TSE - Special Digital Summer Issue 2020

The Summer of COVID-19 THE LOS T SPR I N G SHELTE R ING in PL AC E

Solitude Along the Back Roads

H OM ET OWN H ER OES

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Philosophy We believe the idea of tradition is ingrained in the souls of Southerners. We have a relentless respect for our deep heritage and an unwavering dedication to living out the traditions of the past.

We believe tradition can be honored while simultaneously welcoming contemporary thought and style and that there is a movement to merge these two lifestyles through intentional, healthy and meaningful living.

We believe happiness is rooted in simplicity. If our minds and places are free of clutter, there is more room for things that matter.

We believe local is better. It’s about being a part of a larger community. It’s about connecting with

those who grow, catch, brew and create our food and that closer means fresher, tastier and healthier.

It’s choosing fruits and vegetables in season, drinking wines from vineyards in the region, seeking out the work of local artisans and supporting independent, locally owned stores.

We believe in leaving a positive fingerprint. The measure of our success will be the condition on which we leave the world for the next generation.

We believe these thoughts embody the emergence of the “New South” and we’re honored to be presenting this movement in our pages.

Thank you for joining us on this journey.

CONTENTS LIFE

WELLNESS

6-7: HEIRLOOM SEEDS

38-43: LETTUCE be HEALTHY

8-9: BACKYARD GARDENING 10-15: RIVERSTEAD A Resilient Living Community

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16-19: A MESSAGE FROM Lt. Governor Pamela Evette

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24-28: SHELTERING, SOUTHERN STYLE Solitude Along the Back Roads 29-33: THE LOST SPRING

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HEART

44-47: HOMETOWN HEROES

34-37: LOCKDOWN COMES TO TOWN The Bistro's Before and During Tale

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LETTER from the EDITOR Michelle McCollum

Dear Cherished Readers, We are living in unprecedented times.

Very little in our lives is normal and we are constantly bombarded with negative news. However, instead of focusing on negative news regarding COVID-19, we want to share stories to help you cope with the changes that are happening in your life and in your community, some that offer hope; and, some that even make you laugh.

We hope that you and yours are finding peace within the chaos and discovering new ways to enjoy life within the restrictions. Please continue to lean on each other, support our local businesses, thank those who go above-and-beyond, and simply be kind to one another.

Regardless of our individual political or social views, we are all in this together, so let us make sure we are still friends once this crazy time comes to an end.

Stay safe and well.

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Michelle McCollum CEO & Editor in Chief Anna Joyner Artistic Director & Production Manager Yuka Greer Managing Editor & Operations Director Abbey Stevens Editorial Assistant

SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Don Alexander

Bob Alexander

Bobbi Kennedy

Ken Durham

Donna Livingston

Rhoda Green

Neal Workman

Pete Weathers

SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR Publisher Profits from The Southern Edge will go back into the preservation, conservation, and environmental educational programs of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor.

National Heritage Areas are designated by Congress as places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to tell nationally significant stories.

SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR

CONTRIBUTORS

PHIL GAINES WRITER

Phil Gaines is a Professor of Practice in the Parks Recreation and Tourism Management Department at Clemson University. Phil completed a 37year career in State Parks in 2018.

He began his career in parks as an entry level Park Ranger at Kings Mountain State Park and served as Park Superintendent at three different state parks. Phil served as Director of South Carolina State Parks for 13 years.

PAMELA EVETTE SC LT. GOVERNOR

Pamela Sue Evette of Travelers Rest was elected as the 93rd Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina on November 6, 2018.

Evette and her husband David, COO of QBS, attend Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Taylors.

The Evettes have three children, Amanda, 22, Joseph, 20, and Jackson, 11.

JANE JENKINS HERLONG - WRITER

Jane Jenkins Herlong is a Sirius XM Humorist, bestselling/award-winning author, professional singer, recording artist and professional Southern humorist. A recent inductee into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame, Jane is the best-selling author of four books. A former Miss America contestant, Jane’s award-winning singing and comedy is featured on Sirius XM Radio, Spotify and Pandora Internet Radio. Jane is the bestselling author of four books and a professional Southern humorist.

For speaking engagements visitjaneherlong.com

RHONDA GAFFNEY BLOGGER

Rhoda grew up in Belton, SC, but has lived in Spartanburg for 25 years, and has been a “stay at home” mom for the majority of those years. Now that her children are both grown, she and her husband Jeff love exploring to find great food and drinks across the South. They started posting about their Southern Field Trips on Facebook and friends quickly began looking forward to those posts each week.

Those posts led to The Southern Field Trip segments on The Southern Edge blog.

TOM POLANDA SOUTHERN WRITER

Tom grew up in Lincoln County, Georgia, and graduated from the University of Georgia with degrees in Journalism & Education. He taught at the University of Georgia, Columbia College, and the University of South Carolina. He writes about nature and the South and its people, traditions, and lifestyles. His work appears in books & magazines, journals, & newspapers throughout the South. He’s a member of the SC Humanities Speaker’s Bureau.

In October 2018, Governor Henry McMaster conferred the Order of the Palmetto upon Tom. He lives in Columbia, SC.

We are always willing to consider freelance writers & photographers.

Please send queries to info@thesouthernedgemagazine.com

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Words by Abbey Stevens

SEEDS

Heirloom

M

ost of us have probably noticed signs for heirloom tomatoes at local farmer’s markets - I know I have seen them more times than I can count. But before I got involved in the world of gardening, I had no idea what in the world an heirloom tomato was.

I thought it was maybe just a type of tomato. You know, there’s just so many… Roma, beefsteak, cherry, early girl, San Marzano, the list goes on and on.

The truth is, that’s not the case. An heirloom plant is a variety that has not been cross bred with other tomato varieties and is open-pollinated, meaning that it must be pollinated by insects or by natural mechanism.

And it doesn’t only refer to tomatoes. There can be heirloom green beans, corn, squash, and countless other things. If you can name it, there’s probably an heirloom variety available somewhere.

asked that the seed return at least doubles the seed dispersed. Which, in theory, should be easily attainable, with plenty of fruits left for personal consumption. For a list of heirloom seed available, click here.

For me, it’s a very southern and classic idea to think that I am growing the same type of beans that my ancestors could have grown many moons ago. And even more so think that my future family will have the chance to grow the same plants that our family has been growing for so many years.

To be considered an heirloom variety, the cultivar must be at least 50 years old and must be non-hybrid and open pollinated. Most varieties are also native to our area. With that kind of background, I think it’s safe to say that these plants generally thrive in our conditions. That said, beginner gardeners can take advantage of these characteristics for a confidence booster when working up to more difficult plants.

