6
VIP Magazine | April 2017
16
26
44
48
60
ISSUE 17
APRIL CONTENTS 10 Business Spotlight Oak Manor Inn and Pub
12 Under the Dome Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A.
14 Launch State Farm | Mandy Simpson
16 Business Spotlight TheFourthTurn.com | Hunter Thomas
18 All Access Methodist Manor
20 Developing Downtown Lamar Main Street
22 Finance Tied to the Land | ArborOne
24 Experience Hartsville 2017 Leadership Hartsville
26 Agribusiness Carolina Hertiage Farms
29 Cover Story A Day to Remember | Inland Port Dillon
40 Happenings ArtFields
42 Time To Toast 44 In Honor of All Lieutenant Alvin Powell
46 Positive Pursuit Good Shepherd PCA | Stacey Severance
48 Business Spotlight Buckhead Ranch
50 Florence Community Why Volunteer? | Jay Lavrinc
52 Advocating Healthcare Focusing on Senior Health | HopeHealth
54 Health and Wellness Parkinson’s Support | Richard & Nancy Wright
56 Paying It Forward Good Samaritans of Lutheran Services
58 Tax Prep Fat Lady Sings | Elizabeth Campbell, EA
60 Employee Spotlight FDTC | Tyron Jones
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
7
Publisher Tammy Clark tmclark225@gmail.com Editor Heather Page heather@vipmagsc.com Office Manager Tiffany Skipper jtskipp35@gmail.com Advertising Executive Mary Kevin Miller marykevinmiller@gmail.com Creative Design Tuesday Taylor
Contributing Photographers Jonathan Boatwright Heather Byrd Ivana Reay-Jones Fred Salley Jeff Smith Contributing Writers Kimberly Brauss Mark W. Buyck, III Elizabeth Campbell, EA Sam Harrelson Jay Lavrinc Ella Lawson Rion McAllister Stacey Severance Norm Steadman Emily Stone Donna Tracey Sarah Travis
COVER CONCEPT
This issue we celebrate Dillon for the groundbreaking of the Inland Port Dillon. This team venture proves that hard work and dedication can bring significant economic growth! Jonathan Boatwright spent the aternoon capturing the March event. With numerous business leaders present, the cover feature was expanded to share the thoughts of all that attended and spoke on the project.
8
VIP Magazine | April 2017
A LETTER FROM OUR TEAM Time to Take a Risk? There certainly is no shortage of excitement about all of the potential for economic growth in Dillion County with the addition of this inland port. With the purchase of the land, the little city of Dillon has made a huge investment and taken a big risk with high hopes of seeing the reward return in the way of an Influx of businesses, jobs, and people to their area. Here at VIP, we are inspired by Dillon’s willingness to take a chance on change. They recognized that the risk they are taking might exponentially benefit the county in tremendous, far-reaching ways! This causes us to take pause and ask certain questions of ourselves. Are we identifying and seeking out strategic risks in our professional careers or have we become complacent and a bit too comfortable in our current surroundings? All too often we find ourselves, working day-after-day, striving to achieve the next expected goal or the next easily anticipated benchmark. Like robots, we move from one achievement to the next, making progress for sure, but never really seeking out and taking those big risks that could put our careers on the map. Have we become a bit too content with the advancement a career path of moderate progression? Have we forgotten to look for opportunities that could catapult us to new and daring heights? These comfort zones prevent us from seeing the true value in the risk and reward relationship, and create a type of selective blindness that has been known to keep even the most admired professionals stuck in career “ruts” for embarrassingly long periods of time. Everyone has an undertaking in their career that they have been putting off for fear that the risk doesn’t justify the reward. Maybe it’s an intense project that would offer you the opportunity to put yourself out there and display hidden skill sets to be judged by colleagues and mentors alike. It could be that you’ve reached the top of the corporate ladder with your company and it’s time for you to seek out outside opportunities that could advance your career. If you find that you have no opportunities for change facing you, then maybe the very risk of becoming obsolete in your current field is the very one you have to concern yourself with. As always, it’s time for a little selfevaluation to keep your career path fresh and thriving by taking advantage of a few calculated risks. No great reward comes without great risk, so best of luck seeking out and securing that career changing risk before your competition beats you to the reward!
-TEAM VIP Serving Florence, Hartsville, Darlington, Marion, Mullins, Lake City and the surrounding areas APRIL 2017 | ISSUE 17 2011-B Second Loop Rd, Florence, SC 29501 FIND US ON FACEBOOK
For advertising rates, call 843-687-4236. We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
9
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Oak Manor inn & pub
story by Emily Stone Steve Tinney and Meenu Thandi Tinney, his wife of 42 years, insist that good luck has always been on their side throughout their marriage and hospitality businesses. Steve says, “My father always remarked, ‘When a business opportunity comes along, and you have a choice between lucky or smart, always choose lucky.’ And lucky we were in 2007 finding Hartsville and opening Oak Manor Inn.” A retired journalist and author who wrote for Time, Toronto Star, Palm Beach Life, Star, and the Associated Press, Steve met Meenu when she was a Pan Am flight attendant. “For years we loved opening our various homes and entertaining friends and clients from around the world,” he recalls. “So it seemed only natural that we should gravitate to the world of hospitality once we retired.” After owning a beachfront hotel restaurant on the Arabian Sea, followed by an inn and pub in London, this hardly retired couple decided it was time to return to America and set up business. “We wanted to be in the south and not more than a day’s trip to a home we owned in West Palm Beach, Florida,” says Steve. “We found the perfect property and re-named it Oak Manor Inn.” Built in 1892 as the private home of a paper mill tycoon, who later merged his company with Major James Lide Coker to form what is now Sonoco, the stately inn boasts five deluxe guest rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. There is a cozy, paneled library and six fireplaces. The innkeepers live in a cottage on the three-acre grounds surrounded by Live Oaks, Dogwood, and Cedar trees in addition to dozens of Azealas and Camellias.
photo by Heather Byrd
‘When a business opportunity comes along, and you have a choice between lucky or smart, always choose lucky.’
“Our restaurant and pub are open to the public every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening,” adds Meenu who’s the chief cook and creates the comfort-food menu as well. “Steve is our wine expert and front of the house host.” Situated directly across from Coker College, the 19th century inn is also available for weddings and other important events.
Contact Steve and Meenu Tinney: 314 E Home Ave, Hartsville | 843.383.9553 | www.oakmanorinn.com
10
VIP Magazine | April 2017
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
11
UNDER THE DOME
Judge’s Nominations story by Mark W. Buyck, III Concentrating in Banking, Business, Civil and Business Litigation and Appeals, Contracts, Employment, Government, Real Estate
The hullabaloo and consternation associated with Judge Neil Gorsuch’s nomination to the United States Supreme Court may lead one to believe that this is characteristic of past political wrangling. Until fairly recently in our Country’s history, the President usually has been given deference in his selection of federal judges, although there have been exceptions. Twentyone Supreme Court nominees have not won Senate confirmation and nearly as many have withdrawn or refused to accept the position.
failed to secure the necessary votes in the Senate or have voluntarily withdrawn from consideration.
The first Supreme Court nominee defeated in a Senate confirmation vote was a South Carolinian, John Rutledge. In 1795, George Washington made a recess appointment of Rutledge as the Chief Justice. Rutledge almost immediately became involved in controversy of his own making. He made several public statements which rankled Washington’s supporters in the Senate. Six (6) months after his recess appointment, the Senate voted 14 to 10 against confirmation. Rutledge has the distinction of being the only Justice to ever be involuntarily removed from the Supreme Court. Two Presidents, John Tyler and Millard Fillmore, were so despised by Senators that all of their Supreme Court nominees were rejected. Tyler’s four (4) nominees and Fillmore’s three (3) were as unsuccessful as the Tyler and Fillmore presidencies. In 1888, Democrat Grover Cleveland nominated Justice Melville Fuller to be Chief Justice. The Republican majority in the Senate voted to confirm Justice Fuller. This was the last time that a President from the opposite party of the Senate majority was successful in confirming a Supreme Court nominee in an election year. Between 1892 and 1968, there was only one rejected nominee. Since then, seven (7) nominees have either
In 1968, the Senate failed to approve Lyndon Johnson’s nomination of Abe Fortas as Chief Justice. Bipartisan opposition to Fortas was mainly along regional lines with Southerners critical of his record on civil rights cases. The next year, the Senate rejected Richard Nixon’s nominee, Clement Haynsworth, also a South Carolinian. Haynsworth was opposed by Northern Senators (possibly in retaliation for Southern opposition to Fortas), the NAACP and Labor Unions. Haynsworth was defeated by a vote of 55-45. Nixon then nominated another Southerner, G. Harrold Carswell, who was defeated 51-45. In 1987, Ronald Reagan nominated Robert Bork. This nomination marks the beginning of the hyperpolitical scorched-earth tactics that characterized most subsequent nominations. Bork was defeated 58-42 with only seven (7) Senators crossing party lines to support or oppose him. Reagan’s next choice was Douglas Ginsburg. Ginsburg withdrew his nomination after he revealed that he had smoked marijuana with students while a professor at Harvard. Probably the most heated nomination fight ever was George W. Bush’s 1991 nomination of Clarence Thomas. Following contentious hearings where Thomas was accused of sexual harassment and his competence questioned, he was ultimately confirmed 52-48 when 11 mostly Southern Democrats voted to confirm. The last three (3) nominees prior to Gorsuch have been hotly debated but ultimately confirmed on nearly straight party votes. The Samuel Alito (58-42, 5 Senators crossing party lines), Sonia Sotomayor (68-31, 9 Senators crossing), and Elena Kagan (63-37 with 5 crossing) nominations now appear to be the norm.
