January 2020 by VIP Magazine

magazine Publisher Tammy Clark tmclark225@gmail.com Editor Heather Page heather@vipmagsc.com Office Manager Tiffany Skipper jtskipp35@gmail.com Advertising Executives Julie C. Tyler juliectyler@yahoo.com Creative Design Tuesday Taylor Ashley Rogers

Contributing Photographers Patricia Burkett Nancy Devon Carsten Erin Daniel Rebecca Giese Fred Salley Contributing Writers Mark W. Buyck, III Kent Daniels Ashley Elvington Rebecca Giese Zach Hughes Edward O’Dell, MD Olivia Pate Allie Roark Doug Smith Donna Tracy

Serving Florence, Hartsville, Darlington, Marion, Mullins, Lake City and the surrounding areas 2011-B Second Loop Rd, Florence, SC 29501 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

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COVER CONCEPT Reaching new goals has been our motto while putting together the January issue of Vip. 2019 was a wonderful year for Vip thanks to our readers and advertisers and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2020. More stories to tell, more businesses to research - we believe we have the BEST job! If you or someone you know has a great story, please write us!

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January 2020

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CONTENTS

ISSUE 50

JANUARY 2020 BUSINESS 10 Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA: Impeachment of a President

12 The Groundout: Enjoying Life's Next Chapter 14 ProMotion Rehab and Sports Medicine 16 Edward Jones: Invest In Your Family & Community 18 Our Background: The Florence Rail Trail

HEALTH + WELLNESS 20 HopeHealth: Avoiding Obesity 22 Stickland's Gym: Packing A Powerful Punch 24 Black Creek Arts: Finding Balance & Serenity 26 Dr. Edward O'Dell: Hair Removal Treatments

LIFESTYLE 28 High Hill Creek Bike and Run Park 30 Q & A with Erin Daniel Photography 32 January 2020 Calendar 34 Allie Roark: Hello New Year, Goodbye Distractions 36 The American Heritage Festival 38 A Weekend of Encouragement

40 Stop Human Trafficking 42 Around Town: 9th Annual PDLT Bountiful Brunch 44 Lisa Cook: A New Look for 2020 46 Your CBD Store: Get Back to Yourself with CBD 48 Newsworthy: MUSC New Physicians

HOME 50 The "R" Rule for Shellfish 52 Book & TV Recommendations for 2020 54 Kent Daniels: Clise Dudley 56 Doug Smith: Fresh (Food) Start to 2020

58 Rebecca Giese: A Practically Perfect Pantry 60 Drink of the Month: Bourbon Punch

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BUSINESS

OF A PRESIDENT story by Mark W. Buyck, III

As I write this, the United States House of Representatives is debating Articles of Impeachment against President Donald J. Trump. President Trump would be the third President impeached. Article II, Section 4 of the United States Constitution states that “The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.” Article I, Section 2, Clause 5 provides: “The House of Representatives… shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.” Article I, Section 3, Clauses 6 and 7: “The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. …When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two-thirds of the Members present.” The House essentially acts as a grand jury. The Articles of Impeachment are similar to an indictment. The United States Senate sits as a jury for impeachment trials during which the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court presides. Prior to President Trump, the House has only impeached two Presidents. Both Presidents Bill

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Clinton (1999) and Andrew Johnson (1868) were tried in the Senate. Neither was removed from Office. President Richard Nixon resigned in 1973 after nearly one year of House and Senate Judiciary Committee investigations, but before a formal vote of impeachment. The circumstances of Andrew Johnson’s presidency are worth noting. He was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1808 to illiterate and impoverished Scots/Irish parents. He was an apprentice to various tailors and never received any formal education. For a time, Johnson lived in Laurens, South Carolina before eventually opening his own tailoring business in Greeneville, Tennessee. Johnson became active in local politics and a supporter of President Andrew Jackson. He was a Democrat and served in both the Tennessee House and Senate. He became a successful businessman and owned several slaves. Johnson served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1843 to 1853 and was Governor of Tennessee from 1853 to 1857. The Tennessee State Legislature elected him to the U.S. Senate in 1857. In the Senate, Johnson sought to simultaneously preserve slavery and the Union. After the tumultuous presidential election of 1860 and Republican Abraham Lincoln’s election, Johnson encouraged the southern states to remain in the Union and legislatively oppose Republicans and Abolitionists. After Tennessee and other southern states seceded, and the Civil

Johnson

Clinton

War began, Johnson was the only Senator from a seceded state to remain in the Senate. Johnson spent most of the Civil War as the U.S. Military Governor of Tennessee. In 1864, Abraham Lincoln’s re-election was seriously in doubt. Lincoln and his advisors sought a Democrat to replace Hannibal Hamlin as Vice-President. Johnson was nominated as the Republican Vice-Presidential candidate on the second ballot at the 1864 Republican Convention. On March 4, 1865, Johnson was sworn in as the 16th Vice-President. On April 15, 1865, Johnson became President after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Johnson was never accepted by the northern Republican majorities in the Legislature and Cabinet. Johnson generally favored a speedy restoration of southern states and their leaders, both political and military, into the Union. He did not make black suffrage or freeman’s rights a priority. He was openly hostile with Republicans in Congress. Johnson would routinely veto critical Republican legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the 14th Amendment. Following the Congressional elections of 1866, the Republicans held a veto-proof majority in the House and Senate and effectively took control of Reconstruction. In order to control Reconstruction policies, Congress went so far as to pass the Tenure of Office

Nixon

Trump

Act in 1867 over Johnson’s veto. The Act prohibited the President from dismissing any member of his Cabinet without the Senate’s approval. Ignoring the Act, Johnson dismissed his Secretary of War, Edwin N. Stanton. Three days later, on February 24, 1868, the House of Representatives voted 126 to 47 in favor of a resolution to impeach President Johnson for high crimes and misdemeanors. Within a week, the House approved 11 Articles of Impeachment and presented them to the Senate. The Senate trial was held from March 23 through April 9, 1868. The first vote on any of the Articles of Impeachment occurred on May 16. There were 54 members of the Senate, 45 Republicans and only 9 Democrats. When the vote was taken, 35 Republicans voted to remove the President. 9 Democrats and 10 Republicans voted against. The 35 to 19 vote was one shy from the 36 needed to remove President Johnson. None of the 10 Republican Senators who opposed Johnson’s removal were ever subsequently elected to public office. Most legal scholars agree that the Tenure of Office Act which formed the basis for Johnson’s impeachment was invalid and unconstitutional. Although he survived impeachment, Johnson was unsuccessful in his attempts to secure the 1868 Democrat Presidential Nomination. He returned to Tennessee where he made several unsuccessful attempts at elected office. He died in 1875.

248 West Evans Street | Florence, SC | 843.662.3258 2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230 Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777

Business Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys January 2020

Mark W. Buyck, III VIPMagSC.com

BUSINESS

With health and fitness at the forefront of our minds this new year, Liz Herlong is sharing a low fat, high energy smoothie recipe with Vip readers - her famous StrawNana Smoothie. If fixing it yourself isn’t what you want to do today, stop by her shop, The Groundout, where you can add a Studio610 shot to make it extra rich in collagen protein. Learn how Liz is enjoying life's next chapter to the right.

Liz Herlong

Enjoying Life's NEXT CHAPTER story by Olivia Pate

For many, retirement is just around the corner or even already started. Like me as a 30 something, time is flying by just as my parents predicted so the sight of retirement seems to be gaining speed. But once you finally reach the day of redemption where you can say farewell to the 9 to 5 (or more like 24-7), what next? For Liz Herlong, there was no guessing at what her next adventure would be. Her retirement goals to open a coffee shop were so well thought out that her family and even close friends knew all about it.

StrawNana Smoothie INGREDIENTS:

3 tbsp of strawberries 1/2 of a banana 1 c of milk, whole or skim 1 tbsp of yogurt 2 c of ice Whipped cream for topping DIRECTIONS:

Put strawberries, banana, milk, yogurt, and ice in a blender. Blend on high for 20 seconds. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream. 12

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With two daughters, Taylor and Morgan - now grown and married with Taylor expecting her first child, and one thirteen-year-old son, Kason, Liz has spent a lot of time traveling for sports and other school activities. During these travels, Morgan, a North Greenville University softball player, made it a hobby to visit local coffee shops. Her hobby also became an interest to Liz. While away at college, Morgan mentioned to Liz that the best way to get her back home to Marion, South Carolina, was by opening a coffee shop downtown. That comment sparked a fire in Liz that couldn’t be contained. There’s nothing more a mother wants than to have her family back home. While still working full-time at Lake View High School, Liz began to research specialty coffees and locations for a shop. Word was easily spread amongst family and friends. Liz’s longtime friend, Donny Gerald, owner of Marion’s downtown hotel The Loft at 109, had heard over the years about Liz’s retirement plans and just so happened to have the perfect space available for a coffee shop right under his hotel. He invited Liz to take a look and that was the last sign she needed. It was especially important for her to be downtown because of her work with Historic Marion Revitalization Association (HMRA). "My main goal was to always do my part in the HMRA's revitalization efforts even

more so than opening a coffee shop," she explains. It just so happened that the two were complementary. After 28 years of serving in the education field, Liz set down the textbooks and welcomed the sweet aroma of coffee grinds. With sports, specifically baseball and softball, having such a large influence in Liz's life, naming the shop came easy. Even her husband, Kip, served as the Lake View High School baseball coach for thirty years. The Groundout Coffee Bar is now open five days a week. With a gorgeous historic exterior, beautifully exposed brick wall interior and cozy tables, chairs and couches, The Groundout offers a great area to warm up during these cold days or entertain guests while celebrating birthdays and special events. On Saturdays, Liz invites local artists to perform while customers enjoy a warm Apple Turnover and Caramel Latte. Christian vocalist Tyler Jordan, instrumentalist Jacob Nolan, and folk singers Mark Roberts and his daughter McLain are a few that have graced The Groundout’s stage. To make Liz’s career in education merge with her answered prayers of owning a coffee shop, she hopes to one day welcome students into her shop for ACT and SAT prep. “That’s something I really enjoyed doing as an educator and I believe that part of my retirement could be to include that at the shop,” she says. Help us welcome Liz into downtown Marion by stopping by for one of her specialty treats. I can assure you, the atmosphere, as well as the tasty experience, will have you coming back again and again!

