so we had to figure that out real quick.” was seeking volunteers for the increased demand of our She credits government grants, local farms, regular donors ­services. We have seen hundreds of volunteers, many who and the Farmers to Food Banks initiative for helping them were volunteering with us for the first time, who have dedirestock their pantry. The S.C. Department of Agriculture cated their time to help feed our neighbors in need.” created the partnership to help farmers donate excess Talae White, senior manager of the Columbia emergency produce to places like Harvest Hope. food pantry, says the emergency food pantry operation has a lot of moving parts. Harvest Hope staff work ­primarily inside VOLUNTEERS WANTED the warehouse—keeping track of incoming and out­going food, organizing the freezers and shelves of items, taking In addition to the challenges involved in keeping the pantry orders from other agencies, inspecting inventory and more. stocked, there was also an early volunteer shortage, so Volunteers primarily serve on the front lines greeting clients the S.C. State Guard pitched in to help until the commuand delivering food, careful to follow safe social distancing nity responded. Harvest Hope CEO Wendy Broderick calls procedures.

“It’s a pretty humbling experience to see how many people are involved in helping to feed people,” White says. “South Carolinians just have a tremendous heart for helping.”

For many of the volunteers, the opportunity to serve— Volunteers and donations are always needed to support to get out of the house and help others in the middle of the ­pandemic—is a gift in its own right.

Harvest Hope’s operations. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old, in good health, and should be able to lift at least Spring Valley High School senior Taylor Hamilton-Hankins, drenched from a rainstorm on one recent morning, main15 pounds and stand for the duration of a two-hour shift.

Schedules are posted every Friday. A face mask is required. tained a smile as she filled a cart with groceries and queued Visit harvesthope.org to learn how you can help. up to make a mad dash outside into the rain.

Harvest Hope also accepts monetary donations on the She started volunteering weekly simply to “help out the website, and select food items from their Amazon.com wishlist. community,” but found a powerful connection with other Links to the Midlands, Pee Dee and Upstate wishlists are on the ­volunteers and the people they serve. “It makes me feel good Harvest Hope COVID-19 response page—harvesthope.org/ when I see people of different races and genders coming out about/news/how-you-can-help-during-covid-19-crisis. to help.”

For other volunteers, like Richland 2 educator Susan “People don’t have to participate in a food drive,” Midlands Gums, volunteering fills a social and spiritual need. emergency pantry senior manager Talae White says. “They can “It’s the camaraderie,” says Gums, who began volunteering do it virtually on the website, or when they are ordering food in March after schools shut down. “It’s nice to share the joy of for their family, they can donate to us too.”

Jesus. I’m serving; you can’t beat it.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP

SCLIVING.COOP | NOV/DEC 2020 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

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SC stories

Court is in session If someone buys coffee for you and everyone else in line at Starbucks one day, take a closer look at who is picking up the tab. Your benefactor might be Ted Valentine, the celebrated NCAA basketball referee known as TV Teddy.

“I always buy something for somebody behind me,” says Valentine. “I might never see them again, but I will know that I did something good for them.”

That gesture might not square with the image some people have of Valentine as the tough, sometimes-flamboyant referee who has been a familiar figure in college basketball for nearly 40 years. Fans have watched Valentine officiate hundreds of games, including more than two dozen NCAA tournaments and four NCAA championships.

“I have worked every championship in every conference on the East Coast,” says Valentine. “A lot of guys can’t say that.”

His fame skyrocketed in 1998 when he ejected the mercurial Indiana Hoosiers coach Bobby Knight for an unprecedented three technical fouls during a game. The legendary Knight, known for his temper, stalked off the court in a rage. The moment remains one of the most oft-told tales in NCAA history.

While players and coaches invariably dispute some of Valentine’s calls, most agree that few referees work harder than TV Teddy.

“Ted Valentine is passionate about the game and about doing his job the right way,” says University of South Carolina men’s basketball coach Frank Martin. “He takes great pride in what he does. I have tremendous respect for him.”

—TIM HANSON | PHOTO BY MIC SMITH

Ted Valentine AGE:

62.

Charleston.

