magazine Publisher Tammy Clark tmclark225@gmail.com Editor Heather Page heather@vipmagsc.com Office Manager Tiffany Skipper jtskipp35@gmail.com Advertising Executives Julie C. Tyler juliectyler@yahoo.com Creative Design Tuesday Taylor Ashley Rogers
Contributing Photographers Jonathan Boatwright Nancy Devon Carsten Phillip Guyton Fred Salley Contributing Writers Mark W. Buyck, III James Daniels Ashley Elvington Rebecca Giese Allie Roark Stacey Severance Doug Smith John Sweeney Donna Tracy
Serving Florence, Hartsville, Darlington, Marion, Mullins, Lake City and the surrounding areas 2011-B Second Loop Rd, Florence, SC 29501 FIND US ON FACEBOOK
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COVER CONCEPT During this time, Vip wishes to send hope to our readers and advertisers. Local businesses have always been our focal point and it has never been more important than it is now to support our local businesses. Even though we are all struggling through the uncertainties of the Coronavirus, it’s reassuring to see our community band together to support one another. Together we will get through this and be stronger than ever! April 2020
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CONTENTS
ISSUE 53
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APRIL 2020 LIFESTYLE 12 Stacey Severance: The Price You Required 14 Phillip Guyton: Photographing Local Churches 16 Aimee Cox-King: Cypress Adventures 18 Rebecca Giese: Front Door Decor 20 Boys & Girls Club: Pee Dee Youth of the Year
BUSINESS 22 The Village Marketplace: Edward Taner & Richard Urquhart 24 Thieves Market Vendor: Melissa Herndon & Sons 26 The Market Antiques: Tammy Cockfield 28 Quality First Antiques: Charlie Maurer 30 Financial Focus: Edward Jones 34 Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA: 1928 Spanish Flu Pandemic
36 Keeping Time: Jason & Jennifer Powers 38 Nadine Harris Foxworth: Working For Her Community
HEALTH + WELLNESS 40 HopeHealth: Health at Work
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42 Circle Park: Underage Drinking & Prom 44 Gift Guide: Works of Art 46 Carolina Pines: The Importance of Checkups
HOME 48 Around Town: Pee Dee Land Trust's Oyster Roast 50 Allie Roark: It's Okay To Not Be Okay 52 Did You Know....?: Huey Cooper 54 Doug Smith: The Cast Iron Pan 56 Drink of the Month: Dreamy Night
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58 Service Directory
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LIFESTYLE
The Price You Required story by Stacey Severance, Pastor at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church
Have you heard of William Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice? Most people are not familiar with it compared to, say, Romeo and Juliet. However, the play coined a phrase that many people know and still use today. A scene depicts one man approaching another to borrow money for a friend. The lender says he will make the loan, but if it is not repaid on time, he will require from the borrower “a pound of flesh” - a literal slice of the borrower’s body! The brutal demand is actually about more than just the money. The lender holds a deep-seated grudge against the borrower. Nowadays, we use the phrase “a pound of flesh” to refer to a ruthless desire for justice when forgiveness is bitterly withheld and the unforgiving person demands payment. All of us wrestle with these feelings at some time or another. Someone does us wrong, we are blinded by bitterness, and we want the guilty party to pay. What have you said or done to make a spouse, sibling, parent, or friend “pay,” to extract “a pound of flesh” as repayment for what was done to you? The events that led to Easter directly address this need that we feel for payment. On the day of his death, Jesus Christ ate the Passover meal with his disciples. The meal recalled when God led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Exodus 12 records God’s instructions to the people. They ate unleavened bread, as well as the meat of a lamb. The lamb’s blood was smeared on the top and sides of
Learn more at gsflo.org
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their doors to mark their homes as receiving God’s grace. After that night, until the time of Jesus, Jews observed this meal. They ate the meal on what we would think of as Thursday evening, but since Jews saw sundown as the start of a new day, it was Friday when the Passover meal was eaten. However, at this Passover, what we call “the Last Supper,” Jesus redefined the bread and the cup of the meal. Remember, Jesus died on the day of the Passover, and later on, the apostle Paul would write that “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” Of the bread, Jesus says, “This is my body;” of the cup, he says, “This is my blood of the covenant.” Jesus uses sacrificial language. His words recall a ceremony in Exodus 24, when God’s covenant with the Israelites was confirmed. Animals were sacrificed, some blood was poured on the altar, and with the rest of the blood, Moses said, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you.” The blood signified cleansing from sin so that the covenant relationship with God could exist. It also highlighted the underlying reality that the penalty for breaking the covenant was death.