In order to keep heirloom seed varieties locally available, Clemson University has an heirloom seed program that relies on individuals growing heirloom plants on personal property and returning seeds at the end of the season. Fruits can be taken for personal use, but it is

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BACKYARDGARDENING Words by Abbey Stevens

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ackyard gardens can provide more benefits than just cutting down your grocery bill during production months. Getting outdoors helps to boost your immune system, increases energy levels and increases overall mood. Not to mention the convenience of grabbing your dinner produce right from your backyard. If starting your own garden seems a bit daunting, we have some tips to ensure that your first shot will be successful.

When starting a garden, your first step should be to conduct a soil test. Testing your soil allows you to see the breakdown of components that are already in your soil compared to what components should be present. Your results will also break down suggested amendments that should be added before planting to improve your soil quality.

Instructions and more information on soil testing can be found here.

Once you know which amendments need to be added, you should consider tilling your garden area. Tilling breaks up soil and allows for more air flow and encourages root growth. If adding amendments, tilling is also a great way to mix them in with existing soil.

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The next step is choosing your plants and researching which variety will best suit your area. Instead of shopping for plants for your garden blindly, it is best to spend some time beforehand looking into plants that will suit your space and needs. For example, plants like squash, cucumber, and melons will take up a great deal of horizontal space in your garden while other plants like tomatoes and green beans grow more vertically, but also need a source of stability. Make sure to have all supporting structures ready to go before planting.

Variety also plays a big role in choosing what to plant. When choosing between varieties, try to choose one that is native to your area, or at least has similar growing recommendations to your area.

Heirloom varieties that are native can be great for beginners, since they thrive in soils that you most likely already have. Many of them also provide interesting variety to your garden. For more information on heirloom seeds and the South Carolina Heirloom seed project, see our blog post or visit their website here.

Once you’ve gotten your plants and the threat of frost has passed, you’re ready for planting. Plant your seedlings according to growing recommendations on the packaging. Take note of tips that the packaging may provide such as how much water is recommended along with daily sun exposure. Most vegetables in our area require full sun (6+ hours per day) along with 1/2 inch of water per week, so be sure to check your rain gauge before watering. Put all supporting structures in place when planting so the plant can train itself at an early age.

Keep in mind that most gardening issues can be solved through cultural remedies such as watering only as recommended, placing plants in correct zones, and spacing plants the recommended distance apart.

However, if you think your plants are being effected by a pathogen, there is testing available through Clemson University. For information on garden pathogens, visit the Clemson University Home and Garden Information Center website.

Lastly, and most importantly, have fun! Backyard gardens are very rewarding and can benefit your physical and mental health in many ways. So take advantage of the beautiful summer weather and watch your garden come alive.

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Words by Michelle McCollum

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recent project led me on a quest around the South Carolina Upstate to find a location for a meeting with community leaders on the topic of conservation and resilient living. I was not interested in the average meeting space; I wanted to be outdoors for this conversation so the setting would complement the subject and stimulate discussion.

My search led me to a very unique community tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains – Riverstead.

A RESILIENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Riverstead is a gated community encompassing over 400 acres of land, with 250 acres dedicated to nature conservation. Within the 250 acres – dubbed “Riverstead Park” – are over six miles of hiking and bike trails, and 2.5 miles of river access for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. As you pull through the gate and drive over the first hill, the majestic Blue Ridge Mountain Range is there to greet you. It’s a beautiful, panoramic view making you stop and simply say, “wow”. thesouthernedgemagazine.com

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It was not only the location and beauty of this community that caught my attention, but also the philosophy behind its development, which is resilient living. Resilience is defined as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; some would even call this trait, “toughness”. “Resilient living”, however, is about so much more than the ability to recover from adversity; it’s a way of living that puts you in greater control of your life journey. It’s about living with intention.

“We belong in nature, and benefit by being immersed in it,” explained Lucas Anthony, one of community developers. “Riverstead sprouted from the hearts of individuals dedicated to their families, wanting to give future generations the same access to natural beauty that they had growing up. A place where families can reconnect with nature, and each other.”

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Families can bike ride, hike, kayak, fish, and enjoy the community pool. And, there’s more. An organic farm is part of Riverstead providing fresh fruits, vegetables, honey and eggs; and, members of the community are provided opportunities to be involved with and learn from the farm. Finally, at the heart of Riverstead, is the community gathering place – the Pavilion – where community events take place on a regular basis.

We held our meeting at the Pavilion, and it was the perfect spot for our talk on conservation. The scenes were breath-taking, and the conversation was stimulating. I am very sure that many of our participants will be back soon, maybe permanently.

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The South Carolina 7 held our Fireside Chat on Resilient Living with the Lt. Governor, Pamela Evette, and other community leaders.

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pamela evette

a message from Lt. Governor

A

s many of you know, like every other state across the country, this has been a very challenging time for our citizens and our businesses. Still, we are blessed in South Carolina to have leadership at every level – city, state and federal – who put both the people and the businesses of our state at the top of their priority list.

I truly believe that while we are facing this unprecedented situation, by coming together as Team South Carolina, we will be stronger and better prepared should we face something similar in the future. I am particularly proud of the work that’s been done through accelerateSC. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to visit the new website dedicated to this effort at: www.accelerate.sc.gov.

Over the past month, I have had the pleasure of visiting a number of businesses in different areas of the Palmetto State. I’ve seen firsthand how they moved quickly to keep their employees safe while keeping the economy going. Many shifted operations to produce items our country needed – from medications to PPE to items that support 16

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ongoing manufacturing – an industry that has become the backbone of our state’s economy. I’ve been impressed by these businesses’ creativity and ingenuity, but above all, I’ve been inspired by their positive outlook in the face of challenge. It is this mentality and characteristic of our business community that makes South Carolina unique and makes me so incredibly proud to be the Lt. Governor of this great state.

Even more inspiring is the fact that I haven’t only seen this attitude in our business community, I’ve also seen it in daily interactions with front line workers in our restaurants, grocery stores and salons as well as in speaking with my neighbors, teachers, parents and friends.

People have found creative ways to connect with one another virtually and in person. Friends and loved ones are connecting via Zoom calls and Facetime, and individuals are spending time with their families and friends enjoying our state’s beautiful natural resources. From the mountains to the beaches and everywhere in between, our state is unique in all it has to offer.

