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Currents South Carolina

A PUBLICATION OF MPD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

OCTOBER 2026

Toys & Games

Tactile fun and games are making a comeback Page 6

OF ESY URT GAMES O C & TO PHO LY TOYS F FIRE

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The Power of Checking In MPD Electric Cooperative mpd.coop OFFICE LOCATIONS 1301 E. Pocket Road P.O. Box 100561 Florence, SC 29502 843-665-4070 676 Highway 9 E. P.O. Box 1057 Bennettsville, SC 29512 843-479-3855

REPORT POWER OUTAGES 866-747-0060

OFFICE HOURS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

PRESIDENT/CEO

William L. Fleming Jr.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

John Alford Melvin Carabo Preston Gainey James Goodson Eddie Gordon David Howell Sam P. “Bo” McInnis Jr., Chairman Robert Norton Hamer Parnell Jeff Quick, Secretary Ronald “Ronnie” Quick Janelle Sauls LaShon Sellers, Vice Chairman Charles R. “Ricky” Smith Patricia Ann Toney Lee C. White

CO-OP NEWS EDITORS Katie W. Wilcox, CCC kwilcox@mpd.coop Matt Haynie mhaynie@mpd.coop

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to serve the energy needs of our members today and in the future at the lowest cost consistent with sound economic principles and management. MPD Electric Cooperative Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

It seems that hardly a day goes by without hearing that someone we know is facing something difficult. A friend receives an unexpected diagnosis. A neighbor loses a loved one. A family is dealing with a sudden tragedy. Someone else is quietly caring for an aging parent, struggling through a difficult season or simply trying to keep everything together. Sometimes the news stops us in our tracks. We think, “I had no idea they were going through that.” It is a reminder that while we may see one another at work, school, church, the grocery store or on social media, we rarely know everything happening in someone else’s life. That makes the simple act of checking in more important than ever. We live in a world where staying connected has never been easier. With the touch of a few buttons, we can reach almost anyone in seconds. Yet amid our busy schedules, it can be surprisingly easy to lose touch with the people around us. Checking in doesn’t require knowing that something is wrong. In fact, sometimes the most meaningful call or message arrives before we’ve heard any news at all. It can be as simple as saying, “I was thinking about you today. How are you doing?” Maybe it’s an elderly neighbor whose family lives out of town. A friend who has been unusually quiet lately. A co-worker who has a special needs child. Or perhaps it’s the person who always seems to have everything together. We often don’t know what is happening behind someone else’s front door. That’s what makes checking in so powerful. We don’t have to solve the problem, offer advice or find the perfect words. Sometimes people simply need to know that someone noticed them and cared enough to ask. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture—sending a text or making a phone call may be enough. To go the extra mile, take a plate of dinner to a neighbor. Invite someone for coffee. Drop a card in the mail. When you ask someone how they’re doing, slow down long enough to really hear the answer. For generations, that has been part of what it means to be a community. Neighbors noticed when something didn’t seem quite right. People stopped on porches, talked across fences and paid attention to one another. Our lives may look different today, but our need for one another hasn’t changed. We can’t prevent every illness, take away every loss or fix every hardship. But we can make sure the people around us don’t have to feel as though they are facing those things unnoticed. As we head into the holiday season, think of someone you haven’t heard from lately. Don’t wait until you hear something is wrong. You may never know how much it meant to someone. Because a strong community isn’t only built during times of crisis. It’s built in the small moments when we notice one another, care for one another and simply ask, “How are you?” JOHN ALFORD Trustee

OCTOBER 2026

Table of Contents

October 2026 Vol. 8, No. 11 CEO Michael Shepard SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Noble Sprayberry SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC LEAD CONTENT EDITOR Victoria Hampton, CCC ASSISTANT EDITORS David Herder, CCC; Sable Riley, CCC; Nina Todea, CCC ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valeri Saldanha Rosa PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER Elizabeth Beatty SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR Alyssa McDougle

South Carolina Currents (issue 88) is published monthly, except in December, by Pioneer Utility Resources, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Preferred periodical postage permit number 23830 paid at Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: South Carolina Currents, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Subscription price of $9.89 per year includes postage.

Page 12

HOW TO CONTACT CURRENTS Have a problem receiving your edition of South Carolina Currents? Utility members should contact MPD Electric Cooperative. Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Pioneer Utility Resources.

A Lesson in Pierogi

Sharing food traditions makes good neighbors and lasting memories

MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS Please do not send unsolicited materials. If interested in writing for South Carolina Currents, query first. Include a selfaddressed stamped envelope for writers’ guidelines. Address requests and queries to Pioneer Utility Resources. DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES American MainStreet Publications 611 S. Congress Ave. Suite 504 Austin, TX 78704 800-626-1181 or 512-441-5200

Willie Wiredhand is the longtime mascot and spokesplug of electric cooperatives around the United States. He was adopted in 1951 by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Here’s your task: Willie is hidden somewhere in every issue of Currents. See if you can find this friendly face among the news and stories as you read!

O C T O B E R 2026

PHOTO BY MARTIN BOWERS

Page 36

Dark Skies, Big Views Close-up views of outer space can dazzle

DEPARTMENTS Where in the Community? | Recipes | Photo Tips | Homesteading

We fuel generations

MPDEnergy.com | 843.479.2211

Toys & Games

Tactile fun and games are making a comeback By Libby Wiersema If you thrill at the crisp, sweet smell of a freshly opened pack of collector cards or the feel of a paintbrush in your hand as you colorize a miniature army of fantasy warriors, it is time to meet your people. The best elements of old-school hobby shops and toy stores have joined forces for an exciting modern-day comeback that embraces something that was practically extinct—in-person interaction, competition and play. Are you game? Then, head to downtown Hartsville and visit Firefly Toys & Games. The shop hit the ground running when it opened last November, and the doors are still getting a dizzying workout. The colorful array of plushies, pop culture figurines, trendy toys, collectibles, novelty game dice, puzzles, model kits, used retro video games, board games and other amusing goodies designate this as a place where people of all ages have fun. Amazingly, the entertainment factor does not rely upon screen time. “As a middle-school kid, I was introduced to Dungeons and Dragons and got hooked,” says store manager Eric Grogan, one of the first hires when Firefly’s flagship store opened 14 years ago in Columbia. “I really loved connecting with other kids and learning new games, too. I guess you could say my hobby led to a career. I am truly doing what I love.” Hartsville is the second location to open. The third store at the Fort Jackson Mini Mall Complex debuted last March. Owner Jasper Humbert opened his

O C T O B E R 2026

first store in Lexington in 2011, then moved the business to St. Andrews Road. Eventually, it grew into a Columbia staple thanks to its welcoming environment and large inventory of games, collectibles and toys. Firefly Toys & Games in Hartsville is no exception. There is much to see inside, so plan to spend a few minutes taking it all in. Jellycat Plushies, Squishmallows, Dumplings, NeeDoh Balls, model kits, game mats, rule books, Chala handbags, multisided dice, bins of Wigglitz collectibles—the colorful displays offer a kaleidoscope of possibilities for fun and games. Back to the Table The popularity of tabletop gaming drives the action at Firefly. So, what are tabletop games? Simply put, the term refers to any game in which boards, dice, cards and/or miniature figurines are set up on a table for face-to-face play and competition. For older adults, this may sound like a throwback to the days before video games stormed the scene and sent board games to the closet shelf. For younger folks, board games and RPGs, or role-playing games, are often a novelty. But the beauty of the situation comes down to a human experience, as this kind of gameplay helps build community and bridges generation gaps. “Firefly is a great place to hang out as a family,” Lauren Belcher says as she plays tabletop games with her three children, ages 11, 9 and 5. “We come here at least once a week. There are so many nonscreen options, and that’s important to me as a parent.”

Game nights for families, RPG nights for kids, new edition release events, board game tutorials and practice sessions, homeschool game days and tournaments for fans of tabletop war games are just a handful of the possibilities for making a game connection here. Best of all, no special gaming know-how or equipment is needed to get in on the fun. “You don’t need to bring dice or a board game or anything at all— just come in,” Eric says. “Select a game from our free demo library, take a seat at a table and enjoy an old favorite or something new. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.” Pinball and retro game enthusiasts are feeling the love, too. Dings and pings bounce off the walls of a dedicated arcade room where kids and adults feed tokens into the slots of their favorite old-school games, which include Pac-Man and the newest Pokémon pinball machine. If all that concentration and friendly competition conjure an appetite, there is an ample array of snacks, candies, craft sodas and such to fuel your gameplay. Got a hankering for a pepperoni pizza while playing Lorcana? Go ahead and dial up your favorite delivery service and nosh while you play. “We really want people to feel like they can linger as long as they want,” Eric says. “Take a seat and plan to spend a few hours with your favorite game, no interruptions necessary.”