Serving Businesses and Individuals from Florence to Myrtle Beach: the Business Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys of Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. willcoxlaw.com
12
VIP Magazine | April 2017
248 West Evans Street | Florence, SC | 843.662.3258 2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230 | Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
13
LAUNCH
Drive and Passion Developed into a Rewarding Career story by Kimberly Brauss Florentine Mandy Simpson recently invested in a State Farm agency to be a part of the community she grew up in. But it wasn’t until she started her first career in banking did she know she wanted something more for herself. Simpson took an opportunity with Woodmen Life, where she succeeded with incredible training and motivation. After a few years, Simpson decided she wanted to do something on a grander scale.
“I reached out to my State Farm agent, Richard Skipper. I started working for Richard’s office in January 2015 with the intent to become an agent as soon as an opportunity arose. Fortunately for me, that opportunity came up only 18 months later and in my home town!” -Mandy 14
VIP Magazine | April 2017
Simpson’s drive and passion turned into a rewarding career, where she says she has the freedom of being a small business owner, working with her own team, as well as having “the 35th ranked company on the Fortune 500 supporting me with their huge infrastructure, systems, and training.” The local connection is one Simpson says is most rewarding. Being in a community she grew up in, clients sometimes are friends and family, where trust is key. “I want to be the best thing that happens to them on their worst day, and I’m finally in a position to do just that.” What’s more, Simpson makes her services stand out by having the office open on Saturdays. “As a working mom, I know it’s hard to handle everything during regular office hours, Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. There’s just not enough time in the day. So, we’re the only State Farm office in Florence that’s open 10am until 2pm on Saturdays to help make our customer’s lives a little easier. I’ll also be one of the few agents to have my mortgage license so I can help my customers save money not only on their insurance but also on their mortgage which is generally the largest expense they have. “Although the amount of effort and energy to get this proverbial plane off the ground has been immense, the support of my husband and family has kept me sane. I’ve been fortunate enough to avoid any serious obstacles or pitfalls in opening my business, and I attribute that mostly to the exceptional business training I received from Francis Marion University and the intentional planning and support provided by State Farm,” she said. Simpson also is active in the community, where she’s involved with the Kiwanis Club of Florence and a new church called The Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.
Contact Mandy Simpson:
State Farm | 804-J Second Loop Rd, Florence (843) 799-0885 | www.mandysimpson.com April 2017 | VIP Magazine
15
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Hunter at the NASCAR Hall of Fame
HUNTER THOMAS TheFourthTurn.com story by Sam Harrelson It’s been said that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. For Hunter Thomas, that couldn’t be truer. In 2012, while working in the Control Tower at Dillon Motor Speedway, Hunter and coworker Christopher Neal decided to launch TheFourthTurn.com, a website that promotes the local side of racing. The site highlights features such as short track racers, their teams, and their partners. Since their start, TheFourthTurn.com has become South Carolina’s leading source of stock car racing news. Although the site didn’t begin until 2012, Hunter says that his love for NASCAR and all things racing began at an early age. Born with various health problems, traditional sports were always problematic for Hunter to participate in. Instead, he headed to the racetrack to watch his heroes speed around the track under the bright lights. “When you’re a kid just trying to have fun in life, a deadly disease and a defibrillator really takes the joy out of most days, but it was God, my dog Daisy and NASCAR that saved my life and kept me sane,” he says. When TheFourthTurn.com was born, it began as a site to promote grassroots drivers. Therefore, growing the business was simple. Hunter says that he can only recall, “About four other major websites that covered short track racing in the Carolinas.” However, as the site began to grow and cover NASCAR, growth became a challenge. When you’re covering an organization as 16
VIP Magazine | April 2017
large as NASCAR, not only are you competing with other independently owned websites, but news sources such as NBC, FOX, and ESPN as well. Outlets like these are in a league of their own, so, “at the end of the day, we just do the best that we can, and we look for the stories that our fans here in Eastern South Carolina want to read about,” says Hunter. As for who operates and controls the actual site, owner Christopher Neal handles the behind the scenes work of the website, making sure that everything is running smoothly and is up to date. The constant dayto-day maintenance of the site and management of staff is handled by Hunter, himself. Their staff is made up of an array of individuals ranging from college students, to young adults, to friends, to family. For instance, Kyle Pokrefky is the site’s Midwest writer. Based out of Chicago, Pokrefky covers events from ARCA Racing Series events to NASCAR events held in the Midwest. Another important staff member is Camille Jones. Jones graduated from UNC Charlotte and is looking to enter the field of public relations within the racing industry. She is also the site’s “social media expert” and contributes on a weekly basis. Even Hunter’s father, Wayne Thomas is on staff. He operates as the site’s main photographer. “We used to hunt the woods in Lee County together,” Hunter says, “but now we work alongside of each other on the biggest stage in North American motorsports.”
snapshot of Hunter partcipating in several NASCAR events
Not only does TheFourthTurn.com have a full staff, but Christopher and Hunter have also recently began a partnership with Myrtle Beach’s WMBF News. The partnership works by allowing WMBF access to all content posted on TheFourthTurn.com and in return, the website receives weather updates and promotion of the company’s brand. In the two months the partnership has existed, it has already substantially benefited the local racing community by promoting drivers and bringing in a whole new audience. The site’s content is also posted and available during racing season to the members who receive the South Carolina Press Association newspapers. “It’s always neat to see your work in ink, printed inside a newspaper,” says Hunter. During the day, Hunter works at Florence-Darlington Technical College. However, as soon as he gets home, he opens his laptop to work hard by editing and posting stories to TheFourthTurn.com. Between working at the college, editing, and spending weekends at the racetrack, Hunter says that he barely has time for anything else. Although he loves working at the college and he plans to continue doing so while also eventually settling down in the Pee Dee area, Hunter says, “as long as I have a staff at TheFourthTurn.com, I’m never going to be in favor of shutting down the website. Even though it can be extremely challenging at times, I’m just lucky and very blessed to be able to live the best of both worlds.”
Contact Hunter Thomas:
hunterthomas08@hotmail.com TheFourthTurn.com April 2017 | VIP Magazine
17
ALL ACCESS
A First-Class Retirement and Assisted Living Legacy story by Sarah Travis, Director of Sales and Marketing Methodist Manor is a not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community - a “one stop shop” for retirement living. With an eye toward fulfilling a diversity of needs through comprehensive services, Methodist Manor truly functions as a Community. We continue to strive to create comfortable spaces that enhance the independence and quality of life for each resident. In fulfillment of its mission, Methodist Manor operates with an emphasis on providing peace of mind by helping you maintain independence and attain security for the future. There’s nothing more important than knowing you’ve done all you can to plan for your future. At Methodist Manor, you will enjoy a lifestyle that embraces spiritual, social, emotional and physical well-being. Whether it’s taking an art class, attending church services, growing fresh vegetables, playing bridge or other games, or simply spending time with new friends, Methodist Manor provides the support to help you stay sharp, informed, and engaged. The choice of how you spend your time is yours. Imagine experiencing all of this without the worries and required maintenance of owning a home. Because you have better things to do, you can leave the work up to us while you explore your interests and passions. You’ve always lived life your way, on your terms. The first-class services and amenities afforded by life at Methodist Manor ensure that you continue to do so.
Methodist Manor is located at 2100 Twin Church Road in Florence, contact them at 843.664.0700. www.methodist-manor.com
photography by Fred Salley
“Peace of mind, security of healthcare for the future when my health ne 18
VIP Magazine | April 2017
Past, Present, Future Past In the summer of 1982, a group of people gathered for ice cream at a local parlor in Florence. The conversation centered on their shared grief at having had to say goodbye to a friend who moved that week to a faraway retirement community. “We should not have to move out of the area we know as home to find a place to live in the later years of our lives,” they agreed. In that moment of consensus, the seeds were sown for the establishment of a Methodist retirement center. Driven by the dream, Rev. Robert C. Faulkner, Mary Alice Ingram, and several key congregational members worked diligently to turn the vision into reality. On June 7, 1987, ground was broken and construction began on January 25, 1990. Methodist Manor officially opened December 2, 1991 with 123 total units, consisting of 83 independent apartments and 40 assisted living suites.
Present After the initial construction, several expansions have taken place. In 1993, three additional wings were added; additional Independent and Assisted Living Apartments and a Health Care Facility. 1995 brought the Mary Alice Ingram Chapel, and 1998 brought the first phase of the Patio Homes as well as the addition of Magnolia Terrace: a specialized unit for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care residents.
h needs change.”
As they say the rest is history… which brings us to the present with an 87 acre Campus that consists of 36 Patio Homes, 91 Independent Living Apartments, 53 Assisted Living Apartments, 12 apartments of Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care, and a 32 Bed Health Care Center. Additional Services have also been added such as Home Health Care and Rehabilitation Services. Since the initial conception of Methodist Manor over 30 years ago, it is now time to look at expanding once again to cover the future needs and desires of a thriving Retirement Community.
Future Spring of 2015 brought Construction once again to Methodist Manor in the form of a $26 million dollar expansion. This newest expansion includes a completely new Assisted Living Facility with 11 additional apartments, activity spaces and amenities. An additional 19 apartments of Alzheimer’s/Dementia Unit, complete refurbishment of our Health Care Facility, remodeling and refurbishment of activity and dining spaces within the Independent Living Sections of Methodist Manor including the new additions of a Bistro, Auditorium, and Physicians Clinic, with completion scheduled for summer 2017. What began as a concept and dream among a group of friends who met weekly over ice cream has now become their legacy to Florence as a premier Retirement Community. As Methodist Manor continues to grow we look forward to the future and the continuing growth and evolution of this vision.