He’s “TV Teddy,” the always-entertaining ref who officiates the biggest NCAA basketball games.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN: While earning a BA in physical education from Glenville State College in West Virginia, “I took a class to learn how to be a referee and started refereeing intramurals for a little bit of money.” He went full time as a ref in the Big Ten Conference in the 1980s.

THE MOVE SOUTH: Fed up with cold winters, he moved to Charleston in 2003. “I am the only Division I basketball referee who lives here. I kind of like that.”

OFF DUTY: “I don’t want to talk hoops all the time. I try to get away from it. I read books. I watch movies. I haven’t watched a whole college basketball game on TV in years.”

GIVING BACK: He sometimes works youth basketball events for the North Charleston Parks and Recreation Department.

HOMETOWN:

CLAIM TO FAME:

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SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | NOV/DEC 2020 | SCLIVING.COOP

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SC travels

Much to see at Congaree

BY DENA J. DIORIO | PHOTOS BY ANDREW HAWORTH

“MAPLES ARE IN SEED!”

exclaims Steve Dennis, our volunteer tour guide on the Nature Discovery Walk at Congaree National Park.

Our small group of visitors is zigzagging down the trail away from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center on a chilly Saturday morning, looking for the first signs of spring.

Situated 16 miles southeast of Columbia, Congaree National Park is one of 62 national parks and the only one in South Carolina. Boasting the largest oldgrowth floodplain forest in the country, Congaree is home to some of the country’s tallest trees of their species, known as “champion trees.” One such tree, endearingly referred to as the Richland County Pine, stands approximately 159 feet tall and holds the national champion status for a loblolly pine.

With 27,000 acres of designated wilderness area and a natural southern border created by the Congaree River,

this majestic landscape offers adventures for outdoor enthusiasts, birders, naturalists and families alike. Hiking, biking, birding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, q Searching for first signs of spring, camping and ranger- and volunteer-led volunteer Steve Dennis shows off excursions are just some of the available a maple seed and inspects a pool activities, all of which are free of charge. during a nature hike last February.

Our gentle hike led by senior volunteer guide Dennis, who was accompanied by fellow volunteer Jim Wilson, was the perfect way to revisit the park. Devoted naturalists, both men have been leading tours at Congaree for over 12 years.

Along the trail, the unmistakable song of a Carolina wren could be heard off in the distance. “They sing all the time; they have several songs,” Dennis explains. A tufted titmouse of the chickadee family chimed in, and the two birds serenaded us as we strolled.

“People come [to Congaree] from all over the world for birding,” he continues.

“There are over 200 species in the park, and it is especially important for breeding and neotropical migratory birds.”

According to Jon Manchester, park ranger and volunteer program manager, p Mary Lou Popolizio and Art Dee, “fans of national parks,” take a break on their trip from the Florida Keys home to Rochester, New York.

EDITOR’S NOTE: As this issue went to press, South Carolina was still in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check with the Congaree National Park Visitor Center for the latest updates on programs and access to the park by calling (803) 776-4396 or nps.gov/cong. For current health recommendations to stop the spread of the coronavirus, visit scdhec.gov/covid19.

SCLIVING.COOP | NOV/DEC 2020 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

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|

SC travels

u At certain times

of the year on clear, moonless nights, visitors can gaze at the Milky Way through the loblolly pines.

q Photographers Joe Long, left, and Ron Aull pause on the boardwalk to chat about birds they’ve spotted during a bird count at the park.

Congaree is “a major stopover for a number of migratory birds during the spring and fall. Neotropical migratory birds can be any species of bird that winters in Central or South America or the Caribbean and breeds in North America.”

As the seasons change, they bring annual events that make Congaree truly unique: the flooding of its floodplain in December and April, and the synchronous fireflies that light up the sky for two weeks in May and June. Both events tend to draw a crowd.

Our tour proceeded to the elevated boardwalk where there was unmistakable

GET THERE

Dwarf palmettos take the regular flooding at Congaree National Park in stride.

18

Congaree National Park is located at 100 National Park Road in Hopkins.

HOURS: The park is open 24 hours a day year-round. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but closed on all federal holidays. Trail maps, brochures, restroom facilities and water refilling stations are available in the Visitor Center breezeway 24 hours a day.

ADMISSION: Entrance to the park is free.

There is no charge for camping or any ranger-led programs.

DETAILS: Call (803) 776-4396 or visit nps.gov/cong.