Socialize, Strategize, Fantasize The game tables see lots of action as players hover over figurines, boards and cards to plan their next moves and trades. From sci-fi missions to fantasy world battles to card games for all levels of players, a whole lot of plotting and planning goes down at Firefly Toys & Games. And when victory is claimed, it is not unusual for sounds of jubilation to ring out. “Yes! Woo hoo!” Nathan Atkinson, of Florence, shouts after defeating his opponent in a Warhammer 40K Combat Patrol game. Billed as a “casual” matchup, it was a low-stress competition in which players used a single box set of figurines to play fast two-hour matches sans the more complex army of warriors needed for longer tournaments. The futuristic survival game is played with painted miniatures

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Firefly Toys & Games makes a cheerful, fun addition to Downtown Hartsville. PHOTO COURTESY OF FIREFLY TOYS & GAMES Children love the store’s colorful Wigglitz collectible figurines. Painted warrior figurines do battle during a Warhammer 40K match. Firefly regular Nathan Atkinson shows off his hand-painted Warhammer army. PHOTOS BY KEN BEEBE

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY REDDISH

OCTOBER 2026

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Dice for all kinds of tabletop games are in ample supply at Firefly. Redd Bradburne, of the United Kingdom, finds kindred Warhammer spirits at Firefly. The store carries an extensive variety of dice bags. Firefly stocks paints and supplies needed to colorize miniatures and build models. PHOTOS BY KEN BEEBE

O C T O B E R 2026

that battle in a fantasy universe. Nathan’s opponent congratulates him, and the two competitors begin packing up their respective armies. Just like that, their intense warrior personas dissolve, and they return to being just two guys who share an enthusiasm for Warhammer 40K. “I painted all these miniatures by hand,” Nathan says, his pride showing in the smile on his face. “I’ve been playing for 11 or 12 years now. There are a lot of things I like about this game, but the best part is meeting other people—something that is hard to do if you’re playing a video game. I like video games, but I feel tabletop gaming is a more productive use of my time.” Firefly stocks the miniatures, paints, brushes and other supplies needed to bring such an army to life. While you can buy these things online, for a lot of people the physical shopping experience is a great excuse to catch up with fellow players, Eric says. “Local game shops are a big part of tabletop culture,” he says. “They are not only a place to meet up with friends but a place to meet new friends and share a love for gaming.” Indeed, when Redd Bradburne met and married a Hartsville woman, he left his U.K. homeland behind and settled down in the Pee Dee. His love for tabletop gaming led him to Firefly, where he met new friends like David Halcott, of Patrick. Both men share an affinity for Warhammer 40K and enjoy doing battle across a table with their hand-painted figurines. “I really look forward to coming here and playing with people who love the game,” Redd says. “It can be hard to make friends in a new place, but game shops like this make it so much easier.” The camaraderie in the tabletop gaming arena is a tangible force. Though the competition can be intense, the overall vibe is laid-back, family friendly and inclusive. The upbeat feeling is also a draw for the Firefly staff.

Building Your Own Board Game Library People interested in playing board games are not limited to the pleasures of the game shop. But your local game shop can be integral when building a home board game library. Come in and sample games first, then buy the ones you like best. “Whether you’re new to board games or a serious player, we have plenty to offer,” Eric says. “We carry all the new titles as well as favorite classics.” From couples looking for date night alternatives to educators seeking developmental activities for students and parents wanting to enrich family time, people are reconsidering the value of board games as a leisure time activity. Morgan Collins, of Florence, and her husband, Tim, have a collection of more than 300 games. “This hobby really started during the pandemic when we couldn’t leave and go anywhere,” says Morgan, who is a big fan of game shops like Firefly. “We signed up online for Board Game Arena, then played free games weekly. When the world opened up again, we started collecting our own games and going to board game conventions.” In August, they attended such a convention in Atlanta, where they discovered what is new on the board game scene, socialized with fellow board game enthusiasts and met the designers and

artists who create these games. “We are passionate about board games but really excited to meet the amazing minds that develop and design them,” Morgan says. The family’s favorite hobby recently inspired them to transform their spacious den into a dedicated game room. A large bookshelf displays their broad selection of games, and a boardroom-style table allows plenty of room for game nights with their two sons, Henry, 7, and Keith, 3. They also host weekly game nights with friends, neighbors and other family members. “We wanted to make a comfy space with comfy chairs because playing games means you’ll be sitting for a couple of hours or more,” Morgan says. Board games rose to the top of the Collins family’s entertainment preferences for lots of reasons. “They work our minds in unique ways, whether it’s a strategy game or a puzzle,” Morgan says. “And there are no phones, screens or computers needed to have fun. Board games let you disconnect from the world so you can sit across from your family, friends and neighbors, and just have a really good time together.” And it is these kinds of stories that bring a smile to Eric’s face. “What we offer is about more than winning or losing games,” he says. “It is about having fun for fun’s sake, and when you do that with other people, it’s as good as it gets.” 

Did You Know?

 Board games were played by ancient

Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations using shells, stones and seeds.  In the Middle Ages, chess, backgammon and other board games grew in popularity across Europe. They were also used as a religious teaching tool in games that aimed to deliver moral messages.  Modern tabletop games arrived during the Industrial Revolution, including prototypes of the first commercially produced board games like The Game of Life.  During the 20th century, mass-produced games like Monopoly, Scrabble and Risk arrived on the scene.  Dungeons & Dragons was first introduced in the 1970s. The role-playing game was a novelty that revolutionized tabletop gaming and inspired the popularity of other themed tabletop RPGs.  Today, shops like Firefly offer every genre of game for all ages and interests, helping to define a new era of gaming entertainment with something for everyone.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY DIANE MACDONALD

“I applied for a job here because I wanted to socialize more but in a healthy environment,” says high schooler Jenna Sellers. “I know I’ll be safe here, and you can’t say that about a lot of social options for people my age.” When it comes to young children, your local game shop has lots of positives to offer. Developing cognitive, social and motor skills are just some of the benefits of playing face-to-face games. “Gameplay requires creativity, goalsetting and problem-solving,” Eric says. “And it’s a good way for kids to learn how to interact with other kids, too.”

Firefly Toys & Games 146 W. Carolina Ave., Hartsville 843-309-9327 Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday 10 a.m. to midnight Tuesday through Saturday 1 p.m. to midnight Sunday facebook.com/fireflyhartsville

OCTOBER 2026

Where in the

Community? Every month, MPD Electric Cooperative features a new, recognizable spot from somewhere in the Pee Dee. Check out next month’s page for the answer.

This T-33 Shooting Star, also known as a T-Bird, sits beside Lee County Veterans Museum on West Cedar Lane in Bishopville. Lockheed Aviation Co. produced this American subsonic jet trainer, which made its first flight in 1948. It was used in the 4554th Tactical Fighter Wing, then later with the 354th TFW at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base and finally deployed to McConnell AFB in Kansas. After being pulled from active operational status, the jet was transferred to Hartsville Regional Airport for display. In 2014, the plane was moved to its current location, with special thanks to Shaw AFB airmen and veterans who have since dedicated their time to restoring the aircraft to its former glory. It is under control of South Carolina Cotton Museum and Lee County Veterans Museum, which offer self-guided tours.

O C T O B E R 2026

Browned in butter, pierogies and onions go great with cool, tangy sour cream.

A Lesson in Pierogi

Sharing food traditions makes good neighbors and lasting memories Story and photos by Libby Wiersema It was 1981, a year of discovery for me. As a young woman with deeply Southern roots, I found myself newly married and living beyond my comfort zone in a strange northern land called Pittsburgh. The idea of new experiences spoke to my passion for novelty. My first adventure was navigating Steel City alone. My journey that day morphed into a complex web of wrong turns, missed exits and lost, anxiety-filled hours. The problem: I assumed every bridge I traversed was crossing the same river. Talk about a rookie mistake. Though my “lost day” was an unnerving start to a new life, the ’Burgh had some sweet riches in store for me. While practicing recipes in my little kitchen one morning, there was a knock on the door. 12

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“I’m Theresa Boretsky,” said the little dark-haired woman standing there. “I live down the street. Come have lambrusco with me at 5 o’clock. I am making pierogi. I’ll show you how.” I showed up, curious and willing, at the appointed time. “Just call me ‘Mrs. B,’” she said. As we chatted and sipped roomtemperature lambrusco, I was reminded of my Sicilian grandmother. My instincts were spot-on about Mrs. B. She was a Sicilian married to a man from the Polish Hill neighborhood. In her cozy kitchen, she arranged ingredients and told me the story of how, as a young bride, her mother-in-law taught her to make her son’s favorite Polish dishes. First up was pierogi, a dumpling stuffed with fillings like sauerkraut, meat, veggies or fruit. Potato and cheese were Mr. B’s

favorite, so his missus made a big batch each autumn to pop in the freezer. Now, I was already a decent Italian cook, thanks to my mother and grandmother. But Polish food? Well, that was as alien to me as local patois. Unbeknownst to me, I was now living in the “Pierogi Pocket”— a swath of pierogi madness that cut a path from Ohio to New Jersey with a few zigzags along the way. In the United States, twothirds of all pierogies are eaten here. My intimidation eased as we mixed ingredients, kneaded, cut and stuffed. Mrs. B was a kind and patient teacher. In a little more than a couple of hours, we had several dozen pretty dumplings. Those reserved for sampling were boiled then browned in butter with onions. Cold sour cream—which can be added to the dough, dolloped on top or both—was the crowning touch of what immediately

Mrs. B’s Pierogies Makes 3 to 4 dozen Dough: 3 cups all-purpose, unbleached flour 1 large egg, beaten 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup cold water, divided

Filling: 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed ½ shallot, finely diced 3 tablespoons softened butter, divided 2 cups of cheddar, finely shredded, or 2 cups of dry farmer cheese Salt and white pepper, to taste Dash of cayenne pepper, optional 1 large onion, peeled and thinly sliced 2 tablespoons of butter for frying Chilled sour cream

Pierogies are ready for a dip in the boiling pot.

