I was introduced to the love of Koi by my mother. She had a large ornamental pond on the left hand side of their patio that was built by my sister Nikki and brother Michael. They actually ordered the first koi from a pond and pet magazine. The first three became a dozen before too long.

I admired and loved the koi pond and longed for one of my own. For our 30th anniversary, Mama ordered us the full set up, pond liner, pump and water conditioner. I was so excited to get started on it but Mac said that being October was full on us, we would wait till the weather was more conducive to fish ponds and fish. So we waited out the winter. When early April came, I began to campaign for the pond construction to begin (read nag for campaign). He continually put me off for one reason or another. I just could not get him to show any interest in the koi pond at all.

It was mid May and I decided to take matters into my own hands. Going into the garage, I dragged out the cumbersome box of pond doings and walked about the front yard of our house on Jackson Road in Chesterfield. I found the perfect spot with a bit of shade from the pecan tree, dragged the hose over and formed a bean shape about 14 feet long and 8 feet wide. All the while, Mac was watching me, never offering to help and or even to ask what my intentions were. I worked on, got a spray can of white paint and painted the outline of the pond I wanted onto the ground. I dragged out the rotor tiller and worked on getting it cranked. Finally Mac walked over to ask what in the Lord’s name I thought I might be doing.

“Why, I’m putting in my koi pond … it’s going to be too late if we wait much longer.” He gave me that “move over and let me show you how this is going to go” look.

“This where you want it to go, you’re sure?” he asked.

Very innocently, I nodded yes, this is where we needed it to be. He started the tiller and after about two hours, the hole that would accommodate the pond liner was done. I helped him smooth in the liner, we filled it with water, added the conditioner and Bob’s your Uncle, except for fish, we had a fish pond installed. He never suspected he had been tricked, and I have never told him. But I suspect he knew from what followed several years later.

When we bought the house here in Jefferson, we were not going to have time to do anything with our koi, whom I had learned to love. We ended up selling them (and contrary to opinion I did not run criminal histories on the applicants). This was in September, and once again came the argument of weather conditions and fish ponds. So in April of 2005, I got out the paint can, the hose and the tiller and Mac, taking one look at the paraphernalia, said “Oh no, we’re not going through this charade again. We’ll do the pond later, there’s too much yard work to catch up on first.”

By dark, the fish pond was in.

We had a bad storm last night and when I went out to feed the cats and the fish I saw the pond with only enough water left in it to keep the fish alive. I ran as fast as I could down to the well, connected the hose, praying that my koi would survive this insult to their habitat. The frog spitter had been shifted severely by the wind and the water had sprayed out onto the surrounding ground. After filling up the pond and seeing the koi happily gathering for their breakfast, I watched them feed. I saw something on the edge of the water and reached down to pluck it from the water when suddenly I found myself IN the pond, my feet unable to get purchase on the slippery bottom. I was yelling for Mac and got no response. Finally dragging myself from the water, I shook myself like a dog and went into the house and confronted Mac. He burst out laughing, asking “What on earth happened to you?”

“Well,” I responded, “I am certainly glad that a serial killer or a coyote didn’t have me, I would be out of luck! I fell into the pond!” He was still laughing when I stomped off to go find dry clothes. I’m not sure what my revenge will be, but I hear it is best served cold.

— Sandi McBride is a resident of Jefferson, who blogs regularly and enjoys her garden and her furry and feathered friends. She is a wife and mother of two sons.

When I was a young boy growing up and my mother confronted me with something that I knew I had done wrong, I often stammered around, making excuses and trying to avoid fessing up. My mom’s response was always the same: “Let’s begin by just telling the truth.”

When it comes to the recent statehouse debacle over so-called “ethics reform,” they should simply follow mom’s wisdom — let’s begin by just telling the truth.

After months of pious speeches, posturing, promising, proposing and the appointment of yet another committee, ethics reform failed in the legislature. Nothing at all was passed.

The Governor, Senators and Representatives — of both parties — are all making excuses and stammering around about why real ethics reform failed, with each party blaming the other, the Legislature accusing the Governor, and most everyone saying that the presumed gubernatorial showdown next year between Gov. Nikki Haley and Sen. Vincent Sheheen somehow got in the way of everything.

All of this might be true, and none of it matters.

If the legislators and governor want real ethics reform, they can and should just act on their own. Why wait around for legislation that has certain language and certain exceptions — and all the carefully-crafted loopholes that they often use to hide more than they reveal?