The Groundout Coffee Bar

109 Arch Street Marion, SC 843.430.9891

January 2020

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BUSINESS • GREATER FLORENCE CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE MONTH

Getting You Back Up and Running ProMotion Rehab and Sports Medicine Originally from Florence and Columbia, Andrew Imbeau met Nancy Kana in college at the University of South Carolina. After graduation, they both attended graduate programs; Andrew at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, and Nancy at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh. Andrew received his MBA in 2011, and Nancy received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2014. Along the way they were married and lived in Charlotte, North Carolina, for nearly two years. During that time they were presented with an opportunity to acquire a PT practice in Lake City. They accepted the proposal and opened ProMotion Rehab and Sports Medicine in September of 2015. Andrew was the catalyst, making sure all of the business licensing and operational transitions were accounted for, while Nancy began treating patients. "From a patient care standpoint, we started with two clinicians, including myself, and a small handful of support staff. Since then, we've grown into the city of Florence, where we have a downtown location and still maintain headquarters in Lake City," said Nancy. Their team has grown and evolved substantially since its first few weeks in business, and they could not be more excited about what the future holds! ProMotion offers specialized physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports/ dance medicine and pain management services at their current locations and they plan to continue growing into other specialty areas of practice. Nancy explains, "Our goal is to exceed our patients’ expectations through

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excellence in care and education about all aspects of health and wellness, using evidence-informed practice and our collective clinical backgrounds. We are fortunate to have a very talented group of clinicians who are certified in blood flow restriction training, dry needling, Sports Metrics ACL injury prevention programs, Functional Movement Screens, Kinesiotaping, and manual therapy, as well as board certifications in orthopedics." Additionally, the ProMotion Patient Relations Support Staff is wonderful, and does innumerable things to keep everything running smoothly. With the combined options, the whole team truly brings a wide variety of services to the community, and their continuous dedication to their mission and core values is evident in their service quality. In addition to other business opportunities, Andrew and Nancy understand the importance of being a part of the Chamber. "We’ve been a member of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce since opening our Florence location in 2016. We enjoy seeing other Chamber members at community events throughout the year, as well as learning more about what other companies bring to the table in Florence county, and how we can work together to achieve mutual goals or provide services to our community where gaps in access or knowledge may be present." For upcoming FREE workshops, call (843) 407-0377 or visit physiosc.com.

January 2020

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BUSINESS

Invest In Your

Family & Community story provided by Howard Tripp, Edward Jones Financial Advisor WHY DO YOU INVEST? For many people, here’s the answer: “I invest because I want to enjoy a comfortable retirement.” And that’s certainly a great reason, because all of us should regularly put money away for when we’re retired. But you can also bene t by investing in your family and your community. Let’s start with your family members, particularly the younger ones. How can you invest in their future? One of the best ways is to help send them to college. A college degree is still a pretty good investment: The average lifetime earnings of a college graduate are nearly $1 million higher than those of someone with a high school degree, according to a study by the U.S. Census Bureau. To help your children or grandchildren pay for any college, university, vocational school or other postsecondary education, you may want to open a 529 savings plan. With this account, withdrawals are federally tax free, as long as the money is used for qualified higher education expenses, including those from trade and vocational schools. (However, if you withdraw some of the earnings on your account, and you don’t use the money for qualified expenses, it will be taxable and can also incur a 10% federal tax penalty.) Plus, you retain control of the funds until it’s time for them to be used for school, so if your original beneficiary chooses not to pursue some type of higher education, you can name a different eligible beneficiary. Another way to invest in your family is to help your adult children avoid feeling obligated to provide financial assistance to you. For example, if you ever required some type of long-term care, such as an extended stay in a nursing home, could you afford it? The average cost for a private room in a nursing home is more than $100,000

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per year, according to a study by Genworth, an insurance company. And Medicare typically pays very few of these expenses. So, to avoid burdening your adult children – while also preserving your own financial independence – you may want to consider some type of long-term care insurance. A financial advisor can help you determine what coverage may be appropriate. Moving beyond your family, you may want to invest in the social fabric of your community by contributing to local charitable, civic, educational or cultural groups. Of course, now that we’re in the holiday season, it’s the perfect time for such gifts. Furthermore, your gift will be more appreciated than in years past because one of the chief incentives for charitable giving – a tax deduction – was lost for many people due to tax law changes, which raised the standard deduction so significantly that far fewer people chose to itemize deductions. However, you might still be able to gain some tax benefits from your charitable gifts. To name one possibility, you could donate financial assets, such as stocks that have risen in value, freeing you of potential capital gains taxes. In any case, contact your tax advisor if you’re considering sizable charitable gifts. Saving for your retirement will always be important. But don’t forget about investing in your family and your community – because these investments can provide satisfying returns.

Howard Tripp - Financial Advisor howard.tripp@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com/howard-tripp

115 Cargill Way, Suite C-1 Hartsville, SC 29550 843-332-4298

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

January 2020

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OUR BACKYARD

The Florence Rail Trail

Connecting Florence in more ways than one story by Zach Hughes photos by Patricia Burkett Photography

It feels like only yesterday when I took my first steps on the rail trail. It was mesmerizing to see an old railroad track that had been paved over for recreation in the center of Florence. It felt adventurous and refreshing to find a space like this hidden here. We have had the Florence Rail Trail for some time now, but do we ever really give it the appreciation it deserves? The Florence Rail Trail is the first place my wife and I think of when we need a breath of fresh air and a little exercise. Many of you have probably figured out by now that I can't get enough of the great outdoors. Each time I step foot back onto the asphalt or boardwalk that makes up the rail trail, I am instantly overtaken by the beauty of the trees. The neatest thing to me is also how the trees give a highlighted experience into what season we are in. During winter the trees are all thinned of leaves and you have no problem seeing the sky, but during the spring and summer, the trees become lush and green to where you are covered in a canopy. The entrance we choose to begin the trek is everchanging. The easiest and most convenient, so most often used by us, is the entrance off of Ebenezer Road. However, I'll often park at Naturally Outdoors to change it up. That entrance quickly takes you from city life to the calm and quiet of the deep woods. There have been many times where my wife and I would go around lunchtime and ride our bikes through the Lowesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; parking lot to find food on David McLeod Boulevard. 18 18

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What makes the rail trail even greater is most times, we run into someone we know. To me, it feels like the rail trail allows me to run into many different people in our community, and in a way keeps us all connected. Driving through town you may rarely see someone you know, let alone stop and talk to them. It sure is refreshing to be traveling down a path and see people you have known for years and be able to say hello. Just the other day I was going for a walk down the trail and I heard the sounds of children coming from far off in the distance. Before I knew it I was being passed by what seemed like a hundred kids training in the Florence Track Club. That was fun to see! Recently I was told that there may be plans to add to the rail trail to connect it to the new soccer complex. As Florence continues to grow, I'm thankful that we have a place that we can all return to and connect with nature and our community. For these reasons, I appreciate having a refreshing place like this as one of my local escapes from the busy outside world. Zach Hughes resides in Florence with his wife Alexis and their 10 month old son, Christopher. Zach is a local entrepreneur, and has spent most of his time working around the automotive industry. In his spare time, Zach enjoys discovering South Carolina and dabbling in journalism.

HEALTH + BEAUTY

AVOIDING

OBESITY story by Donna Tracy, Communications Coordinator, HopeHealth

With the holidays behind us and many enjoying the fruits of the season, some bemoan the gift of extra weight. According to a 2018 Texas Tech University study of 148 volunteers, men gained an average of two pounds, and women about a pound during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. While one or two pounds may not seem like much, additional studies suggest that those extra pounds stick around and contribute to the 10-20 pounds of increased weight many adults gain each decade. While the opportunity to avoid the pitfalls of this season’s holiday weight gain may have been missed, it’s never too late to start managing your

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diet and activity levels to prevent or reduce obesity – a “common, serious, and costly” disease that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says impacted more than a third (34.3%) of all South Carolina adults in 2018. The CDC defines obesity as “weight that is higher than what is considered as a healthy weight for a given height” and uses a body mass index (BMI) tool as a screening tool. Though the tool doesn’t directly measure the amount of body fat, it does calculate the percentage of fat in a typical body by dividing the individual’s weight in kilograms by their square of height in meters. BMI calculators can be found online with a quick search and make it easy to determine your BMI and a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese.