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | NOV/DEC 2020 | SCLIVING.COOP

As the seasons change, they bring annual events that make Congaree truly unique. evidence of flooding. A higher than usual rainfall caused the Congaree River to overflow just one week before, and coincidentally, led to the second highest crest record in the park’s history. We came to an area completely flooded with turbid water, the tops of dwarf ­palmettos poking up through the mire. This ­brownish-blackish, nutrient-rich murky water gets its color from the tannins in decomposing leaves and other floating organic and inorganic matter. Lucky for us, the water had receded enough so that visitors could now pass along the boardwalk. Truly a sight to behold and unlike anything I had seen before.

After two hours of taking in the sights and sounds of these enchanted woods, our tour concluded back at the visitor center, the preferred gathering spot to begin or end an excursion. If you go, be sure to grab a trail guide, read the ­placards detailing the park’s rich history and catch a glimpse of the prominent mural painted by Columbia-based artist Blue Sky.

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In every season SC Agritourism offers you a new experience, from choose n’ cut Christmas trees to farm & culinary tours, trail rides, wineries, botanical gardens, farm stores, other year-round family friendly activities, and so much more!

SCLIVING.COOP | NOV/DEC 2020 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

19

please see our reopening procedures on our website at

NewberryOperaHouse.com

November 2020 08 // Man in Black: Johnny Cash Tribute 20 // The Isaacs Christmas Show 21 // Mike Super: Magic & Illusion 22 // The Harlem Quartet December 2020 03 // The Gatlin Brothers 04 // Invoke: A Multi-String Quartet 05 // Christmas with the Celts 13 // The Nutcracker Ballet 14 // The Nutcracker Ballet - 1 hour 19 // Christmas at the Silent Movies 20 // A Carpenters’ Christmas January 2021 14 // 15 // 16 // 17 // 22 // 23 // 28 // 29 // 30 //

Keb' Mo' John Denver Tribute Gene Watson The Modern Gentlemen Delbert McClinton Del McCoury Band Harlem 100 Deas Guyz Orchestra Balsam Range

February 2021 01 // Steve Tyrell 02 // Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story 03 // Mother's Finest 04 // Mutts Gone Nuts!

05 // Newberry Ballet Guild “Pantheon�

06 // Edwin McCain 09 // Gaelic Storm 12 // Tribute to Whitney, Diana, & Aretha 13 // Peabo Bryson 19 // Sawyer Brown 20 // Blue Dogs 23 // Newberry College Music Honors Recital 25 // Sister Hazel 26 // Rhonda Vincent and The Rage 27 // James Gregory 28 // Dick Goodwin and His Big Band March 2021 05 // 06 // 07 // 09 // 11 // 12 // 14 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 27 // 28 //

Capitol Steps Tony Orlando Fairytales on Ice How to Survive Middle School The Machine performs Pink Floyd Tribute Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Peach State Opera Operatizers!

The Malpass Brothers The Led Zeppelin Experience Tribute to the Guitar Legends Puccini’s La Bohème, opera Mariachi Herencia de MÊxico

April 2021 16 // 17 // 18 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 29 // 30 //

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Etta May & The Southern Fried Chicks Tribute to "A Prairie Home Companion" Brian Culbertson Steel Betty Glenn Miller OrchestraÂŽ Dailey and Vincent: Statler Brothers Tribute Newberry Chamber Orchestra Parmalee John Hiatt with Jerry Douglas

May 2021 01 // 02 // 07 // 08 // 09 // 13 // 15 // 16 // 19 // 21 // 23 //

Paul Thorn DaVinci and Michelangelo Deas Guyz Tommy Emmanuel Tessa Lark & Michael Thurber Newberry College Jazz Big Band Jimmy Mazz: Tribute to the Music of 3 Dog Night A Country Music Tribute The Wailers Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder The Lincoln Trio

June 2021 03 // 04 // 05 //

Robert Earl Keen John Anderson Rick Alviti Elvis Tribute

Box Office 803-276-6264 NewberryOperaHouse.com

20

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | NOV/DEC 2020 | SCLIVING.COOP

Let us warm your holiday season.

