YC Magazine - June 2020

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The Magazine For York County!

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Cover Photo Tales A View From The Keyboard

By Pam Henson

Volume 17, Issue 6 YC Magazine is an entertainingly informative monthly magazine distributed throughout York County, South Carolina. © 2020 Pluto Publishing LLC Publisher ..... Pam Henson Design................ SC Biz News Editor ..... Jim Tatum Graphic Designer ..... Wendy Martin For Advertising call Susan Hurst at 864-907-4326 or email shurst@scbiznews.com All rights reserved. YC Magazine may not be reproduced in part or in whole in any form, format, or media without the permission of YC Magazine. The opinions expressed in YC Magazine are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher or staff of YC Magazine or Pluto Publishing LLC.

Letters to the Editor are welcome. Must include name, phone number, and email address. Email to YCeditorial@scbiznews.com. We are unable to respond to letters without an email address.

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neck that looked like a necklace.

Delilah saddled up Tater and headed toward an area of brambles at the edge of some woods. Not there. She headed toward Pond II. No luck there, either. She turned to head up Hill Mountain, her pet name for the tallest hill overlooking a wide, flat area.

As Tater climbed the hill, Delilah pulled on the reins to stop. She heard a repetitive bell thunking sound. Maybe it was Brownie, and she paused, cupping her right ear to determine which direction to head.

Just around a ridge, she spotted good ol’ Brownie. She was standing in front of a huge rock that Delilah had never seen before. The cow’s head was moving in an upand-down motion, ringing the cow bell along with it. What was she doing, Delilah wondered. She slowly angled Tater for a better look, trying not to disturb Brownie.

C o l u m n i s t s

A

long time ago in York County, S.C., when farms dotted the landscape and neighbors were spread so far apart that you had to ride your horse, hitch up the wagon, or walk a distance to visit, there lived a young woman named Delilah. Her family had an expansive farm with horses, milk cows, chickens, pigs, barn cats and several dogs.

Delilah’s family grew acres of vegetables and had a modest peach orchard.

Delilah had one sister and four brothers, and all pitched in with farm chores.

Because Delilah loved riding her horse, Tater, she always volunteered to search for the occasional missing cow. One Friday morning, her brother J.T. said he hadn’t seen Brownie and asked her to ride out and look for the cow. Brownie was named for three distinguishing brown patches patterned around her

Lo and behold, Brownie was licking the rock! Delilah laughed and kicked out of the saddle. The cow paused and slightly turned her head toward Delilah, tongue still hanging out mid-lick. She turned back and continued her rock licking.

When she told J.T. about finding Brownie, he grinned. “Shows how smart ol’ Brownie is,” he said. “Her body needed salt and minerals, and she found what she needed in that rock. Maybe we should take the herd up there to show ‘em all.”

Which is exactly what they did. For years and years, all of those cows and the cows that came after them would lick on that big rock on a hill in Western York County. Delilah, who liked nicknames for things, dubbed it “Cow Lick Rock.”

Cow Lick Rock still stands today. That rock was licked so much in one general area by all those cows over all those

years, it created a severe, sloping indentation below the top of the huge, overhanging rock.

It just might have happened that way.

Bill and I took a cover photo of Cow Lick Rock for YC Magazine for the May 2013 issue. A friend who knew this rock’s hidden location shared it with us. We always took magazine cover shots together, and I remember driving up there with somewhat fuzzy directions and spotting the distinguishing rock in some moderate overgrowth. We walked all around the immense rock, looking for the open shot and best angle to capture the severe indentation just below its huge overhang, along with the rock’s incredible size — amidst the trees and brush and uneven ground with a tripod. It made a great cover shot and an even better memory. yc

YC Magazine Columnists: Mike Baker........................................ Photography Beth Covington................................. Connections Beth Crosby....................................... Wordsmithing Dr. Steve Fields................................. Nature Angela P. Forbes............................... Nutrition & Food Safety Todd Harrell..................................... Disc Golf Walter Heinsohn...............................Law Carole Holmberg.............................. Astronomy Grady Johnson.................................. Cocktails Tim Jones......................................... Music Zach Lemhouse................................. History Dr. Robert Lesslie............................. Health Stuart Lord........................................ Track Talk Deb Pittman......................................Aging Dr. Bert Platt..................................... Animal Health Pluto.................................................. Furry Philosopher Lauren Paige Powell.........................Dog’s Life Mollie Rose....................................... Service Nancy Sambets................................. Photo Gallery Cameron Shook................................ The Great Outdoors Paul Thompson................................. Horticulture Stacy Williams.................................. Library Dr. Kevin Wickes.............................. Psychology Dennissa Young............................... Arts

About the cover:

Scene from a York County farm.

(Photo/Jan Todd)

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yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

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CONTENTS column

Aging...............................34

Nutrition......................... 32

Arts..................................14

Photo Gallery.............24-27

Animal Health................ 35 Astronomy...................... 22 Cocktails......................... 37 Connections.....................21 Disc Golf......................... 28 Dog’s Life........................36

YOU can have a beautiful smile...

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Photography....................16 Pluto-ism...........................5 Psychology.......................19 Service ............................20 Track Talk....................... 23

Great Outdoors...............30

Wordsmithing................. 29

Health..............................10

Knowledge is POWER. Become powerful TODAY! Read YC Magazine and Power Up!

History.............................. 6 Horticulture.....................12 Law ...................................9 Library............................ 33 Moon Phases................... 38 Music................................18 Nature...............................8

If you would like to see a specific topic covered by one of our columnists, email us at YCeditorial@scbiznews.com

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yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

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yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Pluto’s Corner

Deep Dog Thoughts

By Pluto

“It’s tough to stay married. My wife kisses the dog on the lips, yet she won’t drink from my glass.”

– Rodney Dangerfield

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Editor’s note: If you have some pet-related wisdom to share with other readers, please email your submission for consideration to YCeditorial@scbiznews.com.

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yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

History

York County’s Yesteryears

By Zach Lemhouse

The Patriot: Benjamin Martin character analysis

Brig. Gen. Thomas Sumter

Brig. Gen. Francis Marion

T

his month marks the 20th anniversary of the theatrical release of Columbia Pictures’ film “The Patriot.” The movie, set in 1776 South Carolina, tells the story of Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), a French and Indian war veteran who is haunted by his past.

Martin wants nothing more than to live peacefully with his family on his plantation. However, after British Colonel William Tavington (Jason Isaacs) burns Martin’s home and kills his son, he decides to take up arms against the British and help to turn the tide of the American Revolution in the South. The Patriot has a very unique and meaningful connection with York County. Some of the movie’s most memorable scenes were filmed PAGE 6

on location in York County. In addition, many York County natives auditioned for roles as extras in the film. Though “The Patriot” is a work of historical fiction, many of the characters are based on real historical figures.

The film’s protagonist, Benjamin Martin, is predominantly based on Patriot partisan leader Francis Marion (fig 1). Francis Marion was born in 1732 in St. John’s Parish in present-day Berkeley County, South Carolina. Much like Benjamin Martin, Marion fought in the Cherokee War. In the film, Martin is haunted by the atrocities that he committed during the war, specifically at the fictional battle of “Fort Wilderness.” The only Fort Wilderness to ever exist is a campground at the Walt Disney

World resort in Orlando, Fla. However, it is possible that the Battle of Fort Wilderness is based on the Siege of Fort Loudoun in present-day Tennessee. After a sixmonth siege, the British surrendered Fort Loudoun to the Cherokee. In retaliation, the British launched a campaign against the Cherokee Nation. Young Francis Marion was part of this campaign. Marion and his fellow soldiers burned 16 Cherokee villages and executed any Cherokee man, woman, or child that they encountered.

When the American Revolution erupted, Francis Marion enlisted in South Carolina’s Second Regiment. Unlike Benjamin Martin, Francis Marion did not wait until after the Fall of Charleston to enlist to fight for the Patriot cause. Marion joined the

Second Regiment on June 17, 1775, only 12 days after South Carolina’s Provincial Congress authorized the regiment’s formation. He continued to serve with the Second Regiment until the Fall of Charleston on May 12, 1780. In August, Marion was promoted to the rank of brigadier general and placed in charge of a militia. Marion’s militia waged a war of attrition against the British, using hit and run tactics to cut off enemy supply lines. After a successful raid, Marion and his men would retreat into the swamps to avoid British capture. British Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton gave Marion the nickname “The Swamp Fox” due to his elusiveness. Col. William Tavington, the film’s fictional antagonist, similarly nicknamed Martin “The Ghost”.

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

gave a similar order to his two sons in the film when he instructed them to “start with the officers” prior to the daring rescue of their brother, Gabriel (Heath Ledger). Daniel Morgan resigned his commission in 1779 but returned to active service the following year. On Jan. 17, 1781, he led Patriot forces to victory during the Battle of Cowpens. Prior to the battle, Morgan ordered the first line of militia to fire two shots before retreating. This order is recited verbatim by Benjamin Martin prior to the film’s final battle.

When watching or reading historical fiction it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate fact from fiction. Regardless of one’s personal view of the genre, “The Patriot” brought international attention to the oft-forgotten Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution. The release of the film also spurred a resurgence in cultural tourism as cinephiles and history buffs alike traveled to filming locations such as Historic Brattonsville. Movies like “The Patriot” capture the viewer’s imagination and, in some cases, inspire them to learn more about their past. yc Zach Lemhouse is the resident historian for the Culture and Heritage Museums of York County and the Director of the Southern Revolutionary War Institute. If you have any questions or suggestions for future article topics you can reach Zach at ZacharyLemhouse@gmail.com

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1007 Creekside Medical Drive York, SC Brig. Gen. Daniel Morgan (Portraits courtesy of Thomas K. Pauley) Benjamin Martin also contains character elements of Francis Marion’s fellow partisan band leader, Thomas Sumter.

Thomas Sumter (fig 2) was born on August 14, 1734, near present-day Charlottesville, Virginia. Much like Francis Marion and Benjamin Martin, Thomas Sumter served in the French and Indian War. After the war, Sumter purchased land in South Carolina near present-day Eutaw Springs. On February 21, 1776 South Carolina’s Provincial Congress authorized a regiment of 700 riflemen. Thomas Sumter was appointed lieutenant colonel of this regiment. Sumter resigned his commission on September 23, 1778 and was elected to South Carolina’s General Assembly the following year. When Patriot Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln surrendered to the British after a four-month siege of Charleston, there were no regular continental soldiers left in South Carolina save for the 6th Virgin-

ia regiment under the command of Col. Abraham Buford. Buford had attempted to reach Charleston to reinforce the Patriot garrison but arrived too late. When news of Charleston’s surrender reached Buford, he ordered his men to retreat back into North Carolina. Lt. Col Banastre Tarleton was ordered to overtake Buford and his men before they could leave the colony. While enroute, Tarleton’s Legion passed through Eutaw Springs and burned Thomas Sumter’s house to the ground.

The burning of Benjamin Martin’s house in The Patriot mirrors the destruction of Sumter’s plantation. However, unlike the film, Thomas Sumter was not present when Tarleton and his dragoons arrived.

Upon returning to the ashes of his former plantation, the enraged Sumter raised a militia to fight a guerilla war of attrition against the British. Benjamin Martin’s shift from passive patriot to active leader,

though embellished in the film, mirrors the trajectory of Thomas Sumter. Sumter went on to fight in battles such as Hanging Rock, Fishdam Ford, and Blackstock’s Plantation, none of which were depicted in the movie. The Patriot’s final battle combines elements of the Battle of Cowpens and the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. Neither Francis Marion nor Thomas Sumter were present at either battle, though Patriot leader Daniel Morgan was.

Daniel Morgan (fig 3) was born in the colony of New Jersey on July 6, 1736. He served as an officer in the Virginia Militia and notably fought in the Saratoga Campaign in New York. During the Second Battle of Saratoga, Morgan ordered his riflemen to target British general Simon Fraser. This tactic, viewed as a barbaric assassination by the British, proved successful. Without a leader, the British line devolved into chaos. Benjamin Martin

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yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Nature The Naturalist’s Journal

By Dr. Steve Fields

“Epoch” changes V: End of an Epoch

L

ater this year a new exhibit opens at the Museum of York County.

“Ice Age Carolina: Exploring Our Pleistocene Past” will feature incredible creatures that once inhabited our region.