360 NORTH IRBY ST. FLORENCE 843.667.9414 | HOPE-HEALTH.ORG

Alan Barrett, MSPAS, a physician assistant at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence, said that a BMI calculator is not perfect but it is the best tool available, and, if your jeans are fitting a little tighter, the New Year is a great time to plan for losing any extra pounds gained over the holiday. “One thing I reinforce with all patients is, regardless of whether they are overweight or not, is maintaining activity levels,” said Barrett. “You can have a normal body weight and still need to exercise for general health.”

Likewise, remembering the benefits of even a small health change in your weight can inspire you to maintain healthier habits in 2020. Dr. Heather Leisy, director of preventive medicine at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence, said there are many health benefits to the smallest positive change in your weight.

Benefits of weight loss:

So why should you be concerned about increasing weight and obesity? Obesity is not just excess weight. The disease can be directly related to many preventable chronic and life-threatening conditions including: heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes – three of the top causes of death in 2017 according to the CDC. Obesity is also tied to certain types of cancer.

• Losing 5-10 pounds over two years reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 30-60 percent.

Tips for losing those extra pounds and maintaining a healthy weight abound at this time of year as people set New Year resolutions and weight-loss goals. However, many resolutions are abandoned before January ends. Attending community nutrition classes, such as Cooking Matters and S.N.A.P. into Health, or patient education programs, such as the HopeHealth WellPower Weight Management Program, combined with increasing activity levels to recommended guidelines can help individuals stay motivated to make healthy changes to their diet and lifestyle.

• A loss of 10-15 pounds reduces LDL-C, or “bad cholesterol,” by five points and increases HDL-C, “good cholesterol,” by two-to-three points and can help improve your heart health.

“Success is when preparation meets opportunity,” said Barrett. “Planning for your health and making sure you have the right tools and equipment – the right nutrition and hydration, proper fitting shoes, etc., – is important for staying healthy regardless of your weight.”

• Achieving and maintaining healthy BMI levels lowers your chances of developing heart disease.

Three keys to staying healthy recommend by Barrett are:

• For every pound of weight loss, the load exerted on the knee per step is decreased four-fold and the reduced stress on your joints can prevent or delay the development of osteoarthritis and/or improve existing joint pain.

1. portion control and hydration 2. being active throughout the day, every day – not just three days each week 3. getting the proper amount of sleep – proper rest is the hallmark of good mood, good weight and a healthy lifestyle

• Dropping about 5 percent of your total weight (10 pounds for someone weighing 200 pounds) can reduce A1c levels by half a point and potentially decrease diabetic medication needs for those with type 2 diabetes.

• A 6-pound weight loss reduces triglycerides, another unhealthy fat that affects your heart health, by 15 points. • A five percent weight loss reduces blood pressure and could help keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. • Decrease chances of heart disease and stroke

• Weight loss can relieve sleep apnea resulting in better sleep and decreased daytime drowsiness. • An eight percent weight loss is associated with a decrease in depression.

• It is estimated that 20 percent of all cancers are caused by excess weight. Maintaining a BMI within a normal range reduces your chances of developing an obesity-related cancer.

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HEALTH + WELLNESS

PA C K I N G A

Powerful Punch

J O N AT H A N S T R I C K L A N D Transforming inside and outside of the ring story by Ashley Elvington / photo by Nancy Devon Carsten, NDC Photography

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Boxing,

by definition, is a combat sport where two components wear padded gloves and see who can throw the most impressive punches during a specified number of three-minute rounds all while staying within a 20 feet roped-off square. Names like Jack Johnson (World Heavyweight Champion from 1908 to 1915), Sugar Ray Robinson (won 175 out of 202 fights), and Muhammad Ali (also known as "The Greatest") helped make the sport popular for spectators. Like them and most every other boxer, behind every great fighter lies an even greater story. The same can be said for Jonathan Strickland, owner of Strickland's Boxing and Fitness in Lake City. A proud native of Olanta, Jonathan has always had a passion for boxing. Beginning his career in the sport in 2006, he learned from the best – Larry James and Joe Parks of Florence Weed and Seed Gym. Jonathan met Joe at a local gym, where he would see Joe on the treadmill for hours each day. “One day, I got the nerve to get on the treadmill next to him and strike up a conversation. To my surprise, he was the CBO (Carolina Boxing Organization) Super Middle Weight Champ! After hearing this, I inquired as to where he trained and he invited me to Weed and Seed.” A week later, Jonathan met Larry and enrolled as a student. He continued to train at different gyms and training camps along the coast. Unfortunately, his promising career was cut tragically short in 2009 after a car accident. “It was a struggle to consider what else life had to offer once I thought my passion was gone. It was a dark time…I ended up on the wrong side of the law. While suffering the consequences of my actions, I had time to reflect and consider future endeavors for how I wanted to live my life.” Like a true champ, Jonathan didn’t let his injuries hold him back from his passion. He simply adjusted his sails and started a boxing program in 2012 for kids.

This helped him continue to be a part of the sport he loves most while also providing a healthy, therapeutic outlet to the youth of his community. Along the way, he discovered a new passion – teaching. “While selfreflecting, I realized my new purpose in life was to teach and share not only my knowledge in boxing but also the life lessons I’ve learned.” In April 2016, Jonathan created his own company, Strickland’s Boxing and Fitness. It only made sense to do so, as Jonathan loves the sport, he loves teaching others, and he was receiving many requests for boxing lessons. He began by teaching in his garage, backyard, or at a local park. Once his business started to grow, Jonathan leased space from ProMotion Rehab and Sports Medicine, which is where his business resides still to this day except now the space is owned by Jonathan. He is continuously inspired by Andrew Imbeau, who is the owner of ProMotion. “He has been not only a positive role model, but he has also helped educate me on the business side of my passion.” Although he was now a business owner, he didn’t stop giving back to the community. He partnered with several others to organize food and clothing drives, rallies for Stop the Violence, and events that raise money for various causes. According to Jonathan, boxing is an exercise of both the mind and body. “It's like a game of chess…except if you make the wrong move in this game, you get punched in the face! I love the fitness benefits that come with the sport.” If you’re looking for some tips in the ring, he shares these words of wisdom with you: “Number one - keep your hands up. Number two - straight punches are best, in my opinion. Lastly, when fighting an unorthodox opponent, lead with the straight right." Jonathan Strickland is a champion in many ways. No matter how many swings life takes at him, he’s not one to back down easily. He fights for his passion and to do what he loves each day, but nothing compares to the hard work he puts towards making the community a better place. “By working with the schools as well as teaching in the gym, I can hopefully reach and inspire kids and adults across the community, to help them make better life and health choices. Hopefully, we can take it worldwide one day…Dream big or go home!”

STRICKLAND'S GYM

148 Sauls Street, Lake City • 803.460.5365

www.stricklandsboxing.com

Jonathan and his wife, Shana, reside in Lake City and share six children - Jonathan Strickland II, Imani Sherrills, Trinity Sherrills, Cameron Strickland, Madison Strickland, and Jalaysia Strickland.

January 2020

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HEALTH + WELLNESS

Finding Balance & Serenity story by Rebecca Giese As enjoyable as the holiday season is, it's also filled with extra stressors pushing you into January exhausted and anxious. I sat down with Jamie Martell, owner and yoga teacher at Our Sacred Space Yoga, located in Black Creek Arts, Hartsville, South Carolina, to find out how we can start the new year off grounded and energized. To my surprise, Jamie's secret to approaching a stress-free life isn't fancy yoga poses but instead meditation. Meditation is the foundation of yoga and the focus behind her yoga studio. Contrary to popular belief, meditation isn't turning off all of the thoughts running around in your head; it's actually the opposite. Instead, it is working through those thoughts and noises to get to a quiet mind and work towards finding peace and joy. Such mindfulness and the practice of meditation can help with anxiety and stress, which both take a hard toll on not only the mind but also the body. Jamie explained that unresolved issues from the past lie dormant in the hips while stressors of the future manifest in the jaw and neck. The issues are in the tissue of the body! Jamie began Our Sacred Space Yoga as a safe place for anyone at any level to practice yoga as well as teach others to become yoga instructors to spread the benefits of yoga. Jamie began Our Sacred Space Yoga as a safe place for all levels of yoga practitioners, beginner to experienced, to practice traditional yoga. Our Sacred Space Yoga is a 200-hour Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School and has trained over 20 individuals to become yoga teachers in the Peedee and beyond. In addition to a full schedule of yoga classes, Our Sacred Space Yoga offers a free Mindfulness Meditation class on Wednesdays at 4:45 pm. Her classes focus on yoga, not as an exercise class but as a spiritual practice to strengthen the mind, body, and spirit. And of course with the critical factor being meditation. To help reach more individuals and share the benefits of yoga and healing arts, Jamie played a crucial role in launching the first yoga festival in South Carolina in 2016. Since then, every October in Hartsville, the SC Yoga and Healing Arts Festival has been available free to the public. "I understand how yoga can be intimidating." Jamie explains, "Many of the photographs we see of yoga are in poses that the average person couldn't fold into, including me. My goal through the festival and the classes that I offer is to help people understand that successfully practicing yoga doesn't depend on how flexible you are. It's most important that you reach an area of peacefulness within yourself, an area of calm. That's when you have learned the art of yoga." Even though mediation and a simple sitting pose are vital, Jamie shared several at-home options that you can try to help with tension, digestion, and even cramping. If you are interested in taking a class or learning more, please visit blackcreekarts.org/yoga or thehouseholderyogi.com. For more on the 2020 SC Yoga and Healing Arts Festival, visit scyogafest.com.