To make dough, add flour, egg, oil, salt and half the water to a bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon to form a dough ball. If mixture seems too dry, add more water 1 teaspoon at a time until the dough holds together without being sticky. Lightly flour a flat surface and your hands. Knead the dough until smooth, then wrap in plastic. Let it rest on the kitchen counter for up to 1 hour. To make filling, boil potatoes in a pot of water until fork tender. Drain and cool. Meanwhile, saute the shallot in 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-low

heat. Do not brown. Mash potatoes. Fold in shallots, cheese and remaining butter. Mix until smooth. Season to taste. To assemble, cut dough ball into two halves. Cover one with plastic, and roll out the other on a floured board to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into circles using a 3-inch biscuit cutter. Slightly enlarge each circle using a rolling pin or your fingers. Place 1 tablespoon of potato filling in the center, then fold the dough over to cover. Tightly crimp the edges with the tines of a fork or your fingers to make a dumpling. Place on a cookie sheet.

Repeat the process with the second dough ball until filling is gone. Freeze the pierogies in a single layer or boil them a few at a time in a deep pot. When they float to the top, remove them to a wire rack to drain. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add sliced onions and saute until translucent. Carefully place drained pierogies into the skillet. Cook on each side until nicely browned. Transfer to a serving dish, then top with cooked onions and butter. Pass the sour cream when serving pierogi.

became one of my favorite dishes. The history of this dish is the history of Slavic immigrants. In cities like Pittsburgh, you can get a taste of their culture from countless eateries, church fundraisers and food trucks. While those are all solid choices, homemade remains my preference. I left Pittsburgh for Florence in 1985, and in 2009, Mrs. B departed for that great pierogi palace in the sky. But her lessons

still linger. Folded inside the recipe box I received as a wedding gift long ago is a yellowed slip of paper with her handwritten recipe. On National Pierogi Day, Oct. 8, I pull it out, gather my ingredients and am transported to that homey kitchen. Here, I share Mrs. B’s recipe for any pierogi-curious readers or transplants yearning for an easy-to-make taste of home. I like to add shallots and a pinch

of cayenne to my potato filling. Pierogi traditions are many, so feel free to tweak as you see fit. Rest assured, even the most creative recipe delivers big, comforting Libby Wiersema covers the state’s culinary scene on Discover South Carolina and writes about Carolina food culture for print and online media. Contact her at libbyscarolinaspoon@gmail.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/SClibby.1111 or on Instagram @libbyscarolinaspoon. OCTOBER 2026

THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT Mary White Henderson, a cousin of Louis J. Nacke II, closes her eyes and folds her hands in prayer during a moment of silence Sept. 11 at the 25th anniversary observance at Flight 93 National Memorial. Louis was among the 40 passengers and crew members killed when hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 crashed on Sept. 11, 2001, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

NIKON D810 | 300mm lens ISO: 200 | f/5 at 1/500

Reader Challenge

Search for memorials in your area or state. This is a chance for you to make a photograph that honors those for whom the memorial was created and maybe its designer as well. The events of 9/11 affected the whole nation. Because of that day, we have been forever changed. Also, Veterans Day is coming up, offering opportunities to photograph those who have served and are serving our country. As always, consider time of day and direction of light.

Memorials for the Living Story and photo by Dave LaBelle I’ve written about photographing monuments and memorials in the past. However, after returning from Shanksville, Pennsylvania, for the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, crash of United Airlines Flight 93, I felt it was important to revisit the subject. On Sept. 11, 2001, as the photography editor for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, I directed the newspaper’s visual coverage, primarily for the Flight 93 crash. That spot, that event and those people will forever be part of who I am today. My direction began in the first days after the unfathomable crash, when the Boeing 757 jet dove into the earth at more than 500 mph, leaving a blackened crater nearly 35 feet deep. I remember the crude memorials erected in the following days—pictures stapled to sticks, fastened to fences and hay bales. I can 14

O C T O B E R 2026

still hear the whimpers and occasional wailing as the wind carried the painful sounds of grieving family, friends and strangers across the fields. Now, 25 years later, thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of so many, the beautiful Flight 93 National Memorial stands at the site. Whether a pile of stones or an elaborate structure of metal, memorials remind us that something remarkable happened, something we should never forget. After all, memorials are for the living, to remind us and teach us. In fact, most memorials are testaments to the worst and best of mankind, where ambition, cruelty and hatred are answered by courage, bravery and uncommon love. Nearly 3,000 souls left this life Sept. 11, 2001—passengers, crew, first responders and strangers sacrificing their lives to try to save others. As with many disasters, 9/11 brought out the worst and best of humankind. 

Email your best image—just one— with caption information and an explanation of how it affects you to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.

Internationally renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. He has shared photo tips and life perspectives with readers since 2009. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.

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AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY

Breeden’s Butcher Shop—owned by only four families since 1926—is a cornerstone of the Bennettsville community. PHOTOS BY VANESSA WOLF

A Century of Nostalgia Bennettsville butcher shop celebrates 100 years in business By MPD Staff In a red brick building in downtown Bennettsville sits a slice of classic Americana. Surrounded by Queen Anne, neoclassical and Colonial Revival-style architecture, the simple glass-front shop hails from simpler times. But make no mistake, the market at 133 Broad St. is no gimmicky throwback. It’s an enduring testament to character and community, and this year, it’s celebrating a milestone few small businesses reach: 100 years in operation. On Sept. 28, Breeden’s Quality Meats was presented with a formal resolution honoring its century of service to Bennettsville and the surrounding area— 16

O C T O B E R 2026

a fitting tribute to a shop that has become as much a part of the town’s identity as the historic architecture around it. Breeden’s opened its doors in 1926 and has been owned and operated by just four families since. Current proprietor Cam Stone’s tenure began early. While still in high school, he started working for his grandfather and then-owner, “Papa” John Thompson, who had been a Breeden’s employee long before buying the shop. In 1988, fresh out of Western Carolina University and weighing graduate school, Cam and his wife, Cindy, agreed to buy the store when his grandfather asked. At the time, they figured they would run it for a few years. Nearly four decades later, they’ve owned

it longer than anyone else in the shop’s 100year history. “Selling it to someone else wasn’t really an option,” Cindy says with a laugh. “No one is going to buy you out to work 70 hours a week.” That dedication mattered most during the industry’s leanest years, when small, family-run butcher shops fell on hard times as consumer habits shifted toward costcutting and convenience, and demand for meat from locally known sources dwindled. “When Walmart came, it was bad,” Cindy says. “We realized, ‘We’ve got to find a way to make this work, or we’ve got to go find other jobs.’ We were really struggling.” Faced with losing a long-held family venture, the Stones found a way forward. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY KAREN ROACH

The shop’s sausage contains no preservatives, additives or filler.

Much of that path was paved by their nowfamous sausages, handcrafted from South Carolina-certified pork. Today, shoppers can find Breeden’s Southern, hot bratwurst and dry-aged varieties in the glass case at the Broad Street shop. The sausages also show up on menus at local spots like Pizza Time in Bennettsville. Getting there was no small feat. Moving from butcher shop to licensed sausage fabricator meant satisfying the South Carolina Meat-Poultry Inspection Department’s requirements—sanitary processing space, proper lighting, ventilation and refrigeration, an employee break area, a dedicated inspector’s office and a bathroom. The Stones secured the building next door to make it work. Compared with federal USDA certification, the state route is faster and simpler, though it limits sales to within South Carolina. Either way, the process is safe from start to finish. The sausage starts as boneless pork— 70% lean and 30% fat—delivered in

60-pound boxes. The pork is cubed and run through a large stainless-steel Hobart commercial grinder. It’s then tossed with a proprietary blend of herbs and spices refined over the years to suit local tastes. Customers love sage and prefer a kick, so Breeden’s spicy link runs notably hotter than most commercial offerings. After a second pass through the grinder for consistency, the sausage-making begins under the watchful eye of Freddie, a familiar face to regular customers, who has long overseen production with a practiced touch that looks far easier than it is. What sets a Breeden’s link apart isn’t just the handwork, though—it’s also what’s left out. There are no preservatives, additives or fillers, just meat, herbs and spices, resulting in tender, juicy links with a genuinely limited shelf life. “Ground beef should not be pink for days on end,” Cindy says. “The color variations are natural. When beef or sausage starts looking all the same— especially several days later—you’ve got a problem.” That old-fashioned approach has aged well. As more consumers have grown interested in knowing where their food comes from, Breeden’s—without ever changing what it does—has found itself right on trend.