Happy Resident Comments. • We love the active lifestyle here. • Friendly, dedicated and caring staff members – 24 hours a day for any need that arises. • I came early to enjoy my retirement to the fullest. • The patio home community is truly a community instead of a subdivision. • The food and dining experience is a pleasure. • The staff helped me with the downsizing of my current home which took away the feeling of being overwhelmed. They even helped me with hanging pictures and placing my furniture when I moved in. • Transportation services are excellent, fortunate to have a van and two buses with handicapped features. • Weekly housekeeping and the once a year spring cleaning is a plus. • Worry-free maintenance means I have more time to do what I have always wanted to do. • We were so excited that we made this choice for ourselves instead of placing this decision later on for our children to handle. It was our gift to them. • When I travel and leave for 3 months the worry of leaving my home never enters my mind because I know that when I return everything has been taken care to the fullest.
-Methodist Manor resident April 2017 | VIP Magazine
19
DEVELOPING DOWNTOWN
WHEN SOMEBODY WAVES TO YOU,
Wave Back
Lamar’s Main Street Welcome Their Pee Dee Neighbors story by Norm Steadman, Executive Director, Darlington Chamber of Commerce Aubrey Totten has a vision for Downtown Lamar and it includes pizza, local treasures, and a stuffed alligator on stage with Friday night musicians. She has opened not one, but two businesses on Main Street in Lamar: The Kobby Kneed Owl, a consignment shop with a little bit of everything; and 3 Doors Down (located conveniently three doors down from The Owl, naturally). The Owl has quickly become a favorite gathering place for those lucky enough to live in Lamar, and for those who are happy to travel from Lamar’s Pee Dee neighbors. Lamar natives know the building as Bernard’s BBQ, and Bernard’s sign still hangs above the front door. Bernard is conducting some renovations and Aubrey was happy to occupy the space in the meantime. The name and location of the business are a conversation starter all on their own – giving somebody directions to a place three doors down from a different place that used to be a BBQ place can be tricky! Fortunately, the old standby truly applies in this case: it’s on Main Street and you can’t miss it. Aubrey conducts herself with an energy that leaves one wondering how many more businesses will spring from her imagination before she’s done, and that energy is apparent on Main Street these days. Out-of-town patrons to 3 Doors Down can expect to see a few regulars enjoying the outdoor seating near the door, and to be greeted with a smile and a wave – Lamar is that kind of town. Though located in the heart of the kind of town that smiles and waves to strangers, 3 Doors Down is anything but sleepy. A distinct buzz is in the air on Friday nights in Lamar centered on the combination consignment shop/restaurant/music venue. A man, a microphone, an acoustic guitar, and yes – a stuffed alligator took the stage one recent Friday Night to play a set of classic rock and country songs to the small crowd. He took requests, he told jokes to the audience -many of whom knew him personally- and performed for the crowd of dozens like it was a crowd of thousands. After his set he spent time meeting the rest of the audience and appreciating the next performer while Aubrey dashed from table to table to make sure everybody had what they needed. Bowls of popcorn started appearing on tables during the second set and the crowd settled in for a great night of music, food, and fellowship. 20
VIP Magazine | April 2017
Jason Chaney, Lamar Police Chief and Norm Steadman, Darlington Chamber at 3 Doors Down
Recently, 3 Doors Down hosted a meet and greet for Lamar’s new police chief, Jason Chaney. Members of the community gathered around a table and enjoyed pizza bites, cheesy bread, BBQ sandwiches, and sweet tea, excited for the event to start. As the 6 o’clock start time came and went, we were informed that the chief had received a call that needed to be addressed and would be running late. No groans of frustration were heard from the gathered crowd, as everybody understood that the duties of the police chief took priority and were happy to wait. Lamar is that kind of town. When Chief Chaney arrived, he had a big smile on his face, eager to meet the community he now serves. His career in law enforcement has prepared him for the work and his communityoriented attitude has prepared him to boost his town up to the next level. He spoke about organizing community basketball leagues, creating recreation for Lamar’s youth, and expressed appreciation for the chance to meet his people in a friendly atmosphere. Naturally, he also expressed some new-job trepidation – the ins and outs of daily police chief duties, and more importantly, the ins and outs of connecting with his community. At this, a local man provided some sage advice: “All you need to know is: if somebody waves to you, wave back.”
LAMAR IS THAT KIND OF TOWN.
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
21
FINANCE
Formed in 1916 as part of the Farm Credit System providing local families loans for farms, and livestock, ArborOne Farm Credit has always been tied to the land. Over 100 years later, ArborOne Farm Credit continues to provide a reliable and consistent source of credit to rural families in the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina.
Tied TO THE
Land story by Kimberly Brauss
Not every financial institution with deep roots to the community also gives back in cash to its member-borrowers. In fact, there’s no other lender in the Pee Dee area except ArborOne Farm Credit that’s a financial institution operating as a cooperative able to return profits to member-borrowers. What’s more: Profits are returned to member-borrowers through patronage funds. When a person becomes a memberborrower at ArborOne Farm Credit, there’s a competitive rate up front, and then the cost of borrowing is reduced even further with its patronage refund. For more than 25 years, ArborOne has successfully paid out over $93 million in cash to memberborrowers. And 2016 was another strong year, where memberborrowers will receive 35 cents back for every dollar in interest paid on their loans. Paying these patronage dividends effectively reduces member-borrowers’ cost of borrowing. And its deep roots don’t just finance farms.
Contact ArborOne:
800 Woody Jones Blvd, Florence (843) 662-1527 arborone.com
22
VIP Magazine | April 2017
ArborOne finances more than farms and agribusiness. It also finances recreational hunting property, equipment, and timberland. It can also refinance an existing land loan and does not impose any pre-payment penalties. And, ArborOne Farm Credit’s knowledgeable relationship managers will come to a potential customer’s home, farm, or place of business to discuss one-on-one the best options for their needs. It also offers 24-hour access to customer accounts via its Account Access and mobile app. ArborOne Farm Credit is pleased to share our success by paying patronage to its customers this spring, just as it has the last 28 years. It just one of the many benefits of doing business with ArborOne Farm Credit, where “It Pays to Own the Bank.”
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
23
EXPERIENCE HARTSVILLE
2017
Leadership
HARTSVILLE story by Rion McAllister With spring in the air we start wrapping up fall and winter’s extra-curricular activities and programs in preparation for the summer hiatus. Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce is no exception as they prepare for the impending graduation ceremonies of the 2017 Leadership Hartsville. This year’s class of 12 students have been on a nine month journey of growth and knowledge that is slated to come to a close with it’s 5th graduating class in May. The invaluable program is presented by the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce as a way to cultivate and shape the leadership skills of local talent in the Hartsville area. Chamber businesses and non-profits are given the opportunity to submit applications in hopes that their top talent might secure the opportunity to participate in the program. The program has been carefully designed in such a way that at the end of the session, participants will have become ambassadors for the Hartsville area who have been enriched with a wealth of community knowledge, local business savvy, as well as, more clearly defined leadership roles in their professional settings.
Leadership class of 2017 touring Sonoco
The class meets one full day of each month and is given the chance to interact with local professionals and business executives. At that time, they also hear from a variety of civic leaders about issues relevant in the local professional and social climate. Over the course of the class, they also visit and hear from an assortment of small and large businesses, as well as non-profits, to gain a better overall picture of their community. In addition to their monthly commitment, the group also participates in a series of short retreats designed to develop individual leadership abilities and also give the group time to work on their signature class community project. Some past graduating class projects include: a renovation of the Boys & Girls Club game room, donation and installation of downtown park benches and implementation of the Youth Empowerment Squad (YES), a mentoring program codeveloped with Hartsville High School. After May’s impending graduation, attentions will turn to planning and preparation for the next class to begin their Leadership Hartsville journey in September 2017. Sponsorship and partial to full scholarships are also available to qualified individuals or businesses.
Interested in Leadership Hartsville? Businesses and/or participants can find more information online at www.hartsvillechamber.org or by contacting the chamber at (843) 332-6401. 24
VIP Magazine | April 2017
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
25
AGRIBUSINESS
CAROLINA HERITAGE FARMS Raising Livestock The Way Nature Intended story by Heather Page pictured l to r: Gra’ Moore, Jeff
Guinea Hog, Mulefoot, Ossabaw, Spot, Duroc, Hereford, Berkshire, Mangalitsa, Red Wattle, Gloucestershire, and Large Blacks - all breeds of hogs but better known to Gra’ and Traci Moore as the Dream Team. Most of Gra’s life was spent learning agriculture and livestock from the experiences of his father. By the age of five he was winning Best of the Breed for his chickens at the county fair. After graduating from North Carolina State with a bachelors in Poultry Science, Gra’ worked as a Consulting Forester but his interest remained with livestock. When the opportunity arose, Gra’ purchased a few pigs to raise naturally.