If they sincerely want to be honest and tell the truth, they should just do it. They should just release the relevant personal financial disclosure information to the public (as, say, a supplemental filing with the State Ethics Commission), regardless of what the law may or may not require. It’s that simple.

And here is the information they should make public:

Income: Who pays you what? Simply list the income you receive and don’t hide it behind such things as “consulting contracts” or “law firm salary.” Come clean. List all the clients of your firm and how much they pay you. If you are a lawyer, you can and should respect the principle of client confidentiality, but the names and fees of all clients doing business with government must be fair game. Simply releasing tax returns is not near enough.

Assets, liabilities and holdings: What do you own, who do you owe money to and what significant financial transactions have you done? These are simple questions — and hiding them behind family members, business partners and shell corporations is not acceptable.

Business with government: Are you making money off of contracts and business deals with government — local, state or federal. If you or any company that you have substantial interest in gets a government check for anything — report it.

Business with those you appoint: Legislators vote to confirm judges and others to government positions — and then turn around and do business with or represent clients before them. Don’t do it. Simply don’t take the cases or the clients that put you or your firm or business in a position of conflict of interest.

No revolving doors or sweetheart deals: If you are legislators or work for the governor or a state agency, don’t take advantage of your position and relationships and turn around and do business with the state government you just left. Not as a lobbyist, consultant or representing clients. Wait at least three years.

Make all public business public: If the people of South Carolina pay your salary, provide you with an office and staff, pay for your computers, cell phones, and everything else you use to “do the people’s business” then it should all be pubic — everything. We paid for it, not you.

Any and every legislator can do this tomorrow. They don’t need a law, a special ruling or anything else. They can just do it — they can begin by just telling the truth.

The SC Policy Council has asked the legislators to do this, or at least part of it. They have asked the legislators to publicly disclose some of the information as outlined above on their website, www.SCPolicyCouncil.org. So far, only relative handful have done anything, anything at all.

None of them, none of the 165, have done the full disclosure as outlined above. None, not a single one.

The apologists for corruption will offer up all sorts of reasons and excuses as to why they don’t do this — none of it matters. The simple answer is they can — but they won’t.

If you want to be an attorney and make money from the state, fine. If you have a business and want state contracts, wonderful — I wish you every success.

But if you want to be a legislator, if you want to hold a position of public trust, if you want us to elect you to work for us, to do the people’s business — then don’t make money from your “public service” and damn sure don’t hide it from us.

Public service should not be a private profit center — ever.

As my mom said, “Let’s begin by just telling the truth.”

— Phil Noble is a businessman in Charleston and is president of the SC New Democrats, an independent reform group founded by former Gov. Richard Riley to bring change and reform to government and politics. He can be reached at phil@scnedemocrats.org www.SCNewDemocrats.org.

Datebook Deadline

The Cheraw Chronicle and Chesterfield Advertiser is your community newspaper. One of the ways we involve ourselves is by running the events and happenings of the community in our weekly calendar. Send us your event listing no later than noon the Monday prior to publication (Thursday) and we will list your event in the newspaper. There is no charge for most event listings. To list your event, email us at sgodbold@civitasmedia.com or call 843-537-5261.

BIBLE STUDY

WHEN: June 17,-20, 8:30am-noon

WHERE: Westside Baptist Church, Cheraw

WHAT: Vacation Bible School. This year’s theme: God’s Big Back Yard. Transportation available.

CONTACT: 843-537-5659

BIBLE STUDY

WHEN: June 17,-20, 6 pm-8pm

WHERE: Pleasant Grove AME Zion Church. 2729 Pleasant Grove Church Road, Cheraw,

WHAT: Vacation Bible School

CONTACT: 843-623-6473

BASEBALL CAMP

WHEN: June 17,-21, 9:30am-noon

WHERE: Coker College Baseball Complex, Hartsville

WHAT: Coker College will be starting their five sessions which will be devoted to pitching, hitting, bunting and base running. The camp is open to players ages 6-17 and the cost is $65 for the week. Participants will need to bring their own bat and glove.

CONTACT: 843-383-8105 or 843-383-3534

BIBLE STUDY

WHEN: June 19,-21, 6 pm-8pm

WHERE: Free Worship Ministries, 915 Chesterfield HWY.

WHAT: The House of Freedom Fellowship Church invites you to their Re-boot Revival. Their will be guest speakers for this event. Come and join.