With the start of 2020, I started a new series that explores the changing Carolina climate and environment in which the Ice Age creatures lived. We have explored the early, middle, and late portions of the Pleistocene Epoch. From dry grasslands to warm, humid forests, and cold open conifer woodlands, our region experienced dramatic changes as climate shifted over time. By the end of the Pleistocene, an even more dramatic change occurred- one that would change the inhabitants of the landscape forever.

By 11,700 years ago, the Carolinas were assuming a familiar appearance.

With the ice sheets withdrawing to the north, the climate was warming, and hardwood forests were replacing the evergreen woodlands of the late Pleistocene. While there is little doubt that this change in the climate occurred, not all scientists agree on its effects.

Most of the great beasts – mammoths, mastodons, ground sloths, saber-toothed cats – also disappeared by the end of the Ice Ages. In fact, the mass extinction took out a vast majority of the “megafauna” (animals weighing over 100 pounds).

Many paleontologists assert that climate change was the culprit in the demise of so many species. Indeed, changes in climate resulted in changes in the landscape, the dominant vegetation, and entire ecosystems. Animals that could not adapt or migrate would have faced extinction.

However, another important factor must also be considered.

Humans were present during the late Pleistocene, and their place in the food chain was tenuous with so many great predators (saber-toothed cats, jaguars, dire wolves, short-faced bears) about.

Still, paleo-humans did hunt some of the large game. Fossil bones with unmistakable butchering marks bear witness to practice. Such evidence is enough to convince some scientists that human “overkill” is responsible for the megafaunal extinctions. Modern humans definitely have a huge impact on the environment, and habitat loss has driven many spe-

cies to the brink. However, not everyone agrees that Pleistocene humans could have managed such a feat.

The truth is that it is probably an oversimplification to propose a single cause for the loss of the megafauna. Such scenarios in nature are typically more complicated. Climate change and human impact were both likely contributors, and there were probably others.

One recent hypothesis that is gaining support focuses on the loss of animals in southeastern North America, and the Carolinas could have been ground zero.

In 2007, twenty-five scientists published a paper with the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. They presented evidence that a cometary impact occurred about 12,000 years ago in eastern North America. Since no age-appropriate craters have ever been found, scientists has long sense dismissed the notion of a meteorite impact, but comets are different. Whereas meteors are typically solid rock and/or iron, comets are frozen water vapor and cosmic dust – essentially “dirty snowballs” in orbits around and through our solar system.

A comet could have impacted the upper atmosphere and exploded into numerous smaller projectiles that bombarded the East Coast. Such a catastrophe could have wiped out populations of megafauna and humans, alike. One such group of humans, the so-called “Clovis culture” inexplicably disappeared from the archeological record.

The cometary impact hypothesis may explain the demise of the Clovis, as well. It may also offer an explanation for yet another mystery.

For centuries, scientists have searched for the origins of the Carolina Bays, elliptical depressions of various sizes in the land along the Atlantic Coastal Plain.

While there are thousands from Florida to Maryland, most bays are concentrated within North and South Carolina. Time, erosion, and human developments have erased many of the Carolina Bays from the landscape, but those that remain share an interesting feature. Although they range in size from a few feet to several miles in diameter, the Carolina bays are all oriented along the same northwest to southeast trend. Each also has a ridge

of sand that appears to have been pushed against the southeastern rim.

I find the evidence quite compelling for a cometary impact. While there would have been global effects, the greatest destruction would have been regional. It is interesting to note that southeastern North America appears to have lost a greater portion of large beasts than other places. There are still elk, bison, grizzly bears, and wolves to the west; moose, muskox, and polar bears to the north.

There is no shortage of megafauna in Africa and Asia. But here in the Carolinas, we are left with deer and black bears.

The mystery of the Pleistocene extinctions may never be solved to the satisfaction of everyone. Climate, humans, and even rogue comets may have played a part. Nevertheless, the result was just another “epoch” change, and it probably will not be the last. yc Dr. Steven E. Fields is the curator of natural history for the Culture and Heritage Museums and an adjunct instructor of biology at Winthrop University and York Technical College. You can contact “Dr. Steve” at 803-909-7216 or email stevefields@chmuseums.org.

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yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Law Navigating The Law

By Walter Heinsohn

New Family Court facility now open

T

he news has been so unrelentingly bad for months now, I thought it is time for some good news. The good news is that York County’s brand-new family court building is open for business.

Actually, the first day of court in the new building was March 16, with cases and motions being heard. But by lunchtime, the Chief Justice of the S.C. Supreme Court issued an order mandating all family courts in the state to immediately close except to handle emergency matters only. So, we had a grand opening and a grand closing on the same day.

When I first started practicing here in 1985, family court was located where the magistrate’s court is now, in Rock Hill, on South Cherry Road. There was only one court room in the building and under the Rules of Court, the magistrates had priority as to the courtroom. If you had a family court case at a time when the courtroom was in use, then your hearing was held in the Judge’s office. You and your client sat on chairs next to each other. Two feet away was opposing counsel sitting next to their client. You had your file open on your lap.

The judge and the court reporter were on the other side of the desk about six feet away. Often times a sheriff’s deputy was in the room making sure order was mainThe front entry to the Family Court Building at the Heckle Complex which was only used by staff.

The new York County Family Court facility located on West Main Street (Highway 5) in Rock Hill. tained. Social distancing would have been impossible in those cramped quarters.

About 1990, the county finished construction of the Heckle Complex, which is a cluster of buildings on Heckle Boulevard that brought together a number of county services including a branch office for the York County tax collector, zoning office, health department, and DMV. Best of all was a new family court facility. It included two courtrooms, two judges’ offices, a waiting/lobby area, three small conference rooms, file storage areas, office areas for court staff and three or four holding cells for prisoners with cases before the court or for parties ordered to jail for things like failing to pay child support. With a fast

growing population, the Heckle complex facility quickly became inadequate. A third courtroom and additional lobby was added in the early 2000’s but it was clear the measures were stop gap and a permanent solution needed to be found.

We now have a family court that York County not only desperately needed but really deserves. It is state of the art, spacious and, like courthouses used to be, grand. It is far and away the best family court in the state, and I would venture to say, it is the

The courtrooms are equipped with the latest internet technologies and equipment and are capable of remote video conferencing. best in the country.

The new building has four court rooms, each with adjoining offices for the judge and his or her staff. It has wide, sweeping lobbies. There is more than enough room for clerk of court personnel, which means there is room to grow. The new building has plenty of small conference rooms for counsel to meet privately with clients. It has offices for the Solicitor and Public Defenders. Judges and court staff enjoy a

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Looking up through the inside of the tower.

The tower has lighting in it that changes colors. separate, gated parking lot and their own secure entrance into the building. Public parking is more than sufficient. There are holding cells but there will be no bringing prisoners through the halls and into contact with court personnel, lawyers and clients. Rather, prisoners will enter directly into the court room through a secured inner stairway.

One striking feature of the new building is the tower. It is reminiscent of the tower on Independence Hall in Philadelphia but lacks a clock. Perhaps some future generation can add that as I suspect that this Family Court will be in use more than a hundred years from now.

Special thanks to Lori Chenoweth, York County Deputy Clerk of Court, for the guided tour and her photos of the courtroom and the tower. The other photos are courtesy of York County. yc Walter Heinsohn is a lawyer who has served the area since 1985. You can reach him at 803-366-5181.

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yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Health

The Doctor’s Corner

By Robert D. Lesslie, MD, MPH

Night Terrors

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I

s there a difference between night terrors and nightmares, and what can you do about them?

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It’s midnight, and you and your husband are sound asleep.

A blood-curdling scream jars you awake, and then the sound of footsteps, pounding down the hallway toward your bedroom. Heart pounding, your breath coming in gasps, you frantically reach for your bedside lamp and switch it on.

Your two older children run into the room and clamor onto your bed.

“Johnny’s having another nightmare!

Do something momma!”

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably been here — startled from sleep, trying to get your bearings, wondering what to do.

Night terrors and nightmares are in the same family of “parasomnias” — disorders that intrude on normal sleep. But they manifest themselves in different ways and have different treatment techniques.

A night terror is an episode in which a child wakes suddenly from sleep and acts very upset. They might be sweating, trembling, breathing fast, or have a pounding heartbeat. It will usually last 10 to 20 minutes, and nothing you do is going to calm them down. A couple of precipitating factors can be having a fever and experiencing chronic sleep deficiency from a variety of reasons. A night terror usually occurs during the first few hours of sleep, in contrast to a nightmare, which happens during the second half of sleep.

A nightmare is a scary, frightening, or upsetting dream that wakes your child

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yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine from sleep, just as it does with adults.

We’re not sure why we experience nightmares, but once awakened from one, it will be difficult for your child to go back to sleep. And they will probably remember the dream in the morning. This is different from your child’s night terror, after which they will usually go back to sleep and won’t remember anything of the event in the morning.

They can be a little difficult at times to tell apart, but remember that night terrors usually occur in the first part of the night and your child, once the episode is over (don’t try to wake them up!), can be consoled and will go back to sleep. After a nightmare, your child is going to have trouble going back to sleep. There are a couple of things that might help calm him or her and get them to doze off again. Gently reassure them that what they just experienced was only a dream, and not real. Some experts suggest drawing a picture of the dream, or writing about it. That takes a little time, but it should make the dream less scary, maybe even funny. You can always help your child come up with an alternative ending for the dream — something happy and magical.

With night terrors, since these usually occur during the first part of the night, you might be able to identify a pattern and a time during which they are most

common. Say, 11:30 to midnight. If that’s the case, you can try something called “scheduled awakening.” Wake them gently 15 to 20 minutes before the anticipated event, but only for a few minutes. Let them go back to sleep and see if it works.

From a medical standpoint, we would only worry about these if they become nightly occurrences, disrupting the entire household, or there are physical changes with your child that might be

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June 2020

significant. These would include bedwetting (if they previously were staying dry at night), loud snoring or gasping during sleep (obstructive sleep apnea is possible, but unusual in children), and any seizure activity, or anything that looks like it might be a seizure. That would be something emergent.

As we’ve noted before, sufficien, good quality sleep is important for all of us, especially our children. Make sure you

know the recommended amount of sleep for your child, set a bedtime and abide by it, and develop a calming and quiet routine before sleep. Doing all of these things might not eliminate night terrors and nightmares, but it’s going to help. yc Dr Lesslie’s Angels in the ER is available at bookstores and on the internet. For more information check out RobertLesslie.com.

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yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Horticulture

Growing York County

By Paul Thompson

The Seven Deadly Sins of Landscaping

T

(Above) an alternative to guying and staking is much better for planted trees.

(Below) A “mulch volcano.”(Photos/Paul Thompson)

hroughout my years of being an extension agent, I have seen many failures in the landscape. To prevent you from making these mistakes, I wish to make you aware of the seven most common mistakes of planting and maintenance that lead to the decline or death of plants.

soil on top of the root flare will encourage the upward growth of roots near the trunk that could eventually be girdling roots which will restrict the flow of water and nutrients upward from the roots and the food (carbohydrates) from the leaves moving downward to the roots, essentially choking the plant.

Buried alive

Mulch volcanos

This happens quite a bit in landscapes.

People tend to plant their trees and shrubs too deep. At the base of the stem or trunk, there should be a visible root flare. Many roots should be found right at the soil level.

If the roots are buried too deeply, they are deprived of oxygen needed for respiration and the plant may languish for a time, and then die if this problem is not corrected.

The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. The other issue is that if plants do survive, the

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I am sure that you have seen those large cones of mulch put around trees that go up the trunk. Mulch is beneficial, but too much mulch piled against the stem or trunk is detrimental. The above-ground bark needs to have good air circulation to keep it dry. Too much mulch may promote bark decay.

Not only do you need to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk, but you also do not need to apply more than about three inches. Too much will restrict oxygen movement into the soil just as planting too deeply and may also produce the girdling roots.

Roots need to be teased

The roots of a plant that have been grown in a container are forced to grow unnaturally. Normally, roots grow mostly outward from the crown of the plant, and for the most part stay very shallow.

In the container, the roots hit the sides, and either plunge downward or in a circle once they hit the walls of the container.

When you remove a plant from a container to be planted, the roots need to be disturbed in some fashion so that they will quickly grow out into the soil. Plunging roots need to be pruned off because if not, will affect the future stability of the plant which is especially problematic for trees.

Plants with fine, fibrous roots can be scored with a knife, vertically slicing the root ball about one inch deep four or five times around the circumference. Plants with larger roots should be teased out of their circular pattern I have actually been to a landscape where some azaleas had been planted the previous year and were not doing well. I pulled on one of the plants, and it came right out. The root ball looked as if it had just been removed from the container. The only reason the plants had survived that long after planting was due to a drip irrigation system.