Hogs roaming the 12-acre wooded pasture
26
VIP Magazine | April 2017
Cordova and Traci Moore
Gra’ consistently educated himself on anything that related to agriculture and livestock, desiring the best quality of life for his animals and what would provide the best quality of meat for consumers. During Gra’s research on swine breeds and genetics, he came across The Livestock Conservancy in North Carolina. The two entities became fast friends as they learned more about the trade from one another. In 2010, The Livestock Conservancy reached out to Gra’ to supply fine dining Chef Craig Dehl of Cypress Restaurant in Charleston, SC with a rare breed from his collection - a Guinea Hog. The founder of Terra Madre (a project conceived by Slow Food to support sustainable agriculture, fishing, and breeding with the goal of preserving taste and biodiversity), Carlos Petrini was visiting Cypress, and Chef Dehl wanted to be sure to impress. This collaboration later awarded Chef Dehl and Gra’ the opportunity to attend the Slow Foods Convention in Italy. Becoming more involved with his passion, Gra’ began his next journey. By 2013, Gra’ had sold his forestry company to follow his dream of being a full-time farmer. Today Carolina Heritage Farms is home to 70 sows and five boars, and serves restaurants in Florence, Columbia, Charleston, Wilmington, Charlotte, Asheville, Raleigh, Atlanta, and Auburn. Staying true to his South Carolina roots, Gra’ works closely with Williamsburg Packing Co., a USDA Animal Welfare processor out of Kingstree, to get
Heirloom corn grown on the farm
the cuts of meat chefs request. With a refrigerated van, Jeff Cordova — farmer, marketer and distributer for Carolina Heritage, delivers to approximately 20 restaurants every week. Together, Gra’, Traci and Jeff tend to the countless duties on the farm. “Many wonder if we become attached to the animals,” says Gra’. “Of course we do, we keep our breeding stock for nearly five years.” Each of them have their favorites; Gra’s was a gentle, 700 pound Spot boar named Dexter. In addition to livestock, Gra’ began growing heirloom corn to feed the naturally raised swine top quality meals. “We are blessed to have Seminar Brewery close by for their spent grain,” Gra’ says. Judge Jim Harwell lets the farm have access to his field peas, and other farmers and friends share seasonal produce. Along with a wholesome diet, the animals have unlimited access to a 12 acre wooded pasture. The team firmly believes that in order to save a rare heritage breed, you must get them back on the table. Gra’ is grateful for the growth the business has seen over the last four years and is excited to see what the next years hold. “We would have never imagined we would be doing what we love at this capacity so quickly.” For the future, “we pray we continue to trust God for where He wants us to go.”
Contact Carolina Heritage Farms:
(843) 621-8916 | Carolina.Heritage.Farms@gmail.com
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
27
28
VIP Magazine | April 2017
COVER STORY
A DAY TO REMEMBER Inland Port Dillon Groundbreaking
MARCH 10, 2017 PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN BOATWRIGHT April 2017 | VIP Magazine
29
COVER STORY • Inland Port Dillon
Rebuilding the Economy One Shipment at a Time story by Ella Lawson
Since the Recession of 2008, America has been working overtime to rebuild its job economy. The entire nation received an impact of rather devastating proportions; especially the South. But thankfully, we live in a country of dedicated, hardworking individuals determined to bring jobs back to the Land of the Free. Many towns in South Carolina reaped the rather tragic consequences of the Recession. Luckily, organizations such as the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) are there to answer the cry for help and provide job opportunities to the beloved citizens of the Palmetto State. The SCPA is responsible for one in eleven jobs across the state of South Carolina, with portsupportedjobs paying 40% higher than SC’s average annual wage. Thanks to SCPA, an annual economic activity of $53 billion exists, as well as 187,600 jobs, $10.2 billion in labor income, 10% of total annual gross state product, and $912 million in tax revenue. The Pee Dee Region alone has seen $6.3 billion in economic impact, with 22,400 jobs (one in fourteen in the region), $1.2 billion in labor income, and 12% of the Port’s total statewide economic impact. The Ports Authority is not only making a major impact on the economy, but it is also affecting the environment in many positive aspects as well. So far, it has restored and added 22 acres of tidal marshes, which reduces the amount of air emissions and funds air monitoring stations. They also partner with the Lowcountry Open Land Trust, Charleston Waterkeeper, and Center of Birds of Prey, just to name a few. The community is also receiving benefits from the SCPA, as it supports trade-related organizations, establishing relationships between school and the community, and securing volunteers and resources needed for service projects. With this in mind, it is safe to say the SCPA truly cares about its fellow neighbors.
30
VIP Magazine | April 2017
So far, there are terminals in Charleston, Georgetown, and Greer. And as of March 10, 2017, Dillon County was added to that list, set to officially open for business in early 2018 to support cargo transportation between Charleston and throughout the Carolinas, Northeast, and Midwest. With Dillon having an active railway system (access to the main line of CSX), this will prove to be beneficial to the transportation of cargo. According to SCPA President and CEO Jim Newsome, “Inland ports provide infrastructure in the interior of the state that supports the movement of freight to and from our marine terminals. Our facilities in Dillon and Greer are important to SCPA’s overall volume growth and the significant amount of cargo that moves today by rail.” Since 2011, international intermodal rail lifts have increased by 170%, with 23% of the port of Charleston’s import and export volume moving by railway. Thanks to this system, the port of Greer has achieved tremendous success, as it accomplished 103,639 rail lifts in 2016. “This is a significant project for SCPA and our entire state,” said SCPA Board Chairman Pat McKinney, “Inland Port Dillon complements the port’s infrastructure investments in Charleston and will no doubt spur economic development activity both in the Pee Dee area and the surrounding region. Port-related jobs pay 40% higher than the state’s average wage, and it is an exciting day to bring such opportunities to Dillon County.” South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster adds, “Our ports are a tremendously important part of South Carolina’s growing economic engine, and Inland port Dillon will play a crucial role in helping our companies move goods more efficiently than ever before. This new facility will mean even more jobs and industry, and help take our state straight to the top.” Indeed, it is time for South Carolina to make its official recovery from the Recession. With the port of Dillion and SCPA, this state has the key to economic success.
With its location having a close proximity to Interstate 95, the Dillon port is a rather critical method of transportation in the Southeast. It also is the home of a Harbor Freight location that houses one million square feet under its roof and is located in the heart of the upcoming port. The initial phase will handle at least 45,000 cargo containers each year, allowing overnight access to and from Charleston’s port through CSX railways. The idea of adding a port in Dillon is fairly new, as it was first considered in April 2016. However, Jack Ellenberg, SCPA Senior VP, Strategic Projects, scoped out the project and plans were kick-started rather quickly. So far, the SCPA has finished the initial design phase, the permitting and equipment requisition process, and is working towards awarding contracts to begin construction. Citizens and influential political leaders are excited about the addition of the Dillon port and the benefits it will bring to South Carolina. Congressman Tom Rice admits, “I’ve worked very hard at the federal level and with the South Carolina Ports Authority to advance the Inland Dillon Port project. This facility will bring industrial diversity and high-paying jobs to Marion, Dillon, and Marlboro counties, resulting in a huge economic impact to a much-needed area.” South
Carolina Senator Kent Williams adds, “The opportunity for job creation and economic growth driven by this facility in our region cannot be overstated. This is an extremely significant day for residents of Dillon and surrounding areas, and I applaud the Ports Authority and its many partners for making this a reality.” Jim Newsome continues, “One thing to note about the Ports Authority is it is a ‘team sport.’ We are working with an all-star cast. Keeping freight moving, that’s our slogan.” The SCPA has proven that with passion, hard work, and faith, it is possible to recover from the tragic effects of a recessive economy. After all, teamwork makes the dream work! Once the port of Greer proved to be beneficial, the same was foreseen for Dillon. The future is looking mighty bright for the citizens of South Carolina, as this port is just one of many small steps in the right direction of a movement that will restore hope to its community.
For more information: www.scspa.com
Inland Port Dillon will serve port customers along the I-95 corridor and markets in the Carolinas, Northeast and Midwest. The facility will utilize existing rail service with CSX to move port cargo overnight to and from the Port of Charleston. It is expected to open during the first quarter of 2018, with the initial phase to accommodate at least 45,000 containers annually.
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
31
Officials broke ground on the site of the South Carolina Port Authority’s new inland port
located in Dillon, S.C. on March 10, 2017. Port leaders and business partners, along with the Governor and elected officials from the Pee Dee region, were there to celebrate.
JIM NEWSOME
South Carolina Ports Authority President and CEO “In January 2012, they came up with the idea of creating an inland port in Greer, SC. It was largely an unproven concept, we didn’t have anything on that scale but we thought it made sense to extend the port to the interior. It’s confusing to a lot of people because they ask ‘what river are you going to use to get to Greer?’ The reality is that these are rail served inland ports. The Greer inland port opened in November of 2013. In my wildest dreams I thought that we could have 100,000 rail lifts in Greer in five years, but we had 100,000 rail lifts in three years time. It’s a phenomenal development and we believe the same thing is possible in Dillon.”
GOVERNOR HENRY MCMASTER
SENATOR HUGH LEATHERMAN
SENATOR KENT WILLIAMS
“With South Carolina’s two inland ports, we are even more unique then we were before. The existing inland port in Greer is more unique then any other in the country - it’s bigger, longer, works better, and hauls more stuff. It is unique to have two, one going to Interstate 85 and the other going to Interstate 95, it opens the doors for us. How did Jackie Gleason say it? ‘How sweet it is?’”
“This part of the state will be transformed forever. What a great day in Dillon County! 160 acres will serve about 45,000 containers annually, think what that does for the economy. It opens up this part of our state but more importantly it takes several trucks off of Interstate 95. That’s a problem we have sought to find a solution for.”
“The Dillon Inland Port is a perfect example of partnerships, relationships, and collaboration among various entities, coming together for one common goal and that is to create economic development all across this state, especially here in Dillon County. It isn’t just about Dillon County but the entire Pee Dee region. The real reason we are here today is because of Harbor Frieght and their dedication to this community.”
32
VIP Magazine | April 2017
A 2015 study by the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business concluded that the Port’s statewide impacts include: • $53 billion in annual economic activity • 187,600 jobs • $912 million in tax revenue • $10.2 billion in labor income • 10 percent of total annual gross state product Pee Dee Region Economic Impact: • $6.3 billion in economic impact • 22,400 jobs, or 1 in 14 jobs in the region • $1.2 billion in labor income • 12% of the Port’s total statewide economic impact
RODNEY BERRY
Dillon County Administrator “This is an awesome collaboration in Dillon County. We will all benefit from this project.”