“The store—well, we didn’t build it to look old, if you know what I’m saying,” Cam says. “This is real. But what we have here—this authenticity—I guess you could say it’s kind of come back into fashion.” Alongside fresh meat, sausage, poultry, house-made pork cracklings and a line of branded spices, the shop stocks a wide array of area products: Stony Gap coleslaw, Farmer Jim’s smoked sausages, Cape Fear Pirate Candy products, Appin Bees honey and Stanton’s pit-cooked barbecue among them. But ask around Bennettsville, and most will tell you the real draw isn’t on the shelves at all—it’s the people. The door opens every few minutes, and Cam, Cindy and the staff welcome longtime customers as well as strangers into a shop with low shelves, warm lighting and products to discover in every corner. A century after its doors first opened, Breeden’s Quality Meats remains what it’s always been: a butcher shop, a gathering place and a piece of Bennettsville’s heart. As the town honors that legacy with the resolution presented Sept. 28, it’s worth remembering the milestone belongs not just to a building or a business but to four families’ worth of hard work and a community that never stopped showing up. n OCTOBER 2026

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O C T O B E R 2026

Soup Season Is Here

WARM UP WITH A BOWL FULL OF COMFORT Pasta Fagioli

1 tablespoon olive oil 4 slices thick-cut bacon or 4 ounces pancetta, chopped 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped 2 ribs celery, finely diced 1 medium onion, finely diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 5 cups chicken stock

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY DARREN GREEN

O C T O B E R 2026

14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes 19-ounce can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed 19-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 bay leaf 1 Parmesan rind 1 cup ditalini pasta, uncooked 2 cups freshly chopped spinach or kale ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Parsley, for garnish

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add bacon or pancetta. Cook until lightly browned. Add carrots, celery and onion. Cook until translucent. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes. Add stock, tomatoes, beans, bay leaf and Parmesan rind. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium. Cover. Cook for 10 minutes or until vegetables are nearly tender. Stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and cook until al dente. Just before serving, stir in spinach and Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup 6-ounce package long-grain and wild rice blend, quick-cooking version with seasoning packet 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour 2 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cubed

6 cups chicken broth ¾ cup butter 1 cup carrot, diced 1 cup celery, diced 1 cup onion, diced 3 cups half-and-half

Open rice and remove seasoning packet. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine pepper and flour. Set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, combine chicken and broth. Bring to a boil, then stir in rice. Cover, then remove from heat. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add carrots, celery and onion. Saute for 5 minutes. Stir in contents of seasoning packet. Continue cooking vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add seasoned flour gradually while constantly stirring to form a roux. Saute roux for 3-4 minutes to cook out raw flour taste. Whisk in half-and-half, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir half-and-half mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through and rice is done, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Mexican Chicken Soup 2 teaspoons canola oil or extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium bell pepper, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 1 medium jalapeno, diced and seeded 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 5 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes 15.5-ounce can low-sodium kidney beans, drained and rinsed 14.5-ounce can low-sodium kernel corn, drained and rinsed 1 large tomato, diced ½ cup chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add bell pepper, onion and jalapeno. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often until vegetables are tender. Stir in garlic, garlic powder and cumin. Cook another minute. Add broth to saucepan, increase heat to high and bring to a rapid simmer. Add chicken. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in beans, corn, tomato and cilantro. Cover. Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes. Top with cilantro before serving hot. Do you want to see your favorite meal in print? Submit your recipe to recipes@marlboro.coop.

Minestrone

2 teaspoons olive oil 1 cup diced carrots ½ cup diced celery ½ cup chopped onion 4 garlic cloves, minced 32 ounces chicken stock 28-ounce can petite diced tomatoes 1 tablespoon tomato paste 15-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed 15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed Parmesan cheese rind

½ teaspoon kosher salt Black pepper 1 fresh rosemary sprig 2 bay leaves 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 medium zucchini, diced 2 cups baby spinach, chopped kale or chopped collard greens Parmesan and red pepper flakes, for garnish

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Stir in carrots, celery, onion and garlic. Saute until tender and fragrant, about 15 minutes. Add stock, tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, Parmesan cheese rind, salt and pepper. Add rosemary, bay leaves, basil and parsley. Bring to a boil, then cover. Cook on low for 40 minutes. Remove the bay leaves, rosemary sprig and Parmesan rind. If you prefer a thicker soup, pulse a few times with an immersion blender. Add the zucchini and spinach. Cover. Simmer until the zucchini is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Garnish with Parmesan and red pepper flakes.

Russian Mushroom and Potato Soup 5 tablespoons butter, divided 2 leeks, chopped 2 large carrots, sliced 6 cups chicken broth 1 teaspoon dried dill 2 teaspoons salt

1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced 1 cup half-and-half

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Mix in leeks and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes. Add broth, dill, salt and pepper. Mix in potatoes. Cover. Cook for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender but firm. Add half-and-half. Mix with an immersion blender until slightly thickened. If you don’t have an immersion blender, ladle soup into a blender and blend before pouring back into the saucepan. Melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium heat. Saute mushrooms for 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Stir into soup before serving. OCTOBER 2026

Away From the Crowds Enjoy the peaceful side of the Great Smoky Mountains in Townsend By Judy Garrison As the cooler temperatures arrive, the world shifts away from green foliage and heat toward golden leaves, frosty mornings and wood fires. Drift away from the crowds and uncover the peaceful side of East Tennessee in Townsend. Whether you visit with friends or family or travel solo, Townsend offers experiences that inspire and rejuvenate. CHOOSE YOUR HOME BASE Dancing Bear Lodge 7140 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway Rustic charm intersects with wide-open spaces at Dancing Bear Lodge. There are 28 cabins, villas and cottages—all with modern amenities to make you feel at home. Spread over 38 wooded acres, the property embraces the essence of Appalachia and provides everything to wind down after a day of exploration. All accommodations include a kitchenette or full kitchen, and many have hot tubs and fireplaces. If waking up riverside is a defining choice, the lodge offers three cottages, 2 miles from the main property on the Little River. All riverfront properties are pet friendly

O C T O B E R 2026

and provide access to trout fishing just outside your back door. If you’re celebrating, don’t forget to enhance your visit with luxurious treats, flowers or an in-cabin massage. The lodge offers a variety of tour excursions throughout the area. For more information and booking, visit dancingbearlodge.com.

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort 118 Stables Drive Let your imagination guide your stay. Choose a cabin, a tiny home or glamping tent, or bring your own RV or tent. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort offers a home base just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s the closest resort to ever-popular Cades Cove and puts adventure at your front door. Your wilderness home offers wood-burning fireplaces, full kitchens and, just outside the door, a large swimming pool where you can cool off at the end of the day. Other amenities include a pavilion, a dog park, a playground and courts for sports, such as basketball and pickleball. Surrounded by hiking trails and the Little River, there’s lots to do or, if you choose, you can do absolutely nothing at all. For more information and reservations, visit camplittlearrow.com.

ABOVE: Take a UTV ride along the Foothills Parkway. BELOW LEFT: Hiking trails near the cove range from 5 miles to nearly 11 miles. BELOW RIGHT: Smoky Mountain Guides offers day hikes into Cades Cove. PHOTOS BY LEN GARRISON, SEEING SOUTHERN

EXPLORE THE MOUNTAINS Cades Cove 10 miles southwest of Townsend An 11-mile, one-way loop road winds through the lush valley of Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains, positioning visitors in one of the most beautiful locations in the park. The drive, open sunrise to sunset, takes two to four hours, depending on traffic. The busiest season is summer, and to avoid the crowds, choose an early morning or late afternoon drive. Wildlife viewing is always the best in the mornings when the temperatures are cool. A parking tag is required if you plan to stop for 15 minutes or more. Tags are available at all welcome centers and online. Download the National Park Service mobile app to make the driving tour an interactive experience. Find out about closures, as well as other park information, at nps.gov/grsm.

Consider a guided tour alongside an expert. Smoky Mountain Guides is a full-service tour company showcasing the Townsend and Gatlinburg areas. Whether you choose a day hike, a fly-fishing trip, a kayak tour or other seasonal adventure, guides work with your ability level and travel desires. They know the “children only” stream location for the young ones, and if you don’t see your perfect trip, custom itineraries can be curated. For more information and booking, visit smokymountainguides.com.

Set out on your own on hiking trails near the cove. Abrams Falls is a 5-mile round trip and considered moderate due to the uneven terrain. Spence Field is a 10.3-mile strenuous round trip. For an easier walk, Crooked Arm Cascade trail leads to a 25-foot waterfall. The Cooper Road Trail, located directly off the cove loop, is a 10.9mile one-way hike, the same thoroughfare used by Native Americans.

Ride the Foothills Parkway through Townsend UTV Rentals Highway 73 Although you can’t drive off-road with an ATV in the Great Smoky Mountains, do the next best thing and take to the Foothills Parkway in a UTV. Choose your favorite machine and spot the wildlife and beauty up close. A scenic drive that delivers less congestion alongside breathtaking views, the Foothills Parkway is a 33-mile drive that moves at a slower pace. Reservations are recommended. For more information, visit townsendutvrentals.com.

Tuckaleechee Caverns 825 Cavern Road Considered the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies,” Tuckaleechee Caverns was carved inside the Great Smoky Mountains, among the oldest mountains in the world. Walk through 330-million-year-old cave formations, descending about 300-500 feet. A guided tour covers more than 1 mile and includes many stairs due to elevation change. Guides share the cave’s history and its formations, including a link to the Cherokee Nation. The caverns are open daily, March through November. it is not suitable for visitors with mobility issues. For more information, visit tuckaleecheecaverns.com.