In fact, during the month of July, I had the opportunity to see many of the Palmetto State’s most beautiful places during the South Carolina 7 Expedition led Tom Mullikin. This 30-day expedition not only celebrated the seven natural wonders of South Carolina, it also raised awareness of Floodwater Prevention & Resiliency across the state. We also visited many other beautiful and historic S.C. landmarks. So, if you and your family are looking for ideas, I would encourage you to visit www.southcarolina7.com for a roadmap of adventure right here in the Palmetto State.

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Last, but not least, as the Chair of the S.C. Governor’s Complete Count Committee, I feel it’s important to point out that South Carolina, along with every other state across the U.S., has been the recipient of federal disaster relief funds to assist us in many areas like schools, broadband and PPE. Did you know that 2010 census data is an important factor that drives South Carolina’s share of this relief ?

Beyond this crisis, Census data is also used to determine funding for school lunch programs, hospitals, broadband placement, transportation and infrastructure, business funding, and so much more. With a new 18

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deadline of September 30th, I’m asking all of you to join me as “census champions,” by completing your census and encouraging others to do the same at www.my2020census.gov.

Above all, South Carolinians are resilient. We have seen it in our homes, our schools, our places of worship and our business. And as we continue on the road to recovery, I have great faith in the people of South Carolina, and I am confident that our future remains very bright.

Please follow me on Facebook (@pamelaevettesc), Twitter (@pamelaevette) and Instagram (@pamelasevette) where I will continue to share important information about our state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Census and more.

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COVID-19 REMINDED ME THAT I AM MY MOTHER'S OWN CHILD By: JANE JENKINS HERLONG “Oh, I can do this,” I said to myself when Covid-19 hit. All I have to do is stock up on toilet paper, paper towels, non-perishable foods, Clorox Wipes, hand sanitizer, masks, Lysol Spray, and stay home. But beauty shops closing? Oh, NO! My hair was growing and with no color, the skunk would grow, too; that’s the ugly white strip down the middle of your head. To honor the no color hair challenge, I actually thought about writing a new book, Fifty Shades of Grey Roots. Plus, my manicured nails and toes were suffering too. I soon discovered a universal Southern principle; I am my mother’s own child.

God bless David, my hair designer. He knows me and the vain beauty queen that lives inside of my soul. He called and said, “I can do your hair at 2 PM, but after 5 PM, I have to close; Governor’s orders.” It was 1 o’clock; I dropped everything and drove to his shop. I could hear my mother saying, get yourself to that beauty shop, now. Remember who you are…I made your Daddy cut tree limbs so I could drive out of our driveway after Hugo, my hair was fluffed in ICU, and your Daddy understood that his funeral would not happen on a Wednesday since that is my hair day.

Every Wednesday at 8 AM sharp, Momma would drive to Belks (when Belk had an “s”) in Charleston’s South Windermere to get her hair done. It was a ritual that spanned y-e-a-r-s. I used to tease Eleanor and her hair habits. “Momma, I don’t think your hair has not moved since1963.” This is the year Auqa Net hair spray was invented.

I was on a mission.

When my mother had her heart attack and ended up at Roper Hospital’s ICU floor, she made history. She was the only woman at the time to have her hair done in ICU … minus the hairspray. (Oxygen and hairspray don’t play well together.) I also recall that my mother somehow managed to travel to her beauty shop on the heels of Hurricane Hugo. What a beautiful Southern role model.

Then the unthinkable.

I decided to try to perserve my gel nails by filling in the gaps with gobs of polish. I was doing pretty well until one evening, while I was cooking supper (supper is the Southern way to say dinner), I had a beauty mis-hap. As I was pounding out patties, I noticed that one of my fake nails was missing. My nail color is OPI Passion Pink and ironically passion pink is the same color of raw hamburger meat. Well, the fake nail was lost in the meat. Did I mention that I was tired of cooking? The bottom line is that Thomas ate supper, did not double over in pain after a few hours so I passed that challenge. (No pun intended.)

Now here is another problem hair-do issue—if your hair suddenly looks good, the sistahs will know that you went underground. But this is when awesome girlfriends come in handy. My friend Betty Anne Quatlebaum knows how to fix anything to do with beauty. She suggested that I visit the drug store and buy some L’Oreal root spray. I just noticed, L’Oreal has the word real in it—made me laugh. Anyway, root spray works great on roots but it is not intended to become hair spray color, so as the skunk grows, more color is needed.

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So for three hours, I sat in the beauty chair and was totally renovated… it was awesome. I felt like my inner beauty queen was reborn with every snip, back comb, curl and spray, I could feel my self-esteem fluff, too.

At 4:50, a police officer walked into the beauty shop.

Our eyes met. I must have had a look of determination on my face that spoke volumes. No handcuffs or you have the right to remain silent verbiage would interrupt this moment.

“Uh, I just wanted to let you know that you can finish with this ladies hair,” said the policeman in a sheepish voice.

“Thank you,” I said. “You would have to call for back-up to get me out of this chair.”

“Yes, Mam’, I understand.” replied the cop. “I have a wife and three daughters.”

AN ODE TO COVID-19 By: JANE JENKINS HERLONG Once upon a time, with Covid 19, We loosened our belts and cursed "Quarantined" Toilet paper was rationed and we all got fatter The masses screeched, what was the matter?

We met Carol Baskins and Exotic Joe Big cat adventures-the number one show?

Six-foot-space and no more hugs Replaced hand shakes till we find some drugs

And those of us who are terribly vain Bad hair and nails nearly drove us insane We missed our churches and sitting in pews Focus on sadness; what would that do?

But once upon a time, we dealt with Covid 19 Families were together until we could scream.

Learning from home is not as easy as it looks Thank God for teachers, who still teach from books.

For Heroes in Hospitals who work in Health care Without them, we wouldn’t have had a prayer.

Jane is the best-selling author of four books and a professional Southern humorist. For speaking engagements visit-janeherlong.com

BRICK & MORTAR

TIPS FOR

• Stress the importance of wearing a mask properly during all task.

• Encourage proper hand washing and hand sanitizing.

• Speak with your child about maintaining proper distance from others.

• Remind your child to not share materials with classmates.

• Explain the significance of not touching the face.

2020 Words by Cameron McElhannon & Helen McElhannon

Please remember that teachers and administration are also following rules given to them. It’s important that children understand the significance of doing their part when at school.

VIRTUAL LEARNING • If your school does not have a firm class schedule for virtual learning, set a daily routine designating what time each subject should be completed. Be certain to include breaks and lunch.

• Create a distraction free space for your child to complete schoolwork.

• Make time for daily exercise breaks tailored to your child’s age and attention span.

• Encourage your child to stay connected with a few other virtual students. If both families are social distancing and comfortable, an outside play date or social activity may be a good idea.