Take a short drive to Aiken and create lasting holiday memories. We’re closer than you think. www.visitaikensc.com

Christmas "Inn" Our Town

Fountain Inn, South Carolina

December 10 - 20 6 PM - 9 PM

Santa & Carriage Rides Carriage Rides are by appointment only visit www.fountaininnevents.com for tickets and a complete list of activities

SCLIVING.COOP | NOV/DEC 2020 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

21

TRIPLE PEANUT BUTTER AND CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE SERVES 12

CRUST

1 ¾ cups chocolate cookies, crushed 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted, melted 2 tablespoons sugar FILLING

LICIOUSLY E D

decadent desserts BY

BEL

I N DA S M I T H - S U L L I V

AN

The holiday season is the ideal time to pull out all the stops on desserts! While these recipes may seem a little labor-intensive, the bonus here is that all freeze beautifully. You can make any or all of them ahead of time at your leisure. Besides, aren’t your family and friends worth it?

3 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature 1 cup peanut butter, natural with salt and peanuts only ¾ cup sugar

N cup brown sugar 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract 4 large eggs N cup sour cream

TOPPING

8 Reese’s Peanut Butter Mini Cups (more if desired) N cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips Chocolate ganache (recipe follows)

Preheat oven to 350 F. Blend three crust ingredients and press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, wrapped on the bottom and sides with foil.

CRUST

In the bowl of a stand mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese and peanut butter for 3 minutes. Add both sugars; beat 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla, then eggs, one at a time, then beat in sour cream. Pour into prepared pan.

FILLING

Place cheesecake pan inside a larger pan and place in oven. Fill the larger pan halfway with hot water—this prevents the cheesecake from cracking or falling on top. Bake 60–70 minutes or until barely firm. The center should still be shaky. Turn off oven, leaving door ajar about 6 inches, and cool for 1 hour. Remove from oven and cool completely in pan. Chill in fridge overnight or at least 8 hours.

TOPPING Remove the side of the springform pan. Halve the peanut butter cups and arrange over cheesecake, followed by peanut butter chips. Drizzle with chocolate ganache.

CHOCOLATE GANACHE MAKES APPROXIMATELY 1½ CUPS

8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, cut into small pieces ¾ cup heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon cognac or brandy (optional)

Place the chopped chocolate in a medium bowl and set aside. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil, but do not allow cream to boil. Immediately pour the hot cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for 1 minute. Stir with a whisk until smooth. If desired, add the liqueur. Allow to cool until slightly thickened, then drizzle over prepared cheesecake.

PH OTOS TH IS PAG E BY G I N A M OO RE

What’s cooking at SCLiving.coop CRAVING CARAMEL? Find the recipe for Chef Belinda’s luscious caramel cake (pictured at left) at

GREAT GANACHE! Chef Belinda demonstrates how easy it is to make ganache in this how‑to video at

SCLiving.coop/food/chefbelinda 22

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | NOV/DEC 2020 | SCLIVING.COOP

|

GW ÉN A ËL LE VOT

I U LI I A N EDRYGA I LOVA

SC recipe

CARROT CAKE

RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE CAKE

SERVES 12–16

SERVES 12–16

CAKE

2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground allspice or nutmeg ½ teaspoon kosher salt 4 large eggs ¾ cup vegetable oil ¾ cup sugar

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar ½ cup buttermilk 3 cups peeled, shredded carrots CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

1 pound (16 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature 1 ½ cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts, optional

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray two 9-inch cake pans with nonstick spray; line bottoms with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, sugar, brown sugar and buttermilk. Stir flour mixture into egg mixture until just combined—do not overmix. Fold in carrots and divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake 35–40 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Transfer to cooling rack and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Invert the layers onto the cooling racks and let cool completely.

CAKE

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine cream cheese and butter on medium-high until smooth. Reduce speed to low and add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well blended.

FROSTING

ASSEMBLY Place a rack inside a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Invert one cake layer onto a cardboard cake round covered in foil. Remove parchment paper and place on rack in sheet pan. Spread 1½ cups of frosting over the top. Invert second cake layer on top of first. Remove parchment and spread remaining frosting over tops and sides of cake.

Finish on top with walnuts. Place cake on serving plate, cover with a dome and refrigerate. Let rest at room temperature 2 hours before serving.