(Above) It is helpful to score the rootballs of container plants with a knife before putting them in the ground. (Below) Girding roots, the result of a “mulch volcano.”

Beheading

When transplanting trees and shrubs, many people mistakenly think that they need to severely prune back the top of the plant to compensate for the loss of roots.

This is not true. When transplanting, the goal is to grow roots as quickly as possible.

The energy for this root growth is manufactured in the leaves. If you cut back the top of the plant, the plant will have to expend stored energy to regrow leaves, before root growth can resume.

If there are not enough roots to support the top of the plant, it will regulate itself and portions of the top will die back. Once this occurs, you can prune out the dead tissue, but you are allowing the plant to self-regulate.

Strangled

Some large trees, as well as smaller evergreen trees on windy sites may need to be staked. Most one to two-inch trunk diameter deciduous trees that are planted in the dormant season do not need to be staked.

The goal of staking is purely to protect a newly planted tree from blowing over, and leafless branches do not present much wind resistance. If staking is necessary, the trunk needs to be protected from the wires, ropes or cables that are used. The best thing to use would be a wide nylon

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine strap where it goes around the trunk, but the typical pieces of hose are better than not using anything.

After staking, the tree should be able to move an inch or so in either direction.

A little movement in the wind will stimulate the development of stronger roots and trunks. If a tree is rigidly held in place, it will develop a more fibrous root system and would be subject to blowing over once the support is removed. The guywires need to be checked every month or two to make sure they are becoming embedded in the trunk and should be removed at the end of the first growing season. (Note: I have also seen those plastic labels that nurseries hang on the plants girdle trunks or branches if left on after planting). Dr. Ed Gilman at the University of Florida has researched and recommends the use of untreated wood across the top of the root ball fastened to stakes which will rot it place over a year or two.

Home away from home

It is only natural that when you remove the precious plant from its container, that

you would want to provide it a new home that has everything it needs. It is a common practice to dig a hole, put the plant in, and then backfill with some product that looks a whole lot better than the soil you dug out of the hole. When you do this, you have basically created a pot in the ground.

In our clay soils this can lead to planting holes becoming saturated with water for several days after an irrigation or rain event which leads to root death.

A plant’s root system will grow out well beyond the planting hole: as much as two to three times the height or spread of the branches. You are not doing the plant any favors by creating a cozy little nest, so kick it out of the house and tell it to grow roots to find what it needs.

If you are creating large shrub or flower beds with multiple plants, then it would be beneficial to amend the existing soil with organic matter, but in this case, you are amending the entire bed area that the roots will be eventually growing into.

Spouse blight

Wife: “Honey, you forgot to trim that

June 2020

grass around the maple tree when you mowed the grass yesterday. It looks terrible. What will the neighbors think?”

Husband: “OK, dear, I’ll crank up the weed eater and get right on it.”

And, so it goes, week after week, and month after month until one day the maple tree…. yc Paul Thompson is a Horticulture Agent with the Clemson Extension Service. Contact him at (803) 684-9919, ext. 112.

(Clockwise, from top) Rootbound root ball from potted plant with girding and plunging roots; string trimmer damage; staked and girded trees need to be checked regularly to prevent this from happening.

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yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Arts

The Cultural Scene

By Dennissa Young

Have you visited the Rock Hill Pottery Center? have a stress-free environment. For that reason, I do not allow any kind of political discussion in class or any controversial topics. People have enough of that in their daily life. You must put that aside when you come to class. I have found that when you eliminate arguments, people actually like each other. I consider it a successful class if someone laughs or just starts singing along with the music on the radio. It is okay to sing in my class.

DY: Tell us a little about what goes on in a pottery class?

JH: It depends on what your goals are. For most people, it is about learning how to throw on the potter’s wheel. If you want to learn to throw, you will be able to on the first night. I start with centering and the basic cylinder. I do offer slab and sculpture as well. Mostly, people just want to try something new. And we like that around here!

DY: Who’s involved in the Rock Hill Pottery Center?

JH: Most everyone here helps in some way. Although Bob has stepped back from running the business, he maintains his studio. Potter’s never retire, why would we? Tom Smith is a retired engineer and he fixes anything that breaks around here.

We are constantly working on the kilns and the pottery wheels. We are so lucky to have him here. Everyone does something to make it better. We are like a family.

DY: How did you become a ceramicist?

JH: I was raised in a pottery shop. At the age of 9, we moved into a remodeled barn. The pottery shop was downstairs.

We rented space and there was always something going on. I was greatly influenced by the artists that worked there. I made things and sold them at an early age.

It was empowering. I never had an allowance, if I wanted something, I just saved my own money and bought it or traded for it. I learned a lot about art but also how to survive as an artist.

DY: What is something people don’t know about the Rock Hill Pottery Center?

JH: That we are still in here working (amidst COVID-19). If you call me and agree to wear a face mask, I will let you in.

DJ: What kind of classes/things do you offer?

JH: Throwing on the wheel, slab, sculpture. I will be hosting Raku workshops soon.

DJ: How has COVID-19 impacted the Rock Hill Pottery Center?

JH: To start, it closed us down completely. I locked the doors and told everyone to go home. Canceled all classes. We all stayed away completely. As people began to get restless, a few people wanted to come back. I felt it was important to do this in a smart and safe way. There must be a way to protect ourselves. I looked at what a lot of other people were doing. The gallery is closed to the public but if you call for an appointment, and wear a face mask, you can shop privately. I have rearranged the

Students learning to throw a pot on the wheel.

S

ince moving to Rock Hill, I have always loved wandering in and out of the Rock Hill Pottery Center. It’s a place of collaboration, learning, display and growing. I easily befriended the owner Jonathan Williams. Jonathan is one of the most kind-hearted men I have ever met. He is talented, strong and cares deeply for the people of Rock Hill. I had the honor of interviewing him a little more formally about the Rock Hill Pottery Center - here is that interview: Dennissa Young: How did the Rock Hill Pottery Center start?

Jonathan Wiliams: Rock Hill Pottery Center was founded by Robert Hasselle several years ago. He was formerly located at the McCelvey Center in York, S.C. DY: What’s the environment like?

JW: In order to learn how to make pottery or any art successfully, you need to PAGE 14

Creativity takes many forms in the Rock Hill Pottery Center.

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

The Rock Hill Pottery Center was founded not only as a place of learning and creativity but as a safe harbor, a place to find sanctuary from the hectic bustle of everyday life. The artwork is as diverse and as unique as the artists themselves. (Photos/Rock Hill Pottery Center and Dennissa Young)

wheels to keep people from being too close and changed everything about how we have class. I clean and sanitize everything several times a day. We are bringing things back very slowly, carefully. We need to protect the vulnerable and set an example.

a new craft is rewarding. Learning how to throw is easy. (This is the obvious lie, It’s the first thing you will discover, it’s harder than it looks. I joke with my students all the time: “this is easy, right class?” the answer is noooo! But it is rewarding and worth it!

DJ: What are ways people can help/ get involved?

JH: Small businesses are struggling. I appreciate everyone that has supported our business. If you see an opportunity, support local small businesses. All of them!

Thank you so much Jonathan for meeting with me and answering these questions! We often talk about how the Gettys Art Center can look a little daunting but please walk in anytime! And Jonathan said - if you wear a mask and make an appointment, he will let you in! One of the things that I love most about what Jonathan said is that the arts never stop! The ceramicists continue to make, even in crisis. And that the Rock Hill Pottery Center

DJ: Tell us two truths and a lie about the Rock Hill Pottery Center.

JH: Taking a pottery class is a great way to get away from everyday stress. Learning

is continuing to set precedent for how to handle this pandemic well. You can find more info about how to take classes or get involved with supporting this great Rock Hill staple at rockhillpotterycenter.com or on Facebook and Instagram at Rock Hill Pottery Center. yc Dennissa Young is a native New Mexican and an international nomad. She graduated from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts in 2015 and immediately took off for a cultural internship in the Middle East. Newly identifying as a Rock Thrillian, Dennissa works for Friday Arts Project, as the Media and Communications Manager.

She is a video performance and relational artist, working mostly around the topics of relationships and identity. You can see her work on her website: dennissayoung.com or her instagram @dennissayoung PAGE 15

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Photography

View Finder

By Mike Baker

Shooting better camera phone photos

I

remember when the advent of cell phone cameras was first upon us. It’s sort of comical now, many photographers looked askew at images captured with cellphones, iPads, and the like. Today, web pages are dedicated to camera phone photography, educators sell camera phone workshops, and art exhibits are dedicated solely to camera phone images. It’s taken a while for camera phone quality to catch up to the phrase, “The best camera is the camera with you,” but the fact is, the ubiquitous camera phone has conquered the world. Keystone Intelligence, which describes itself as a worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry, says there will be 1.4 trillion photos created in 2020 and almost 91 percent of those photos will be captured using camera phones. So, if we’re going to take so many camera phone pics, let’s see if we

can make those pics better with a few basic tips.

Since we’ve previously discussed the rule of thirds as applied to composing a photo, let’s start there. As a refresher, the rule of thirds is a compositional device that can make a photo stronger by placing its subject at the intersection point of an imaginary grid that breaks the frame up into thirds both vertically and horizontally. It’s one of many compositional rules and it is a good starting point in deliberately making camera phone pictures better. With Apple iPhone, the rule of third grid can be turned on by going to the “Settings”, then” “Photos & Camera,” and turning on the “Grid” setting. With Samsung and similar Android products, start the camera application and in the “Settings” turn on the “grid lines” option.

I suggest turning the grid on and leaving it on; you can easily ignore the grid lines The rule of thirds can be applied even with cell phone cameras (Photos/Mike Baker) when using them doesn’t benefit an image.

Another composition tip is to keep your camera phone photos simple. Less is more has never been truer than with camera phone photos. Simple, minimalistic photos work well for this type of photography and simple photos also translate better on social media platforms. In a sea of cluttered, poorly composed images, a clean photo with a well-defined subject and few distractions will stand out much better.

After determining a good composition, you are going to want to make sure your chosen subject is in focus. While camera

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yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

placing my dedicated cameras, but I do find myself using a camera phone many times a day. Usually for pics of the grandkids and an inordinate number of pics of food. But I have a great deal of fun with my camera phone and I’m glad that I can capture memories at a moment’s notice.

Sometimes, I even come away with a respectable image or three. yc Mike Baker is an awarding-winning photographer whose work has been published by national and regional publications. Mike is an • RS LOO Artist in Residence at the Arts Council G F of York J M G • • JM S S R R County and a member (Nikon L O O ProL O O of NPS RS G F G F LOO M M J F J • • Services). Mike fessional can be reached at G

• JM ORS ORS G O O M S L L J R F G F S • mike@mbakerphotographic.com.

LOO • JM OOR G F

JMG RS FL • JM ORS LOO JMG RS FLO G F S • M LOO R J JMG F O • G G LO • JM ORS • JM G F FLO ORS • JM ORS R RS JMG FLO FLO O O • G O O L JM RS FL G F S • LOO JMG • JM G F OOR M S L M J R J F • O • G FLO ORS • JM ORS FLO JMG FLO ORS S • LOO JMG R F FLO • O G G S LO JM • JM OOR G F S L M R F J • JM • G LOO ORS • JM ORS G F FLO FLO ORS • JM G O S LOO L M J R F G F S • LOO JMG • JM G F OOR S L M R J F • J O • G LO ORS • JM ORS G F FLO FLO • JM ORS G O S M L FLO F • J OR JMG RS JMG FLO S • LOO R JMG F • O • G LO ORS • JM ORS G F FLO FLO • JM ORS G O S M L FL F • J OR JMG RS JMG FLO S • LOO R JMG F • O • G LO ORS • JM ORS G F FLO FLO • JM ORS G O S M L J R O F L • LOO G F RS JMG DMEGCFO R A T IF VLEO OF L O O R R • JM ORS J O S S • MG O J R O L L • O F FLO LG I SFT S • J M G O R SS P E C •I A JM FLO ORS R RS FLO JMG LOO LOO F F JMG G F G • M M J J S • • JMG R S • LOO ORS ORS G F OOR FLO S FLO L M R J F O • G LO RS • JM G F Cell phone camera technology has caught J M G F L O O • JM ORS G RS FLO O • JM O G RS FL up with the rest of the digital photogra- O O R S • J M LOO JMG R F O • LO RS JMG FL G F phy world, with advanced capabilities for J M G F L O O F L O O R S • • JM G S M • J G OOR RS composing and shooting photos in almost O O R S • J M S • J M G F L LOO F G FL • JM OR FLO any situation.