• Communicate with your child’s virtual teacher regularly to be sure your child is completing assignments and making adequate progress.

Cameron McElhannon, Winthrop University, B.A. English / The Citadel, M.Ed. Secondary dminstration & Supervision Helen McElhannon, Presbyterian College, B.S. Early Childhoold Education

Ever wake up in the morning and set your intention for the day?

Kind of like a vision board for how the next 18 hours look in your head? This morning, I woke to cloudy skies and the sound of rain outside. Perfect day to relax...stretch...and feed my inner soul with some calm. It’s been a busy week in the home office and the weekend is within sight! Yes, today’s mood will be as seamless and cool as the expanse of blue stratus clouds outside of my window.

Five minutes into my plans for all things zen and namaste, I noticed a palmetto bug twitching its way slowly across my husband’s nightstand. (Side note - I am not afraid of a thing in this world except for these little creatures of the underworld). I quickly glance around and locate a bottle of glass cleaner. From a safe distance, I drown the demonic reptile insect until he falls onto the floor, and then I proceed to smash him with my husband’s running shoe repeatedly until there is no sign of life. All the while, my threeyear old is crying hysterically, “No, Mommy! Don’t kill the spider!

Don’t kill him, please!” After disposing of the body and cleaning the crime scene, I proceed to explain to my daughter why these bugs are disease-carrying disgusting critters that MUST be exterminated.

She only stared at me, likely marking my resemblance to fiery Te Fiti from “Moana”.

Things continued their slippery slope downward as my dog had an incontinent episode narrowly missing being spread all over the house via the robot vacuum. Email notifications frantically sounding off.

The dishwasher was full of dishes needing put away. Both washer and dryer were full of laundry. AND WHERE IS MY FAVORITE BLANKET. Time out. I gave myself a literal time out. This day would match my vision board and I was determined to make it happen! I dropped my daughter off at my in-laws and returned home, extra tall coffee in

hand. In my practice of expressing gratitude during this quarantine, I found few simple steps for creating a space for calm amidst the chaos.

The Bible Recap Podcast provided the perfect background as I handled the laundry and dishes. Sitting still and listening to a podcast or someone read the Old Testament just does not work for my squirrely brain. But toss in a chore and I am laser-focused on getting my mind right.

An ocean scented candle and a hawaiian screensaver on the bigscreen TV set the perfect scene for this chilly spring morning. I may not physically be on the coast but it’s amazing how the sense of smell and sight can convince me I’m there. Instant mood-lifter.

A quick mop (after the robot vacuum did it’s thing with zero doggy mishaps) instantly calmed my nerves. It’s crazy how a clean house makes my anxiety go down ten levels. Something about shiny floors and uncluttered spaces embraces my very being.

A lunchtime yoga session was just what I needed to ground myself.

Since I cannot attend my favorite local yoga center in person, the free classes being offered online during this time helps ease all of the instability in my mind and my world right now.

Every day still looks different during this season, every day still uncertain. I cannot control the day’s events or what the future holds, but I am confident I can (better) control my perspective. Life is so much sweeter when I seek love and light; even if there is a little bit of poo in my path.

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Sheltering, Southern Style

Solitude Along The Back Roads Words & Editorial Photos by Tom Poland Black Friday, March 13, 2020. My niece, Benton, gets an unwelcome big 4-O birthday gift—a national emergency courtesy of COVID-19.

“How lucky am I,” she said, dry as dust. Well, this was no ordinary black cat Friday. An invisible foe crept among us, here for who knows how long. COVID-19 might be on a gas pump nozzle, an ATM keypad, a grocery cart. It might kill you. It might not.

As the pending pandemic built a head of steam, a quiet pandemonium set in as people waged a personal war. Weapons include hand sanitizer, masks, and a lifeless concept, “social distancing.” Bland and costly it closes non-essential businesses and quiets streets. The economy gets a frontal lobotomy and life grinds to a halt. Schools turn virtual.

Preachers save souls via streaming video. Styrofoam replaces china and cutlery as restaurants can only fulfill orders to go.

Weeks pass during which masks turn vogue-vital, letting two-legged gazes of raccoons venture forth. People post photos of their dogs wearing masks. Men tie bandanas around their face. One joker used a bra as a mask, and I even saw a statue of a whitetail deer wearing a blue mask. Meanwhile supermarkets look as if famine rages. Meats and paper products? Gone.

Hair lengthens. Gas prices fall. Corporations send compassionate emails, “Dear Valued Customer.” Slogans pop up like mushrooms after an overnight rain. “Stay home. Make a difference.” “Flatten the curve.”

“Conquer COVID-19 one day at a time.” “Save Lives. Quaranteam.”

People shelter at home with nowhere to go and all day to get there.

And when they tire of TV? Challenge their Facebook friends. “List an album that changed your life.” “Caption this photograph.” “List six famous people you’ve met.”

Not me. I kicked my one-man road act, "Sheltering, Southern Style," into high gear. Outfitted with camera, a full tank, water, and food, I social distanced at 50 MPH along gravel and dirt roads that lead to rustic beauty. I’d show my virus-shunning Facebook friends nature, nostalgia, and seldom-seen things. My first stop? A seemingly unstoppable green and lush plant.

Photo of a kudzu-covered home in McCormick County - Kudzu Eats The South A lot of forests and farmland vanished into that leafy green sea some call the cancer of the plant world. By preventing trees from getting sunlight kudzu starves them to death. Growing a foot a day it blankets trees, power poles, fences, yards, houses, cars, trucks—anything in its path. Kudzu, closely identified with the South, has done what armadillos, hydrilla, coyotes, and some northern folks have failed to do: become a cultural icon.

A joke goes that a Yankee asked a southern farmer how to grow kudzu.

The farmer tells the Yankee to throw the kudzu seeds on the ground, then run like there’s no tomorrow. Well, there is a tomorrow for kudzu.

The invasive plant from Asia that’s eating the South never goes on a diet. It’s here to stay, climbing, curling, and coiling around everything in its path. Utility poles and trees don’t stand a chance. Kudzu, truth be told is more a myth than anything say the experts. Look at the photo.

You be the judge.

Another excursion took people atop a rural icon vanishing year by year.

Fire towers’ reign peaked in 1953 when 5,060 towers looked out across the land. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built a lot of good things for the country, among them, fire towers where life was lonely at the top.

Shirley Williams knows how lonely it gets. She sat atop a Georgia Forestry Commission fire lookout tower for well over 40 years near Ludowici, Georgia. Shirley said you could see for 25 miles on a clear day. Beautiful sunsets were the rule. “And you haven’t lived until you’ve been in a fire tower during a lightning storm. “Otherwise,” she added, “it’s quiet and peaceful; not a lot going on.”