All of these cakes will last 3 months in freezer—be sure to label with date and type of cake(s). Freeze whole, iced cakes on cake rounds for 4 to 12 hours until hardened. (Do not freeze cake on serving dish.) Wrap in plastic, then foil. Freeze layers in plastic wrap. Thaw frozen cakes in refrigerator for one day before serving or decorating.

CHEF’S TIP

CAKE

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 ¾ cups sugar ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 teaspoons baking soda ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup water ¾ cup buttermilk ¾ cup vegetable oil 3 large eggs

RASPBERRY AND CHOCOLATE GANACHE TOPPING

18 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (if whole) 2¼ cups heavy whipping cream 6 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam, stirred to loosen 6 ounces fresh raspberries Powdered sugar, optional

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray two 9-inch cake pans with nonstick spray; line bottoms with parchment paper. Into a large bowl, sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. In a medium bowl, add water, buttermilk, oil and eggs, and whisk well. Make a well in the dry ingredients.

Add wet ingredients and mix to blend. Divide the batter between the two prepared pans. Bake 25–30 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean.

Cool completely in pans on cooling racks. If cake layers “dome” (have a hump in the center), trim off domed tops with a serrated knife. (Do not throw away. Domes taste great crumbled over ice cream.)

CAKE

Place chopped chocolate in a medium bowl and set aside. Heat the cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat, but do not allow cream to boil. Immediately pour the hot cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for 1 minute. Stir with a whisk until smooth. Transfer 1¼ cup to a small bowl, cover and refrigerate until thick enough to spread, about 1 hour.

Let remaining ganache rest at room temperature to cool until lukewarm.

GANACHE

ASSEMBLY Place a rack inside a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Invert one cake layer onto a cardboard cake round covered in foil. Remove parchment paper and place on rack in sheet pan. Spread half the jam (3 tablespoons) over top of cake layer, followed by chilled ganache.

Invert second cake layer on top of first. Remove parchment and spread remaining jam. Pour half the lukewarm ganache over top of cake, spreading over sides to cover. Place cake, in the sheet pan, in the freezer; freeze until ganache sets, about 30 minutes. (This is called a crumb coat.) Pour remaining ganache over cake, allowing to drip down the sides; spread over sides to smooth edges. Return to freezer to set ganache, about 30 minutes.

Place cake on serving plate, cover with a dome and refrigerate. Let rest at room temperature 2 hours before serving.

SCLIVING.COOP | NOV/DEC 2020 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

23

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SCLIVING.COOP | NOV/DEC 2020 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING

27

|

SC calendar NOV 15–JAN 31

Upstate

SCLiving.coop/calendar

3 Surfside Beach Christmas Tree

Lighting, Surfside Beach Town Hall, Surfside Beach. (843) 913‑6111 or NOVE M BE R dellis@surfsidebeach.org.

7–30 Greenville Open Studios, 4 Live at Firefly: Holiday various studio locations, Greenville and Swing, Firefly Distillery, North surrounding area. (864) 467‑3132 or Charleston. (843) 641‑0011 or mac@greenvillearts.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: As this issue went to press, South Carolina was still in the grip of the jazz@charlestonjazz.com.

— 13–14 Campground Cook-Off COVID-19 pandemic, forcing many festivals and events to be canceled or postponed.

5 Virtual Premiere: Holiday Soups and Stews, Calhoun Falls State Please check with organizers if you plan to attend these events and follow current health Swing, virtual event, based in Park, Calhoun Falls. (864) 447‑8267. recommendations to stop the spread of the coronavirus. For updates on the pandemic, Charleston. (843) 641‑0011 or 14 Hartness Half Marathon and jazz@charlestonjazz.com. visit scdhec.gov/covid19.

5K, Hartness Living, Greenville.

8 Virtual Cook-Along with Chef jdavis@setupevents.com.

Hugo Vidal: Empanadas, virtual event JANUARY 30 Spartanburg Wedding Festival, 21 Mike Super, Magic & Illusion, 16–22 The Laramie Project, hosted by Morris Center for Lowcountry Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Newberry Opera House, Newberry.

11–12, 14 Auditions for virtual event hosted by Clemson Heritage, Ridgeland. (843) 284‑9227 or Spartanburg. (864) 235‑5555 or (803) 276‑5179.