CONTACT: 843-337-5175

FISH FRY

WHEN: June 21

WHERE: Maranatha Church, beside the airport

WHAT: Maranatha will be selling fish fry plates at $7 a plate. You can eat in or take out. You can call for tickets. Thanks for your support.

CONTACT: 843-337-9701

BLACK AND WHITE GALA

WHEN: June 22, 6-10PM

WHERE: SiMT Building, 1951 Pisgah Road, Florence

WHAT: CareSouth Carolina is having its fourth annual black and white gala. The purpose is to raise funds and awareness of HIV/AIDS in our local community. Tickets are $50 for a couple and $30 for an individual.

CONTACT: 843-378-3441

YARD SALE

WHEN: June 22, 8-11AM

WHERE: Historic Cheraw Residences, Maps available

WHAT: Cheraw Arts Commission is having its Artsy Yard Sale. There will be household items to furniture and more. Look for Balloons and Artsy Yard Signs.

CONTACT: 843-537-8420 X12

FUN DAY

WHEN: June 22, 12pm

WHERE: Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 7515 Hwy. 52 N, Cheraw

WHAT: The Church invites you to join them and their Fun day. There will be food, play equipment and games for children and games for adults. Also join for Family and Friends day Sunday at the 9 am worship service.

CONTACT: 843-537-5432

BIBLE STUDY

WHEN: June 23, 11am

WHERE: St. Matthew Baptist Church

WHAT: Rev. Theodore Hillian, Jr. will be guest speaker at that morning Youth Service.

BIBLE STUDY

WHEN: June 23, 4:30pm

WHERE: Empowerment Temple Life Changing Ministries, 36 Davis St. Cheraw

WHAT: Friends and Family fun day. Pastor Robert Capers will be the guest speaker for this event. Everyone is invited.

CONTACT: 843-253-2530

BIBLE STUDY

WHEN: June 23,-27, 6pm

WHERE: North Cheraw Baptist Church, 101 Hartzell Ave., Cheraw

WHAT: Vacation Bible School with classes for nursery through adult. There will be snacks and games and learn to conquer your fears.

HOSPICE TRAINING

WHEN: June 25,

WHERE: Hospice Office, 700 W. Blvd, Chesterfield

WHAT: Hospice of Chesterfield County will sponsor a Lunch and Learn community training on End-of-Life care issues. Bring your lunch, drinks will be provided. Call Cindy for Information or to register.

CONTACT: 843-623-5526 or 800-572-9322

MOVIE NIGHT/CONTEST

WHEN: June 27, 7:30pm and 8:45 pm

WHERE: Cheraw State Park

WHAT: Come out and enjoy a Hockey Stick putting contest and long drive Contest at 7:30, entry fee of $1 per shot. This will be followed by the showing of Happy Gilmore starting at 8:45. Popcorn and drinks will be on sale for $1 each.

CONTACT: 843-537-9656

4th OF JULY

WHEN: July 4, 5pm until after the fireworks

WHERE: Main Street, Hamlet, NC

WHAT: Family Fun Day including Games, Waterslide, Music and Food. Take a tour of the historical RR Depot and Museums. Bring you lawn chairs and enjoy fireworks beginning at 9pm.

CONTACT: 910-582-2214

BASKETBALL CAMPS

WHEN: July 8,-12, 9am-5pm

WHERE: Crabtree Memorial Recreation Center, 1004 Crabtree Lane, Myrtle Beach

WHAT: Advantage Basketball Camp, recently picked as one of the top camps in the country by Sports Illustrated, will be starting this summer. The Cost is $145 to $265.

CONTACT: 425-670-8877 or 404-425-0890

CELEBRATION

WHEN: July 13, 6pm

WHERE: Gospel Tabernacle Church 549 Deaton Street, Ruby

WHAT: Anniversary Celebration for Pastor Marie Moore and the Spiritual Stars of Ruby.

CONTACT: 843-634-3730 or 843-337-9934

4-H SUMMER CAMP

WHEN: August 5,-9 10 am

WHERE: W.W. Long 4-H Leadership Center, 82 Wire Road, Aiken

WHAT: South Carolina 4-H has started accepting people for summer camp. Drop off is Monday at 10 am and Pick up is Friday at 10 am. Tuition for camp is $250 for members and $260 for non members (limited scholarships may be available).