ORS JMG FLO G M • J exposure. This is a great feature, for exam-F L O O R S

JMG

FLOORS

D ECO R ATI VE/ M ETALLI C EPO XY

phones can have good auto-focus, you can also take charge of the focus and select what part of the frame you want in focus.

To lock focus when using a phone’s camera app, tap and hold onto the screen where focus needs to lock, a yellow rectangle

with the label “AE/AF Lock will appear on screen. You’re now able to move the view around to find the best composition and the subject should remain in focus.

Like the focus, by tapping and holding on the screen, you can adjust and lock the

ple, when there is bright light behind the subject you are photographing. In that type of situation, camera phones can incorrectly underexpose the frame due to the light behind the subject; your subject would end up too dark. By tapping and holding on the screen where you want to set the exposure, a slider will appear and you can drag up, and down to adjust how bright or dark the image will be. Just like with the focus, once the exposure is locked, you can move the preview around for the best composition.

Here’s a tip that a lot of people don’t know, you can trigger your phone’s camera by using its volume buttons. This can be a help when taking one-handed selfies with the front-facing camera. Using the volume buttons also help make sure you’re not obscuring the camera lens with a finger; you can hold also down the volume button to take bursts of photos. A pro tip, try using the volume buttons on your corded earphones to take camera phone pics.

There are dozens of books available that are dedicated to camera phone photography. I suggest checking with your favorite book seller to see what’s out there specific to your mobile device. For me, a camera phone is a long way off from re-

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PAGE 17

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Music

Tuning In To York County

By Tim Jones

Name the artist

T

his month’s task is simple. Twenty birth names of twenty musical artists. See if you can come up with who the artist is. Without using your phone, or any other electronic device. OK, you can use your electric toothbrush. 5 points for each correct answer, 5 points for each incorrect answer. We at the YC music column believe in positive reinforcement.

Thank you for just participating. Answers at the end of the quiz.

1) Robert Allen Zimmerman 2) Prince Rogers Nelson

6) Steveland Judkins

18) Aubrey Drake Graham

11) John Denver

7) Reginald Kenneth Dwight

19) Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta

12) Sting

8) Calvin Broadus

20) Cherilyn Sarkasian LaPierre

9) Richard Starkey 10) Curtis Jackson

13) Bobby Vee 14) Jon Bon Jovi

ANSWERS:

15) Chubby Checker

1) Bob Dylan 2) Prince

16) Boy George

3) Conway Twitty

17) Muddy Waters

4) P. Diddy

18) Drake

13) Robert Velline

5) Eminem

19) Lady Gaga

14) John Francis Bongiovi

6) Stevie Wonder

20) Cher

11) Henry John Deutschendorf 12) Gordon Matthew Sumner

3) Harold Lloyd Jenkins

15) Ernest Evans

4) Sean John Combs

16) George O’Dowd

5) Marshall Bruce Mathers III

17) McKinley Morganfield

7) Elton John 8) Snoop Dogg 9) Ringo Starr 10) 50 Cent

yc

Tim Jones is owner of Woody’s Music in Rock Hill and co-owner of Woody’s Music in Tega Cay. Tim grew up in Sharon and was a Green Dragon at the old York High School.

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yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Psychology

Working Within

By Dr. Kevin Wickes, LPC, NCC, CEAP

“Truth is Perception”

T

he saga continues with the impact of COVID-19 - to open or not, to quarantine or not, etc. As we continue to figure out the impact, the cure, and the how’s of COVID-19, I am reminded no matter what the truth may be, perception is the key. What if perception is the truth? The struggle of open/closed, economy/life, conspiracy/evidence, mask/unmask, supplies/demands, etc. are all based on someone’s truths, or the perception of the truth. What is truth?

Depositphotos.com

It is one’s perception (“interpretation of the world”).

Remember, the good old days (prior to Christopher Columbus), there was a belief that the “world was flat” (there are some individuals today who believe the world is flat). While that may be true for some, many of us believe it is round.

What changed from Columbus’ days to today? Evidence (i.e., science, rationale/reason/logic, assumptions/beliefs, faith, etc.).

When I watch magicians do their act, illusion becomes the key to their success.

Even magicians will convey there is no “true magic,” it is an illusion - fooling our perception.

One may ask how does this relate to COVID-19, or that the truth is perception? Or, more personally, how does that relate to me? As I have written in previous articles, the “truth will set you free.”

However, what if I tweaked it to read the “perception will set you free?” Thus, is there any truth that are not based on perceptions … absolutely not, because truth is still perceived.

Ponder with me the perception of “shortage” during this period of time (toilet paper, meat, goods, etc.), even though there is evidence that we have plenty (at least in the realm of toilet paper).

However, that did not stop others from hoarding, which then leads to shortage. Another example I often use is our currency. The truth is a $20 bill is a piece of paper with markings; however, a group of perceptions (i.e., countries/nations) has instilled value on the piece of paper, which then becomes the “truth.” This is similar to gold/diamonds and other precious items (by the way, will gold/diamonds feed your stomach when you’re starving?)

With all that said, change the perception, change your life. As some skeptics may be reading this article, there are some absolutes – “nature” being one (for some, “God” is absolute). No matter how we want to “master” nature, it will always let us know who is in charge. At the end of the day, nature is absolute. If we don’t have oxygen or water, we die. When we’re born, we’re destined to die. Reads somewhat morbid, but nature is truth.

If perception is truth, then

how do we change perception? Schemas, scripts or our “thinking” map are the keys to changing perception/truth.

We perceive the value of the dollar, not the truth of the dollar (a piece of paper w/ markings). This is where we bring it all together, whether you’re struggling with COVID-19, truths/perceptions, depression/anxiety and other challenges in your life, the perception will set you free (with nature being part of the truth).

The origination of truth/perception is where it all begins… In several of past articles, I have written about the “family-of-origin” as being the starting point (similar to the “origination of sin”) for all of our lives… that is where we begin.

The way we’re brought into this world (“family systems”) is how we begin to develop our perception (vs sensation – the truth). Think with me if you were born in another part of the world your lives (or perception) would be drastically different, while the physical truth remains the same (basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter). The way we’re reinforced, the politics, the currencies, the government, and all of our institutional approach to life would be different. Hence, perception (interpretation of the world) is real. Literally, we would not know any difference of other perceptions — like oxygen, we breathe it naturally… until we’re without or go to another country. Then we notice (perception) we need oxygen to live (truth).

The monumental task in coping with crises is based on our perception – what’s real. Therefore, the following are steps to begin the process of finding the truth through our perceptions: returning to the basic needs of truth to survive).

Unfortunately, I have run out of word space thus, you’ll need to wait until the next YC Magazine article, which will continue this line of thought – waiting with great anticipation (perception). To prime for the next article, think of these words: Process, Product and Detail..” yc Dr. Kevin Wickes, LPC, NCC, CEAP, is a seasoned, licensed, and certified counselor and professor of Integrative Counseling Services, LLC. Contact him at 843-647-1162 or dr.kwickes@gmail.

PAGE 19

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Service A Helping Hand for the Community

By Mollie Rose

Thank you to the frontline workers

N

urses. Doctors. Grocery store employees. Delivery drivers.

Warehouse workers. First responders. Truck drivers. Cleaners. There are so many people on the frontlines of the COVID-19 outbreak. They continue to help keep our community safe and the world running. To honor and celebrate their ongoing sacrifice, let’s say “thank you!”

EMTs, police officers, firefighters, and grocery clerks.

8 Ways to Say Thank You

3. Be kind

There are many ways to say thank you.

Choose one, or more, so frontline workers can know how much York County appreciates them!

1. Donate a meal

Everyone loves a free meal. If you are thinking about donating a meal, be sure to coordinate with the location so your delivery can be done efficiently and safely. If you can’t make the delivery yourself, you can buy a meal instead. Many national and local businesses are delivering meals to support frontline workers. Remember, meal donations can be a great way to thank hospital workers as well as the staff at your doctor’s office, Depositphotos.com

PAGE 20

2. Make a sign for your window or front yard

Make someone’s commute to work brighter by posting a sign in your window or front yard telling frontline workers how much they mean to our community. This is a great project for kids!

Essential workers who are keeping grocery, convenience, and pharmacy stores open see large groups of people every day. When you must shop at one of these stores, be respectful of the people working there. Thank them, wear a protective mask, keep your social distance, and be kind to team members and other customers. These small acts can help workers feel appreciated and safer at their jobs.

4. Share a message on social media

As we all keep our physical distance, connecting online has become even more important. Using social media is a great way to thank frontline workers. You can

tag people you know or send a general message using the hashtags #FrontlineLove, #FrontlineHeroes, #COVIDHeroes, or #InThisTogether.

5. Leave items for delivery workers

Delivery workers are putting in long hours and many find it hard to get to the store. Help them by leaving items that will get them through their day or save them a trip to the store. Please sanitize the items as best as you can and leave instructions so the delivery people do the same.

6. Email Congress

Show frontline workers you appreciate their work by helping them get the support they need. During this time of uncertainty and economic crisis, many people, including those still working, need a boost to make ends meet. Vital services like 211, the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, and SNAP can provide relief for frontline workers — and others — in need. You can ask your representative to increase funding for these services.

7. Join a daily salute

Across the world, many communities do a daily salute to frontline workers by lighting candles, applauding, cheering, howling, or sounding horns at a certain time of day. Check neighborhood social media groups and local newspapers to find one that is happening in your neighborhood.

8. Continue to practice precautionary measures

The most important thing you can do to thank frontline workers is to continue to practice social distancing, proper handwashing, and precautionary measures. Limit outings to essential trips to the grocery store, medical appointments, pharmacy, walking pets, and helping the vulnerable. Use social distancing to stay at least six feet away from others.

Even though we are apart, we can still be united. Let’s show frontline workers that we are in this together! yc Mollie Rose is the Marketing and Communications Director for United Way of York County, SC. Contact her at mrose@unitedwayofyc.org. neighbors, co-workers, and friends.

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Connections Helping Hands

Attitude determines outlook

I

couldn’t help but laugh this week when someone told me they were re-reading some of my columns and asked how my “One Little Word” for 2020 was going for me. HAHAHA! She said she was sure I didn’t predict the Corona Virus when I chose the word, “Joyous.” Nope. I sure didn’t see that coming.

But in reality, you are either going to find the bright spots or you aren’t. It doesn’t really have anything to do with how tragic the event is but the attitude going into it. One example that comes to mind is when the guy basically kidnapped the children at an Amish school, and ended up killing five students. Anger and hate would seem to be justified emotions in a case like this, but the Amish community instead rallied around the shooter’s family. They attended the man’s funeral, invited his widow to the funerals of their children, started a fund for his remaining family, visited the family and were quite adamant that they were not to hate this man.

Seriously. If there were ever a time people would totally understand not being joyous, that would be it. But these folks didn’t give in to this negativity and instead demonstrated incredible love.

“Joyous” maybe wasn’t the best word to choose for 2020. If you’ll remember, I had chosen it originally for 2019. Then 2019 fell to pieces on New Year’s Eve and I decided to change my word for the year to “Pray.”

And wow, did I need that one word through some very difficult days. But even through those days, I did try my best to look at the good things that came out of dark days. I think to some degree, it’s sometimes easier to see the flecks of light in the darkness versus in the bright light. When things are all hunky dory, you can easily take for granted the positive blessings in life. But when you are struggling with difficulties, it can be the simplest of caring gestures that make such a difference. Those moments we wouldn’t notice when we were flying high with happiness but can rock our world when we need something good to hold on to tightly.

I realize I’m halfway through this article, assuming you know what I’m talking about, but just in case you don’t, here is some more information. Basically, this girl started picking one word to focus on for the year and has since turned it into a business. I don’t do the business side, but I do pick one word each year to deliberately wrap changes in my life around it. I would

say I fail quite often. But the experience is definitely worth the attempt, because it does change you. So here is the link to the girl’s website that started One Little Word. https://aliedwards.com/one-littleword-2020. If you google One Little Word, you’ll see so many ideas on how to find your word of the year.

So, in the past, I’ve done gratitude, prayer, blessed, … I can’t remember the others but my most successful was gratitude. I could easily measure the entries in a gratitude journal. Count the thank you notes I wrote, both personal and professional. And wow, from January to December I could go back and see my attitude shift. During January, it may have been difficult to find things to be grateful for (“thanks for letting me catch the green lights on the way to work today). But by the end of the year, it was like my vision changed, and I could see so many things to be grateful for, which makes for a much better Bethie. Maybe I need to revisit that word?