KELLEN RILEY
CSX SC Industrial Development Manager “SC is a very critical part of our network here, it is our main station between Florida and NY. We look forward to recruiting additional customers to the area and we are very excited about the opportunity to put more containers through this terminal.”
ARCHIE SCOTT
Dillon County Council Chairman “I would like to thank the land owners; and let’s be grateful for the citizens of Dillon County for entrusting us to make good decisions.”
BO MCINNIS
Marlboro Electric Team and Marlboro Electric Cooperative Chairman
ROBBY ROBERTSON,
Harbor Freight Tools VP of Eastern Distribution Operations “This is about a book that is being written right now and this is the first page of the next chapter. I don’t think the people in this town, in this region, in this state, really understand what is about to happen.”
“We are proud to be a partner in this project. It is a sizable investment but one we know will not only benefit our members, but the entire region. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Our CEO, William Fleming, has worked very hard on this project for more than a year. The project will require us to work together to make it successful.”
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
33
AROUND TOWN
10
Jonathan Boatwright | JBoatwright Photography
34
VIP Magazine | April 2017
Inland Port Dillon Groundbreaking On March 10, 2017, officials broke ground on the site of Inland Port Dillon, a South Carolina Ports Authority facility slated to open in early 2018 to support growing intermodal cargo volumes between the Port of Charleston and markets throughout the Carolinas, Northeast and Midwest.
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
35
AROUND TOWN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
78
9
10
12 Ivana Reay-Jones Photography | irjphoto.com
11
36
VIP Magazine | April 2017
13
1 Sara Ashley Richardson enjoying oysters by The Catering Company 2 Steve Jones (PDLT Board Vice Chairman) and Ruell Hicks (PDLT Board Chairman) 3 Marianne & Jim Crawford and Erin & Tommy Pate 4 Alva Whitehead- PDLT Our Places Endowment Chairman, David Harper- PDLT Executive Director and Lyles Cooper Lyles, PDLT Director of Education and Outreach 5 Guests enjoyed the acoustic swing jazz band, She Goes He Goes 6 Al Gilpin, Ida Whitehead and Jane Chapman 7 Diane Perry, Leslie Ervin, Lane Gilpin, Jenny Reynolds 8 Wellington, Marshall and Wells Flowers (3 generations) 9 Erik Marechal, John Scott and Paul Seward (First Bank) 10 Buddy Brand (Former PDLT Board Chairman) checking out the unique items donated for the Silent Auction 11 Robin & Winfield Johnson (The Bellamy Law Firm), Mary Caroline Vaught (PDLT Outreach Committee Chairman) 12 Oyster Roast guests enjoying a light breeze off Winyah Bay 13 View of new and old friends gathered together to celebrate PDLT’s mission at Hobcaw Barony
Pee Dee Land Trust Annual Oyster Roast On Saturday, February 25th, Pee Dee Land Trust held it’s 11th Annual Oyster Roast at Hobcaw Barony in Georgetown. A conservation-minded crowd mingled while enjoying live acoustic jazz and blues tunes from She Goes He Goes. After dining on local oysters, Brunswick stew, fried okra, and many other amazing low-country fixings, attendees gathered around silent auction tables to compete for unique donations provided by PDLT supporters. Established in 1999, the Pee Dee Land Trust works with private land owners to develop conservation strategies to preserve their property through land conservation easements. PDLT currently monitors over 24,800 acres of permanently protected prime farm land, working forests, animal habitats, and waterfront property across the Pee Dee. At its core, PDLT is about preserving the special relationship Pee Dee residents have with their land.
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
37
AROUND TOWN
1
2
3
4
5
6
Pee Dee Heart Ball March 18th at SiMT Guests gathered in support of the American Heart Association to help fund lifesaving research. 7
8
9
10
38
VIP Magazine | April 2017
1 Courtney and Tyler Alban 2 Debbie and Phil Edwards 3 Katie and Luke Wilcox 4 Mark Stokes and Jennifer Harris 5 Chad Patterson and Aileen Clarke 6 Teressa Tabor and Ray Reich 7 Niki Sansbury and Katie Wilcox 8 Dallas and Quinetta Buterbaugh 9 Brian and Cammie McHugh, Kevin McHugh and April Mills 10 Stuart and Lyz Feltham and Randi and Dale Wolfe
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Kiwanis Kasino March 3rd at The Waters Building 1 Brenda and Obie Stokes 2 Mandy and Henry Simpson 3 Jessica Watts, Faith Rogers and Amber Hilley 4 Julie Knight, Carolyn Caudle and Lila McMillan 5 Lee Harrington
Hartsville Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn for SBA March 6th at Hartsville Chamber pictures 6-10
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
39
FLORENCE
FEATURED EVENT
The South’s Most Engaging Art Competition and Festival LAKE CITY, SC ArtFields® started in 2013 with a simple goal: honor the artists of the Southeast with a week’s worth of celebration and competition in the heart of a traditional Southern small town. With over $100,000 up for grabs, awarded based on the input of every visitor to ArtFields and a panel of judges made up of acclaimed artists and educators, the competition offers lifechanging amounts of money to all artists in all media who live in the twelve Southeastern states. Over 400 masterpieces will be displayed in locally-owned venues, from renovated warehouses from the 1920’s to Smithsonian-qualified art galleries to upscale restaurants and start-up boutiques, in a mutual celebration of art and community. What was once one of South Carolina’s most prosperous agricultural communities now becomes a living art gallery as we continue to demonstrate the best of the Southeast and recognize the incredible talent we have to offer. ArtFields® is a charitable program of the Lake City Creative Alliance, a federally-recognized tax-exempt public charity, whose mission is to enhance the area school and greater community through both creative and audience development by fostering a culturally-rich environment, connecting our communities through the arts, integrating arts into the education system, and serving as the lead in cultivating and advancing our region’s creative economy.
FOR MORE INFO, VISIT WWW.ARTFIELDSSC.ORG/
40
VIP Magazine | April 2017
1...................................................................................................................................................... Florence Fashion Week | Reflection Images Studio 6:30p 2..................................................................................................................................................... Harlem Globe Trotters 2017 World Tour | Civic Center 3p 3..................................................................................................................................................... HofH presents ‘An Evening of Hope’ | First Presbyterian Church 7p 6..................................................................................................................................................... Em-Power Luncheon | Floyd Conference Center 12p Pee Dee Spring Carnival | Civic Center 5p Blood, Sweat & Tears | FMU PAC 7:30p 7..................................................................................................................................................... Pee Dee Spring Carnival | Civic Center 5p 8..................................................................................................................................................... Arts International Festival 2017 | FMU PAC 10a Pee Dee Spring Carnival | Civic Center 12p 9..................................................................................................................................................... Pee Dee Spring Carnival | Civic Center 1p 16................................................................................................................................................... Happy Easter 17................................................................................................................................................... Breathe | Palmetto St Church of God 6p 20.................................................................................................................................................. Pee Dee Spring Plant & Flower Festival | Farmers Market 8a Cooks for Christ Benefit | WF Fire Department 17th Annual Taste of Symphony: A Night in Tuscany | Cherokee Rd 7p 21................................................................................................................................................... The King and I | Florence Little Theatre 7:30p Pee Dee Spring Plant & Flower Festival | Farmers Market 8a 22.................................................................................................................................................. Pee Dee Spring Plant & Flower Festival | Farmers Market 8a FamilyFest | Calvery Baptist 10a-2p 23rd Annual Relay for Florence | 1p The King and I | Florence Little Theatre 7:30p 23.................................................................................................................................................. Play Me I’m Yours – Street Pianos Florence 2017 begins Flo-Town 5K | WW Mgt. Facility 9a Pee Dee Spring Plant and Flower Festival | Farmers Market 10a 25.................................................................................................................................................. Healthy Woman Rheumatology Seminar | Floyd Confer Center 5:30p 25-29........................................................................................................................................... The King and I | Florence Little Theatre 7:30p 27.................................................................................................................................................. Central UMC Women’s Yard Sale Preview | Central UMC 7p-9p 28.................................................................................................................................................. Central UMC Women’s Yard Sale | Central UMC 7a-5p Florence After Five: Pizazz Jazz | Downtown 5:30p 29.................................................................................................................................................. Run for Brighter Day | Dargan Farms Gun & Knife Show | Civic Center 9a 30.................................................................................................................................................. The King and I | Florence Little Theatre 3p Gun & Knife Show | Civic Center 10a WEEKLY EVENTS Wednesdays.................................................................................................................................................. Wine Down Wednesday | Dolce Vita 4p Thursdays....................................................................................................................................................... Trivia Night | Southern Hops 7p Saturdays........................................................................................................................................................ City Center Farmer’s Market | Downtown 9a
APRIL 2017
CALENDAR OF EVENTS DARLINGTON 1.............................................................................................................................................. Darlington Spring Fling | Darlington Raceway SC Bluegrass Assoc. of SC Concert | Darlington Music Hall 4p 5............................................................................................................................................. DDRA Annual Golf Tournament | Darlington Country Club 11:30a 8............................................................................................................................................. DarCo Cancer Survivor’s Brunch | W Hartsville Baptist Church 10a 13........................................................................................................................................... Taste of Darlington | Darlington Raceway 7p-9p 19........................................................................................................................................... Darlington Professional Women Lunch | Darlington Country Club City of Darlington Beautification Board Meeting | City Hall 5p 23.......................................................................................................................................... Walk with the Docs | Darlington Racetrack 10a – 12p 26.......................................................................................................................................... Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon | SiMT
HARTSVILLE 1.............................................................................................................................................. Seussical The Musical Jr. | The Center Theater 7:30p Easter Eggstravaganza | Coker College Davidson Hall Lawn 10a-1p 2............................................................................................................................................. Seussical The Musical Jr. | The Center Theater 3p 7............................................................................................................................................. Quarterly Ambassador Meeting | Chamber Boardroom 9a 8............................................................................................................................................. Senior Year Debuts | Mac’s 15........................................................................................................................................... Benefit Concert for Justin Anderson | Mac’s Lounge 10p 20.......................................................................................................................................... 2017 Connections Breakfast | Carolina Pines 7:30a 24.......................................................................................................................................... Toastmasters | Black Creek Arts Gallery 7p-8p 28.......................................................................................................................................... Doug McCormick’s Hometown Show | Mac’s Lounge 9p 29.......................................................................................................................................... ‘Walk with the Docs’ | Coker College Davidson Hall 9a Evening Under the Oaks | Oak Manor Inn 4p-7p
LAKE CITY 1.............................................................................................................................................. Moore Farms Wine Stroll | MFBG 2p-5p 15........................................................................................................................................... Eggstravaganza | MFBG 10a-12p 21-29.................................................................................................................................... Artfields | visit artfieldssc.org for event schedule 24-30................................................................................................................................... Art of Gardening Tour | MFBG 10a-2p 26.......................................................................................................................................... Professional Women’s Luncheon | Railway Restaurant 12p
DILLON 29.......................................................................................................................................... Celebrate Main Street Festival | Downtown 10a April 2017 | VIP Magazine
41
TIME TO TOAST
Local Salute
Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation Completes Gift to FMU
Porter, Floyd and Carter
Members of the board of the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation recently presented FMU President Dr. Fred Carter with a check completing the foundation’s gift of $497,500
for medical and instructional equipment for the new Carter Center for Health Sciences.