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1 Mindfulness Meditation Sit upright on the floor or in a chair. Close your eyes. Focus on the natural breath and all that is occuring in the present moment without judgment. 2 Bound Angle Pose This hip stretch helps with cramping and digestion, as well as allowing for groundedness. 3 Wide Legged Forward Bend Great for stretching and strengthening the legs, low back, and spine. 4 Crescent Moon Pose Start in the runners lunge for a deeper stretch push arms up and arch back. If you have knee problems, you can cushion your knee with a blanket. Stretches the iliopsoas and tones the kidneys and liver. 5 Thunderbolt Pose While sitting on folded legs, lace fingers and reach up. Great for digestion, toning the pelvic muscles, and improved posture.

January 2020

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HEALTH + WELLNESS

Hair Removal Treatments now, virtually pain-free story by Dr. Edward Odell

It’s finally here. A new horizon in laser hair removal is here and available at Genesis Cosmetic Laser Center. Introducing MOTUS AY, a new breakthrough in virtually painless laser hair removal. For years we have used one of the existing laser hair removal platforms based on technology from the late 1990s. Now Genesis is proud to be the first in the Florence and Myrtle Beach area to upgrade and offer truly 21st-century technology to remove unsightly hair from the face, underarms, chest, back, and bikini area for ALL skin types, from lighter to darker. For years the machine we used at Genesis could only be safely used on lighter skin types with a risk of depigmentation and inadequate results on darker skin. Plus, despite using a numbing cream, the older technology could still be uncomfortable for some people. The older technology used a higher energy pulse in a single fixed laser beam that could heat the skin as well as the targeted hair. This is where the pain side effects and possible depigmentation could occur. Now we have the MOTUS. Unlike the older machines, a cooled sapphire tip is placed directly on the skin so that cooling is felt while the laser handpiece is being guided over the target area. Additionally, the unique patented MOVEO technology in the laser handpiece will move the laser- beam around while it seeks out the unwanted hair. In doing this, the skin is better protected from the direct laser energy as over 90% of the laser energy goes to the hair and not the skin. This is a huge improvement over the older type of removal where less than 50% of the energy would hit the hair and the rest would affect the skin. By maximizing the delivery to the hair and reducing the energy to the skin, pain is all but eliminated and the hair is more efficiently destroyed. Also, by having less energy on the skin, the chances of lightening the skin are greatly reduced or eliminated. As with any laser hair removal treatment, it does take 4-6 treatments to target all the bulbs in a hair follicle. Each hair pore or follicle has a cluster of “bulbs” at its’

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January 2020

base. The hair you see now may be coming from bulb number one. After it is destroyed by the laser, bulb number two will start to grow and so on until hair emerges from all bulbs. The absorption of the laser energy into the pigment of the hair transmits it to the bulb and then destroys it. That process is repeated over again until all the bulbs are hit. If you are tired of waxing, shaving, bleaching, or plucking unwanted hair then this treatment may be right for you. If you have been afraid of laser hair removal because of possible pain, then this new approach that is virtually painless needs to be on your radar. If you are tired of the rash and bumps that remain after shaving your underarms or bikini line area, or if you just don’t want to shave there anymore, then this can all but eliminate it painlessly. Guys, if you or your significant other is tired of the gorilla back then this can solve your problem in an efficient and virtually pain-free manner.

MOTUS Laser Hair Removal is here at Genesis. Call us at 843-669-2220 for a no-cost consultation where we can assess your problem and plan a successful program for eliminating that unwanted hair using 21st-century advanced technology.

…where beauty begins and unwanted hair ends

January 2020

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LIFESTYLE

Coming To Florence Soon story by Zach Hughes

ne of my favorite ways to get outdoors is to jump on a mountain bike and rip up some winding trails. It is a great way to exercise, seek adrenaline and get a rush of nature at the same time. For the past few years, our only options included the Florence Rail Trail or The Stockade. If I wanted to find something more extreme I may have to drive to the beach or the upstate. The exciting news for us outdoor cyclists and trail runners is Florence is getting a new park near Otis Elevator, and they have named it the High Hill Creek Park. Organizers are saying that the park is expected to stretch as many as 20 total miles, which should give us plenty of room to sink our tires into. Construction has been underway for the past few months at what I think is a great location topographically. From my exploration of the area around the park, it seems to be in a fairly hilly area. The land being used is out near Otis Elevator and ABB right next to I95. This spot will be great for easy access for those who might travel there from out of town. 28

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I know that the mountain biking community is excited for a next-level place to frequent with their mountain bikes. Personally, I'm very pleased to see Florence invest so much in another green space and outdoor facility. It shows that they care about the people within their city, and want to create even more places for us to get outdoors and stay active. I believe that parks and recreation are one of the many important pieces to keeping people happy and healthy.

HIGH HILL CREEK BIKE AND RUN PARK

To stay up to date on the progress of High Hill Creek Park, follow them on Facebook. You can also stop by Phil's Bicycle World in Florence to learn more.

January 2020

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LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE

Recently Engaged? Get the low down on an area photographer on what to look for while shopping for the perfect person to capture your special day!

Connect with Erin Daniel Email: erindanielphotography@gmail.com Website: www.erindanielphotography.com Instagram: @erindanielphotographyllc Facebook: Erin Daniel Photography Phone: #904.468.0241 30

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A new year, a new chapter filled with milestones, like engagements and weddings. Such events should be immortalized in the form of photography, but not just Great Aunt Doris with her new iPhone, for such significant events you put your trust in the experienced hands of a professional photographer. I had the pleasure of interviewing local photographer, Erin of Erin Daniel Photography.

Q&A with Erin Daniel Photography Q: So many people have gotten engaged over the holiday season and are looking for a photographer to capture their special day, what are some key things a newly engaged couple should look for in a photographer? A: "Out of all the vendors you will hire for your wedding day, you will spend the majority of your time with your photographer!! Choose a photographer who meshes well with your personality, who understands what you are looking for in your photos and one you TRUST. You want to feel at ease in front of the camera and know that no matter what the day brings, you’ll have beautiful photographs to remember your day for years to come! After your wedding, your dress will be dirty, your cake will be eaten, your flowers will be wilted - all you’ll have is your photographs, so invest wisely!"

Q: What is your favorite shot(s) to take during a wedding? A: "I love photographing all of the details. By the time the wedding comes around, the bride and groom have put so much time and thought into all of the small things, making them a big deal. The flowers they choose, the colors they pick, the shoes and jewelry they’ll wear; they’re all so important. I also love taking the bride and groom aside after the wedding to do some couple’s portraits."

Q: Now lets learn a little about the person behind the lens. What drove you to becoming a professional photographer? A: "I’ve always loved a photograph's ability to freeze moments in time. Even as far back as elementary school, I would buy the disposable Kodak film cameras. I loved everything about it - taking the pictures, dropping the film off to be developed, getting the prints back a week later, and being able to share them with family and friends. Around middle school, my parents bought my sister and me a Kodak EasyShare digital camera. The idea of being able to take multiple pictures, delete the ones we didn’t like and print the ones we loved without having to wait a week was such a fascinating concept. In high school, I took my first film photography class and shortly after my parents bought me a digital Canon point-and-shoot camera. This is when my passion for photography really started to grow. When it came time for college I decided to get a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts, with a concentration in Photography. I had a lot of friends who were willing to model for me; we even took each other’s senior photos during our last semester which gave us some great practice with portraits! One of my classmates asked me to photograph his wedding. To my surprise, it never felt intimidating or scary! It came very naturally to me and I loved documenting their wedding day. I’ve been taking photos professionally for over 9 years now."

composed by Rebecca Giese

Q: What are some of your favorite subjects to shoot? And types of photography shoots to do? A: "While I love portraits, I absolutely LOVE capturing weddings! I love being able to get creative with all the pretty details and documenting every moment of a couple’s big day! Everybody is already so happy and so in love, there’s a certain “magic” to it all! Time goes by so quickly and there are so many moments missed by the couple, so I get to capture all of that for them! I get to see the bride as she’s surrounded by all of her friends, getting all dolled up and pampered! I get to see the groom and all the camaraderie with his groomsmen. I love watching the groom try to play it cool, but deep down he’s anxiously awaiting his beautiful bride! It’s like watching a kid on Christmas morning! I love getting to capture the couple as they exchange their vows and become one. It’s beautiful to watch two families as they join together and accept each other! I never have a dry eye during a father/ daughter or mother/son dance and I love hearing the stories that are told during the speeches. Then, once the wedding day is over and time passes, I get to be the one who delivers the photos to the newlyweds and watch as they relive their day all over again! It’s seriously the best!"