My bestie is involved in this, too. I can remember one year her word was “brave.”

And it was an excellent choice for her during that time. She bought us bracelets to wear with our words on them. The next year, thanks to her being brave, she chose a phrase, “Make life an adventure.” And wow, did she manage to do that in 2019. It was my turn to buy the bracelets. It’s a lot easier to stay focused when you see your word at every turn.

All this to say, it isn’t too late to hop on this wagon with me and find a word for you to adopt for the rest of 2020. If you did pick a word earlier this year, how is it going?

Did Corona distract you from your purpose? Or were you able to stay the course, and did having that one word to focus on actually serve you very well? You’ll have to fill me in!

I’m so glad my reader reminded me of “joyous.” I needed that because it’s up to me if I find joy in the sadness. But it isn’t something that comes naturally, so being deliberate and training my mind to search for the good is the only way I’ll make “joyous” a success for 2020. I’m not going to give up on it this year. It’s my word, I’m claiming it and with the support of a friend who got me back on track, I will see joy in 2020.

Y’all stay safe, support your family, friends, and neighbors during this difficult

time and try to practice a little more patience than normal, as everyone is getting a bit squirrely at this point. As my sweet niece would say – air hugs for you all! yc

By Beth Covington

Beth Covington is a life-long York County resident with a passion for nice people and ranch dressing.

Contact her at beth.covington@gmail.com.

Depositphotos.com

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yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Astronomy

Looking Up

By Carole Holmberg

Mars will shine brightly this year

Mars will shine brightly in the night skies this year (Photo/Mark Stanford, Sr.)

W

hy has Mars so fascinated us? I think Mars sparks our imaginations, at least in part, because it is the only other planet whose surface we can easily see from Earth. We can see the surface of our Moon, of course, but the Moon is unchanging and barren. Mars is more tantalizing with its pinkish, greenish landscape and polar caps subtly changing to correspond to the Martian seasons.

In 1877, Giovanni Schiaparelli described canali, or channels, crisscrossing Mars. Canali was mistranslated into canals, which implied that they were deliberately built. The Suez Canal had been recently constructed, and people thought of his canals as long structures created by the native people to drive water from the polar ice caps to the Martian equatorial regions. That Martian civilization never existed, of course, but stories about Martians have persisted.

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, the next planet out after Earth. It is located at about 1-1/2 times Earth’s distance from the Sun. Because Mars is farther from the Sun, the gravitational attraction between Mars and the Sun is less and therefore Mars travels in its orbit more slowly that PAGE 22

Earth does. One year on Mars, that is, one orbit about the Sun, is almost two years long, or 687 days. With Mars’ axial tilt being 25° (compared to Earth’s 23-1/2° tilt) Mars has a similar seasonal pattern, only the seasons are twice as long. With Mars’ rotation rate of 24 hours 37 minutes, Mars even has a similar daylength to Earth.

Earth and Mars line up on the same side of the Sun once every 26 months. This is known as an opposition and Mars is closest to us at opposition. Missions to Mars tend to be clustered on dates every 26 months, as space agencies around the world take advantage of the shorter distance and travel times to the Red Planet.

The next Mars opposition occurs on Oct. 13, 2020. Mars’ closest approach happens a week earlier, on Oct. 6, when the planet will only be 38.6 million miles away.

NASA is launching its next Mars mission, the Perseverance rover, sometime between July 17 and mid-August. Regardless of the date that it launches, the landing date is firm. Perseverance should arrive and land at Mars’ Jezero Crater around lunchtime on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021.

Jezero Crater was the site chosen for Perseverance because a portion of it looks

like an ancient river delta. There’s no river now, but the site is intriguing, and harbors the potential for ancient alien life, if it once existed there. Perseverance will also gather rocks and soil samples for a future mission to return to Earth, as Perseverance’s mission will be a one-way trip.

Its instruments package will include an advanced camera system, a set of environmental sensors, and an experimental device to make oxygen from the thin carbon dioxide atmosphere. It will be equipped with a helicopter, flying through the thin Martian air, which will expand its range.

Perseverance will continue to pave the way for humans to visit Mars in the future.

Since Mars is close this summer and fall, it is going to be especially bright.

Look for it, brighter than any star, in the sky for the rest of the year. It has a noticeably yellow-orange color and will be at its brightest between Oct. 4 and 17. However, anytime between June 1 and the end of November, Mars will be bright. In June, look for it during the predawn hours in Aquarius. By August it will have moved into Pisces, where it will spend the rest of 2020. By then, it will rival Sirius, the brightest of all nighttime

stars, and will rise in the east around 10:30 p.m.

The “Mars Hoax” circulates around the Internet nearly every year. It states that on Aug. 27 Mars will appear as big and as bright as the full moon. First appearing before the Mars opposition of Aug. 27, 2002, this story has never been true. If Mars were so close that it appeared as big as the full moon in the sky, Mars would have left its orbit and headed in Earth’s direction.

There would be many more dire and noticeable consequences than just a very bright and enormous Mars appearing in our skies, so don’t believe it.

The image of Mars (above) was taken during Mars’ last favorable opposition in 2018 from by Rock Hill amateur astronomer Mark Stanford, Sr. Notice the darker markings on its surface and the white Martian south polar cap. yc Carole Holmberg is the Planetarium Manager at the Museum of York County. She gives planetarium shows each Tuesday – Saturday at 3:30 p.m., with additional shows on Saturdays and school holidays. Ms. Holmberg can be reached at CHolmberg@chmuseums.org.

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Track Talk

The Local Racing Scene

By Stuart Lord

The making of a future champion

I

t’s been a little over a year since I started writing Track Talk for this magazine. In case you don’t know me, I’m one of those “damn yankees” who moved south, for us, well over ten years ago. My life of racing started at the age of 13. It involved drag racing, oval racing, writing, managing, tech inspection, and here I am at 77, still at it. I have seen racers become legends, kids move through the ranks, but never have I seen such talent as I’ve seen down here. Kids starting at the age of five, moving into full-size race cars while still in grade school. High school kids becoming division and track champions. The other thing I am seeing is entire families becoming involved with their son’s or daughter’s racing career. And when I say the entire family, I don’t mean just Mom and Dad. I’m talking the grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, everyone.

This month we look at Kade Langley of Rock Hill. Kade took a different path to racing; he didn’t start until he was 13 years old. So much for the Go-Karts. And he didn’t start in a beginner or a four-cylinder class. Nope, started out in the tough Crate Sportsman division at Carolina Speedway.

“I went that route because I figured the

best way to race and improve was to run with experienced drivers,” Kade says.

Maybe you’re expecting me to write next that he won the very first race he ever entered. That’s not what the likable Kade was trying to achieve. “I wanted to learn as much as I could about the car, the setup, the different lines that the really good drivers were using.” While it took a little longer than other drivers might want, Langley raced three years before he took down his first win. That checker came in 2017 at the tough Carolina Speedway, his home track.

Finishing out the season with many top finishes, Kade was learning how to become a respected driver while gathering a hoard of fans along the way.

Come 2018, he ventured out to the fast Lancaster Speedway half-mile track. More learning. “Racing on a half mile track is a lot different than shorter tracks, but again, I was prepared to take my time and learn.”

Competing at both Carolina and Lancaster, it was time for a new car. Kade put a call to Steve Huffstetler at his Extreme Chassis shop in Rock Hill and ordered a new Limited Sportsman/Super Street race car. While it was a new car, learning that car took a while to get the right setup, but the top fin-

ishes still came.

Now came the 2019 Season. With the right combination of tires, shocks and other parts and pieces, the now 17-yearold high student was ready to show the skills he was learning. At the Carolina Shrine Event, Kade took down the victory, a huge win for this rising star. The following week, he ventured over to Cherokee Speedway and took down an equally big win, paying $1,500 for his back-to-back wins. Now the patience of learning and paying attention was paying off. The team now headed to the Dirt Track in Charlotte for a huge event. With forty-two cars entered, Langley pulled down a sixth place finish against the stiffest competition he had run against at a track he never driven. “Making the starting lineup was one thing, but to finish where we did, I considered that a win. I can’t wait to go back there again”.

As this is being written, all of racing is shut down, with no idea when it will restart. “I do know, with Carolina and Cherokee running the same rules package, we’ll be running at both tracks this year, but we’d also like to go out and try some other tracks”.

As I said earlier, the whole family is involved in Kade’s racing. From his grandfather, his parents, his uncle and cousins, this truly is this family’s sport of choice.

“But there are so many others, guys who help me, including Sam Pratt, Luke “Foxy”Muallinax, and a bunch of friends who lend a helping hand when they can. Of course, it’s all possible because of my sponsors, T&T Home Improvement, Corvettes Unlimited, Tony’s Garage, Langley Auto Body, Seller Machine and Langley Collision Center.

It’s such a pleasure to interview and write about these drivers and their families. And with the way it’s going, I’ve only scratched the surface of talent out here in York County. Hopefully, by the time you read this, we’ll all be racing again, if you’re looking for a great night of racing, and watching local kids race each other, please go out some weekend night and not only support that track but these kids as well. yc Stu Lord is a former NASCAR track manager, writer and talk show host living in York. His email address is relichunting@gmail.com.

Kade Langley is racking up wins as he learns the ins and outs of racing. (Photo/Provided)

PAGE 23

June 2020

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

Photo Gallery

York County Scrapbook

Prepared by Nancy Sambets, Director of Archives

Vintage Vacation Photos

M

uch like today, our ancestors enjoyed taking photos of their family vacations. Here’s a few images of families and friends spending time at the beach, in the mountains, by the pool, and on the water. yc Nancy Sambets is the Director of Archives at the Historical Center of York County in York.

She has a master’s degree in museum studies from the University of South Carolina and has been employed as an archivist with the Culture & Heritage Museums since 2001. Her contact information is nsambets@chmuseums.org or 803818-6766.

Mary Anne James (1925-2011) married her first husband, a newspaperman, Martin Harmon Jr. (1920-1975) in 1948. She was a graduate of Winthrop College with a degree in music and taught piano. He graduated from UNC at Chapel Hill in 1941 then became a naval officer. After marrying, they moved to Kings Mountain, NC where he worked for the Kings Mountain Herald.

Mary and Martin did not have any children but they enjoyed vacationing at resorts in Blowing Rock, N.C. and Pawley’s Island, S.C. as shown in the following images.

Entranceway and pool at Mayview Manor in Blowing Rock, N.C. Built in 1922, this hotel and motor lodge resort featured 138 rooms and a swimming pool for guests.

It closed in 1966 and was demolished in 1978. Courtesy of the Historical Center of York County, S.C.

PAGE 24

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Basking in the sun c. 1960 at Pawleys Island, SC. PH.004327. Courtesy of the Historical Center of York County, SC.

These fashionably dressed folks c. 1940 appear to be on a touring boat. Notice the gentleman using an 8mm home movie camera. Courtesy of the Historical Center of York County, S.C.

PAGE 25

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Dora P. Harrington (1908-1982) married Edward Fewell Jr. (1902-1991) in 1950. She moved to Rock Hill to attend Winthrop College and worked on campus until retiring from her position as Assistant Registrar. He attended college then worked as a cotton buyer and salesman for his father’s fertilizer and cotton warehouse eventually becoming co-owner of Edward Fewell Cotton Company. They lived on Deas Street in Rock Hill and did not have any children. The following unidentified images could be of family and friends who enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, visiting the mountains, and spending time at the beach.

It appears that this fishing excursion c.

1950 was a success. Photos courtesy of the Historical Center of York County, S.C.

PAGE 26

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

These smiling women have a beautiful view of the mountains in this c.1950 picture.

Courtesy of the Historical Center of York County, S.C.

This fun group is striking a pose at the beach in this c. 1930 photograph. Courtesy of the Historical Center of York County, S.C.

This gentleman seems pleased to have a comfortable motorhome for traveling and camping in this c. 1960 image. Courtesy of the Historical Center of York County, S.C.

PAGE 27

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Disc Golf

Turn And Fade

By Todd Harrell

The Disc Golf Tour is on “Pause,” so hit “Play” the courses and came up with a few fun ideas and challenges. It’s been really fun and the support has also been very helpful,” said Lizotte.