CONTACT: 843-623-2134

SUMMER FEEDING SERVICE PROGRAM

WHEN: June 10-August 9

WHERE: Vision Educational Center 206 W Main St Dillon, SC 29536

WHAT: The Summer Feeding Service Program helps give food to those in need. Any Church, Organization, apartment complex, summer program and individual is welcome to participate. Training will be held June 6 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

CONTACT: 843-627-3482

Ongoing

PRAYER BREAKFAST

WHEN: Second Saturday of each month 8:30am

WHERE: Westside Baptist Church Family Life Center

WHAT: Men’s Prayer Breakfast.

BIBLE STUDY

WHEN: Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Faith Temple Church, 4044 Delta Heights Road, Wallace

WHAT: There will be a Bible “seed of faith” study for you and your family. Gain understanding of your purpose and your destiny.

CONTACT: For information call 843-377-9375.

CLASSIC CAR CLUB

WHEN: 2nd Monday at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Shoney’s 905 E. 5th St., Hartsville

WHAT: If you own or have an interest in classic cars, trucks or motorcycles, join us.

CONTACT: Mike Northcutt 843-332-5015 or 843-621-8031 or Harry Wallace 843-332-1836 or 843-229-2923.

WOODMEN MEETING

WHEN: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

WHERE: The Lodge located on the N. Marquis Highway

WHAT: Monthly meetings for lodge #1112 and 152. If you are interested in joining, come and enjoy a meal and entertainment before the meetings.

CONTACT: John Briggs 843-332-6570, Harry Wallace 843-332-1836, Ron Howard 843-332-0889 or Orville Anderson 843-857-8540.

AMVET MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

WHEN: Ongoing

WHERE: Post 177, Wallace

WHAT: Membership Drive. Sign up or re-new your membership. All military branches welcome.

CONTACT: Earl Hood at 843-439-0401 or Melvin Cohoon, 843-862-5883.

GREATER PEE DEE ANIMAL RESCUE MEETING

WHEN: 6 p.m., Last Saturday of each month.

WHERE: Mary’s Restaurant, Market St., Cheraw

WHAT: Hot dog sale at Cheraw IGA the first Saturday of each month.

CONTACT: Call 843-537-5763 or 843-535-2294.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

WHERE: Chesterfield County Animal Shelter.

CONTACT: Debbie Farhi at 704-451-955 or Susan Helms 704-361-3879.

WOMEN SUPPORT GROUP

WHEN: Every Thursday at 4 p.m.

WHERE: 339 N. Page St., Chesterfield

CONTACT: Sheila Awe at 843-623-7364 or sawe@peedeecolition.org

GREATER CHERAW CHILDREN’S CHORUS & YOUTH CHORALE

WHEN: Remainder of the year, until spots are filled

WHERE: Cheraw

WHAT: Auditions for the greater Cheraw Children’s Chorus and Youth Chorale. Call to schedule a time.

CONTACT: Ms. Wilkerson at 843-601-5745

CHESTERFIELD AA

WHEN: Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night at 8 p.m.

WHERE: Chesterfield Presbyterian Church, 209 W. Main St., Chesterfield

WHAT: Tuesday-Open Discussion; Thursday-Open Step Discussion; Saturday-Open Big Book. Third Saturday of each month will be an open speaker meeting.

CONTACT: 843-287-1061

CHERAW AA

WHEN: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

WHERE: Old Health Dept., 212 Church Street, Cheraw

WHAT: Monday- Open Big Book Study at 8pm; Tuesday- Open Discussion at Noon;

Wednesday- Open Discussion at 8 p.m.; Friday-Open Discussion at 8 p.m.,

Saturday- Open 12&12 Study at Noon; Sunday- Open Discussion at 8 p.m.,

Last Sunday of the month is a speaker meeting at 8 p.m.

CONTACT: 843-287-1061

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY AL-ANON MEETINGS

WHAT: AL-ANON helps families and friends of problem drinkers recover from the impacts of a loved one’s drinking.

WHERE: AA Hut (Old Health Dept.), 212 Church St., Cheraw, Zion United Methodist Church, 671 Zion Church Road, Pageland, and Chesterfield Presbyterian Church (Across from The Chesterfield County Courthouse), 209 W. Main St., Chesterfield

WHEN: In Cheraw; Mondays at 8 p.m., in Pageland: Wednesdays at 8 p.m.; In Chesterfield: Saturdays at 8 p.m.

CONTACT: 843-287-1061