January 2020

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JANUARY CALENDAR of EVENTS sunday

monday

tuesday

wednesday

Happy New Year!

Blood Drive Carolina Pines, Hartsville

National Keto Day

Southeast Wedding & Event Expo SiMT, Florence

National Clean Off Your Desk Day

National Dress Up Your Pet Day

Story Time Darlington Co Library

9 Wine Down Wednesday Dolce Vita, Florence

Think & Ramen Local Motive, Florence

thursday

Ladies Day Blue Line Shooting Center, Florence Trivia Southern Hops, Florence

SC Agribiz & Farm Expo Florence Center (15th & 16th)

Connections at Breakfast Habitat for Humanity, Hartsville

23 Cooks for Christ West Florence Fire Dept

National Popcorn Day

Martin Luther King Day

Dancing with the Stars of Darlington County

Tea Tasting Florence Public Library

Library Selfie Day

30 Soule' X Narzhio Artshow Soule' Cafe, Florence

NFL Sunday Brunch Local Motive, Florence

National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

2020 Private School Expo Hampton Inn, Hartsville

SiMT Entrepreneurship

Send in your events to heather@vipmagsc.com! friday

saturday

National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day

National Spaghetti Day

11 Botanical Candles Moore Farms, Lake City Model Train & Vintage Toy Show Lake City

Harlem Globetrotters, Florence Center

18 Kids Jamboree Florence Center (18th -19th) Elvis, The Legend Marion Opera House

Have you broken your New Year's resolution, yet?

Broken Focus The Center Theatre, Hartsville

25 Miracle League Oyster Roast Southern Hops, Florence

Dreamgirls begins Florence Little Theatre

Chinese New Year

31 Monster Jam Florence Center Father Daughter Dance SiMT, Florence

January 2020

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LIFESTYLE

Hello New Year, Goodbye Distractions story by Allie Roark

ew year, new you? I know that’s a cliché we all get tired of hearing as a new year approaches. However, I do find myself getting excited to write down goals as well as strategies to go after the things that I want to accomplish in 2020. Before I begin goal planning, I know that in order to check anything off of my list, I will need to declutter my life and mind and discover the distractions that may hinder me from achieving greatness. What are the things that are most important to you? What do you prioritize in your life? It may seem simple, but simple is good. Write these things down in order of importance. This will help you identify the things that actually matter to you. After you have generated your list, make all future decisions based around the important things. These are the things that we want to protect and focus on. Drowning? It is completely impossible to be successful when you are drowning in obligations. If you are anything like me, you are a ‘yes girl’ meaning you have a hard time saying no when your to-do list is already loaded down. This is something that I struggle with because I like to help others, make money, and not to mention, I suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out). So, how do we decide on the things that are worth giving up? Below are a few questions that you can ask yourself as you begin weaving out the things that steal your joy and the things that cultivate your purpose. (Disclaimer: think about your current season of life - just because you are making room in your schedule doesn't mean you are a quitter. Instead, remind yourself that you are creating space for intentionality.) 1. Does it take away joy or does it produce joy? 2. Does your obligation align with your purpose? 3. Does it help you grow or does it create exhaustion? 34

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I don’t know about you, but I am already thinking of things that I need to say ‘goodbye’ to in order to live in intentionality instead of drowning in exhaustion. I crave instant gratification/feedback. I have discovered that I choose exhaustion when I continue to add to my list in desperation to obtain this. Based on the Enneagram test results, I am a Type 3 known as the Achiever. If you are not familiar with this personality test, stop whatever you are doing and take the free test now. It’s simple, in fact, pull out your phone, open your camera app and hold it over the QR code above - a URL will pop up. This test simply taught me a lot about myself as well as the people in my life that have been forced by me to take it. There are so many resources and podcasts that teach how to navigate relationships based on Enneagram numbers. However, knowing that I am an achiever seeking to accomplish all of the things, it is important for me to remember that I do not need to do more or be more. Instead, I need to look at the big picture and decide if I am using my time wisely. Exhaustion causes us to slow down, however, if we focus on what is important, we will make sacrifices that enable growth. You cannot do everything all at once. However, we can use intentionality and achieve goals that help us become the person we want to be when we are 80 years old. Here is your homework assignment: Instead of creating a generic list of NYE resolutions, write out your priorities or the things that matter most to you. After you have created this list, think about your daily schedule and decide what should stay and what should go. Together, we are going to make this OUR year. Sure, it won’t happen overnight, but that’s the point, friend. We cannot do it all at once, and that is perfectly okay.

January 2020

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LIFESTYLE

story by Ashley Elvington In August 1780, Colonel Francis Marion and a dozen or so men arrived on horses near Camden, South Carolina. Their mission? To assist General Gates, the commanding general that the Continental Congress chose to stop the British Army. Francis Marion and his men weren’t taken seriously, unfortunately, as some were of a young age, others were African Americans, and all were dressed poorly as soldiers. General Gates turned Francis Marion and his men away, ordering them to return to Williamsburg, South Carolina, and scout instead. One of the places Francis Marion chose to take his men was Graham’s Farm, located in what is now Lake City, South Carolina. This farm was in the middle of a dense forest and contained a tributary from the Pee Dee River flowing behind the farm, which is still there today. The farm belonged to the family of Hugh Graham, who fought with Francis Marion and offered his farm as a safe haven for the men. By October 25, 1780, the South had been defeated. Only Marion and his men were continuing to fight the enemy. On this day in October, Marion surprised British Lieutenant Colonel Tynes and his Loyalist militia. Marion took 23 prisoners and this was seen as one of the first victories the Continentals had in the South since suffering multiple defeats. Marion wrote letters to his superiors General Gates, and General Greene about his exploits and dilemmas, frequently asking for supplies and support. Greene was George Washington's second in command and later became the Southern Army Commander, who brought his men, along with Colonel Lighthouse Lee (Robert E. Lee’s father), to fight alongside Marion. Marion’s letters reached the north as well as the public, and later towns were being named after Marion for his courage and his strength in regards to fighting the enemy at incredible odds. 167 straight up from the Pee Dee region is Guilford Courthouse where Cornwallis clashed with General Greene. A short while afterwards they met again in York Town, which is where General Cornwallis surrendered after he was worn down by General Greene, Colonel Marion, and General Sumter. 36

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Paul Graham, a descendant of Hugh Graham, Zacharia Owen and James McCutcheon (men who fought with Marion) is the current owner of Graham's Farm. He and his family will display their receipts and documents like the one dated November 10, 1780, that is addressed to Hugh Graham for feeding Marion’s men as they carried prisoners to General Harrington in North Carolina. They also have a letter from Marion in regards to leaving Graham’s Farm to attack the British Garrison at Georgetown, South Carolina. The Graham’s have farmed in the area since 1738 and played a crucial role in supporting the Patriots during the War of Independence. While nearly all of the period buildings have been lost due to the wear and tear of time, the farmland remains active. In 2015, the family hosted the first American Heritage Festival, which returns this year on February 15th from 10AM to 6PM and the 16th from 10AM to 3PM. There will be live music and a food tent, as well as the following: • Dixie Dave Allen, An “Old Time” Musical Duo • Ed Forte, Guest Speaker on "The Birth of the Marines" • A Francis Marion Q&A Session • Revolutionary War Battle Reenactments • Musket Makers • A Blacksmith • 18th Century Presenters • 18th Century Vendors • The 2nd SC Regiment • The 3rd Continental Dragoons

• Cannon Firing Displays • Musket Firing Displays • John Miles, Historial Speaker of Francis Marion and South Carolina and the Revolutionary War • An Old Tobacco Barn • Fletcher Moon and the Culture of Beers • Francis Marion Artifacts and Document Display • Special Francis Marion Swampfox Trail Tours (Limited Additional Cost Tours)

• The 2nd North Carolina

• British and Continental Encampments

• The 6th North Carolina

• Saturday - Night of Lights Display

• The Piedmont Partisons

• 20th and 21st Century Motorized Military Vehicles

• The Kingsbury Artillery • Major Cochran’s British Legion • The Royal 33'rd of Foot • The Kingsbury Artillery • The 1st Hamilton Legion • The Camden Artillery

• WWII Battle Reenactments • Hatchet Throwing Contest • Apple Pendulum Bayonet Charge • Skillet Toss Contest • Camping (Saturday night only, $20 fee) Schedule is subject to change

Visiting Graham’s Historic Farm, will help you travel back in time to the days when Marion’s brave men gave their all for one great nation under God. You’ll also see how Francis Marion earned his legendary nickname, “The Swamp Fox”. It’s educational fun for the family that you certainly wouldn’t want to miss!