Three Marion Medallions Presented Three cornerstones of the Pee Dee region were recognized for their contributions and service to the people of the area at the 2017 Marion Medallion awards ceremony on Monday, Feb. 27 at the FMU Performing Arts Center. Medallions were presented to Regi Armstrong of Armstrong Wealth Management, Carl Harmon of Caring and Sharing, and posthumously to entrepreneur and humanitarian, Courtney McGinnis Graham. Armstrong, a lauded philanthropist, founded Armstrong Wealth Management in 2002. One of the focal points of his business and life has been his faith, which has led to his involvement with various organizations that provide help to those in need, such as Lighthouse Ministries, All 4 Autism, HopeHealth, and the Parking Lot Mission. Harmon has been helping the people of Williamsburg, Georgetown and most of Florence County for the past 20 years through his nonprofit organization Caring and Sharing. In 2016 alone, Caring and Sharing spent $55,000 on food exclusively, with additional funding going to pay for the utilities and medications that were paid for by the organization for people in need.
Two Raldex Hotels Awarded Top Honors The Hilton Garden Inn & Suites of Florence received ‘Best Breakfast Experience in Hilton Garden Inn’ out of 700+ locations in North America. The Holiday Inn Express property received the Torchbearer Award which is given to hotels that have achieved the highest level of excellence in all aspects of operation – from quality to customer satisfaction!
Georgia Pacific Foundation Fund Donates $3,000 LaSonja Jackson, HR coordinator for Georgia Pacific, presents a donation of $3,000 from Georgia Pacific Foundation Fund to Darlington Fire Chief Pat Cavanaugh. “We are grateful to have great corporate partners like Georgia Pacific in our city,” Cavanaugh said. The funds will be used for special projects to help the community.
Darlington Beautification Board presents Pride of Darlington
McGinnis Graham, the first posthumous recipient of a Marion Medallion, left an indelible mark on the Florence community. A tireless advocate for children, the homeless, and the region as a whole, McGinnis Graham’s philanthropy goes well beyond any static memorial as her work continues to this day through the Shelter and Nutrition for All Children – SNAC – which provides clothing and food for students of Florence School District One, along with a community shelter named in her honor.
The City of Darlington Beautification Board presented the Pride of Darlington Award to Pee Dee Healthcare (Genesis Healthcare), 201 Cashua St., on Wednesday, February 22. Pictured, from left are: John Milling, counselor for Genesis and city council member; Mayor Gloria C. Hines; Dr. Alex Cohen, chief medical officer for Genesis; T.C. Sawyer, chairman of board of trustees for Genesis; and Susan Bridgers, City beautification board secretary.
The Marion Medallion is a six-year-old award, sponsored and presented by FMU and the Morning News of Florence. Officials of the two organizations work in partnership in the selection of the recipients.
The Board solicits nominations from the public for the City’s Pride of Darlington Awards each quarter. All nominees should be located within the city limits. Submit nominations to darlingtonplanner@gmail.com or calling 843-398-4000 x 103.
In the Spotlight Florence Students Honored by NSDAR Chapter Pee Dee area students were honored for their essays for the annual Samuel Bacot Chapter NSDAR’S “American History” and “Good Citizen’s” Essay Writing Contests. Students read their winning essays at the meeting of the Samuel Bacot Chapter NSDAR at the Florence Public Library. The winner of the “Good Citizen’s Essay Contest” is Kira DuBose, senior at South Florence High. The topic for this year’s high school contest was “Our American Heritage And Our Responsibility For Preserving It.” Dubose’s essay will compete on the state level for the NSDAR national award. Also reading their essays were finalists Olivia Phillips (Trinity-Byrnes) and Jasmine Adams (Hannah-Pamplico). The “American History Essay Contest” is open to middle school students. This year’s topic celebrated a century of National Parks asking students to create an essay on a National Park. Bryson Little, 8th grader at Florence Christian, won this year’s contest. Also reading were 6th grade Lauren Hucks and Caden Shiver from Florence Christian; 7th grade students Cooper Poston, Olivia Dyson and Madeline Lowe from Trinity-Byrnes, and 8th grade students Caroline Peters from Sneed Middle School and Jamison Giles from Florence Christian.
Auto and HVAC Technology Building Ribbon Cutting at FDTC Carolinas Hospital System Celebrates Certified Nurses Carolinas Hospital System celebrates Certified Nurses Day by honoring its board certified registered nurses. Thirty-eight nurses were recognized for their professionalism, leadership, and commitment to excellence in patient care.
American Red Cross and City of Darlington Fire Join Forces In partnership with the American Red Cross, the City of Darlington Fire Department came out in force to help the community at Brockington Heights Apartments on Thursday. The 12 firefighters covered each of the 50 apartments, installing long-life, 10-year smoke alarms in each bedroom, hallway, and living space. “Working smoke alarms provide a 50% greater chance of surviving a home fire,” says Fire Chief Pat Cavanaugh. The event included more than just installing the equipment. Each resident was provided a booklet of information on what to do in case of a fire. “These one-on-one conversations with citizens connect them with the City and show how we are here to serve them,” Cavanaugh says.
Florence-Darlington Technical College leaders held a ribbon cutting for its new Automotive and HVAC Technology Building, on March 29. This is the first new building of the College’s Academic Master Plan, which is going to transform the 53 year old campus.
Congratulations Local 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games Winners! Latrice Pringle of Florence won a Gold Medal for Snowboarding. Keith Frostick of Lake City won a Silver Medal for Alpine Skiing. Jackie Hoch of Florence won a Bronze Medal for Alpine Skiing.
IN HONOR OF ALL
Alvin Powell LIEUTENANT “As Lieutenant, I supervise the Criminal Investigations Division with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. I’m responsible for assigning and reviewing cases, and making sure cases are prepared properly for court. I’m passionate about my position because it directly impacts the citizens of Florence County. We interact with citizens when they are victims of some type of crime. These victim’s interactions with my unit are vital for the people of Florence County. The ability to recover stolen property and return it to the proper owners, and to seek justice for the victims of assaults and other personal crimes is very rewarding!” -Alvin Powell
44
VIP Magazine | April 2017
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
45
POSITIVE PURSUIT
Fixing Your Heart Problem Looking Within to Determine Your Value story by Stacey Severance, Church Planter/Pastor, Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church
A January 2015 Forbes article titled “How Do You Measure Your Self-Worth?” examines typical things people look to when determining their value as persons. Interestingly, the five things listed in the article all have something in common: they are all external things. The author observes that people don’t normally look within themselves to find a sense of worth. Basically, we don’t value what’s on the inside as much as we value what’s on the outside. The Bible makes a similar observation about people. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” For instance, a primary theme in the Bible is how people can become righteous before (or be made right with) God despite our natural inclination to go against God’s moral standard. When it comes to being made right with God, we’re always prone to measure based on external things. However, the Bible is clear that while external things matter, ultimately God measures by looking at the heart of a person. So what is God looking for? This is a good question to ask as you pursue your career goals. When you meet with a client, an employee, or a superior, the “heart” probably isn’t a point of discussion. Instead, you talk about deadlines
and results. That’s not a bad thing; it’s just how it works. Yet because external things in business are of such great importance, a very real danger is always present. We constantly hear about those in business who get caught cutting corners or abusing their power. You get the sense that these people operated with concern only for external things. There are numerous pitfalls as you earn a living amid the pressure of expectations and the allure of promotions, titles, and the material rewards of success. If you’re not careful, you might go years without reflecting on the state of your heart and what really motivates you in life. We see throughout the Bible that when God looks at the heart, he’s looking for genuine belief, obedience, and worship. And he’s not grading on a scale. In Matthew 5, Jesus told the people, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” You may or may not have a pretty good record, but none of us are perfect. At the end of the day, our hearts don’t measure up. It’s a hopeless situation, until you realize that another primary theme of the Bible is God’s offer of a new heart. In Ezekiel 36, God says, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put
Basically, we don’t value what’s on the inside as much as we value what’s on the outside. 46
VIP Magazine | April 2017
my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” If you’re successful in business, you probably have a knack for fixing problems. How’s that for fixing your heart problem? God can give you a new one, even though you don’t deserve it. The Bible calls this “grace.” As we move toward Easter Sunday, many people remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. But sometimes forgotten is the life
of Jesus. He made all the right ethical choices, even when faced with pressures and temptation. While often considered just a good example to follow, the Bible teaches that his life was much more than that. We learn that Jesus lived a perfect life on earth so he could give that perfect record to those who recognize that they could never earn such a record on their own. The gospel teaches us that Jesus gives this record to those who turn from their sins and put faith in him to make them right with God. This means that when God looks at the heart of someone who trusts in Jesus, he doesn’t see their failures, compromises, and selfish decisions. He sees the righteous record of Jesus, and as far as being made right with him is concerned, that person possesses the record of someone who lived a perfect life. Hebrews 10:14 says, “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” That single offering was the offering of his perfect life on a sinner’s cross. We still strive to do what’s right (because we’re being “sanctified” or made more like Jesus in our character and behavior), but we don’t do it to earn God’s love; we strive in thankful response to his love. So there’s no place for pride or shame, only gratefulness and amazement that he would give us new hearts that produce what he’s looking for.