Forgiven: A Fairy Tale, Ritz Theatre, Players, Clemson. (864) 656‑7787 or info@morrisheritagecenter.org. weddingfestivals@gmail.com.

22 Harlem Quartet, Newberry Opera Newberry. (803) 597‑1636 or nmartin@clemson.edu. theritzncp@gmail.com.

11–14 31st Annual Singing House, Newberry.

(803) 276‑5179.

O NG O ING 17 “Your Land” Webinar Series: Christmas Tree, First Baptist 14 Keb’ Mo’, Newberry Opera House, 27–28 McConnells Christmas Craft Getting the Most from Your Land, Daily from Nov. 13–Jan. 18 Church of Georgetown, Show, McConnells Community Center, Newberry. (803) 276‑5179. virtual event hosted by Women Owning Ice on Main, Main Street Ice Rink, Georgetown. (843) 546‑5187 or McConnells. (803) 230‑3845.

Woodlands, Clemson. (803) 534‑6280 15 John Denver Tribute, Newberry Greenville. (864) 467‑5751. jay@fbcgeorgetown.org. or jmwatt@clemson.edu.

Opera House, Newberry. (803) 276‑5179.

Daily from Nov. 28–Dec. 31 12 Surfside Beach Christmas DECEMBER 20–21 Easy Bend IPRA Rodeo, T. ’Burg Bound: A Stay-At-Home Parade, Ocean Boulevard, North ONGOING 3 The Gatlin Brothers, Ed Garrison Livestock Arena, Pendleton. Holiday Concert, virtual event hosted Myrtle Beach. (843) 913‑6111 or Newberry Opera House, Newberry.

Daily until Nov. 30 Mimi Inman (864) 918‑7633 or easybend@aol.com. by Spartanburg Philharmonic, based in dellis@surfsidebeach.org.

(803) 276‑5179.

Exhibit, Aiken County Visitors Spartanburg. (864) 948‑9020.

20–21 Holiday Open House, 15 Virtually Speaking: How We Center, Aiken. (803) 642‑7557 or 4 Invoke: A Multi-String Quartet, multiple uptown locations, Greenwood. Fridays through Sundays, until Celebrate the Holidays, virtual event lbusbee@aikencountysc.gov.

Newberry Opera House, Newberry.

(864) 223‑8431.

Dec. 20 Indie Craft Parade: The hosted by Morris Center for Lowcountry (803) 276‑5179.

Daily until Dec. 31 Laurie Shop Edition, 2909 Old Buncombe Heritage, Ridgeland. (843) 284‑9227 21 Native American Celebration Adamson Exhibit, Aiken County 4 North Pole Nights, Memorial Park, Rd., Greenville. (864) 406‑6253. info@morrisheritagecenter.org.

Selugadu, Hagood Mill Visitors Center, Aiken.

(803) 642‑7557 Newberry. (803) 321‑1015.

Historic Site and Folklife Center, or lbusbee@aikencountysc.gov.

JANUARY Pickens. (864) 898‑2936 or 4, 11, 18 Santa’s Tour of Every second Saturday 14–17 SOS Mid-Winter Break/ hagoodmillfoundation@gmail.com.

Newberry, multiple neighborhoods, until March 2nd Saturday Winter Workshop, Ocean Drive Beach Newberry. (803) 321‑1015; NOVE M B E R Market on Main, Main Street, D EC E M BE R & Golf Resort, North Myrtle Beach. newberrychristmas.com/events.

Edgefield. (870) 703‑0778 or 9–22 Holiday Open House, (800) 438‑9590.

4–5 Festival of Trees & Holiday 4–6 Disney’s Beauty & edgefieldmarket@gmail.com. downtown, Newberry. (803) 276‑4001.

Market, Dorn Mill Complex, 28–31 Charleston Jazz the Beast, Jr., Ritz Theatre, McCormick. (805) 201‑5150 or 13–15 Craftsmen’s Christmas Festival, multiple venues, Newberry. (803) 597‑1636 or mccormickschistory@gmail.com.

Classic Art & Craft Festival, Cantey Charleston. (843) 641‑0011 or theritzncp@gmail.com. jazz@charlestonjazz.com.