Discover History, Culture and Music Historical sites provide experiences to understand the area’s history and heritage. The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center shares the history of the mountains and Townsend with hands-on activities, living history interpreters and an assembly of 19th-century buildings. There’s also a collection of Cherokee Native American exhibits. The museum is open daily. For more information, visit gsmheritagecenter.org.

View work from local artisans at the Townsend Artisan Gallery. Access to the schedule and other information is at townsendartisanguild.org. Many venues offer live musical performances, with schedules posted on their websites. Whenever you’re in the area, search for Wyatt Ellis, the 17-year-old mandolin prodigy taking the bluegrass and country world by storm. Rooted in Appalachian tradition, Wyatt’s youthful vocals and multi-instrumental expertise have placed him on stage with Marty Stuart and Bobby Osborne. Wyatt still performs locally, but his multiple performances at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry cemented his place in country music. Learn more at wyattellis.com. OCTOBER 2026

SAVOR THE TASTE OF APPALACHIA Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro 7140 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway Located at the Dancing Bear Lodge, the Appalachian Bistro will serve one of the best meals of your entire getaway. Traditional and contemporary, the menu features modern profiles with a foundation built upon Appalachia. During this farm-to-table dining experience, Executive Chef Jeff Carter uses only the highest-quality local ingredients, bringing visual culinary classics to life. The seasonal menus harken back to regional dishes, created and preserved by the people’s isolation. Smoked meats, chestnuts, cornbread and more are rooted in the cooking of mountain settlers. Jeff uses whatever is on hand to create a meal worthy of celebration. Begin with okra skewers, move toward the trout cakes, then enjoy entrees of chicken and ricotta gnocchi, rainbow trout or peach-tea-brined pork chops. Make sure to ask for the cornbread. After dinner, relax outside by the fire pit where s’mores sweeten the evening. Reservations are recommended at dancingbearlodge.com/dining.

Peaceful Side Social 7967 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway Grab your friends and family and head to the Peaceful Side Social. There are mountain views, but it’s the food and drink that will have you choosing this spot again and again. The award-winning Peaceful Side Brewery pulls its signature pints. Food includes the always-popular pretzel and beer cheese starter and sandwiches, but it’s the hand-tossed sourdough pizza for the flavor win. There’s also a menu for those with dietary restrictions. Head outside to the beer garden and the family playscape, where children can roam and adults can socialize, all within view of one another. There’s also a taco bar serving street tacos and margaritas. For more information, visit peacefulsidesocial.com.

O C T O B E R 2026

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: It’s always the moment for coffee at The Dancing Bean Coffee House. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DANCING BEAN COFFEE HOUSE. Group tours, including transportation, are available with Smoky Mountain Guides. Appalachian Bistro breakfast fuels the day. Dancing Bear Lodge is filled with plush rustic elegance. PHOTOS BY LEN GARRISON, SEEING SOUTHERN

Company Distilling 8351 TN-73 Part of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, Company Distilling is pure homegrown Tennessee. Master distiller Jeff Arnett invites visitors to gather around and allow his whiskey to be as good as the company you keep. Enjoy a flight of award-winning spirits or choose one of the signature cocktails. A small bar menu of cold and hot sandwiches, snacks and sides is available. Creating high-quality whiskeys, gin, craft beer and more, Company Distilling also has locations in Lynchburg and Thompson’s Station. All three are official stops on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Take home a bottle or gift one to friends. Make sure to ask about the custom-etched whiskey bottles for a personal touch. To plan your visit, check out companydistilling.com.

The Dancing Bean Coffee House 7142 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway It’s always time for coffee, and The Dancing Bean Coffee House is open daily. Choose your favorite fresh-brewed coffee and pastry and enjoy them indoors or outside. Later, stop by for coffee cocktails, featuring the shop’s signature coffee. Sip the Smokies, and if you find what you love, take home a bag or join the Coffee Club. The coffee house is open daily until 5 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and until 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, visit dancingbearlodge.com/dining/coffee.

Little River Pub and Deli 7508 W. Old Highway 73 Family-owned and -operated, the Little River Pub and Deli invites everyone to take a seat outside and enjoy the view with some delicious food. Sit by the river and reflect on the day. From moonshine meatballs to craft sandwiches, there’s something that will intrigue and delight everyone. Heading out for a hike or picnic? Call ahead and order their picnic packs for on-the-go meals. For more eats, visit littleriverpubanddeli.com.

OCTOBER 2026

&Fun

Festivals OCTOBER

Fall Family Days at Langston Ranch Enjoy a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, wagon rides, bouncy houses, 40-foot slide, food trucks and live music. 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays; 1:30-5:30 p.m. Sundays 3603 Union School Road, Coward

SELECT DATES OCT. 15-24

2026 Darkside Tour of Hartsville Each tour lasts about 90 minutes and will share Hartsville’s history. HARTSVILLE MUSEUM 222 N. Fifth St., Hartsville ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY LUCKYBUSINESS

THROUGH NOV. 8

Pee Dee Haunted Warehouse

Open Fridays through Sundays. Non-scary hours are noon to 8 p.m., followed by Enter If You Dare hours from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. PEE DEE STATE FARMERS MARKET 2513 W. Lucas St., Florence

OCT. 15

2026 Taste of Hartsville Admission tickets are $50 before Oct. 10 and $60 after that date. Purchase online and receive instructions on how to get your wristband. This event is ages 21 years and older. 5:30 p.m. HARTSVILLE COUNTRY CLUB 116 Golf Course Road, Hartsville 26

O C T O B E R 2026

 OCT. 2325 Foodees Fest

OCT. 16

Kickin’ Chicken & Wing Festival Taste the wide variety of wings and chili while enjoying your favorite beverage and music. 5-9 p.m. DOWNTOWN FLORENCE 122 W. Evans St., Florence

OCT. 17

Treats on the Streets

Paint and decorate sustainable pumpkins that you can reuse year after year. 1-2 p.m. LITTLE PEE DEE STATE PARK PICNIC PAD 1298 State Park Road, Dillon

Enjoy this free night of fun for the whole family. 5-7 p.m. COKER UNIVERSITY 300 E. College Ave., Hartsville

OCT. 22

OCT. 16-17

Eastern Carolina Agricultural Fair

Your favorite ice hockey team is back. Join the team for its opening weekend. 7:15 p.m. FLORENCE CENTER 3300 W. Radio Drive, Florence

Enjoy 11 days of rides, exhibits and entertainment. Admission is $10 for those older than 12 years; $5 entry for 3- to 11-year-olds; and free for children 2 and younger. 5226 E. Palmetto St., Florence

Pee Dee Ice Cats

OCT. 22

Paint a Pumpkin

OCT. 23-25

Foodees Fest

More than 40 food trucks and vendors serve gourmet dishes and treats during this festival for foodies. MAGNOLIA MALL 2701 David H. McLeod Blvd., Florence

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY IDEABUG, INC

 OCTOBER Fall Family Days at Langston Ranch

SUBMIT

events

 OCT. 17 Paint a Pumpkin

events@marlboro.coop

OCT. 31

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY NATALIADERIABINA

OCT. 24

Moonlight Canoe Float at Cheraw State Park

OCT. 29

Trunk-or-Treat

Paddle, relax and enjoy the scenery. You can borrow a park canoe or take your own. 5:30 p.m. 100 State Park Road, Cheraw

The Dillon Police Department invites the community to its safe and fun Halloween. 6-7 p.m. CITY OF DILLON WELLNESS CENTER 1647 Commerce Drive

OCT. 29

OCT. 30

Scare on the Square Darlington Trick-or-treating starts at 5 p.m., with a screening of “Hocus Pocus” at 7 p.m. 1 Public Square, Darlington

Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee Enjoy music, food, face painting, pumpkin decorating and more at this free event. 6-9 p.m. 112 S. Railroad Ave., Dillon

Eighth Annual Witch’s Run 5K Bring your friends and run in your costume. Register at runsignup.com. 8 a.m. start HARTSVILLE YMCA 111 E. Carolina Ave., Hartsville

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Tent-or-Treat City Children ages 12 and younger are welcome to participate in costume. Make sure to bring a bag for treats. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. FLORENCE CENTER FARMERS MARKET 200 Sanborn St., Florence OCTOBER 2026

Hauntings, History Heritage & Remembering the Old Slave Mart and Charleston’s haunted past

ADOBE STOCK PHOTOS BY ERIKA8213

By Vikki Moran

Charleston is a city steeped in history— much of it beautiful, but some of it deeply painful. Among the sites that reflect its complex past, the Old Slave Mart Museum remains as a significant reminder of the horrors of slavery. Alongside Charleston’s preserved beauty and renowned hospitality lies a reputation for haunted tales and paranormal encounters, making it a compelling destination for history buffs and ghost hunters alike.