Graham’s Historic Farm is located at 843 State Road S-21-85 in Lake City, South Carolina. To participate in the festival, purchase tickets, or simply to learn more, visit

TheAmericanHeritageFestival.com January 2020

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LIFESTYLE

“Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.” 1 Corinthians 7:3

A Weekend of

Encouragement story by Ashley Elvington

During a morning meeting at McDonald’s back in 2016, several local pastors were having a conversation about the world’s current state of marriages, especially the need for an affordable marriage retreat here in the Pee Dee. While everyone had their own unique opinion to include, the majority agreed on one thing in particular – each marriage needs preventative maintenance if it is to survive the changes life brings. Similar to how vehicles need maintenance work now and then to perform at its best. While researching different retreats, the group was astounded at how expensive retreats can be. In fact, some retreats were costing a total of $700 or more for the entire weekend. These pastors, however, wanted to offer a price that was not only reasonable to someone’s budget but would also provide all of the tools needed to have a successful and impactful retreat. The group decided they would charge each couple $129. This cost covers the guest speaker, the hotel meeting space, retreat materials, and advertising. While the cost of the hotel stay and meals were separate, couples would have the option to not stay at the hotel; however, that is recommended in order to have the complete retreat experience. In 2017, the very first Weekend of Encouragement was held in Myrtle Beach with over 50 couples in attendance. This month marks the fourth year and will be held from January 31-February 1, 2020 at the DoubleTree Oceanfront Resort by Hilton. The guest speaker will be 38

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Dr. Richard Blackaby, who is the president of Blackaby Ministries (for more info, visit www.blackaby.org). There is a different guest speaker each year, and the person selected chooses the content of the retreat. Dr. Blackaby will be teaching material based on his father’s book, “Experiencing God for Couples.” It’s possible since he too is an author that Dr. Blackaby will refer to his own writings, such as “Putting a Face on Grace” and “Living Out of the Overflow.” According to Rob Pierce, who is the pastor at Latta Baptist Church as well as one of the retreat’s coordinators, “Dr. Blackaby has a great deal of experience in dealing with people. He is a husband of over 36 years and a father of three children. His experience includes working with me in a psychiatric hospital while in Seminary, pastoring several churches, being the President of Seminary as well as a professor, and writing many books to help Christians live out their life. He speaks all over the world and is currently the President of Blackaby Ministries International. I’m excited as to what he’ll bring to the table because of his vast experience in life and in ministry.” Not only will you be able to experience the many beauties and activities of Myrtle Beach during your free time, but you will also have educational and inspirational sessions to attend, as well as a Date Night for you and your spouse that Saturday evening. While there will not be a session on Sunday morning, you are welcome to attend worship at First Baptist Church in Shalotte, North Carolina, where Dr. Blackaby will be preaching.

Since the very first year, Rob has heard success stories about the retreat. “We don’t split up folks into small groups or separate couples, which has proven to be a big plus. One local physician in Florence said it’s the best marriage retreat he has ever attended. I have several testimonies of marriages that were saved because they learned how to communicate. One couple from Mullins, married for over 50 years, wrote me a wonderful note just last week on how the conference has helped them! This tells me that no couple is too young or too old to attend. My ultimate goal is to help couples learn tools to help their marriage. I want them to understand that every marriage needs a strong foundation and that, regardless of what’s happened in the past, there is hope!”

join us for a

Weekend of Encouragement January 31 - February 1 If you are interested in attending the retreat, please visit www.weekendofencouragement. com or send an email to Rob Pierce at repierce@aol.com. More info in regards to making a hotel reservation and more can be found online at the Weekend of Encouragement website. January 2020

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LIFESTYLE

You Can Help

STOP

HUMAN TRAFFICKING story by Olivia Pate

Did you know it is estimated that up to 40.3 million people around the world are being trafficked, and sex trafficking is one of the world’s fastest-growing criminal industries?

It’s truly hard to wrap your mind around when it isn’t something you or someone close to you has experienced but that doesn’t make it any less prevalent to the lives of the children in our community. In an attempt to stop trafficking, Glenda Skipper, the founder of One Child at a Time, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has dedicated herself to teaching prevention in schools, churches, and other civic organizations in the Pee Dee Region.

bondage looked like for women and girls as young as eight years old. “According to one of the madams I met, they purchase the girls from recruiters and the girls work off their debt before they can be returned home. But the truth of the matter is, they never get to go back home.” Glenda continued, “I felt helpless. I knew at that moment that I had to learn more about human trafficking and what I could do to prevent it.”

In June of 2017, Glenda was offered the opportunity to spend a week in India at a Navi Mumbai-based Turbhe Red Light slum. While there, she worked with The Hope Center, a place where more than 120 children visit daily for a hot meal, to be educated, and to hear about the love of Jesus. During that time, she saw nearly 1,000 prostitutes in a two-city block and she learned firsthand what

After much research and a visit to Phenom Penn, Cambodia, six months later where she learned from an organization called AIM (Agape International Missions), Glenda realized that her purpose wasn’t to rescue all of the children that are already being trafficked but to prevent it from happening through education. One Child at A Time was then founded on January 17th, 2018.

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For the last year, Glenda has educated students about what human trafficking is, what a victim looks like, and even the dangers of online predators. “The students we teach are relieved that someone is talking to them about this evil threat. What we as parents aren’t always aware of is that our children come into contact with an online predator almost daily,” she explains. With the topic being spoken out loud, students feel comfortable sharing their stories and concerns with One along with their teachers and peers. This helps to open the eyes of everyone listening to what lurks in their surroundings. One also gives each student a card with the National Human Trafficking hotline number on it. Students leave with the knowledge and necessary tools to defend themselves against online predators. The mission of One is simple: “To eliminate modern slavery one person at a time.” Their end goal is to educate the prevention of human trafficking in every classroom in the state. “We live in a world that survives through technology,” says Glenda. “Our students are even given laptops in schools; many have safety measures put into place and some do not. Kids can easily get on any social media app and look up anything on Youtube. I am not suggesting that technology is bad, only that it is a predators tool to reach our children. Therefore we need to teach them how to be safe online. Every classroom we enter, I always begin with the same question, ‘How many of you have ever talked to a stranger online?’ The majority of my audience raises their hands.

January is human trafficking awareness month. On Monday, January 6th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., One will be partnering with Texas Roadhouse for a Dine to Donate event. When diners present the flyer below, 10% of the cost of their meal will go towards the support of One where all proceeds go directly towards educating our children. “Human trafficking has been in our area for years but we are finally shedding light on the darkness by talking about it and educating ourselves and our children. I am proud that our organization is a part of this movement. Our children are depending on us to keep them safe!” During 2019, One Child at at Time educated more than 5,000 children. They look to double that number in 2020!

HUMAN TRAFFICKING FAST FACTS • Predators utilize online apps and gaming to reach our children • Many victims in our area are not taken from their homes but are forced to work weekends as prostitutes • Relationships with predators start simple, then they are talked into sending inappropriate pictures of themselves and then that is used against them as leverage • I-95 and I-20 are major U.S. corridors in which victims are moved up and down • Traditionally victims of trafficking are between the ages of 11 and 14 because they are easily manipulated and coerced

To learn more about One Child at a Time visit them on social media or contact Glenda at onechildatatime.com@gmail.com.

Glenda Skipper, Founder of One Child at a Time January 2020

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AROUND TOWN: 9TH ANNUAL BOUNTIFUL BRUNCH â&#x20AC;¢ PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIN DANIELS

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The conservation community came together for a beautiful afternoon at the home of Lane and Al Gilpin in Darlington County for the 9th Annual Bountiful Brunch benefiting Pee Dee Land Trust. Highlights of the afternoon were strolling through the horse barn and pastures and visiting with four birds of prey. PDLT would like to give a special thank you to the Gilpins for opening their home and to all of the supporters for attending. PDLT would especially like to thank the generous sponsors for making the event a huge success.

PDLTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Bountiful Brunch

1 Asa Godbold, Laura Phillips, Ricky Coxe, Cynde White, Elizabeth Hubbard, Erika Cook, Henry Swink, Alan Hubbard, Roxanne Coffee, Nevitte Swink 14

2 Leslie and Jay Ervin, Bill Swartz, Harriet Gilpin, John Gilpin, Lane Gilpin, Sara Chisholm, Lisa Jernigan and Rod Jernigan 3 Hosts-Harriet, Al and Lane Gilpin 4 Tim Cunningham, Debbie and Paul Seward 5 Jill Lewis, Jane Comfort and Kathy Wilcox 6 Carrington Wingard, Ben Daniel, Barry Wingard, Meggie Baker 7 Carol and Ted Goranson, Peggi Davis, Edwin Haenni, Vivian Harris 8 Charles Ipock and Virginia Clyburn-Ipock, Donna Isgett

9 Thomas and Rory Brodie, Furman and Jeannie Brodie 10 Bill and Beverly Hazelwood, Till Fallow, Will Carswell 11 Danielle and Ashley Nance, Brian Blaker, Caroline Bascom 12 Derrell Mullins, Catherine Rogers, Albert James, Bill Barron, Caroline Dargan, Steve Nicholl, Gina Barron, Tim Dargan, Deetz Mullins 13 Susan Rowe, Terry Roberts, Ann Rodgers Chandler, Wendell Jones, Charisse and Mike Reichenbach

14 John, Kinsey and Janet Brand 15 Rebecca Greenberg, Blair Cooper, Ida Whitehead and Alva Whitehead 16 Evans Holland, Mary Jane Holland, Bettis Howard, Susan Houck, Julia Buyck, Mark Buyck, Nancy Player, Carroll Player 17 Carolina Toniolo, Annie Pate, Blake Pate, Steve Toniolo 18 Jane and Rex Huggins

19 Christy Mitchell, Michael Miller, Melissa Miller, Scott Copes, Scott Mitchell, Shannon Copes, Emily Whitehead, Weave Whitehead, Cindy Belk, Eric Belk Janary 2020

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MAKEOVER MAKEOVER

the big TRANSFORMATION on

LISA COOKE Vip began searching for the perfect person to do a makeover last September. The goal was to find someone worthy and that would truly begin 2020 with a bang! After Lisa Cooke wrote in, we were sold! She’s a spunky working woman who began to focus more on others and getting her job done than on her personal appearance. She’s already cute as can be but Vip, along with Genesis Cosmetic Laser Center, Pieces Gifts and Boutique, ENVY 4:13 Salon and Leigh’s Merle Norman, wanted to give her a vibrant new look for the new year.

hair + makeup + clothes

ENVY 4:13 Salon, Manning "Lisa's hair texture and thickness were perfect; we only needed to update her cut and color a bit. After cutting 4 inches of hair off, we decided to shape her bangs instead of giving them a blunt look so they could continue to grow. We did full, heavy highlights and finished up with a casual style." - Grace Beatson Matthews 312 E Boyce St, Manning • 803.433.4130

before

Leigh's Merle Norman, Lake City "We started with our new Skin Intelligent skincare line, followed with our 24 Karat Firming Primer. We highlighted and brightened up her face with dual action concealer in light and followed with Timeless Illumination foundation in Ivory, Berry gel cheek color and set it with translucent powder. Brows frame the face, so I filled in her brows with soft blonde brow pencil and used our new Knock Out Nudes 2 pallet on Lisa’s eyes. I finished with Pinking of You lip glaze for her lips." - Leigh Matthews 117 W Main St, Lake City 843.394.1494

Pieces Gift & Boutique, Florence "Lisa already wore more of a retro look so the bell-bottom Angry Rabbit jeans were an immediate grab. With keeping that style and adding a business twist, we added a simple cream blouse. We threw on a rich navy, double breasted wool jacket to complete the look." 44

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January 2020

- Blair Burdette

1228 Celebration Blvd Florence • 843.407.1177

photography by Nancy Devon Carsten

face + body

From my very first appointment at Genesis, the staff has always been very welcoming and accommodating. They suggested several procedures and thoroughly explained the process for all of the sessions so that I would know exactly what I was getting into. During every session, the staff was very attentive and made me feel at ease. Dr. O’Dell was wonderful and treated me like an old friend. It was a great pleasure getting to know the staff and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the work that was done. Not only do I look younger but I feel better, too! I’ve become more confident in my own skin. Thank you, Genesis for bringing back my youth!”

before

after

Genesis Cosmetic Laser Center, Florence "Lisa had some sagging, loose skin under her neck and not much of a jaw line. We did a Chin & Neck LipoSculpting procedure with a fat transfer along her jaw line to provide more definition. We also added some Botox® in the deep crevices around her eyes and forehead and put fillers around her mouth. Lisa has been a great patient. She was open to our suggestions and easy to work with. We are happy to see that she's enjoying her new look!" - Dr. Edward O'Dell

1273 Celebration Blvd Florence • 843.669.2220 January 2020

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LIFESTYLE

CBD Oil helps

get you back to

yourself!

....but remember, not all CBD is created equal story by Bryan Davis

Eugene & Ashley Jacobs

Just one year ago, a little more than two weeks after the President of the United States signed the Farm Bill, federally legalizing hemp, Eugene and Ashley Jacobs of Florence opened Your CBD Store™, the Pee Dee's only exclusive CBD Store, carrying the SunMed Brand. Since then, they have opened a second store in Sumter, SC and continue to thrive.

With the FDA’s lack of regulation on CBD, lots of opportunities have presented themselves for potential CBD users to be taken advantage of due to lack of knowledge. “All CBD is not created equal”, says Jacobs. “We wanted to offer the consumer a place to go, to get educated about CBD, sample a few forms of our CBD products, and get their questions answered and concerns addressed without the pressure a lot of other places may pose. We are a results-driven company and have seen tons of success stories from our customers. Transparency in how our product is made, where our organic hemp is cultivated, and how the CBD is extracted to produce the best and safest product are just a few of the reasons we are leading the way locally and nationally as a CBD company. On every product, we provide a certificate of analysis, or COA, to show what’s listed on the label, is in fact, in the bottle.” Your CBD Store™ is NOT a 3rd party company, meaning they do not buy just any CBD and throw it on the shelves. They are a “Soil to Oil” Company, meaning every step of the process they are involved in the Quality Control of their product. Your CBD Store™ offers CBD oil tinctures, water solubles, gel caps, topical relief cream, lotions, edibles, cosmetics, and vapes. No prescription needed. At Your CBD Store™ in Florence, SC, we have collectively become a part of The Largest Network of Health & Wellness Leaders Worldwide. It is our goal to provide an elite CBD 46

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product that utilizes natural plant synergies, all the while creating an informed consumer who will demand transparency and high-quality CBD products that will push our industry to new heights. SunMed’s Your CBD Store™ products are formulated for superior results by our very own Dr. Anthony Ferrari and with his formulation we have been voted Best CBD 2019 and recently awarded Best CBD Orange Tincture, Best Topical Relief Cream, and Best CBD Cosmetic

2405 2nd Loop Rd Suite J, Florence 843.407.5614 • FlorenceSC.cbdrx4u.com

January 2020

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NEWSWORTHY

Something to Celebrate... COSTELLO NAMED THIRD DAISY HONOREE AT MUSC HEALTH FLORENCE MEDICAL CENTER

Costello

May

Darlene Costello, a registered nurse (RN) in Day Hospital at MUSC Health Florence Medical Center, was named the third DAISY Award Recipient of 2019. Darlene has been a part of this organization for more than 30 years. The DAISY award is given to a nurse whose job performance exemplifies the mission, vision and values of MUSC Health. The recipient must also keep a consistent focus on meeting patient-family goals, collaborate with the healthcare team to meet patients’ needs, use critical thinking to deliver extraordinary patient care, and demonstrate a caring attitude, as well as professionalism in the workplace during all situations. Darlene was nominated by a patient and their family member.

Boyd

MUSC HEALTH FLORENCE MEDICAL CENTER WELCOMES NEW PHYSICIANS Gregory May, M.D. is associated with MUSC Health – Cardiology. Dr. May is a board certified Interventional Cardiologist, he received his medical degree from Miami School of Medicine in Florida, and completed his fellowship in interventional cardiology at Emory University Affiliated Hospitals.

Darlene’s nomination was received from a patient she cared for in Day Hospital. The patient and patient’s family described Darlene as “full of kindness and patience; the exact kind of nurse that you would hope to have. She was so good to us the entire time of our visit.” The family member of the patient further explained that Darlene provided additional resources and answers to their questions, which made their visit pleasant during a time when they were anxious.

Dr. May has over 27 years of experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of cardiovascular orders. He was formerly associated with Advanced Cardiology Consultants in Florence. He is accepting new patients. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 843-674-4787.

“Darlene cares for her patients as if they were her own family,” said Cheryl Dorriety, Director of Outpatient Services – Day Hospital/Endoscopy. “Darlene explains and educates patients on the processes and expectations; not only are patients a priority, she also assists and supports her co-workers and peers with her skill for teamwork and respect. She utilizes her skills of innovation with assisting other staff members and departments on improving customer experiences and outcomes. Darlene takes accountability for herself and the department through her words and actions, as demonstrated in her own daily practice, but also assisting with educational sessions, updates, and safety concerns within the department.”

Tiffany K. Goldsmith Boyd, M.D., FACOG is associated with MUSC Health - Women’s Health in Florence. Board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, she received her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. She completed her residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Medical College of Georgia.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. Recipients of the DAISY award are chosen quarterly by the DAISY committee at MUSC Health Florence Medical Center.

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Dr. Boyd has over 10 years experience in providing obstetrics and gynecology services. She specializes in high risk obstetrics, adolescent gynecology, and menopause. She is accepting new patients. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 843-665-9581.

If you are celebrating a positive achievement or have been awarded for a newsworthy accomplishment, email Heather Page at heather@vipmagsc.com.

January 2020

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HOME

The “R” Rule for Shellfish The story has always been told that we should only enjoy shellfish, specifically oysters, during the months that include the letter “R.” That means from September to April, we can indulge as often as possible while May through August shellfish are off limits. So while you partake in shellfish season, here are some tips on exactly how to get into those shells to reach the soft, often salty and sometimes firm, oysters.