Stacey Severance graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC and has been called by the Pee Dee Presbytery (PCA) as a Church Planter in Florence. Stacey can be reached at 843-453-8076. Good Shepherd PCA meets at Briggs Elementary School in Florence on Sunday mornings. For more info, visit www.gsflo.org. April 2017 | VIP Magazine
47
ALL ACCESS
Buckhead Ranch Find Your Escape in Latta, SC story by Heather Page Do you ever find yourself searching for solitude? Long work days and busy weekends spent driving kids to numerous activities seem to have consumed your life? Imagine waking up to the soft melodies of a birds chirp, you look out the window to a pasture of horses and donkeys, and smell the sweet fragrance of breakfast being prepared in a nearby kitchen. This peaceful escape, and small slice of paradise exists, and the best part, it’s right here in the Pee Dee. Buckhead Ranch, formerly Beulah Land Plantation, was purchased in 2012 by Henry Moree. Before Moree, the plantation was owned by the family of Jimmy Richardson where they held a summer camp for area children in honor of Jimmy’s deceased sister, Deborah Lou Richardson Page, who lost a courageous battle with central nervous system lymphoma. When Moree heard the property was available, he jumped at the opportunity to expand his footprint in the Pee Dee by continuing and broadening Richardson’s outreach. Upon purchasing the 150-acre property, Moree decided to re-vamp its marketing strategy by changing the name to Buckhead Ranch. Incorporating a creative website with a fresh take on the ranch helped expand its reach as well, targeting weddings, family reunions, and corporate retreats. The property was already comprised of several amenities including a paved go-kart track, two fishing ponds, and a cypress chapel. Moree has since added a 5-stand skeet shooting facility, built a 10-lane shooting range, as well as opened a horse stable and pasture to the public. J. B. Pittman, General Manager, encourages large groups looking to enjoy themselves for a weekend or weeknight 48
VIP Magazine | April 2017
retreat to let Buckhead Ranch cater all your needs. With an updated commercial kitchen, caterers can entertain any number of guests. “Buckhead Ranch is a great place for people to enjoy themselves, and enjoy their friends and families in a warm and welcoming environment,” he says. Kids have lasting entertainment with the outdoor heated swimming pool, horseshoe pits, and paddle boats. The young and old can enjoy taking the lead on the go-kart track, and the pond is stocked with an endless amount of fish. Along with the many activities available on the ranch, it also accommodates up to 50 overnight guests with 17 fully furnished bedrooms. And if the beautiful grounds, great activities and accessible utilities weren’t enough for your upcoming nuptials, by spring of 2018 the ranch will include a 7,000 square foot reception hall. The area will hold up to 400 guest for wedding receptions, banquet dinners, award dinners, debutante balls, concerts, and hunting banquets. With warmer days approaching, make a plan to take some time unwinding on the ranch. Girls trip, co-workers retreat, or guys night out, whatever the reason, Buckhead Ranch can provide an unforgettable time with the ones you like and love. A short drive to Latta, SC will open up to a green space full of adventures. Just enough escape to have you refreshed for the following work week.
Contact Buckhead Ranch:
(843) 632-2773 1127 Haymount Rd, Latta, SC www.buckheadranch.com
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
49
FLORENCE COMMUNITY
WHY VOLUNTEER? The Answer is Why Not
story by Jay Lavrinc, Director of Member ship Relations, Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce
Volunteers have a huge impact on our community today. Without volunteers the cost to serve our local communities would be astronomical. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, 61.8 million individuals in the United States contributed 8 billion hours of volunteerism in 2008 alone. The economic value of all this volunteering? $162 billion U.S. dollars. To put that in context, this is roughly equivalent to the 2008 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Egypt. And that’s just U.S. volunteers. In the state of South Carolina over 903,367 volunteers expend 120.67 million hours of volunteer services which accounts for 3.1 billion dollars of service time. To give you a better understanding of what volunteers do, I have listed some of the opportunities that fill the needs done by volunteers. A simple one, and one we take for granted, is firemen. Think about the men and women who volunteer their time and effort. The fact that they are willing to put their lives on the line to save others property and personal effects is extraordinary. What would happen if your house was on fire and no one showed up to put it out? How about community service organizations like your local Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis Clubs, and the like? These individuals give their time to help with community and world issues. Whether it is supporting a dictionary program in our public schools, outfitting high school students with new shoes, helping with a cleanup project in the community, or supporting worldwide events such as stamping out Polio or building fresh water wells in third world countries. The hours and commitment of these individuals is unpaid, yet they are willing to spend their time away from work and family to help others who are in need of these services. Volunteers cover a breadth of services like delivering meals to homebound seniors, tutoring or mentoring young people for literacy or crisis issues, and building homes for those who have no place to live. Without these volunteers and the ability to give back to your community, these needs and services would go by the wayside. You may say, “Well I would love to volunteer but I don’t have the time.” Can you spare an hour or maybe two on 50
VIP Magazine | April 2017
a weekday or weekend to help your local community with an event? Whether it is actually working side by side with other volunteers or promoting a function by selling tickets to the event. All too often in today’s world we are busy with the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and forget that there are many people less fortunate than we. People who are thankful for our help, thankful for the time we give to them, thankful for the humanity we share with them in their time of need. I guarantee you that you will never fill more fulfilled than the moment you see the smile on a person’s face or the tear in their eyes and the thankfulness they feel for what you have given them. And what did it cost you? It only cost you the time to care and give of yourself. Volunteers are critical partners and participants in societies throughout the world. Whether actively giving their time through a formal or ad hoc organization, or taking part in what is sometimes called “informal volunteering” where citizens voluntarily participate in community activities or provide personal care for family, friends, neighbors, or even strangers. It is an accepted part of our cultural norms of giving and caring.
Do you have the time? Contact Jay Lavrinc:
Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce 100 W Evans St, Florence | 843.665.0515 email: jlavrinc@flochamer.com web: flochamber.com
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
51
ADVOCATING HEALTHCARE
FOCUSING ON
SENIOR HEALTH story by Donna Tracy
We are getting older and we are living longer. But, we aren’t necessarily living healthier.
the care and management of these chronic diseases is by being more attentive to the needs of the patients.
Since 1960, the life expectancy of a US adult has increased from age 69.9 to age 78.9 in 2014, and it is estimated that seniors over age 65 will comprise 20 percent of the US population by 2050.
Along with wellness visits, additional assessments for seniors take a closer look at factors that can impact the quality of life for senior patients and help them remain independent. These factors include:
That said, 2015 data indicated the overall life expectancy took a slight, unexpected, dip from 78.9 years to 78.8 years for the first time since 1993 when the combined impact of AIDS, flu, homicide, and a high rate of accidental deaths dropped life expectancy from age 75.64 to 75.42. Factors in the most recent dip include an increase in all but one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the US. The only factor to have a lower mortality rate than in 2014 was cancer. Deaths from heart disease and stroke, Alzheimer’s, kidney disease, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes all increased. Deaths from suicides and unintentional injuries also increased. Reversing that trend means addressing chronic health concerns, improving senior care and issues impacting senior health. Nicholas Licari, a board-certified family nurse practitioner at HopeHealth Medical Plaza, said the best way to improve
52
VIP Magazine | April 2017
• fall risk • physical activity levels • nutrition counseling • preventive measures • chronic care management • functional abilities (ability to bathe, dress, eat, get in and out of chairs, use the restroom, walk, shop, drive or use transportation, communicate with the phone, cook, do housework and laundry, handle finances, comply with medication regime) • pain screening • medication reviews • advance care planning Licari also said there are many diseases that affect seniors for which we do not have cures; diseases like heart failure, diabetes, and COPD. However, that doesn’t mean it is impossible to address the impact these conditions have on senior patients.
“There are treatments we can offer that improve the quality of life and improve longevity of life. But, with these types of conditions, it’s important that we make extra effort to meet the needs of those patients,” said Licari. “We want to do everything we can to improve quality of life. Something as simple as reviewing medicines one more time, what each is for and how it should be taken, can make a big difference in the patient’s health.” HopeHealth recently established a Hope Gold program to proactively address senior health. “The whole purpose of the Hope Gold program is to ensure that these senior patients with chronic conditions are getting everything that they should be getting and to make sure that all their needs are being met,” said Licari.