A Historical Overview Located on Chalmers Street, the Old Slave Mart was built in 1859 as part of Charleston’s bustling domestic slave trade. Charleston had long been a major hub for the slave trade in the United States, particularly after the international trade was banned in 1808. Enslaved Africans and African Americans were brought to the city to be sold, often separated from their families and shipped to plantations across the South. Originally, the market was a building where enslaved individuals were paraded before prospective buyers. The layout featured a central auction hall surrounded by smaller rooms where men, women and children awaited their fates. The building’s architecture and purpose symbolized Charleston’s economic reliance on enslaved labor to support its thriving plantation-based economy. 28

O C T O B E R 2026

After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, the Old Slave Mart’s role as a center for human bondage ended, and it fell into disrepair. In the mid-20th century, it was preserved as a historic site, and today it operates as a museum managed by the city. The museum stands as a place for education and reflection, sharing Charleston’s role in the slave trade and honoring the lives of those who endured its brutality. Documented Brutality and the Abolitionist Movement The Old Slave Mart’s existence also fueled the abolitionist movement. Reports from abolitionists and journalists documented the inhumanity of the slave trade, highlighting the appalling conditions enslaved individuals faced. These accounts brought national attention to the horrors of slavery, with Charleston often cited as a prime example due to its large-scale operations and reliance on enslaved labor. One modern work that details the dehumanizing reality of slavery is “The Price for Their Pound of Flesh” by Daina Ramey Berry. This book, available at the Old Slave Mart Museum as well as on Amazon and Goodreads, explores how enslaved individuals were commodified from birth to death. Daina’s research illustrates how some enslaved people’s bodies were sold to medical schools and universities for study after they died,

sometimes without the knowledge or consent of their families. Such practices further underscore the painful legacy of slavery that places like the Old Slave Mart represent. Paranormal Activity Today, many believe the Old Slave Mart Museum is haunted by the spirits of those who suffered there. Visitors and staff have reported strange sensations—sudden chills, feelings of being watched and unexplained sounds like whispers or soft cries. Some believe these experiences are echoes of the trauma endured within the building’s walls, where families were torn apart and lives forever altered. Charleston’s reputation for ghostly encounters extends far beyond the Old Slave Mart. Several historic sites are known for their haunted lore. 20 South Battery (formerly Battery Carriage House Inn): Often featured on ghost tours, this inn is believed to host the spirit of a headless Civil War soldier. Guests have reported apparitions, cold spots and strange noises in the historic rooms. Dock Street Theatre: Built on the site of a former hotel, the theater is said to be haunted by a “woman in red” who was struck by lightning. Staff and performers have reported sightings of her apparition and unexplained occurrences during shows. Unitarian Church Graveyard: This cemetery is rumored to be the resting place of Annabel Lee, the subject of Edgar Allan Poe’s famous and last poem. Visitors to the graveyard often claim to see a woman in white wandering among the

graves or feel an eerie presence nearby. Charleston’s haunted sites, especially those associated with slavery, war and personal tragedies, are testaments to the city’s cultural heritage and the weight of its history. Paranormal enthusiasts and historians alike flock to these locations, where fact and folklore often intertwine. Honoring History and Embracing the Supernatural Charleston does not shy away from its past. The city acknowledges its history, honoring the legacies of those who suffered and providing places like the Old Slave Mart Museum where people can learn and reflect. The museum educates visitors on the realities of the slave trade, offering insight into one of America’s darkest chapters while preserving the stories of those who endured it. Charleston also embraces its reputation for ghostly lore. Haunted tours guide visitors through historic sites, blending historical facts with chilling tales of the supernatural. While these tours provide an entertaining experience, they also remind us that the real history behind Charleston’s ghost stories is often more haunting than any paranormal encounter. Charleston is a city of dualities— a place where beauty meets tragedy and history lives alongside ghostly tales. For those interested in the supernatural, Charleston offers an abundance of stories. But for those willing to look deeper, the city’s historic sites offer a poignant look at the real people and events that shaped its past. As Charleston shows, the truth is often far more haunting than any ghost story. 

TV Shows Featuring Charleston’s Hauntings ‘GHOST ADVENTURES’

The team from “Ghost Adventures” visited Charleston to investigate the Old City Jail, exploring stories surrounding Lavinia Fisher and other former prisoners while documenting alleged paranormal activity. Charleston’s long history, including tales connected to piracy, war, disease and imprisonment, has made it one of the South’s most enduring centers for ghost lore.

‘GHOST HUNTERS’

“Ghost Hunters” has featured Charleston locations, including Old City Jail, Battery Carriage House Inn and Dock Street Theatre, documenting unexplained sounds and reported paranormal encounters. The theater is often linked to stories of lingering spirits and mysterious sightings.

‘MOST TERRIFYING PLACES’

This Travel Channel series highlighted Charleston locations, such as the Old City Jail and Dock Street Theatre, focusing on the history and legends connected to each site. Charleston’s preserved architecture and centuries-old streets have helped fuel the city’s reputation as one of America’s most haunted destinations.

‘HAUNTED HISTORY’

“Haunted History” explored Charleston’s ghost lore, including stories tied to the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, historic inns and graveyards throughout the city. The series often blended documented history with local legend, a hallmark of Charleston’s storytelling tradition.

FROM FAR LEFT: A Charleston broadside advertises the sale of 229 enslaved people described as “rice field” workers. Its wording shows how human beings were treated as property in the rice economy. Portraits, documents and displays line a gallery at Charleston’s International African American Museum. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SMITHSONIAN

OCTOBER 2026

Tips for Having the Best

Trick-or-Treat House Halloween night has a way of turning an ordinary neighborhood into something magical. Porches glow and costumes fill the sidewalks as children make their way from house to house with buckets and bags in hand. While you don’t have to transform your yard into a full-blown haunted attraction to be memorable, a few thoughtful touches can go a long way in making your home appear more inviting. Whether your style is spooky, silly or sweet, here are five tips for having the best trick-or-treat house on the block.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY SEVENTYFOUR

Create a Fall Photo Drop Before the costumes disappear and the candy bags fill up, create a family-friendly place to capture the moment with a festive fall photo drop. A simple hay bale, pumpkins, mums, cornstalks or a wooden chair can create a charming backdrop. If your home has a pretty porch, old barn door, old wooden pallet or large tree, use what you already have as the backdrop. Families will appreciate having a cute place to snap a quick Halloween picture. You can even add a sign with the year, so those photos can become a fun annual tradition.

Make a Candy Station If you don’t want to stand at the door with a bowl, turn candy distribution into part of the experience. Set up a small table with a festive tablecloth and several containers filled with individually wrapped treats. Use galvanized buckets, wooden crates, vintage tins or festive bowls to give the display a little personality. Set out a chalkboard sign that says something playful like, “Take One … If You Dare.” Give children a few choices instead of simply handing them a single piece of candy. Offer a variety of fun-sized chocolate bars, fruit candies, sour gummies or favorite seasonal treats such as popcorn balls. If you’re expecting a crowd, keep plenty of backup candy inside so you don’t become that house that runs out before the night is over. Set Up a Refreshment Station Don’t forget the people walking behind all those little trick-or-treaters. Adults might enjoy refreshments after a long night of door knocking. Set up a simple refreshment station with bottles of water, or set out a slow cooker or insulated dispenser filled with hot cocoa or apple cider. Keep cups, napkins, a small trash can and a sign inviting parents to help themselves. If space allows and your lawn is wellsituated to see up and down the street, set up some chairs where people can sit for a spell and wait for older children to hit a few houses at a time. Offer Something Beyond Candy Candy is expected, of course. However, another way to make your house stand out is to offer some non-candy treats, such as glow sticks, stickers or temporary tattoos. This can be especially helpful for children with food allergies or who simply want something besides a handful of sweets.

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Set the Mood with Lighting, Sounds and Motion Use lanterns, string lights, glowing pumpkins and battery-operated candles to create an inviting path to your front door. For a spookier vibe, try some colored bulbs or flickering lights. And don’t forget to add sound. Halloween playlists can range from classic spooky sounds like creaking doors and ghost oohs, to Halloween hits, such as “The Monster Mash” or “Thriller.” Place a portable Bluetooth speaker on your porch or hide a small speaker in shrubs or landscaping along the walkway. Just keep the volume at a comfortable level. Finally, add something fun like a bubble machine or a few motion-activated props. A small skeleton, cackling witch or silly talking decoration can create plenty of laughs and screams. Ensure cords, props and decor don’t interfere with walkways, stairs or entrances. 