4–5 Santa on Main, multiple uptown & Goodman Buildings at the S.C. State Fairgrounds, Columbia. (336) 282‑5550 4–23 A Very Berry Christmas: venues, Greenwood. (864) 942‑8448.

NOVEMBER 29 A Night in the Valley Dinner and Gingerbread Competition Entry or contact@gilmoreshows.com.

Auction, The College Center at Trident 15 Steeplechase of Charleston, The Display, Newberry Arts Center, 6 Christmas Parade, uptown, 14 Drawing Animals Exotic and Technical College–Thornley Campus, Plantation at Stono Ferry Racetrack, Newberry. (803) 321‑1015.

Greenwood. (864) 942‑8448.

Pets with Brad Sabelli, Center for North Charleston. (843) 574‑6580.

Hollywood. (843) 937‑4831 or 5 Christmas with the Celts, 11–12 Festival of Trees & the Arts, Rock Hill. (803) 323‑1966 or info@steeplechaseofcharleston.com.

30 Hilton Head Snow Day, Newberry Opera House, Newberry.

Holiday Market, Dorn Mill Complex, arts@yorkcountyarts.org.

Shelter Cove Community Park, Hilton 17 Virtually Speaking: Alice R.H. (803) 276‑5179.

McCormick. (805) 201‑5150 or 14 Fall Foliage Paddle, Kings Head Island. (843) 681‑7273 or Smith and Her Contemporaries, mccormickschistory@gmail.com.

5 Winter Wonderland Holiday Mountain State Park, Blacksburg. info@islandreccenter.org. virtual event hosted by Morris Market, Anne Springs Close Greenway 12 Fireside Collective, (803) 222‑3209.

Center for Lowcountry Heritage, Gateway, Fort Mill.

(803) 547‑1010 or Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds, ONGOING Ridgeland. (843) 284‑9227 or 14 Trinity Bazaar, Trinity Episcopal minamacdonald@ascgreenway.org.

Spartanburg. (864) 948‑9020 or info@morrisheritagecenter.org.

Daily through Nov. 30 45th Cathedral, Columbia.

(803) 771‑7300 or music@spartanarts.org.

11 North Pole Nights, Memorial Annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival, trinitybazaar@trinitysc.org.

20 Live at Firefly: Mi Alma Latina Park, Newberry. (803) 321‑1015.

16 The Landscaper’s Guide virtual event usually held at Huntington with Nestor Torres, Firefly Distillery, 20 Christmas Movie: The to Customer Care: Lawn Care Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet.

13 The Nutcracker Ballet, North Charleston.

(843) 641‑0011 or Polar Express, Ritz Theatre, Basics, virtual event hosted by southcarolinaparks.com/atalaya-festival.

Newberry Opera House, Newberry. jazz@charlestonjazz.com.

Newberry. (803) 597‑1636 or Clemson Cooperative Extension, (803) 276‑5179.

Daily through Dec. 31 Holiday theritzncp@gmail.com.

20 Trident United Way’s Day of Clemson. (864) 596‑2993 or Festival of Lights, James Island County 14 The Nutcracker Ballet: Caring, various service locations, ajeffe3@clemson.edu.

20 The Isaacs Christmas Show, Park, Charleston. (843) 795‑4386 or Abbreviated Performance, Charleston. dayofcaring@tuw.org.

Newberry Opera House, Newberry.

19 Ed Harrison Memorial customerservice@ccprc.com.

Newberry Opera House, Newberry.

(803) 276‑5179.

28 New Virtual Performance: Celtic Christmas, Hagood Mill (803) 276‑5179.

Weekdays through Nov. 30 Mi Alma Latina with Nestor Historic Site and Folklife Center, 20 Main Street Lights: Community Virtual Pig-Casso Painting Party, Torres, virtual event, based in Pickens. (864) 898‑2936 or Christmas Tree Lighting, Community 18 North Pole Nights, Memorial virtual event hosted by Charles Towne Park, Newberry. (803) 321‑1015.

Charleston. (843) 641‑0011 or hagoodmillfoundation@gmail.com.

Hall and downtown, Newberry.

Landing State Historic Site, Charleston. jazz@charlestonjazz.com.

19 Christmas at the Silent Movies, (843) 573‑8517.

20 Virtual Lunch and Learn: JA NUA RY Newberry Opera House, Newberry.

“Closing the Circle: Repairing DECEMBER Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and 7 Arcade All Night, Barnes (803) 276‑5179.