I climbed the tower back home just once. Up the steps I went until I reached the trap door. Pushing through, I could see far and wide down Highway 378 into South Carolina.

Several things ended fire towers’ reign: spotters in airplanes and helicopters, satellites, video cameras, cell phones, and improvements in radio, plus a “let it burn” philosophy for managed forests. Now we know some fires are good for ecosystems. Change marches on and now this romantic symbol of conservation and safety faces hard times.

Next readers getting antsy at home, I figured a trip to the most remote place in South Carolina would grab their attention.

Photo of a fire tower in McClellanville - It's Lonely At The Top 26

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I asked two South Carolina writers adventurers a question. “What’s the most remote place in South Carolina?”

“Sandy Island,” they said. I visited Sandy Island, which sits between the Waccamaw and Pee Dee Rivers. The 19-square-mile island consists of prehistoric sand dunes and they’re big. Sandy Island is the highest point in Georgetown County. The only way onto the island is by water. A boatman took me there. I toured the island’s sandy lanes, saw deer, wild hogs, and longleaf pines, something you don’t see much anymore. I saw a way of living mainlanders could only guess at. The island did not get electricity until 1965. Gullah, maybe 100, live there, descendants of rice field workers.

Life on a remote island is peaceful. “No commotion,” as one resident said, but it’s arduous. Children take the school bus boat for an eight-minute journey across the Waccamaw River. Then they take a traditional bus to school. Their parents and others take motorboats to the mainland. Then they make it to their place of work by way of rides or their own vehicles.

No development. You won’t see traffic lights or asphalt. South Carolina’s largest freshwater island hosts endangered species such as the red cockaded woodpecker. At one time businessmen attempted to get a bridge built to the island but people appreciative of the island’s role in nature stopped that effort along with help from the red cockaded woodpecker’s endangered status.

Points of interest include an old schoolhouse, a bed and breakfast called Wilma’s Cottage, Pyatt’s General Store, and New Bethel Baptist Church, circa 1880.

Island residents barge vehicles over to the island, a costly undertaking.

When a car or truck dies it’s left to its own devices. You’ll see abandoned appliances for the same reason. And the next time you feel aggravated for having to pump your own gas, be advised that island residents must go to the mainland and fill jerrycans with gas and haul it back to the island and then fill their vehicles.

Yes, Myrtle Beach is not that many miles away but when it comes to years, it’s beyond reach. Sandy Island—Founded by a freed slave who had worked in the island’s rice fields is lost in time.

My next trip presented a bewitching plant, never forgotten by those who see it in its native habitat.

Photo of rocky shoals spider lilies at Stevens Creek - A Southern Spectacle A botanical superstar lives in South Carolina. It’s exquisite, ephemeral, and periled, in that much of its habitat lies beneath lakes: the rocky shoals spider lily. As status goes, it’s a national plant of concern headed toward endangered status. This stunning perennial grows to three feet in height in direct sunlight. Flowing water carries its seeds away and when they land in a rocky crevice, they form a colony—if conditions are right. Alas, man’s dams did away with many rocky shoals. You’ll find it in just three states: South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.

Babylon had its hanging gardens and South Carolina has its watery, undulating gardens. What’s considered the world’s largest colony blesses South Carolina with blooms aplenty this time of year. You’ll find it at Landsford Canal State Park in Chester County. Stand near this blooming colony of rocky shoals spider lilies and you’ll enjoy a concert of babbling water and a banquet for the eyes. Dark green stems reminiscent of bamboo shoots support delicate flowers that bring ballerinas to mind. Dancing flowers upon a stage of rushing water.

It’s a performance you’ll not forget. A magnificent colony thrives on Stevens Creek in McCormick County.

This time of year I seek out the rocky shoals spider lilies for a beautiful reason: they’re in bloom and they’re a dream for photographers and artists. You lose track of time and worries in the presence of Hymenocallis coronaria, an aquatic, perennial flowering plant species.

Photo of Sandy Island from boat on the Waccamaw - South Carolina's Most Remote Place

Moving on, skirting cities and towns and driving the back roads led me to my destination: the rocky, rugged northwest corner where a churning, green-white river ascended into legend. thesouthernedgemagazine.com

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From springs and steams near Cashiers, North Carolina, a mighty river first forms as a glittering mountain stream near Whitesides Mountain.

The Chattooga flows 10 miles in North Carolina before forming a forty-mile border between Georgia and South Carolina. The river drops 2,469 feet over 50 miles (49.3 feet per mile), creating a wild, dangerous run. The river surges, pools, and slashes through Chattooga Country as National Geographic referred to it. It’s known too as “Deliverance Country” owing to the 1972 film, Deliverance, that made it a legend.

Fabled Section IV of the Chattooga saves its strongest, rock-hard muscle for its last seven miles where boulders and ledges beget rapids, sieves, and hydraulics. One summer an ill-fated deer ended up in a keeper hydraulic where it tumbled for a week before the river spat it out, piece by piece.

This savage-but-stunning river flows through ancient Cherokee lands and it remains untamed. Dams straddle most rivers in the Southeast, but not the Chattooga, it runs free. Fishermen, naturalists, novelists, environmentalists, essayists, filmmakers, and the curious come to the Chattooga. Rafters and veteran kayakers brave its Sections III and IV. The river has long attracted thrill seekers, many times fatally. You don’t get on this river unless you’re a veteran of dangerous whitewater. Best to employ an outfitter to take you down river, and when you do you’ll understand why James Dickey wrote, “I felt as though I had dipped into some supernatural source of primal energy. It was like riding on a river of air.”

“Sheltering, Southern Style” doesn’t end here. Like the Chattooga it keeps on rolling. For now, I’ll drop homebound readers off but I’ll keep sheltering along the back roads, so don’t be surprised when you hear from me again somewhere down a back road where the air is fresh, sunlight warm, and the fragrance of wildflowers sweeten a summer day. I’ll cruise mask-less through a land of nature, beauty, and quaint reminders of those who passed this way long, long before I did.