Brandi Faulk and her family are excited to share their homesteading journey with MPD Electric Cooperative members. Their home, built in 1895, is a former railway hotel and farmhouse in Chesterfield County. Search “faulkfamilyfarmhouse” to see more photos of their experiences on

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY RAWPIXEL.COM

OCTOBER 2026

Reversible Muslin Throw Blanket, $70 There’s nothing better than curling up with a cozy blanket when the cool days of fall arrive. Carolina Cotton’s reversible muslin throw brings that familiar, old-fashioned comfort to the season. Made for layering and lounging, this versatile throw features a reversible color design with ivory on one side and your choice of soft gray or warm coffee on the other. Drape it over the sofa, fold it at the foot of the bed or take it along for crisp fall evenings on the porch. The lightweight muslin weaving offers breathable comfort without feeling heavy, making it a cozy year-round favorite. Carolina Cotton carries on the tradition of 100% cotton, USA-made kitchen and home products designed with time-tested durability and everyday comfort in mind. Their collection includes everything from dishcloths and kitchen towels to blankets and laundry essentials, bringing practical pieces and timeless quality into your home. carolinacottons.net

Pumpkin Dream Pie Coffee, $15 Bring a little taste of fall to your morning cup with Carolina Coffee Co.’s seasonal favorite, pumpkin dream pie. Rich, creamy pumpkin meets warm fall spices and ovenfresh pie crust for the ultimate dreamy medium roast blend. Carolina Coffee Co. is a Wilmington, North Carolina, favorite known for its flavorful coffees that make every sip feel like a treat. And pumpkin season is just the beginning. Carolina Coffee Co. offers more than a dozen delicious coffee flavors, from classic blends to creative, dessertinspired varieties, so there is always something new to brew. Not sure which one is right 32

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for you? Take the 60-second questionnaire for personalized recommendations and discover your perfect blend. Also available are cocoa, teas, brewing gear, accessories, gift boxes and favors that make it easy to share your favorite cup with friends and family. Whether you’re brewing a pot for a slow morning, filling up your favorite mug before you head out the door or creating a cozy coffee station for guests during the holidays, Carolina Coffee Co. has everything you need to make your daily ritual a little more special. carolinacoffeecompany.com

Brooklyn Biltong Naked Tender Steak Slices, $5.99 Meet your new favorite snack. Brooklyn-inspired and made in North Carolina, these Biltong Naked Tender Steak Slices bring a bold, satisfying bite to snack time. It’s not your average jerky. Unlike traditional jerky—typically cooked then dehydrated along with artificial, sugary marinades—Biltong is slowly air dried without heat and cured with apple cider vinegar. This process gives it its own distinctive texture and pure savory flavor, for a deliciously tender bite. Made with high-quality, grass-fed beef, along with three to five other natural ingredients, these healthy meat snacks are packed with up to 50 grams of protein per bag and are keto, paleo and Whole30-certified. Choose your favorite from a lineup made for every snacker’s

taste: classic, garlic, chili (peri peri), lemon pepper, and pepper and coriander. Brooklyn Biltong Steak Slices are perfect for road trips, lunchboxes, hiking adventures or as an afternoon pick-me-up. If you prefer your snacks in a more grab-and-go shape, give the Skinny Sticks a try. You can use the company’s store locator to find a bag at a local grocer near you, or grab your first sample bag for free off its website. Each of the five flavors in the 0.8-ounce bag comes with a free code. These codes are stackable and can be added during online checkout. Try one or try all and only pay for shipping. brooklynbiltong.com OCTOBER 2026

Dark Skies,

Big Views Close-up views of outer space can dazzle By Pamela A. Keene

PIXABAY STOCK PHOTO BY VIKA_GLITTER

Look up at the night sky from a populated area, and you might see only a handful of stars. Find a darker place, and the view changes. “If you’ve never seen the sky in a really dark place, you don’t know what you’re missing,” says Martin Bowers, director of the Melton Memorial Observatory on the University of South Carolina campus. “When people look through a telescope for the first time, they are nearly speechless. They can’t believe what they’re seeing.” For instance, Saturn is surrounded by flat rings made up mostly of chunks of ice with some dust-covered particles of rock. “Most people have seen photographs of Saturn, but actually viewing the rings of Saturn or the craters of the moon with your own eyes through a telescope can’t be compared,” Martin says. “The rings are beautiful, so amazing and almost surreal.” Connecting With the Night Sky South Carolina has plenty of places dark enough to view the Milky Way with the naked eye, gaze at the craters of the moon through binoculars and see beyond the easy-to-identify constellations. State parks, 34

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national forests, certain coastal areas and remote sections of the state can provide nice opportunities for darker skies. “The state’s astronomy clubs are good places to start,” Martin says. “Amateur astronomers are happy to share their passion for the night skies, and when these clubs host star parties, the members of the public are invited to attend. Just don’t bring a flashlight.” Martin says it takes about 20-30 minutes for the human eye to adjust to the darkness, and any white light negatively affects the experience for everyone in the group. “Red-filtered lights are OK, but leave those white flashlights at home,” he says. Retired engineer and construction manager Gerald Drake, of Myrtle Beach, calls himself a latecomer to astronomy. “When my career was winding down about nine years ago and I wasn’t so busy, I started playing with a telescope and got hooked,” Gerald says. “I was amazed at what I could see. I set up a telescope in my driveway, and I was surprised by the interest it generated. “Many people have never looked through a telescope. To see the mountains on the

moon, the moons of Jupiter and galaxies just hanging out in the sky brings out a lot of oohs and aahs,” he says. “Astronomy is definitely meant to be shared.” Gerald was a charter member of Grand Strand Astronomers when it formed in 2020 and serves as its secretary. He published the club’s first newsletter and now co-edits it, has written articles and is learning planetary imaging, also called astrophotography. The club sponsors or co-sponsors public outings in various locations across South Carolina. “Our club uses Hampton Plantation just past Georgetown in Charleston County,” Gerald says. “It’s about an hour-and-a-half drive from Myrtle Beach. On occasion, we also use Playcard Environmental Education Center about 6 miles west of Loris. It has an open field where we can set up our telescopes. Huntington Beach State Park provides good views and minimal light pollution on clear new moon or near newmoon nights.” Really? You can see that? Finding objects in the night sky under the right conditions using suitable equipment

can be rewarding. While some objects are visible to the naked eye—such as the moon and various planets throughout the year—having vision aids can open up the skies. The moon’s craters and various planets can be seen with the naked eye. The moon is always fascinating to look at, and its craters are visible. The Milky Way comes into view under sufficiently dark skies. “Saturn will be well positioned for viewing in the early evening hours during the month of October,” Martin says. The Orionid meteor shower peaks on the night of Oct. 21 into the morning of Oct. 22. Binoculars, available in a wide range of magnifications, bring the viewer closer to details on the moon, star clusters and other objects. “I always have them with me on stargazing events, and you can pick out many details of the moon with them,” Gerald says. “They’re helpful to locate constellations as well as double stars, star clusters and some nebula.” A medium-powered telescope in a dark sky location allows the viewer to see deep

space objects such as galaxies, nebulae, quasars, double stars and variable stars. “You can also see the distant planets such as Uranus and Neptune, and even poor Pluto who is no longer a planet,” Martin says. “I’ve also been able to see the moons of Jupiter and Saturn.” Martin and Gerald agree stargazing can be addictive and rewarding. “Whether you start out looking at the heavens as a youngster or an adult, there is so much to discover,” Martin says. “Although I have made astronomy a lifelong hobby, becoming interested as a college student, I’m still passionate about sharing the miracle of stargazing.” Gerald remembers the first time he showed a little boy how to find the Orion nebula through a telescope. “He was so excited that an adult shared a look through a telescope,” Gerald says. “As a latecomer to my interest in astronomy and space objects, my only regret is that when I was younger, I wish someone had shown me what you can see in a telescope. There’s so much to learn, and it’s so much fun. I should have started earlier.”

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The Milky Way Galaxy includes our solar system and is stunningly visible in dark skies.PIXABAY STOCK PHOTO BY THEORIONGUY The spiralshaped Andromeda Galaxy, faintly visible with the naked eye, is 2.5 million light-years from our Milky Way galaxy. PHOTO BY MARTIN BOWERS Glowing red, the Orion Nebula appears to be located in the sword of the constellation Orion and can sometimes be seen without a telescope. PIXABAY STOCK PHOTO BY BAREWOLF

“Whether you start out looking at the heavens as a youngster or an adult, there is so much to discover.”  MARTIN BOWERS, DIRECTOR OF MELTON MEMORIAL OBSERVATORY

OCTOBER 2026

South Carolina Observatories South Carolina is home to four observatories. Melton Observatory on the USC Columbia campus and the Boeing Observatory at the South Carolina State Museum are both in Columbia. Charles D. Daniel Observatory is at Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville, and Francis Marion University Observatory is in Florence. “Although modern research instruments are always built in dark locations, the Melton and Boeing observatories are in downtown Columbia because of their history and purpose,” Martin says. “Melton was built on campus in 1928, when light pollution was less of a problem, and the Boeing Observatory is a recent addition to the state museum. Although limited by light pollution, both facilities still fulfill their teaching and educational purposes.” The Melton Observatory is typically open on clear Monday nights. It has a 16-inch Cassegrain telescope and is part of the University of South Carolina’s Astronomy Education Center. Melton Observatory; tinyurl.com/4dbhz5mc

Boeing Observatory houses a historic 1926 Alvan Clark 123/8-inch refracting telescope used for night-sky stargazing and daily solar observing. Boeing Observatory; scmuseum.org/astronomy/observatory

On limited Friday nights, the eighthlargest refractor telescope in the country is open at the Charles D. Daniel Observatory at Roper Mountain Science Center. The 23-inch telescope was first used at Princeton, starting in 1882. It was also owned by the U.S. Naval Observatory from the mid-1960s until 1978, before it was acquired by the Greenville County school system. Visiting the observatory is included with the ticket to the planetarium. Charles D. Daniel Observatory; ropermountain.org