One of those fun ideas he came up with was trying to ace two baskets placed in a field at nearly the same time. It takes several attempts of Lizotte throwing two discs at once, but it’s worth the wait to see him pull it off. YouTube link: https://youtu.be/ HCt1GR0wGPE

Paige Pierce joins the fun

N

ormally during this time of year, disc golf fans like myself are kneedeep in video coverage of the pro tour events. But … (cliché alert) … this has been no ordinary year.

Season stopped right as it got going

Only three big-time events were held before the PDGA suspended tour play in midMarch due to the coronavirus. Since then, all of us disc golf crazed fans (like all sports fans), have found ourselves without a sport to follow. (The tour is cautiously planning to resume by June).

Pros answer the call

But whenever there is a need, someone usually answers. And in many cases during the last few months it was the pro players themselves, who created video content for the disc golf masses.

Today’s disc golf pro has an eye for the camera

Don’t get me wrong, disc golf pros using online videos to build their brand is nothing new. Throughout the year, you can find these youngsters hawking their latest discs, sharing throwing tips, or even sharing their latest meal through videos uploaded on YouTube or the social media channels.

PAGE 28

But when the Pro Tour was put on hold, many players took this time to not only reach for the discs, but their camera as well.

Jonathan Poole, who manages Innova Disc Golf’s team of sponsored players, said he encouraged his players to make the most of their downtime.

“With the tour suspended and so many people stuck at home consuming digital media, the opportunity for personal brand-building has never been better,” said Poole.

Normally no time for this

One of Innova’s most well-known players, Ricky Wysocki, aka “Sockibomb” said he normally doesn’t have time to create fresh content during the season because he’s so busy practicing and preparing for tournaments.

But with the Tour on hold, he and his crew really got to work. Within the last few months, I counted about 20 YouTube uploads. Most showcase his disc golf skill in some manner, but you’ll also find product reviews, instructionals and even Wysocki going fishing. They’re light-hearted and show Wysocki, who’s normally strictly business during a tournament, relaxed and enjoying himself.

“My main goal was to show people my personality and how I act when I’m not dialed into tournament mode. There is a whole other side to me that I felt like was

important for people to experience,” said Wysocki, who has been staying in California during the pandemic. His family lives in Ft. Mill.

One of his most viewed videos (more than 50,000 views) captures Wysocki visiting a pitch and putt 9-hole disc golf course and trying to ace every hole. It’s amazing to watch. Granted each hole isn’t much more than 200 feet, but seeing the command he has on his disc is incredible. You may be asking, so did he do it? I won’t give away the ending, but let’s just say there’s a reason pros like Wysocki usually play on really long holes. YouTube link: https://youtu. be/EgaQ445W3ss

Lizotte knows how to draw a crowd on the internet Known as disc golf’s Trick Shot Master, Simon Lizotte is already well known for his wide array of internet videos.

Not only does he perform jaw dropping trick shots that boggle the average player’s mind, but he also shares tips and throws down challenges to other players.

Lizotte, who was holed-up in Massachusetts during quarantine, said what made his videos during the pandemic different from those he shot months prior in the off season was the location. Many of the courses were closed around him, so he had to make use of available park spaces.

“So I tried to see what’s possible off

At the end of March, Lizotte came up with a challenge that several players accepted including the women’s #1 ranked player, Paige Pierce. The goal was to see how far you could ace within one hour, after first starting 10 feet from the basket and then moving back 10 feet after every make.

Lizotte’s furthest ace was 150 feet. Could she beat it? Watch and find out. YouTube link: https://youtu.be/YkJrlwri7KA

Avocado Open

Later in the quarantine, Pierce helped produce an impromptu tournament with three other pros at a private course near San Diego. The video coverage is nicely put together, especially for a small operation during the pandemic. I’d definitely encourage you to check it out if you’re looking for some recent disc golf action. Plus, the course is on a working avocado farm YouTube link: https://youtu.be/4-6Lqp8jMd4

Real Disc Golf action may not be that far away

By the time you read this, the disc golf pro tour may have resumed. The PDGA sanctioning pause ends May 31. If so, pros like Wysocki, Lizotte, Pierce and others will get to resume their day job. Both Wysocki and Lizotte said they plan on attending The Portland Open, one of the first large events proposed to take place.

However, with the virus proving difficult to manage, it’s anyone’s guess if events like these will actually happen. If the season is put back on ice, look for players to pick their cameras back up. yc Todd Harrell plays disc golf, among other things.

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Wordsmithing

Articulate Creativity

By Beth Crosby

Rewards of writing from the heart

I

saw a pair of fighter jets through my windshield as I slowed for the stop light at Northwestern High School.

Seconds later, the roar of powerful engines followed.

A grin spread across my face, and giddiness danced in my heart. Watching jets fly overhead gives me intense joy. My dad took me to see planes touch and go when I was small. Jets in flight take me back to that time.

What transports you to your happy place? Sunlight, grandchildren, a particular scent? Your favorite movie or a song from the most exciting time in your life?

Your senses can immediately take your mind back decades.

Write about your happy places as fully as you can. Recall smells, clothing, round or square headlights on cars. Were you wearing hair pomade or big hair? The split-second memories are as vivid as the whole experience.

Take advantage of isolation

While working through this isolation, I’m more attuned to my feelings. I experience memories like watching the planes with my daddy.

When we can quiet ourselves and our inner chatter, memories surface.

A close friend recommended I begin to write stories about my life to help me see it

objectively. Since then, I’ve recorded pages of handwritten recollections and flashes of memories. Then I find myself connecting the dots between experiences, decisions, and why I react the way I do.

When you try this, you’ll likely remember conversations, pictures, songs, and maybe abandoned dreams. You might realize from a memory you had forgotten why you feel self-conscious about the freckle on your knee.

Stoke the fires of emotion

Over the weekend, I dusted off my Live at the Acropolis DVD by Yanni.

My memories of brilliant instrumentals and the violinist in red roared to life. Linda Evans sat in the audience with Yanni’s mother. Remember that Yanni and Linda Evans were an item for a while?

When the Acropolis recording exploded from the CD player, I was a naïve newlywed. Listening to the fluid and electrically charged musical selections this past weekend stirred the joy young love brings.

The eerie sound of the woodwinds summoned feelings of isolation between a mismatched couple.

My relationship, like the one between the actress and musician who were exhilarated at this 1993 concert, ended without fanfare. Memories flooded my mind.

Listen to your heart

the silly things, lessons learned, and overused phrases. Quick! Grab your journal, and write down the thoughts that just stampeded through your mind!

They are prompts for writing later.

Keep them.

Write when you feel emotional. Your mind conveys feelings with evocative words. If you use a big word and don’t know where it came from, write the word anyway. Worry about its definition or finding the accurate word later. Let your pen reign in the thoughts and corral them so you can ride one of those thoughts later.

Record funny and amusing stories or use them as a basis for fiction if you wish.

My hope is that you begin to feel more comfortable visiting old memories. When abandoned thoughts and memories stop in, accept them for what they are. You can welcome both good and bad recollections. You can visit for a while and work through them, or you can thank them for stopping by, record the thought, and bid them goodbye.

Not everything you write needs to be published or seen by anyone else. Sometimes, writing from the heart feels good.

Try it! yc

Write for yourself

Beth Crosby is a freelance editor and writing coach. She works with individuals, publishers, and businesses. Contact her at Beth@EditorBeth.com.

What thoughts occurred to you as you read about my memories that had remained buried for decades?

What were the definitive moments in your life?

I argued I had few, if any. That’s why my friend challenged me to record the thoughts that tiptoe through my heart and mind. With more time to look inward, I allowed my subconscious to remember, and I’m viewing my life almost as an outsider.

Observing from a distance, even emotionally charged memories that were safely suppressed, lets me process the feelings, images, and voices from the past. I get to choose how I let my past affect me. I can be bound by misconceptions or learn from them. I decide how to address my history.

Sometimes, acknowledging my past opens opportunities to share about writing, loss, and healing. Other times, I write for the good of my soul. As I recall, I can pray and forgive. I can right overdue misunderstandings. The choice is mine.

Perhaps I want to write for kids a memory like watching planes touch and go.

In May, I encouraged you to journal about this time in isolation to remember

Depositphotos.com

PAGE 29

yc The Great Outdoors June 2020

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

Go Play Outside

By Cameron Shook

Four-wheeled steeds

The author’s truck, gear loaded and ready to roll (Photos/Cameron Shook)

S

everal years ago, I waxed nostalgic about the family vehicle, the legend of the southeast, the steed of my youth, the 1994 Plymouth Grand Voyager minivan we affectionately nicknamed “Adventure Van.” There isn’t a trip from my teenage years where it didn’t haul us and our stuff with room to spare, and sometimes it even went places no minivan was meant to go. This definitely led to a bit of a fascinaPAGE 30

tion with vehicles and how they could be best outfitted to allow you to get out in the woods better. There’s a fancy term for that called “overlanding,” but if you’re looking for different options lets go over some of my thoughts on the matter.

Sedans

Arguably the least “adventure ready” body style, it does present some benefits.

First, it’s something fairly ubiquitous in terms of cheap and readily available parts if you break down in the boonies, and has high enough miles to the gallon ratio that gets you into the boonies at a low dollar value. Of all styles, space is the biggest premium so adding roof racks and a cargo box may be a worthwhile addition so you’re not constantly fighting for space. A proper organization system is also a necessity, as

somehow, if you lack the space to spread things out and find items they seem to disappear in odd nooks for such a small space.

Mountain Smith makes a “Cube” system which is pretty slick, but you can always use the old faithful Rubbermaids as well.

Midsize SUVs / Crossovers / Wagons

The in-betweeners allow some options that you don’t have with sedans. In addi-

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

The author’s trusty pick up truck ready for another outdoor adventure. tion to usually having better ground clearance to more safely navigate some of the rougher roads you’ll come across, they typically also provide enough power for you to hook up a small trailer. While you can haul a cargo box or kayaks on a roof rack, towing that same equipment on a lightweight trailer is far more aerodynamic and also way easier to load and unload. I’m fairly tall at 6’4”, and it’s still not the easiest thing for me to throw a kayak on top of a car after a full day of paddling. If you’re more of a fan of base camping, you can even modify your trailer into a full blown chuckwagon.

For many years, we had a trailer rigged for just that purpose where the gear was stored in weatherproof containers and all we’d have to do is hook up the trailer and take off.

Trucks

Long a favorite of dirtbag climbers and kayakers, you will find more information on outfitting a truck for long term camping than just about any other vehicle.

Entire websites, like www.desktodirtbag. com, are built around making trucks the

most efficient camping vehicle possible.

Usually, this involves putting a camper shell over the bed, creating a drawer system with slides the full length of the bed, and outfitting sleeping quarters on top.

If you want to get a bit more luxury, you can even get a full size truck bed camper to drop on your truck. Another benefit is, of course, the off-roading capabilities and how you can more easily add lift kits, mud terrain tires, and all of the necessary accessories to complete the “overlanding” portion of your Instagram profile. While I do find some of the accessories silly, things like overhead awnings really do help make life better during bad weather or pounding sun and heat.

will turn up more ideas and projects than you could ever imagine. Hot water systems? Sure. Pull-out kitchen? Of course.

4 wheel drive and lift kit modifications to allow for serious off roading? Without a doubt. And all of this in a vehicle you can stand up most of the way in.

If the full size van of your dreams doesn’t seem practical — mine is a 2020

yc

Nissan NV3500 HD — you can always create a miniature version, a mini-van, per se. Few vehicles offer the chance to seat 7-8 people, and with crafty packing, still cram enough gear in the back and on top of the passengers to go camping for several days. More modern mini-vans especially have V6 engines that put out enough power to tow a decently heavy load without a problem, and of course adding roof racks and cargo boxes is an option as well. Bang for the buck, they’re better than even most SUVs, all you have to give up is your dignity.

So as this quarantine is winding down, saddle up your steed and get ready for adventure. Just make sure any money you spend on upgrades either enhances or increases the trips you take. Pretty gear is just gear that isn’t getting used. yc Cameron Shook is an avid outdoors enthusiast who has more outdoor experience than most people twice his age. Cameron is also an avid photographer whose images have been seen in YC Magazine for several years. You can contact Cameron through camshuck@gmail.com. You can locate other columns and comments by Cam at www.shookscamphere.com or follow him on Instagram @shookscamphere.