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the lost

Words & Photos by Phil Gaines

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E

ach spring I watch and wait with anticipation for the first signs that winter has had enough and is ready to slowly surrender the season of cold and gray to that of warmth and color. One of the first signs is with South Carolina’s state flower as it slowly makes its way from the lowcountry to the Blue Ridge mountains, dotting the landscape and roads with yellow and greens in what seems to be in every treetop. The yellow jessamine, also called Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), became our official state flower in March of 1924. The funnel-shaped yellow blossom boastfully announces that spring is here. This spring the jessamine did not disappoint, nor did the Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia), usually the first of the wildflowers to bloom it precedes the more showy and larger flowers to come. The “bells,” a rare and unique flower found in gorges or ravines near a stream or creek bed in the mountains of the Carolinas while small are grand in their beauty. The bell shape and creamywhite flowers with their dark green glossy leaves stand out in the winter undergrowth and appear to ring the announcement that spring is here. This spring was no different, the jessamine bloomed right on cue, then a quick trip to Devils Fork State Park and the South Carolina Botanical Gardens at Clemson University to see the bells, they didn’t disappoint. Spring fever was in the air, the warm breezes and pollen left no doubt. Plans of hikes and adventures to see spring wildflowers, experience a sunrise and to connect with friends and family was at the top of my to do list. Then the unimaginable happen…letters followed by two numbers that meant nothing last spring now occupied our televisions, our newsfeeds and our lives.

COVID-19, a coronavirus that would change our lives, our world and have us rethinking the spring of 2020. I would miss spring wildflower season, not to mention March Madness, the Masters, baseball, hugs and handshakes. Spring was lost.

Maybe. Spring is the season of new beginnings, that’s why wildflower season is such a part of spring for me. The wildflowers appear from nowhere, through the brown and dry brittle leaves of winter their brilliant colors, unusual shapes and aromatic fragrances reveal a new season and a feeling of hope. Spring and hope are intertwined, much like the yellow jessamine that cling to the trees announcing this new season. Spring is just what we needed, and we lost it. During this crisis we have been reminded of the things we miss, things that too often we overlooked just a few months ago.

Social gatherings, hugs and handshakes and the freedom to hike a trail or walk on the beach. To take the perfect picture of a wildflower, a sunrise or selfie with family and friends. With the reality of a lost spring I’ve decided to make the most of it. So, I took my camera and went outside. Not far, just the backyard and the neighborhood. What I observed was that spring wasn’t lost at all, dogwoods are blooming right on schedule. Even the birds know its spring as a flash of red catches my eye as a male cardinal darts through the trees anxious to catch the eye of his female friend. Her pale brown colors are a dull contrast to the bright red of the male, yet the distinctive crest, same black face and red-orange bill let me know they’re a match made in heaven. They land and their flutelike voices rich and memorable as its rings through the neighborhood. It is spring, spring is not lost, just different.

Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.

- Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss once said that “sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” I went to look for some memories, photos of past spring wildflower walks, a treasure-trove of memories and moments etched in time. Experiencing pictures taken before the world changed would serve as a reminder of what I already knew, spring is beautiful. That its nature’s announcement of new beginnings, new opportunities, and a reminder that hope is a verb and so is spring. Recent studies show that while pictures do indeed capture the beauty of place, that they also capture memories of the people with whom you spent those moments with. Social distancing has really impacted how we experience nature and the outdoors. Not just during the “lost spring” but how we’ll experience it in the future when things return to “normal.” My guess is we’ll make sure we experience spring next year, with a camera and with people. We’ll capture those moments and turn them into memories that we’ll cherish forever. That we’ll wake up early just once to catch a sunrise awaken the darkness of the Atlantic and paint a sky that unimaginable. That we’ll find the time to see and capture the wildflowers of summer, Indian blanket, fire pinks, coneflowers and goldenrod to name a few. We be sure to mark on the calendar that in June the rocky shoals spider lilies bloom on the Catawba River, that a sunset at Sassafras Mountain is something special regardless of the time of year. And that fall’s colors last longer in the south than anywhere else.

Maybe the spring wasn’t lost at all, in fact the trilliums, blood root, primrose violets, monarch butterflys arrived for spring like they always did. We did too, just a little different than the way we did in the past and we’re leaving the spring of 2020 a little different as well.

The lost spring of 2020 may have just reminded us that time and opportunities to turn moments into memories are limited. To make every day count, to never take for granted a social gathering again to never miss spring.

I can’t wait for summer, for fall, even winter and then the spring of 2021! For now, I’m pretty excited about tomorrow!

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LOCKDOWN COMES TO TOWN THE BISTRO'S BEFORE and DURING TALE Words & Photos by Tom Poland

During this cool strange spring there comes to me a blistering afternoon in 2019 when a train locked down Lake Murray Boulevard.

Thunderheads towered over Irmo like Himalayas. Up the boulevard through shimmering fumes a ghostly CSX train blocked Irmo’s main intersection. Westbound drivers, I among them, slowed, crawled, stopped. Just then XM radio aired the U2 B.B. King collaboration …

“When love comes to town I’m gonna jump that train.”

I couldn’t jump that train but in mere yards a left turn into Tuscany Village would take me to a white-columned restaurant, the Bistro On The Boulevard, aka the Bistro. I well remember that evening because of the storms that raged. Many of us sheltered that night at the Bistro, a lively place. In normal times people dine, play trivia Tuesday nights, enjoy live music, talk books, sports, yeah, politics too. Thursdays and weekends live music gingers up spirits as bartenders tend and wait staff take orders for the chef. All in all, it’s one of Columbia’s move lively nightspots.

I like the Bistro. It’s my go-to place for socializing. Irwin Shaw, or was it Ernest Hemingway, said a person ought to go to just one bar.

“People will know where to find you.” The Bistro’s my place. I like the staff, patrons, and stories. Any writer worth his salt will hang out where people share unbelievable stories. Did you hear about the man who asked his wife to hide a painting he hated? After they divorced, Russia paid her $5 million for this rare Russian painting of country life. I heard that tale of smuggled Russian art at the Bistro where life was good until this Corona Virus Disease 19 locked down life as no train ever could.

Early in March the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported the state’s first two cases of COVID-19. It didn’t take long for normal life to halt. Schools closed, Augusta National suspended The Masters, and the dominoes kept falling until a sort of Twilight Zone set in. On March 17, Governor McMaster issued an executive order that mandated all restaurants cease dine-in services.

The Bistro turned to take-out only.

On a breezy Friday evening in April I stopped by to pick up a togo order. The patio? Empty. Restaurant? Vacated. The bar? Deserted.

Staffers Emily, Steve, and Adam were there, judiciously standing apart.

As I waited alone, I photographed the social void and through my viewfinder better times came into focus. Evenings when a drum kit flashed gold like a lunar lander ... when burnished copper mugs cast a red gleam onto the bar’s fine-grained wood ... when hostess Meredith,

a striking dark-haired woman, whistled ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ theme perfect pitch. When Adam polished a wine glass as voices brimming with excitement rose higher and higher, a farrago of confabulation to use highfalutin words. Evenings when peals of laughter chimed like musical notes. When people came to enjoy life and add to the soundtrack of clinking glasses and pleasant conversations.