But Jesus changes the wording slightly. Moses said, “the blood of the covenant.” Jesus says, “my blood of the covenant.” Jesus guarantees all the blessings of the New Covenant (including forgiveness) for the people of God. He guarantees them not by payment of a pound of flesh, but by a whole body of flesh -- his own body and blood. When someone has done us wrong, we don’t have to pretend like it never happened. The pain is real. But what Jesus did with the bread and cup in this Passover meal communicates that the guilt of sin and the punishment it deserves has been transferred from us to him, just as the Israelites understood that the blood of the sacrificial animals was accepted by God instead of their own blood. Jesus basically says, “My body instead of your body; my blood instead of your blood.” Easter reminds Christians that we should stop trying to make people pay for their sins, because God doesn’t make us pay for ours. Through Jesus Christ, God made a sufficient payment for sins. A need for vengeance reveals that a person does not understand that because Jesus paid the full price for the believer’s sin against God and others, there are no grounds for harboring unforgiveness and exacting vengeance. When you trust in the finished work of Jesus (his perfect life, his sacrificial death, and his glorious resurrection) you don’t need to require that others pay a price, because you know that Jesus paid the price you required. You receive the power to truly forgive and freedom from the need for “a pound of flesh.”
Happy Easter! April 2020
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LIFESTYLE
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True Light Photography Phillip Guyton was excited to see his hometown be brought back to life, and he wanted to help publicize and document the process through his photoraphy.
Ansel Adams once said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” Luckily for Phillip Guyton, the opportunities are endless in his beloved city of Florence. A native Florentine whose family has resided here for generations, one of his first jobs was working in a photo lab. He recalls, “That was back in the film days! I never cared much for that medium, the digital instant feedback world got me much more interested in the field.” Phillip continued to dabble in his passion, so much so that a coworker asked him to second shoot a wedding. It was then that Phillip realized photography could be more than just a small hobby for him. Once Florence began its downtown revitalization process, Phillip was excited to see his hometown be brought back to life, and he wanted to help publicize and document the process through his photography. “Anything I like or enjoy, I try to help share and promote. Photography gives me a purpose and goals, and it gets me out in the world. I'm always looking for a good photo. I like feeling useful and involved in the community. I like a wide array of photography: drones, people, events, birds, pets, etc. I'm usually trying to get a photo I love or try out a new technique or piece of equipment; it's all a lot of fun.” A few years ago during one of the annual Pecan Festivals in Downtown Florence, St. John’s Church caught his eye. “I really noticed it for the first time. It’s kind of hidden so that you don’t notice it until you pass a hedge…it felt like walking into an enchanted glen. I really loved the photo I took of it and it had me thinking of how many beautiful churches we have here in Florence, and how it would be a fun project to document them.” It wasn’t long before Phillip developed a new passion – capturing the beauty of local churches. Churches have always
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been a showcase of beauty and great examples of architecture. Before I got involved in Florence Unlocked, they were already posting a photo of one every Sunday, so it seemed like a great idea for me to get involved and I liked maintaining that tradition once I started taking a more active role in it.” While he hasn’t photographed all of the churches in Florence, there are some Phillip finds himself going back to multiple times. “When I get new gear, I always find it interesting to re-shoot things you've shot in the past. As a photographer, you also change over time and it is fun to see how you evolve in style too. If I pass one in my day-to-day travels, I sometimes stop or make a note to revisit. When I have time, I'll search on Google Maps in the area I'm in and visit a few. There are even a few that I keep passing and waiting on just the right light for the photo I have in my mind.” Since his church photography is now linked to Florence Unlocked, Phillip keeps his work mainly in the Florence region for now. However, there is always room for something new! “I usually try to have a new photo for each week, but I do have to pull from the archive from time to time, it really depends on the weather and light (and Florence event schedule). Basically once a month or so, I try to take a day to find a few new photos for the collection, and then I post one each Sunday to Florence Unlocked.” Be sure to check out his work on Facebook as well as Florence Unlocked’s Facebook page! When Phillip isn’t behind the lens, he can be found at ACS Technologies, where he works during the day. In addition to photography, he also enjoys spending time with friends, playing board games, and browsing the world wide web on his computer.
pguyton@gmail.com / 843.992.8691
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LIFESTYLE
AN INTERVIEW WITH
A I M E E COX- K I N G
Can you take us back to the beginning of Cypress Adventures? "I founded the organization in April 2015. Because the teenage years are some of the most critical in terms of identity formation, I felt there was a need to influence a positive path for this age group. "Regardless of someone’s personal situation – home life, school life, grades, talents or aspirations – Cypress Adventures (CA) is a conduit for guiding, preparing and inspiring young people to develop into strong leaders and communicators who will go on to help their local communities thrive. It’s an investment in the future of Hartsville and Darlington County."
What is the philosophy behind CA?
Vip had the privilege of reconnecting with an old friend, Founder and Executive Director of Cypress Adventures, Inc., Aimee Cox-King. Aimee has made it her life's passion to give back to the community in an extra special way – by providing a rare yet extremely engaging educational outreach to youth. Since 2015, Cypress Adventures has served over 320 middle and high school students and has nearly 400 currently on the waiting list. Aimee has successfully expanded her organization in numerous ways since our initial meeting back in August of 2016. Follow below to learn more about how Aimee, her dedicated staff, and determined volunteers work to build a better community for our youth.