Vans

Near and dear to my heart are camping vans. From the VW Westfalia to the newer Sprinter vans, they offer the most room possible short of a full blown RV. “Conversion Vans” were a big thing for a while, and they’re coming back around just in sleeker and more fuel efficient forms. A quick google search for “camping vans” or “van life”

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PAGE 31

yc Nutrition & Food Safety

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Your Food, Your Kitchen, And You

By Angela P. Forbes, MS, RDN, LD

Shaping lifestyle for best health

T

he benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption have been well-documented. Many Americans suffer with heart disease, Type II diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cancer (all included in the top ten list of leading causes of death for Americans).

What if these could largely be prevented or the effects lessened? What if day-to-day behavior, habits that we act on as our lifestyle, could make a difference in our health and quality of life?

Lifestyle includes health behaviors that start at home, work, school and include physical activity (the lack of), inadequate diet, and tobacco use. These aren’t done at the doctor’s office or hospital. Those visits/ tests are important. But take a step back and start at home, neighborhoods, communities, daily activities, the organizations in which we spend time, etc.

This article focuses on fruit / vegetable (referred to as F/V) consumption, its relationship to health, and a method for getting adequate F/V consumption.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 2018 State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables concludes F/V consumption

by Americans continues to be insufficient.

Only 12.2% and 9.3% of adults are getting the recommended daily servings of F/V (respectively). The 2015-2020 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends

daily fruit intake for adults to equal 1 ½-2 cups and daily vegetable intake to equal 2-3 cups. Individual recommendations for adults are based on gender and activity level. Data shows only 1 in 10 adults are meeting these recommendations. These are national data; 10.1% of South Carolinian adults meet recommended fruit intake and 8.1% meet daily recommended vegetable intake.

Meanwhile, the health education community continues to taut the health benefits of F/V intake. Diet plays an important role in chronic disease prevention including heart disease, some cancers, hypertension, Type II diabetes and obesity. Diet also plays an important role in chronic disease management for individuals who have developed one of these chronic diseases.

When we say “diet”, most people automatically assume low -fat, -sodium, -sugar, et cetera, i.e. “less of”. However, a healthy diet is equally important to include more fruit, vegetables and plant sources. Plant foods, including fruit and vegetables, are comprised of many different vitamins, minerals, soluble and insoluble fiber, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to the many different body functions for thriving, a healthy quality of life. These “components” in F/V actually effect cellular function causing cells to fight off foreign substances and/or cell structure changes that

can eventually lead to health problems.

So, why do we fall short on F/V consumption? If we know fruit and vegetables can help us achieve improved health, we don’t we consume more – at least the recommended amount? Habits, busy lifestyle, lack of understanding or knowledge, are possible reasons.

Goal setting is an age-old method to obtaining desired outcomes. Similar to a New Year’s Resolution, a desire is written down.

However, a goal requires a committed timeline and plan to make it happen.

Making behavioral changes involves a personal commitment to the desired outcome. People have to want to make change and be ready for change. Otherwise, they do not really ‘buy in’ to the goal. It is the hope in this lesson, people will begin, a step at a time, to make even small changes in their diet – F/V consumption. With each success comes confidence and the renewed belief that more can be done.

1. Do a 24-hour food recall - Write down everything you ate and drank yesterday. Include the actual foods/beverages consumed, the serving size (do your best to guestimate), the time and place, what you were doing (watching TV), who was with you.

When the recall is completed, circle every F/V, no matter the serving size. Then

total up the number of F/V “encounters” – meaning every time you consumed a F/V, even a slice of tomato. Then total the actual cups of each F/V consumed.

2. Discuss what the 24-hour recall revealed with a friend or family member. Did it surprise you? Keep in mind, it is a tool used to get a snapshot of possible patterns.

How did you fair on F/V consumption?

3. As you prepare meals, measure out 1 cup of fruit or vegetables. This could be a cooked vegetable or fruit for a snack. The point of this exercise it to see what a 1 cup of a fruit or vegetable looks like 4. Discuss ideas with a family member(s) on how to include F/V in favorite meals / recipes.

5. Write one goal regarding daily fruit and vegetable consumption. Write an action plan for how you plan to reach it and the time frame.

Goal setting is a great way to create solutions and that fit your preferences and lifestyle. yc Angela P. Forbes, MS, RDN, LD, is the Regional Food Safety and Nutrition Agent at the Clemson University - Cooperative Extension Service offices in York. She strives to bring practical and useful information that is researched-based to the citizens of South Carolina. You can reach her at 803-385-6181.

Want to get Noticed?

Advertise in YC Magazine!

803-980-7098.

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yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

yc Your Library June 2020

Check It Out

By Stacy Williams

Virtual Summer Learning Challenge and meditation classes from professional instructors, and more! Subscribe to our channel today by visiting youtube.com/ YorkCountyLibrary!

Teen Discord Channel

Calling all York County teens! Join our new Teen Discord channel every Monday-Friday from 3 - 5 pm! Daily chats include topics such as gaming, graphic novels, and more. To receive an invitation to join, visit yclibrary.org/ask-a-ya-librarian and fill out the form. Just provide your name, email, library card number, and Discord username. This channel is only for York County, SC students ages 11-17.

YCL Reopening Plan: Phase 1 and Phase 2

Depositphotos.com

T

his summer, “Imagine Your Story” with the York County Library! The 2020 Summer Learning Challenge (SLC) sponsored by the Friends of the York County Library runs Monday, June 8, through Friday, July 31. The challenge is simple: Read 10 hours and get a prize! For every 10 hours you read (up to 50 hours), you will earn one entry into a Grand Prize Drawing. Everyone earns a prize for the first 10 hours of reading logged. Prizes cannot be picked up until the Library reopens.

How to Register: Register online using our interactive Beanstack service at yclibrary.org/slc. If you are unable to use Beanstack or need help registering or logging hours, call 803-992-0263 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 4 – 6 p.m., and someone will assist you. You may also call your local Library branch. Starting Monday, June 8 begin tracking your progress online or download a reading log from yclibrary.org/slc.

For the safety of our patrons, SLC performances will not be in-person. Performance videos will be available online at facebook. com/yorkcountylibrary and youtube.com/ yorkcountylibrary. Virtual performances are subject to change: B-Rad: Kids Magician—Celebrate a magic show incorporating a motivational message on the importance of reading books.

Columbia Marionette Theatre: Rumpelstiltskin - A fast-paced comedic take on the original Brothers Grimm story.

Gravity Check: Juggling with Ken & Kyle—A captivating display of technical skills and hilarious banter.

Porkchop Productions: Goldilocks— Ever wonder what happened to Goldilocks after she left the home of the three bears?

Soap Bubble Circus: Interactive Magic A one-of-a-kind bubble show mixing comedy and music.

Professor Whizzpop: Kids Magician— Experience a fantastic menagerie of magical creatures.

Carolina Characters: Various Storybook Guests The Friends of the York County Library proudly sponsor the 2020 Summer Learning Challenge. In 2019, the Friends donated $44,000 towards the Library’s popular Summer Learning Challenge program to encourage and promote literacy for children, teens, and adults. Help us reach our 2020 goal of reading 5 million minutes!

You have until July 31, so make sure all of your reading is logged in Beanstack. Tag us on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #YCLReads2020!

YCL YouTube

Programming content is now available on the Library’s Youtube channel.

You can now see your favorite YCL staff members reading storybooks, hosting virtual programs, and offering instructional tutorials online. The Library’s Youtube channel will also feature special exercise

For the health and safety of patrons and staff, all YCL locations will remain closed to the public until further notice. York County Library began a phased reopening plan on Monday, May 18. During Phase 1, outside book drops reopened for the return of Library materials (books, audiobooks, DVDs, and HotSpots). Safely retrieving and quarantining library materials for 72 hours is the safest and most effective way of neutralizing the possible threat and viral spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, the Library will not be able to accept any book donations during this time.

A date for Phase 2 of the Library’s reopening plan is still to be determined. All YCL locations will remain closed to the public during this time. During Phase 2, limited services such as curbside pickup and telephone assistance will be available for patrons. If patrons have reader’s advisory, reference, genealogy, summer learning signup, technical assistance, or general questions, they can call the main number at any YCL location. Patrons can place holds using the online catalog or can call their local library branch for help.

Notifications will be sent when the item placed on hold is ready for pickup. ‘Make & Take’ activities will also be available for pickup during Phase 2. For further information, including a date for Phase 2 (curbside pickup), visit yclibrary.org or follow our Facebook page at facebook. com/yorkcountylibrary.

Thank You, York County!

Thank you for your patronage, continued support, and patience. Even though we have had to close our doors, we are still working to provide you with the best service possible. With a Library card, York County residents have access to online reference resources, homework help, learning courses, and a Virtual Library. We will continue to make updates to our services, to better serve our community. If you have questions or need to contact us while we are closed, please visit online at yclibrary. org/contact-us. yc Stacy Williams is the Marketing Manager of the York County Library. She may be contacted by email at stacy.williams@yclibrary.org. York County Libraries are located in Fort Mill, Clover, York, Lake Wylie and Rock Hill.

Creekside

Pharmacy Darlene Gardiner, R.Ph.

803-684-9096

1007 Creekside Medical Drive York, SC • Still OPEN for business 9AM-6PM Monday-Friday Saturday 9AM-1:30PM • Drive-Up window only • 24-hour drop box • Free Local Delivery • Friendly prescription assistance to synchronize your refills • Complete line of OTC products- Special Ordering available.

Select products are Buy 1 Get Second one 50% off • We accept most insurances • Fast Response

To us, it’s personal.

Locally owned & operated.

Part of YOUR COMMUNITY! PAGE 33

yc Aging

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Successfully Senior

By Deb Pittman

Social isolation among seniors

W

ith the onset of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are especially at risk of complications arising from COVID-19. The contagious nature of COVID-19 has resulted in “shelter at home” or stay-in-place social distancing policies. These policies require people to stay home as much as possible and if outside or in the community, to keep a minimum of six feet away from others who do not live in the same home. This has had an incredible impact on day-to-day lives and activities.

Active older adults who were used to going out into the community are now spending most of their day at home.

The ability to connect with others is crucial. Older adults often face the prospect of aging without a spouse or family

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member or friends. Isolation and loneliness are huge health-related problems among adults over 60. Social distancing is poised to make those problems worse.

While living alone does not inevitably lead to social isolation, it is certainly a predisposing factor. “A Review of Social

Isolation” by Nicholas Nicholson in The Journal of Primary Prevention states, “social isolation has been demonstrated to lead to numerous detrimental health effects in older adults, including increased risk for all-cause mortality, dementia, increase risk for re-hospitalization, and an increased number of falls.”

Another important consideration is how often seniors engage in social activities. Social contacts tend to decrease as we age for a variety of reasons, including retirement, the death of friends and family, or lack of mobility. Regardless of the causes of senior isolation, the consequences can be alarming and even harmful. Numerous studies have shown that social isolated seniors have a shorter life expectancy.

Here are facts about social isolation: Loss of a spouse is a major risk factor for loneliness and isolation. Losing a spouse increases seniors’ vulnerability to emotional and social isolation. Ensuring seniors have access to family and friendship support can alleviate this loneliness. Support groups help surviving spouses deal with the issues they may face including.

Feelings of loneliness can negatively affect both physical and mental health.

Connecting seniors with social resources, such as senior centers and meal delivery programs, is one way to combat feelings of isolation.

Loneliness in seniors is a major risk factor for depression. Seniors may combat loneliness by nurturing a pet, tending a garden, taking an online educational or training class on health-related topics or computer training.

In-Home Services for frail, home-bound seniors living alone in-home services can help them maintain independence for lon-

ger by providing home-delivered meals and/or periodic homemaker services. For more information, call the York County Council on Aging 803-327-6694 or Catawba Area Agency on Aging 803-329-9670.

Social isolation makes seniors more vulnerable to higher rates of elder abuse the National Center on Elder Abuse reports. A critical way to reduce elder abuse is speaking up because elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation often go unreported.

As for prevention, maintaining connections with senior loved ones help ensure their safety.

Adult Protective Services are provided for seniors and people with disabilities who are at least 18 years old. To report alleged abuse contact Adult Protective Services at the Department of Social Services at 803684-2315 or 803-909-7446 or South Carolina Elder Abuse Hotline at 803-898-7318.

Transportation challenges can lead to social isolation. According to AARP, “life expectancy exceeds safe driving expectancy after age 70 by about six years for men and 10 years for women.” Yet, especially in rural areas, lack of adequate transportation is a primary cause of social isolation.

Having access to adequate public transportation or other senior transportation services is key to seniors’ accessing programs and resources, as well as their feelings of connectedness and independence. YC Access offers transportation for trips to the doctor, grocery store, pharmacy or other medical destinations. Call 803-327-6694 and select Option 2 from the main menu for more information.