The lockdown quieted all that, ushering in a dark time, but there comes to me memories of the evening after that train lockdown. Wave after wave of storms dragged curtains of rain across Irmo, as neon bolts froze raindrops midair and winds zigzagged tears in white torrents.

Lightning exiled night to day in tremendous blue flashes. Women clutching skirts fled the patio as men holding their drinks rushed in, as gusts tossed palmetto fronds around like some hurricane come off the Atlantic. The neon blue bolts of that electric night made you feel forever young and you knew you’d do this as long as you could, but three seasons later an invisible storm struck dividing life into two phases: Before and During.

After? We’re still waiting for that.

Restaurants Close First A lot of moving parts make up a restaurant. Operating a restaurant is complex. Bistro Manager Steve Price and Owner Susan Crosby talked with me about social restrictions’ impact on the Bistro’s operation.

“March 17, 2020,” said Price, “we all sat in front of the television anticipating that our governor would put restrictions on capacity and spacing in restaurants. We were prepared to accommodate restrictions in order to remain open for our dine-in guests. Unfortunately, his order was to discontinue dine-in business. That meant take-out orders only. We were not prepared for that,” said Price. “In our restaurant, our guests are the heartbeat. The social interaction is vibrant and vital.

How are we supposed to continue if the main component of our success is removed?”

Restricted to curbside and carryout dining, revenue fell. Spending had to be reduced. Price and Crosby quickly suspended linen services, paper product delivery, advertising, and other non-essential services.

“Take-out was less than 2 percent of our total business,” said Price.

“We simply were not set up for that. We had no idea if we could make it work. Staffing had to be addressed as did procuring the necessary containers and implements for to-go food.”

Said Crosby, “We had to use delivery services that charge high fees to restaurants.” They also had to determine menu items that could perform as takeout food and how to economically market them.

And what about employees? “During this time, we did not lay off any employees,” said Crosby. “We paid them to clean, sanitize, paint, complete repairs and update the interior. We paid them normal pay plus 18 percent tips from our pocket.” They also purchased facemasks, no-touch thermometers, and sanitizers. Extra expenses included printing disposable menus, buying disposable dinnerware, and other supplies.

Bistro staff pitched in but broken supply chains and unavailable food items created problems. Price said they operated in a constant state of evolution, but then something happened. It started to work. “A small taste of normal” is how Price put it. Even so, the restaurant was generating just 20 percent of its normal revenue.

“We had already made the commitment to our staff that we would employ them as much and long as we could,” said Price. “The 20 percent wouldn’t cover labor, let alone costs of the food.” The time to get creative had arrived.

“We opened the wine storage and found a healthy inventory,” said Price. “We had to liquidate that, pulling a few cases each day for a fire sale. We decided that the most effective, and free, marketing would be social media. We developed a series of wine tasting videos and put them out.”

Loyal customers recognized deals and began to buy bottle after bottle.

“Some put cases together to take home,” said Price. “The wine sales increased to as much as 35 percent of our normal, a great relief. With these marginal processes working, along with adapting to an everchanging environment, we realized our customers were eager to have some normalcy back into their lives.”

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SOME NORMALCY RETURNS The Bistro is known for its live music. If that could be continued it would further support a feeling of normalcy. “We decided to continue live music performances,” said Price. “We weren’t allowed to have guests sit and listen, but when they picked up their take-out, one of their favorite musicians would be playing. Some of the musicians play for a living, and their livelihood was gone in one day. Though they were not getting paid at previous levels, we provided them some income.

As with our staff, our guests were very generous with the musicians as well.”

I stopped by on another Friday evening. A cloudless evening gave the Bistro’s columns a soft blue sheen. Behind those columns a singerguitarist streamed music to patrons via Facebook. Live music was back, kind of. The patio was empty save for the musician’s friends, a couple.

People came and went as they picked up orders to go. Well, it beat being closed but it was a band-aid. No socializing.

Said Price, “Once the initial emotion of conquering daily challenges subsided, we missed our guests, our friends. Though we could say hello, how are you, we missed conversations. Empty bar seats and tables weren’t natural. It didn’t feel good. Anyone who truly wants to work in a service industry depends on daily interaction. Taking care of guests is what we do. That was void during this. We stayed in touch with some guests who for various and legitimate reasons could not venture outside. Text messages and phone calls went out frequently to those we could contact.”

Crosby, Price, and staff worked diligently to observe the decisions made by the “Powers that Be,” as Price phrased it. Most of all, they wanted to be ready for whatever changes came next so they could welcome guests back inside the restaurant. Well, how about outside?

On May 4, Governor McMaster said restaurants could offer outdoor dining. The Bistro’s patio came alive again, but social distancing was in effect. A flicker of life returned but it was a band-aid as well, albeit a bigger one. People could sit in small groups if they came in together.

They could talk across widely spaced chairs, and it felt great to resume a bit of what we had been missing: being with great friends and catching up.

DINE-IN RETURNS On May 11, Governor McMaster said each restaurant could decide if it wanted to let guests dine inside. Tables would have to be spaced six to eight feet apart and no restaurant could exceed 50 percent legal occupancy, but it was not mandatory … just suggested. The Bistro returned to dining in. It marked a number of bar stools and tables as “no sitting” zones and carefully managed the number of patrons coming inside. The good times were back, though the “During Phase” continues. As we say down South, “We’re not out of the woods yet.”

“In looking back, we were truly fortunate to have some amazing people that we call friends, guests, customers in our business,” said Price. “We

would not have survived without them. We will always remember and be grateful for helping us through.”

“After,” Phase Three, is out there, getting closer we hope. When it arrives, restaurants like the Bistro can return to 100 percent capacity. So far, the Bistro, one of the region’s better restaurant/bars, is navigating troubled waters that have killed other businesses. And it’s doing so without laying off any employees although it wasn’t all peaches and cream. Some staffers quit as receiving money from the government discouraged them from working. “We lost our head chef, sous-chef, line cook, and several servers,” said Crosby.

The best times of all wait on Lake Murray Boulevard as they do elsewhere. The sheltering will pass and isolation will give way to socializing as before. The Bistro on the Boulevard has established itself as a place with a cozy atmosphere and live music, and it has stay power, the domain of regulars. New memories of good times and people at the Bistro On The Boulevard will be made. Whether it was Shaw or Hemingway who said it, it’s true. A lot of people know they can find friends at the Bistro, and that’s what will happen. If anything the sense of camaraderie will be even stronger and good times will never be taken for granted again. As Price said, people are the heartbeat of the Bistro. The beat will go on.