The program is specifically designed for patients 65 and older who have been diagnosed with multiple chronic diseases. It is a one-stop-shop for helping seniors get access to resources and stay on track with their health. The program is free of charge to HopeHealth patients. Hope Gold works to enhance the care patients receive and increase services that are available to them. It is also designed to help senior patients better manage their health care and provide opportunities that will help them to thrive and stay independent. Hope Gold care coordinators work with program members to provide extra assistance in navigating their health care needs. Some services offered include: medication assistance, chronic disease management, health education classes, exercise classes, community activities, cooking classes, diabetes education, and nutrition education. Benefits of Hope Gold include:
• • • • • • • •
Preventive care coordination Chronic disease management Medication assistance Nutrition counseling Community programs Cancer screenings Patient activities Exercise classes
More information on Hope Gold is available by calling (843) 432-2943. April 2017 | VIP Magazine
53
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP SERVICES Interview with Founders, Richard and Nancy Wright Tell us about yourself. NANCY: Transplanted Midwesterners, Richard and I have fully adopted the Southern culture. Since moving to South Carolina we have fallen in love with the warm winter weather. Natives of Illinois, we moved to New Jersey and onto Florence in 1988. We have two sons, a daughterin-law, and three grandchildren.
When was Richard diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease? I suspected Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in 2007 and was diagnosed in 2010. A dear friend has PD and was a big help in answering my questions. All I knew about the disease was that it gave people tremors. Interestingly enough, not all Parkinson’s patients have tremors.
RICHARD:
There are a plethora of symptoms, and no two people with Parkinson’s have the same symptoms, which sometimes make diagnosis difficult. I was initially misdiagnosed with a brain disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsey, or PSP. PSP is a rare brain disease of no known cause or cure. It was amazing how quickly I deteriorated. Soon, I was unable to thread my belt through pant loops, wash or comb my hair. My speech became a jumble of mumbled words, and got to the point where I refused to answer the phone. I had severe tremors that were beyond frustrating, especially dialing my phone or entering credit card numbers. We finally said “Enough! Let’s get a second opinion.” Our doctor recommended a neurologist at MUSC. With much apprehension, we walked into the office where she asked, “When was the last time you fell?” I told her that I had not fallen once. She smiled and said, “You do not have PSP, you have PD.” With a corrected diagnosis and appropriate medications, my daily activities improved. But, because Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, my symptoms increased. We learned about deep brain stimulation surgery (DBS), and I have
54
VIP Magazine | April 2017
since had two deep brain stimulators implanted. This surgery requires you to be awake during the implantation process—a unique experience. These stimulators block the “bad” signals from the brain which cause tremors and other symptoms, and allow a drastic decrease in medications.
After proper diangosis, where did you turn for further help? Getting reliable information proved difficult, even with the Internet. While driving one day, I heard a PSA about a PD support group in Columbia. Intrigued, my wife and I attended a number of meetings and found them to be both informative and enlightening. Seeing just how beneficial the Columbia group was, we asked ourselves if we should start a support group. We felt that Florence and surrounding areas would be large enough and could benefit from such group.
RICHARD:
Tell us how you formed the PD support group. The question we asked ourselves was “how” and “where?” The Parkinson Association of the Carolinas has a great guide for starting such a group. NANCY:
First we needed a place to meet. Our inquires led us to Carolinas Rehabilitation Hospital who opened their arms to our group, and we now meet the second Tuesday of the month in their cafeteria on Cedar Street between 5:30pm and 6:30pm. Because of the time, they provide snacks and soft drinks to those attending. Our first meeting was in September 2014, and a number of those participants are still attending.
What takes place during a meeting? NANCY: Our meetings usually have speakers who address issues related to Parkinson’s. We had a panel with people from multiple
disciplines, and sometimes have open sessions where participants (patients and care partners alike) share information and experiences. New attendees are invited to share their stories and are provided with a packet of information pertinent to PD. Participants appreciate the camaraderie and knowing that they are not alone. Our main goal is to get the word out to people with Parkinson’s, as well as their family and friends, all of whom would benefit from attending such a support group. The Parkinson’s Suppport Group is in need of individuals willing to help with administrative and leadership tasks, as well as, professionals willing to speak to the group about the disease. For more information, contact (843) 673-0854.
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
55
PAYIING IT FORWARD
Foster Parents Change Lives Good Samaritans of Lutheran Services Carolinas story by Ella Lawson In John 10:10, Jesus Christ states, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” It is this proclamation that sets the foundation of Lutheran Services Carolinas, a nonprofit health and human service organization and social ministry. Serving older adults in North Carolina and children and families in North and South Carolina, the sole mission of LSC is to serve under the empowerment of Christ and His love. With six fundamental core values – Compassion, Faith, Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Collaboration – Lutheran Services Carolinas has the necessary tools needed to leave a positive, loving, Christ-like impact upon their community and all they serve. Services for older adults include retirement communities, nursing homes with rehabilitation services, assisted living residencies, and home care. For children and families, services provided include foster care and adoption (private and special needs), refugee services (including resettlement), and homes/programs for those at risk of homelessness, including veterans and those with varying disabilities (including mental or developmental). LSC is also the 56
VIP Magazine | April 2017
lead agency for Lutheran Disaster Response in North and South Carolina, extending love and helping hands to those impacted by hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters, setting a shining example of what it is to be a beacon of hope during the storms of life. May is national Foster Care month, yet LSC is passionate about promoting the cause every day of the year, as there are many children across the Carolinas in need of loving families. Through LSC, families have provided care and loving home environments to approximately 500 children in the Carolinas each year. LSC offers three levels of foster care – family foster care (serving children separated from their biological families), therapeutic foster care (serving children with emotional and behavioral challenges), and intensive alternative family treatment (serving those with multiple placements and those who need greater levels of support and supervision). In order to be a licensed foster parent through LSC, you must be in possession of a high school diploma and driver’s license, must own or rent your own home with a stable income,
and the home must have extra rooms for the fostered youth. Training must be completed as well as background and sex offender registry checks. LCS provides 24/7 supervision with a lead clinical specialist who is there to provide assistance and guidance to foster parents on sensitive cases such as emotionally and physically challenging youth. All foster parents are compensated at a daily rate for the child care provided or youth placed into their home. Respite days are earned, in which foster parents can accrue and take time off to take care of themselves. Most importantly of all, you must have the desire to not only be around children, but to also advocate for them, to let their voices be heard and needs be addressed. No matter the service they provide, surely the blessings will overflow throughout the legacy of love Lutheran Services Carolinas is creating each day.
For more information, including how you can become involved with Lutheran Services Carolinas or donate items, contact Amy McColl at (843) 487-7225 or send an email to amccoll@lscarolinas.net.
April 2017 | VIP Magazine
57
TAX PREP
THE FAT LADY IS ABOUT TO SING story by Elizabeth Campbell, EA Taxes, taxes, taxes (insert eye roll here). I know, you hate having to file a tax return but we all have to do it. Tax return filers come in a lot of varieties; the Refunders that come running in as soon as their W-2s arrive, the Balanced Acts that have planned with their tax preparer and stroll in knowing things will be leveled out at the end, and the Duck and Cover people that owe and do not want to pay the IRS until the last minute. No matter where you fall in that spectrum, the bottom line is a tax return is simply a snapshot of what has happened to you financially in a calendar year, with the IRS matching certain items to make sure you are staying in bounds. We have hit the Duck and Cover time of Tax Season. These are the clients that have to be pushed, pulled, and dragged in to complete their returns. After 25 years, it no longer hurts my feelings when this group compares coming to see me to getting a root canal, being stung by a jellyfish, or those things you need Preparation H for (yes, all true stories). I am not the bad guy. I just like to fill in forms with numbers. And honestly, the IRS are not even bad guys…well, as long as you follow the rules. They are kind of like a football referee – stay in bounds and no flags are thrown! It is so easy to stay inbounds if you have a relationship with your tax preparer. Both of you know what a normal tax return looks like for you. The plan should always be to get to a breakeven point – pay in what you need to for your tax liability. Your Tax Preparer will automatically set up quarterly estimated payments for the next tax year if you meet the requirements for them when preparing your prior year return. If you do not pay them, you will then owe the liability plus 58
VIP Magazine | April 2017
penalties and/or interest. If your tax circumstances change during the year call your tax preparer to get their insight and find out the tax ramifications to your tax return. That is our job. The best defense is a good offense, right? Yes, yes, yes, you can file for a six month extension should you need more time to file. The IRS no longer looks for a reason to grant the extension; it is automatic. However, Duck and Cover people beware, it is an extension of time, not money. If you know you owe or think you will owe, you are required to send in the tax liability when the extension is filed. If you do not, you are subject to the related penalties and interest for late filing and underpayment of tax liabilities. Do you notice that I keep mentioning penalties and interest along with late filing and extension filers? The reason is to avoid paying the IRS, Duck and Cover clients usually end up paying out more to the IRS than necessary. The better situation would be to meet taxes head on, work with your tax preparer more than once a year, and aspire to be one of the Balanced Acts instead. I promise, I have converted many disillusioned Duck and Cover Clients to Balanced Acts. They are happy that the first week in April isn’t spent sitting on the edge of their seats, waiting for the Fat Lady to sing.
Contact Elizabeth (Betsy) Campbell, EA: Campbell Accounting Solutions, LLC 1623 Second Loop Rd, Florence 843.662.9700 taxinfo@campbellgroupsc.com
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
TYRON JONES
Associate Vice President, Information Technology, CIO FLORENCE-DARLINGTON TECHNICAL COLLEGE I’ve worked for Florence-Darlington Technical College for five years. In my current role I have been ‘BLESSED’ with the opportunity of managing the Information Technology assets and serving the talented IT staff that supports technical services at the main and satellite campuses. It’s been an honor to work under the leadership of President Dr. Ben Dillard, FDTC’s Administration, Florence-Darlington County Commission, and our guiding mission statement. At Florence-Darlington Technical College, we have the awesome responsibility of developing the human capital of the Pee Dee by providing a “high quality education that furthers the regional economic development, enhances the quality of life in the region we serve and supports students’ marketability in the global economy,” and that’s a big deal.
60
VIP Magazine | April 2017
62
VIP Magazine | April 2017