Senior isolation is neither inevitable nor irreversible. Getting the facts can help prevent loneliness in our senior loved ones as they face the life changes of aging.

Second Harvest Hunger Relief Mobile Pantry scheduled between June and July are as follows: June 12 at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1003 Steele St, Fort Mill June 29 at Faith Presbyterian Church, 7250 Charlotte Hwy, Indian Land June 30 at Mt. Vernon UMC, 2161 Smithfield Rd, Hickory Grove yc More information about aging and issues important to senior citizens is available at www. aging.sc.gov or by calling Deb Pittman at 803-329-9670

yc Animal Health

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Living With Animals

By Bert Platt, DVM

The Parvovirus of 2020

T

he Coronavirus situation continues to dominate the news, and rightfully so. The virus has infected many people, and it can be a serious problem for those most vulnerable. Worldwide and county-wide, Covid 19 has impacted many lives. And just a few moments ago, I saw a local network television promo reassuring viewers that we could trust WBTV news to have the experience to cover the “biggest event of our lives.”

Just weeks after I graduated from veterinary school and moved to Rock Hill in 1980, many of us thought that we were experiencing the biggest veterinary event in our lives when Canine Parvovirus became a global pandemic for dogs. Like coronavirus, various parvovirus strains are commonly found in many species, but the particular strain that mutated to infect dogs was brand new, and no immunity existed to protect them from it. The virus was most deadly for puppies; whole litters would be fine one day and dead the next. There was no vaccine to prevent it and we scrambled to find treatment options that would help.

Patients and clients were literally lined up outside the clinic door; even in our small practice we would see dozens of patients

Depositphotos.com each day. There was fear, frustration and sadness as we tried to help these pets and families, too often in vain.

But it was not all gloom and doom, certainly not forever. We began to better understand the parvovirus disease and how to best treat it; aggressive fluid therapy and antibiotics to control the secondary infections helped a great deal. As time went on, the symptoms of the virus often became less severe, and we saw fewer and fewer cases. A vaccine was developed that began to help, and over the years the vaccine has been fine-tuned and is now a very reliable way to prevent parvovirus. In the end, parvovirus was not the “biggest event” in the lives of dogs and dog owners as we had initially feared.

In fact, the response to parvovirus resulted in some significant improvements in the way we approached pet health in general and was a reminder to all pet owners of the value of proper hygiene and preventative care. Before parvo became such a visible threat, many dog owners neglected to protect their pets from less dramatic but equally dangerous problems such as heartworms or to even vaccinate them against Rabies. Fortunately, the basic level of pet

care has greatly improved. After the parvovirus outbreak, kennels and dog shows began to enforce health checks and require certain vaccinations before allowing dogs to enter. Quite honestly, the way we were able to help dogs through the parvovirus “crisis” in the 1980s also helped give credibility to our modern and scientific approach to veterinary medicine, and our profession continues to partner with pet owners in allowing pets to live happier and healthier lives.

I predict (I can’t promise) that the current Covid-19 situation will be similar when we view it in hindsight. Right now, many cases have been serious and many more have been either mild or totally without symptoms. A large percentage of the cases have been found in densely populated urban areas, and the vast majority of those seriously affected have had pre-existing conditions which have made them more susceptible. As we understand the true epidemiology of this new disease, I believe we will find that this is another of many diseases to which many are susceptible and against which proper hygiene and personal health precautions mitigate that susceptibility. It is likely that just as there is for the flu which kills many and infects millions each year, a vaccine will be developed to protect those at most risk.

And just like the parvovirus pandemic in dogs, I think there will be some good that will come out of this. Importantly, personal hygiene will likely get better. Proper hand washing, improving our general resistance by maintaining our health better, and respecting our personal space will likely be a permanent consequence of this pandemic, and that is a good thing. New and useful technologies are being developed that will make personal interactions safer, and going forward we will see much more digital and virtual interchange.

For me, this has been another reminder that we are not in control. Although it is important to do prudent things, we will never be immune from every possible disease, or accident, or misfortune. The response to this pandemic has been unprecedented, and while it has helped “flatten the curve” the response itself has also impacted many families worldwide. Perhaps now that we know a bit more than we did, we can focus

our efforts on ways that protect those that are the most vulnerable, and prepare ourselves personally and globally for the next “biggest event in our lives.” yc Bert Platt has lived and practiced veterinary medicine in York County for four decades, seeing many changes and advances in pet medical care during that time. The love and relationships between pets and families have remained constant, though, and he is still passionate about the many new ways that veterinarians can help make those relationships the best they can be. Bert’s monthly Animal Health column will address a variety of medical and animal welfare issues, focusing on how those issues impact and enhance the lives of animals and people. Bert and his wife, Nancy, enjoy their time together traveling and are active in their church and community. They are blessed to be surrounded by four generations of family who also call York County home. Questions or comments can be sent to Bert at bertplatt@me.com.

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yc A Dog’s Life June 2020

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

Pawprints On Our Heart

By Lauren Paige Powell

Which breed is for you?

T

he first step to being a responsible dog owner begins before you even bring home a dog. Researching and becoming familiar with dog breeds will help you and your family find the right fit. Ask yourself a few questions before choosing a dog: Are you an active person? Do you have children or plan on having children? How much time will you have for training? How long are you away from home each day? How often do you travel for work or vacation? Do you prefer a large or a small dog? Does shedding bother you?Are you looking for a dog for a specific activity? Do you have any allergies?

American Kennel Club descriptions of dog breeds can come across like online dating profiles. For instance, the German Shepherds are confident, hard working, guardians, eager to learn but extremely active and need a lot of mental and physical exercise. Pomeranians are perky, alert and make great watchdogs but are very vocal. If you are looking for more of a lapdog, then perhaps a Maltese, Pug and Shih Tzu are better suited for you. If you are looking for a dog to keep up with your active lifestyle, then an Australian Cattle Dog, Husky, Collie and a Springer Spaniel are better

PAGE 36

suited for you. A large portion of canine personalities are due to their inherited genes, knowing those genes may be extremely beneficial to some owners. Please also consider your climate where you reside, a Husky or a Newfoundland do not tolerate the heat well at all.

After you get an idea of which breed/breeds you may be looking for, you will have a better indication of what to expect and how to effectively train that dog. My husband and I rescued a dog from our local shelter a few years back, we were told she was a “basic” breed. I began training her and she was not responding the way a “basic” breed should. So I pulled a DNA test on her and it turned out she was a Chow Chow, Nova Scotian Duck Tolling Retriever, Boxer and Staffordshire Terrier. Once I found out her DNA and studied those specific breeds, our training sessions became an immediate success. Once I knew how she was hardwired, I adapted my training methods to her training style and it was magic. DNA tests for dogs are very similar to a human DNA tests, they are even available on Amazon (under $67), your local vet and even Groupon has occasional specials on them.

Not everyone needs to get a DNA test done on their dog, I personally recommend them to my clients who have dogs with problematic behaviors or they simply just want to know what kind of dog they have. It is a guaranteed way to better communicate with your dog and to better understand your dogs learning style.

For those who do want a specific breed, please consider specific breed rescue organizations. There are every breed imaginable that need a forever home, from Chihuahua Rescues to Great Dane Rescues and every size dog in between.

If you do know your dogs breed(s) consider giving them chores around your house.

Most dogs aim to please their owners and get great satisfaction doing so. For instance, after I had my first baby, I taught my dog to pick up a pacifier or bottle that would occasionally fall and hand it to me if my son dropped it. I also taught my dog to let me know when my newborn had a dirty diaper. I’ve taught her to put all her toys back in the toy basket when she was finished playing with them. We also taught her to flush the birds out of our garden when the birds were eating our tomatoes.

Since she had Duck Tolling Retriever in her

DNA, I put her DNA to use. I have both my dogs pull our children in the wagon when we go for our daily walks, this not only gives our dogs exercise but it makes them feel like they are helping and contributing to the family. I had my client teach his German Shepherd to fetch him a beer from the fridge and the dog would close the refrigerator door after he delivered the beer! You can teach your dog to help you load the dishwasher, help sort your laundry, the possibilities are endless.

If you can’t decide which breed is the right fit for you and your family, check out AKC. org and click on the “Compare Breeds” page to help narrow down the right fit for your lifestyle. PetGuide.com also narrows your search down to size and hair length for those wanting a low shedding dog. I also have a breed quiz on my GallopAndGrowl.com website under the Sit, Stay Love tab at the top, look for the yc “Pet”igree Quiz.

Lauren Paige Powell is a Canine Behavioral Specialist and the owner/operator of Gallop and Growl. For more information visit www.GallopAndGrowl.com.

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

Cocktails

Open Source Mixology

By Grady Johnson

For a great drink, infusions are your friends Infusions

Factory flavored rum and vodka can ruin the best recipes. Why in the world would you drink some chemical concoction when you could make something with fresh ingredients that tastes a hundred times better? Now, I will concede -- perhaps somewhere near 2 a.m. -- shots of peanut butter and marshmallow vodka may have sounded like a good idea, but I’ll bet you paid for it in the morning.

Just soak it

I’m pretty sure infusions were invented by some stone-age distillery so the other cavemen wouldn’t know how terrible the raw alcohol tasted and cudgel the distiller.

So, using that same theory, you can buy some pretty basic liquor, soak fresh fruits, berries or herbs in it, and have something outstanding. Plus, you can use some fancy-looking bottles and the stuff looks pretty festive sitting on the bar. The general rule of thumb is that citrus fruits are best fresh-squeezed into the drink and aren’t worth the time and trouble to infuse. So,

try pineapples, mangos, kiwis, berries the sorts of things that have a very strong flavor and that you wouldn’t normally squeeze for juice.

Tequila loves pineapple. I’ve generally found that you should peel the fruits because the skins can have some flavors you’re not expecting. So, you basically buy a bottle of booze, pour it into a larger bottle or Mason jar into which you have stuffed the fresh ingredients and let it sit around a couple of days. One cautionary note - the integrity of the fresh produce doesn’t last forever, so after your infusion has reached the proper flavor intensity, decant it back into the original bottle through a sieve and discard the fruit. If it’s too cloudy for your liking, you can filter it with a paper coffee filter.

An infusion of an infusion

I think about gin as if it were an infusion.

Many hundreds of years ago, some clever Dutch dudes took grain alcohol that tasted vile, threw in some juniper berries and some of the other grasses and weeds they

found out in the parking lot, let it soak and invented the stuff we now worship as gin; which the English then made famous by not taxing the making of it, therefore generally encouraging the peasantry to drink it. Of course, nowadays, you can spend a nice chunk of change on a good bottle of gin - which you should, if you are going to make a cocktail like a martini, in which the gin is the featured guest. However, if you are going to make an infusion, the regular bottom shelf brands are just fine. Just never buy alcohol in the plastic bottles.

Infusions with gin are tricky to make because, over time, gin botanicals react in weird ways with whatever they swim with. So, gin infusions are somewhat uncommon. Of course, that’s the attraction for me. Here’s a simple gin infusion that’s very English. Plus, it only takes 45 minutes which appeals to my sense of immediate gratification.

Soak 5 heaping tablespoons of high quality, loose, Earl Grey tea in 750ml of English dry gin for 45 minutes in a large non-metallic mixing bowl, stir gently once or twice. The finished product

should be dark brown. Decant through a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter back into the original bottle.

yc

My guests tell me this beats the storebought iced tea vodka every time.

Recipe: Mad Dogs and Ice Cubes: 2 oz. Earl Grey infused gin 1.5 oz. Montebisou Cassis Liqueur .5 oz. fresh lemon juice 6 oz. sparkling water Combine all ingredients in a shaker and gently pour into ice filled tumbler. Fresh lemon wheel garnish.

Cheers!

Grady Johnson is an award-winning competitive mixologist based in South Carolina.

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yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

June 2020

FULL MOON 3:12 p.m., June 5 LAST QUARTER 2:24 a.m., June 13 NEW MOON 2:42 a.m., June 21 FIRST QUARTER 4:16 a.m., June 28

PAGE 38

yc magazine... York County’s Entertainingly Informative Magazine

June 2020

We’re all connected.

Comporium is proud to salute and support the brave healthcare workers who are grinding around the clock to keep COVID-19 at bay in our community. Their effort and grace under pressure is nothing short of inspiring. Following their lead, we’re committed to doing our part, as we’re sure you are as well. The only way to beat this thing is by doing it together.

#StrongerTogether

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