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During these uncertain times, it is so important to do everything you can to keep your body healthy, right? There are so many things that are beyond our control right now but one thing we can control is the decision to make healthy choices. Focusing on a whole food, nutrient dense diet, along with regular exercise, plenty of sleep, and intermittent fasting can boost your immune system! These salad recipes are a part of the “FASTer Way to Fat Loss� plan and they are easy, healthy, and delicious! If you would like more information about the plan, feel free to contact me!

LETTUCE be HEALTHY Words & Salad Recipe Photos by Rhonda Gaffney

STEAK CHIMICHURRI

cobb Ingredients:

carbs 24g | protein 52g | fat 28g | fiber 11g with dressing carbs 24g | protein 52g | fat 83g | fiber 11g

Dressing:

2 slices bacon

1/4 cup chopped parsley

1 egg, hard boiled

1/2 garlic clove, chopped

2 cups romaine lettuce 4 oz grilled sirloin 1/4 cup corn 1/2 cup grape tomatoes 1/2 cup chopped orange pepper

1 squeeze lemon juice 1 tsp oregano or Italian Seasoning 1/4 cup olive oil 1-2 tbsp red or white wine vinegar Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup green onion 1/2 avocado On a plate or in a bowl, layer the lettuce on the bottom and line the remaining ingredients over the top. thesouthernedgemagazine.com

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GRILLED VEGETABLE

salad Ingredients: 2 cups fresh spinach

1/2 cup grilled red bell pepper 1 1/2 cups grilled asparagus 1/2 cup grape tomatoes 1/2 cup grilled fresh corn

1 cup freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice (or regular lemon juice) 1/3 to 1/2 cup honey (use a bit more when using regular lemons) 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 3 tbsp minced shallots 1 tbsp minced fresh thyme 1/2 tbsp minced fresh rosemary

1/2 grilled medium zucchini

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 cup grilled yellow bell pepper 4 oz grilled chicken

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Dressing (Honey Mustard Vinaigrette):

1 grilled small yellow squash 1/4 cup grilled green bell pepper

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carbs 38g | protein 48g | fat 9g with honey mustard dressing carbs 42g | protein 48g | fat 17g

1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper Store leftover dressing in the fridge, covered, and use when recipe calls for it.

SOUTHWEST CHOPPED

salad

carbs 63g | protein 49g | fat 8g with cilantro-lime dressing carbs 64g | protein 49g | fat 12g

Ingredients: 2 cups romaine lettuce 1/2 cup black beans 1/4 cup orange pepper 1/2 cup grape tomatoes 1/2 cup sweet corn 1/2 cup green onion 1/4 cup red bell pepper 1/4 cup shredded carrots 1/4 cup green bell pepper 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper 4 oz grilled chicken Dressing (Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing): 1 cup loosely packed cilantro, stems removed and roughly chopped 1/2 avocado (or 1/2 cup plain vegan yogurt) 2 tbsp fresh lime juice 1-2 garlic cloves 1/4 cup olive oil 1 1/2 tsp. white wine vinegar 1/8 tsp salt Agave Store leftover dressing in the fridge, covered, and use when recipe calls for it. Makes 4 servings.

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POWER GREEN

smoothie

carbs 47g | protein 31g | fat 15g *protein grams may vary depending on protein powder of choice

Ingredients: 1 cup coconut water 1 cup loosely packed cilantro 1 cup loosely packed baby greens 1 cup cucumber 1 cup pineapple Juice of one lemon 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger 1/2 avocado 1 serving protein powder Blend together.

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To our brave healers and helpers, workers and educators,

Families and neighbors, and small

businesses making a difference, We thank you for your selfless

devotion during this time.

We're showing some love to our

southern hometown heroes who

have reminded us that we can get

through anything when we take

care of each other.

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Brice Maynard Who would have guessed when Brice got a sewing machine for Christmas, she would be so busy helping others just a few short months later? Well, she is, and in a big way. When the shortage of n95 masks developed in early Spring due to the outbreak of COVID-19, Brice Maynard, age 11 and a 5th grade student at Belton Elementary in Belton, SC, took on the task of using her own hands and talents in her home to create and donate mask covers for others. At first, the demand for these masks benefited people in uniform including nurses, doctors, healthcare workers, and military men and women. While Brice busily sewed, the demand grew and the need for mask covers increased to all people; essential business employees, lunchroom ladies at the local school, and the elderly going to chemotherapy treatments.

To date, Brice has donated over 100 masks. “It’s all about helping others during this time. Seeing my masks on social media makes me smile and encourages me to continue working, even when I get tired”, Brice says.

Beth Blackmer Beth is a single mom and nurse on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19. She is also a victim of the terrible tornadoes that came through Seneca, South Carolina, on Easter night. Her home and car were destroyed, but her family was safe. The morning after the tornado, Beth did not stay home – she reported to her shift at the hospital because she was needed there. There was no time to think about her personal loss. Once back home during the following weeks, you could find Beth in the streets of her community offering water to volunteers cleaning up the debris. It takes a special kind of person to look beyond personal tragedy and help others. Beth is that kind of person.

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ONE NATION COFFEE What an awesome story: heroes helping heroes! One Nation Coffee is a veteran and law enforcement officer owned coffee company in Charleston, South Carolina. They watched frontline workers across the country going above and beyond to serve America as the pandemic hit. In their jobs, they understand the importance of not just a cup of coffee, but a GREAT cup of coffee when you need an extra pick-me-up. So, in late Spring, they donated $25,000 in coffee to help fuel the frontline warriors in the battle against COVID-19.

Coffee was provided to hospitals in New York City and throughout South Carolina. Check them out at www.onenationcoffee.com and order a coffee subscription. One dollar from every bag sold goes to organizations that serve veterans, law enforcement and first responders.

BRACKISH Through their Masks by Makers inititative, Brackish produced over 3,000 masks which were donated to medical communities across the country and were included with all online orders throughout the campaign. On average they produced 280 masks per week. These masks were donated to multiple hospitals, Senior Living Facilities, Rehabilitation Facilities, a Nose and Sinus Institute, an Orthopedic Sports Medicine Facility, a Nursing Home as well as multiple Home Health organizations. They have also provided their retail partners, located across the country, with complimentary masks for their staff as they begin re-opening their doors. These masks were shipped to customers living in 39 different states. Learn more about Masks by Makers here. thesouthernedgemagazine.com

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A new magazine for a new South