1. Make sure to scrub the shells under cold running water. There’s nothing worse than getting a mouthful of sand or pluff mud. 2. Offer your hand some protection with a towel or mesh shucking glove. Lay the oyster flat in your hand and hold it into place. 3. Insert the tip of the oyster knife into the “hinge” and twist to pry open. 4. Use the oyster knife to cut the muscle away from the shell. Use a clean finger to wipe away any broken shell or sediment. 5. It’s ready to eat! Enjoy plain or add some toppings such as hot sauce, cocktail sauce, lemons and saltine crackers. 6. Serve with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc!

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January 2020

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LIFESTYLE

Are you looking for recommendations for a new book to read during 2020 or a new show to watch? Look no further! Here are a couple of suggestions to get you through January. David H. Brown, author of Only Death, happens to be from Williamsburg County. Purchasing his book also gives you an opportunity to support someone local!

DEPUTY Series Premiere airs January 2nd at 9 pm on Fox

From director/executive producer David Ayer (“Training Day,” “End of Watch”), DEPUTY blends the spirit of a classic Western with a modern-day attitude and emotionally driven, visceral storytelling. Featuring an ensemble of ambitious and complicated people who won’t rest until justice is served, DEPUTY brings a gritty authenticity to the modern cop drama.

Only Death by David Brown This is a historical-fictional novel based on an actual event that occurred in Williamsburg County, South Carolina, in the year 1870. Some names have been changed, and some events have been embellished and expanded upon. Overall, this is what happened leading up to a very tragic climax. It started out as a friendly competition between two former Confederate soldiers for the hand of a lovely young lady. Over time, the competition developed into a feud and progressed to the point where a challenge to a duel was issued. One of the young men was very intelligent and highly educated. The other was a simple farmer. The challenge led to the death of one of these young men. One was the writer’s greatgrandfather. The writer was told this story over a half century ago by his grandfather. He feels that the story must be told so that others may learn what arrogance, obstinance, and vanity can lead to.

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The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is one of the largest police forces in the world, but when the elected Sheriff dies, an arcane rule in the county charter, forged back in the Wild West, suddenly thrusts the most unlikely man into the job. That man is BILL HOLLISTER (Stephen Dorff, “True Detective,” “Star”). A fifth-generation lawman, Bill is only interested in justice; his soul wears a white hat. The bad guys don’t stand a chance, but neither do the politicos in the Hall of Justice. (fox.com/deputy)

January 2020

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Did You Know...

story by Kent Daniels

CLISE DUDLEY “The Giant Killer” 1903 - 1989

Clise Dudley played baseball for two seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers, also called the Robins, from 1929 to 1930. He was known as the “Giant Killer” because the New York Giants could not hit his pitches. In an interview with Mr. Dudley, I asked him if he had ever pitched to Babe Ruth. He answered with a smile, saying he had. It was an intercity exhibition game and Dudley was ahead in the count to Ruth. On the next pitch, the King of Swat (Ruth) hit the ball so hard that when the first baseman leaped up to catch the ball, the ball took his mitt right off his hand, and the ball and the mitt landed in right field. Mr. Dudley started playing with the Washington Senators after he graduated from Lake City High School in 1923, where he had been its ace pitcher. He would spend several years in the minor leagues. Washington traded him to the Brooklyn clubs in 1929 and he stayed until October of 1930. On April 27, 1929, Dudley became the second player and first pitcher to hit a home run on the first pitch he ever saw. He still holds that record. Brooklyn traded him and this time to the Philadelphia A’s. He stayed with the Athletics until the end of the 1932 season. He ended his baseball career with the Pittsburg Pirates in 1933. In 1937, Clise was in the motion picture business in New Jersey and in the summer of that year leased property on the boardwalk at Myrtle Beach where he built a large dance pavilion. This place was the center where youth would go dance by the shore. Dudley made his money on the refreshments, but it was the dance that brought them in. Late any night – and early many mornings – they were there, and it was the Big Apple that was the rage. The Big Apple was 54

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first started in Columbia, South Carolina and the students from the University of South Carolina went down to Myrtle Beach and brought the dance with them. After his retirement from professional baseball and the movies, he settled in Georgetown, SC, where he coached the Georgetown Athletics, a team of the old Palmetto Baseball League. Clise died at Moncks Corner, South Carolina on January 12, 1989, at the age of 85. He is buried in the Lake City Cemetery.

Kent Daniels is a Lake City native, retired teacher, and now Director of the Lynches Lake Historical Society.

January 2020

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January 2020

Fresh (Food) Start

Tomato Bisque

to 2020

story and recipe by Doug Smith

New beginnings, fresh starts, and reflections. The closing of this year welcomes the beginning of the year, two thousand twenty. The year to get SMART with our goals by being Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timeoriented. New Year Resolutions may include goals such as making healthier food choices, exercising daily, writing a budget or taking a family road trip, just to name a few. The resolution is only our decision to do something. Now that we have decided on what or where we’re going, it’s time to make a plan. A plan is like the maps app on our phone, it helps get us to our destination. One of my goals for the last year was to eat better so that I would be healthier and feel better. Part of my plan was to cut out added sugar (Specific). That means no cookies, no sodas, no sweets (Measurable). Keep fresh fruit like apples, berries, and oranges on hand for that mid-day or late evening snack (Attainable). Because of this decision, I have felt so much better and have had more energy than before (Relevant). I will also bring this forward into 2020 (Time-oriented). Each year when we take the time to reflect on the goals set for the previous year it serves as a reminder of what we have accomplished. Remember each day you have to start with a plan. Some days we all miss the mark but the good news is, Lord willing, tomorrow we get to refocus and start again.

INGREDIENTS 1 Red apple (diced) 4 large Kale leaves, center removed (chopped)

1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons of dijon mustard

1 cup carrots (shredded)

1 teaspoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/3 cup Craisins

Sea salt (to taste)

walnuts (to garnish)

Black pepper (to taste)

4 tablespoons of orange juice

Chopped walnuts

METHOD 1. In a small bowl, combine the orange juice, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside. 2. Massage the kale with olive oil and salt. 3. Place the apples, Kale, carrots, Craisins in a mixing bowl and toss. Drizzle salad dressing. Toss to coat well. Garnish with walnuts. Serves 2

Get more from Doug Smith by following him on Facebook and Instagram at "Doug the Food Guy". December 2019 VIPMagSC.com VIPMagSC.com January 2020

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8 STEPS FOR A

Practically Perfect Pantry story by Rebecca Giese

Who has genuinely taken a good look at their pantry, cabinets, closet or shelves lately? After all the holiday baking and basting, it needs some attention before kicking off the new year. For years I have enjoyed organizing and helping members of my family clean out their pantries. An organized pantry doesn't just look good; it is functional. When you know where everything is located, cooking is easier because you aren't hunting for an ingredient. More importantly, the buying process, when you see everything you have, you aren't running to the store every day or accidentally having doubles. So I am excited to share my eight steps to having a well organized and functional pantry to maximize time, space, and budget in 2020!

On My Radar! Planning adventures and making goals for the new year! I love to take January to step back and plan for the year ahead and I know 2020 is going to be the best year yet!

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1. Take everything out. Set aside a morning or afternoon to take every item out of your pantry, even the bins and containers. Yes, it will create a giant mess, but it will be worth it. 2. Clean the shelves and the containers; at the very least, you will have dust, but let's be honest there is probably some dry pasta or sticky molasses in the back you try not to think about it. If the pantry needs some extra attention, I suggest a fresh coat of paint or a new sheet of contact paper. 3. Check all expiration dates. Even though canned goods last a long time, that can of cream corn from 1995 probably isn't good anymore. If the item has expired, trash it.Â 4. Now go through the rest of the items. Did you go on a trendy diet in 2019 and have coconut flour you don't know what to do with or snack packs you will honestly never eat? If it is unopened, donate it to your local food shelter! 5. Now that you have cleaned out the harmful and unnecessary food from your pantry, it is time to sort. Start putting like items together and create categories. Creating these groups can help you figure out which container or bin to use. 6. Map out with the empty containers where everything should go in the new pantry set up. An empty bin is easy to move around than one full of rice or flour. 7. Once you are satisfied with the location of everything, start to fill the containers and sort the products. 8. After everything has a place and is in its place, label the containers. Labeling makes it easy to see what you have and where to put items back.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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LIFESTYLE

BOURBON PUNCH INGREDIENTS:

• 4 c of Maker's Mark bourbon (or your favorite bourbon)

• 4 c of green tea

• 3/4 c of sugar

• Freshly grated nutmeg

• Peels of 3 lemons & 1 orange • Juice of peeled fruit

• 1 c of champagne Do NOT substitute with powdered nutmeg.

DIRECTIONS:

Combine sugar and citrus peels in the bottom of a punch bowl. Muddle together until sugar starts to clump together. Let sit for about 2 hours (while not necessary, this does add a little complexity). Brew the tea for about 30 minutes, remove loose tea or tea bags, and allow to cool. Add the juice of the peeled fruit, tea, and bourbon. Stir. Top with champagne just before serving and stir gently. Top with freshly grated nutmeg and serve. 60

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