FROM THE TOP: The dancing colors of Aurora Borealis, also called the Northern Lights, are the result of interactions between the magnetic fields of the sun and Earth. PHOTO BY MARTIN BOWERS Astrophotographer Hap Griffin holds observation events outside his home observatory. PHOTO BY HAP GRIFFIN The sun’s corona blazes around the moon’s silhouette in a total solar eclipse. PIXABAY STOCK PHOTO BY ASTROBOBO

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Opened in 1981, the observatory at Francis Marion University offers public events throughout the year. Dooley Planetarium hosts shows twice a month during the academic year. Francis Marion University Observatory; astro.fmarion.edu

Top Dark Places to Stargaze in South Carolina While there are no official Dark Sky International-certified areas in South Carolina, several places do a good job of controlling light pollution and are designated for stargazing. From national forests and the coast to state parks and rural areas, these locations typically make the lists of dark places around the state. • Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site, Ehrhardt; tinyurl.com/bpauzd9z • Capers Island, Charleston County, Awendaw; tinyurl.com/bdhfefaa • Congaree National Park, Richland County; nps.gov/cong • Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island; tinyurl.com/2tcuy22b • Francis Marion National Forest, Huger; tinyurl.com/2t8efnp5 • Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, McClellanville; tinyurl.com/mtap73ww • Hunting Island State Park, Beaufort County; tinyurl.com/648bh5y4 • Jones Gap State Park; tinyurl.com/ywbwap4t • Kings Mountain State Park; tinyurl.com/tpefty9m • Lake Murray; lakemurraycountry.com • Sumter National Forest, Clinton; tinyurl.com/2t8efnp5 Astronomy Clubs in South Carolina • Carolina Skygazers, Rock Hill; tinyurl.com/5e2x5pm8 • Charlotte Astronomy Club, Charlotte; charlotteastronomers.org • Grand Strand Astronomy Club, Myrtle Beach; gsastro.org • Lowcountry Stargazers; lowcountrystargazers.org • Midlands Astronomy Club, Columbia; midlandsastronomyclub.org • Roper Mountain Astronomers, Greenville; rmastro.com

Light Pollution Solutions By Pamela A. Keene Light pollution—the overflow or excess light evident at night—can be a challenge for people interested in viewing the night sky. “It’s much more serious than interfering with stargazing; its effects are farreaching,” says Ian Hewitt, professor of astronomy at Coastal Carolina University and executive officer of Grand Strand Astronomers. “Research shows that light pollution can interfere with humans’ circadian rhythms, such as sleep. It also affects the health and well-being of wildlife.” DarkSky International, the global organization that certifies communities, parks and protected areas, advocates and educates to preserve and maintain dark sites. The organization also promotes responsible lighting policies and advocates for minimizing light pollution. Since 2001, it has certified more than 230 places in 22 countries on six continents. Migrating birds can be affected by light pollution, drawn to artificial light instead of natural light, becoming disoriented and exhausted. In 2025, the South Carolina Legislature adopted resolutions aimed at reducing light pollution in the state. Called Lights Out Nights in South Carolina Season, the resolutions urge South Carolinians to turn off nonessential lights nightly March through May and again in August through October—peak periods for birds’ migration. Tips for Reducing Light Pollution  Use lights only when needed, particularly in areas that may affect wildlife and their habitats.  Direct the light to fall only where it is needed by aiming the beam downward.  Use the lowest level of brightness required, and be aware that some surfaces reflect more light than others.  Use timers and motion detectors to control when light is needed.  Use warm-colored lights and limit the shorter wavelengths (blue-violet) to the least amount needed. For more information about light pollution, visit these websites: DarkSky International: darksky.org U.S. National Park Service: tinyurl.com/ydztvpp8 National Geographic Society: tinyurl.com/3zcvvekv

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY ILKKA

OCTOBER 2026

BE CAUTIOUS When Using Backup Generators During a power outage, you find yourself in the dark and unable to use your appliances. While a generator can provide temporary electricity to power a few appliances or even an entire building, using one improperly can pose a safety hazard. Before investing in a generator, consider your electrical needs and energy use. Know the difference between standby and portable generators. Standby generators are wired directly into the home and can be sized to match existing electrical demands. A permanently installed standby generator must have an approved transfer safety switch to prevent feeding electricity back into the electrical system, creating what’s known as backfeed. Backfeed is dangerous for lineworkers and anyone near downed power lines. Portable generators do not permanently connect to the home and can power only the appliances plugged into them. To avoid backfeed into the utility’s grid, the portable generator should never be plugged directly into the home. When installed and operated correctly, standby or portable electric generators pose little danger. Improper installation or use could threaten your life and the lives of your family, friends, neighbors and electric utility crew members trying to restore service. The risk of generator accidents is highest between November and February when power outages are more prevalent. Before using a portable generator, read all manufacturer’s instructions. Properly connecting the generator is critical for safe and effective use. A licensed professional should install a permanent, standby electric generator and can help with proper equipment for safely using a portable generator. Follow these tips for the safe operation and use of portable generators: • Place the generator in a dry, open, well-ventilated area away from the home or garage. • Install carbon monoxide detectors around the home and test them regularly. • Never plug a portable electric generator into a wall outlet or connect it directly to a building’s wiring. • Make sure nothing is plugged into the generator before turning it on. • Unplug all appliances before turning off the generator. • Turn off the generator and allow it to cool before refueling. • Use proper extension cords. • Perform maintenance between uses. These safety guidelines and basic operating instructions should be posted in the home and with the generator. 

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY PNGS

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CYBERSECURITY

ADOBE STOCK I ILLUSTRATIONS BY YURI HOYDA, OSIPOV ART, SENSVECTOR

Awareness Month

Ever-advancing technology plays a predominant role in our lives. Along with wonderful benefits, there is a dark side distorting and corrupting technological advances. In 2004, the U.S. government designated October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month to encourage citizens to identify and safeguard themselves against cyberattacks. You are key to your cybersecurity and need to understand scams that could harm you. Be alert if someone contacts you and threatens to disconnect electric service if payment is not made upon demand. Scammers can “spoof ” or alter the name and phone number on caller ID to show your utility. Your electric utility does not make phone calls to solicit immediate payment.

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation Required by 39 USC 3685 Filed with the USPS on 9-18-26

SOUTH CAROLINA CURRENTS, (USPS 23830), is published monthly at 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Eleven issues are published annually with a subscription price of $9.57 paid by utility members in their electric bills. The name and complete mailing address of the publisher is: Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. The name and complete mailing address of the editor is Chasity Anderson, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. The owner is Pioneer Utility Resources Inc. (PUR). There are no known bondholders or other security holders. PUR is a nonprofit organization mailing under DMM Section 423.12. Its purpose, function and nonprofit status for federal income tax purposes has not changed in the preceding 12 months.

Scams can often happen through email, phone calls, text messages, surveys and social media. If contacted, call your utility directly or check the app connected to your account to determine its status.

Tips to Protect Yourself From a Scam

• If someone calls threatening to shut

off your power if you don’t pay, hang up. It is a scam. • Call your utility to report the scam. • Don’t click random email links. Verify the source and its validity before proceeding. • Never give personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller. • If you think you are the victim of a scam, contact the police. 

Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months a. Total No. Copies (net press run) ..............................31,229 b. Paid Circulation (1) Outside County .................................................31,152 (2) In-County ................................................................-0(3) Sales Through Dealers............................................ 70 (4) Other Classes..........................................................-0c. Total Paid Circulation (Sum of 15b(1) through 15b(4))..............................31,222 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (1) Outside County........................................................-0(2) In-County .................................................................-0(3) Other Classes ..........................................................-0(4) Outside the Mail ......................................................-0e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d(1) through 15d(4))....................................-0f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e)...................31,222 g. Copies Not Distributed ....................................................7 h. Total (Sum of 15f and 15g) ..................................... 31,229 i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100)...............100% No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date a. Total No. Copies (net press run) ..............................30,814 b. Paid Circulation (1) Outside County .................................................30,737 (2) In-County ................................................................-0(3) Sales Through Dealers............................................ 70 (4) Other Classes..........................................................-0c. Total Paid Circulation (Sum of 15b(1) through 15b(4))..............................30,807 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (1) Outside County........................................................-0(2) In-County .................................................................-0(3) Other Classes ..........................................................-0(4) Outside the Mail ......................................................-0e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d(1) through 15d(4))....................................-0f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e)...................30,807 g. Copies Not Distributed ....................................................7 h. Total (Sum of 15f and 15g) ..................................... 30,814 i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100)...............100% I certify the statements made by me are correct and complete. Chasity Anderson, Editorial Director

Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction

enturies ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.

On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise. Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed.

26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise

ONLY $99

We found a limited supply of turquoise from Arizona and purchased it for our Sedona Turquoise Collection. C. Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.

The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today! Jewelry Specifications: • Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings Sedona Turquoise Collection A. Pendant (26 cts) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 " B. 18 Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain $149 +s&p C. 1 1/2" Earrings (10 ctw) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 Complete Set** $747 * $249 +s&p Save $498 **Complete set includes pendant, chain and earrings. Call now and mention the offer code to receive your collection.

1-800-333-2045 Offer Code SDT217-01

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*Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

14091 Southcross Drive W., Dept. STD217-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®