Catawba Foodways,” USC– Saturdays through November 1 Virtually Creating: DIY Winter Center at Clemson University, Lancaster Native American Studies 20 A Carpenters’ Christmas, St. Phillips Island Excursion with Crafts, virtual event hosted by Morris Clemson. (864) 656‑0539 or Center, Lancaster. (803) 313‑7172 or Newberry Opera House, Newberry.

Coastal Expeditions, Hunting Center for Lowcountry Heritage, mahins@clemson.edu. lowrimoa@mailbox.sc.edu.

(803) 276‑5179.

Island State Park, Hunting Island.

Ridgeland. (843) 284‑9227 or (843) 838‑2011. info@morrisheritagecenter.org.

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.

Midlands

Lowcountry

28

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | NOV/DEC 2020 | SCLIVING.COOP

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SC humor me

Guppies before puppies

BY JAN A. IGOE

THE PLEA WASN’T UNUSUAL. It’s the same one I’d seen hundreds of times: “Foster desperately needed for two homeless pups. Let us know if you can help.” There were a zillion reasons to keep scrolling and forget I read that post, but my fingers typed three little words before my brain could apply the brakes. “I can help.”

This particular rescue group usually ignores me, so I was surprised to get a text begging me to pick them up right away. Sonny and Cher were brother and sister terriers with no known history, just some crazy rumor that mom was a German shepherd and dad was a Yorkie who owned a ladder.

The pups were scrawny, maybe 7 pounds apiece, and only a few months old. They had pointy ears, unruly tan coats and skinny little faces, like wolf cubs. No one knew if they were housebroken, but Sonny left a personal puddle in the hallway before I could wrangle them into a crate. So now we know.

“Mom, what have you done?” my grown daughter asked, referring to our new houseguests. “Can’t you ever say no?” Since she’s living with me, too, that must be a rhetorical question.

I’ve come to the conclusion that ­nature made puppies fuzzy and adorable ­because otherwise, you might strangle them. Cher liked to start her day by ­ferociously ­gnawing on a tasty power cord. Suicide attempts take priority, so while I prevented her electrocution, Sonny would seize the opportunity to scramble up on my desk and eat the mail. Between the two of them, my house looked like the home team won the Super Bowl and the ticker tape parade cut straight through my ­living room. A champion shredder, Sonny was more efficient than any high-speed cross-cut machine. At least he kept my identity safe.

But Sonny never stopped barking. He

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Before I could admit to a monumental mix-up, Sonny started howling like a madman and peed on her shoe. barked for food. He barked to go out.

He barked to come in. He barked for the toy that Cher snatched. He barked in his sleep.

One day, Sonny was adopted by a very nice lady with five young kids. She was “so happy to get an older dog that was already housebroken, calm and quiet.” Before I could admit to a monumental mix-up, Sonny started howling like a madman and peed on her shoe.

Her kids were already hugging his neck and quoting studies that children with vocal dogs get more scholarships, so she couldn’t retreat.

“Sonny will want to sleep with you.

He has never been alone. If you crate him, you’ll need earplugs,” I told her.

“He’ll pitch an 85-decibel fit.”

SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | NOV/DEC 2020 | SCLIVING.COOP

“No problem,” she assured me. But the next day, Sonny was back. Guess what? The family couldn’t sleep with all the racket coming from his crate. Sigh.

That’s how rescue goes. There are happy marriages, but also one-night stands and brief honeymoons that end in bitter divorce because some folks just aren’t ready for a dog. In a perfect world, you’d have to prove a guppy would thrive in your care before you got anywhere near a puppy. The law would require you to practice on a starter fish and work your way up to a turtle. Assuming the turtle gave you a letter of recommendation, then we might talk puppies.

Meanwhile, if you can handle mischievous mutts, you know who to call. Don’t forget to ask me about the Thanksgiving special on housebroken daughters.

Despite the high cost of tennis balls, elk antlers and premium food, JAN A. IGOE believes there is nothing better than canine companionship to sustain you during a pandemic. Animal antics are always welcome at HumorMe@SCLiving.coop.

Happy Thanksgiving and stay healthy.

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