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"Just like a cypress tree can withstand extraordinary environmental challenges, young adults can be molded and equipped to withstand significant life challenges. "CA is committed to providing a place that encourages belonging, connection, inclusion, compassion, and social and emotional learning specifically for adolescents. We’re committed to developing strong leaders because we know strong leaders give back to their communities. "The curriculum we designed for our Youth Leadership Program is rooted in teaching seven foundational life skills – communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, anger/stress management, conflict resolution, teamwork, and leadership. "Through community and adventure-based activities, we expose teens to experiences they might not get otherwise."
What type of programs are there? "We offer a 14-week (free) afterschool Youth Leadership Program for middle and high school students. Our programs emphasize skill-building,
outdoor adventure, service learning, and peer mentoring. It’s the only program of its kind in the state and we have close to 400 youth on the waiting list. "We also offer team building and professional development services for businesses, schools, and other agencies. As a youth advocacy organization, we strive to educate and inspire youthserving programs to appeal to and engage teenagers."
What courses does CA offer? "We currently offer the course Leadership 101: The Power of Play to strengthen social and emotional skills. High school students serve as mentors for middle school students twice a week for 14 weeks of experiential and outdoor education challenges. Through the group process, students learn how to think critically and self-reflect, how to communicate assertively, how to give and receive feedback from one another, how to manage anger and stress, how to work together as a team to set goals and solve problems, how to resolve conflict, and how to accept the role of leader within their own lives. We spend a lot of time in nature and go camping and hiking. We participate in community events where our students sell things they have made to raise money for the program. "We hope to add a second course, Leadership 201: Workforce Readiness, next school year which will explore how to find a job, get a job and keep a job coupled with financial literacy. We plan to add the third and final course, Leadership 301: Civic Engagement, by fall 2021 which will culminate in a capstone project that is hosting a youth summit for regional youth leaders. Upon the completion of all three courses and the capstone project, students will graduate from the Youth Leadership Program."
You are about to start a capital campaign? Tell us more! "We’re big believers in measuring outcomes and tracking data on the students who have graduated from our program, as well as our current students. We also gain a lot of insights from talking to parents. "What we’ve learned over the last few years is that the need for this type of program is greater than we anticipated. So, we are in the planning stages of a capital campaign designed to scale our capacity to serve more teens. We’re not prepared to share dates or specific events yet but stay tuned."
What are your plans for this summer? "We hope to partner with existing summer camps and youth programs to provide fun and engaging educational experiences for small groups of their campers (25 or fewer). We also offer team building and professional development services for businesses, corporations, and agencies. "We have a beautiful 5-acre campus that we will be developing into an Outdoor Education Center. We will be working hard this summer to install a greenhouse and establish a garden area. We will be making infrastructure improvements to better accommodate large groups in the future."
Student art to promote the group’s core values
Want to stay connected to CA? Our website is the best source of information, cypressadventures.org. You can follow us on social media on Instagram and Facebook @ cypressadventures Anyone interested in our summer services can contact us directly through the web site or call 843-610-0866. You can join us at our upcoming Lip Sync Battle through which 4 teams of Cypress students perform concert quality performances to compete for the championship belt. May 21, 7:00pm @ the Center Theater. Visit our booth, meet our students, and be inspired by student art at Hartsville Farmers Markets and Downtown Block Parties. Volunteer. Be on the lookout for volunteer workdays coming this summer as we make improvements to our garden and grounds. April 2020
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LIFESTYLE
front door
DECOR story by Rebecca Giese & photography by Erin Daniel
I love freshening up my front door each spring with a seasonal wreath. What I don't love is how expensive premade wreaths can be, and finding a color pallet that matches can be a challenge. So I turned to Pinterest and my glue gun to create this year's wreath(s). Two trends I have seen all over the place are hoop wreaths and wooden circle sign wreaths. Hoop wreaths are more minimalistic; some created with metal hoops for more modern styling. I love the crafting aesthetic of using an embroidery hoop. Plus, the embroidery hoop pairs nicely with the felt flowers I wanted to try. The felt flowers do take some time commitment, but the assembly of the wreath takes only minutes. Due to the details of making the flowers, I would say this is a second-tier beginner craft. Wooden signs have been everywhere since the farmhouse style has hit its peak. And the price tag attached to the farmhouse style has skyrocketed with its popularity. My goal was to make one for under 25 dollars. I used some paint and ribbon I already had but found the wooden circle and greenery at my local craft store on sale. Other than waiting for the paint to dry, this is a super fast and beginner level craft.
Wooden Sign & Greenery Wreath You'll need: • Wooden sign (I used wooden circle sign with white background ) • Painter's tape
On My Radar! • April is my birthday month; I am excited to celebrate with special Southern'spiration sales events throughout the month. Learn more on our Facebook Page!
• Craft paint (I used black, light green, pink and white) • Floral sprigs
• Love an excellent facial and Down South Sugar, in Hartsville, is my favorite! This month they are starting "Summer Try Me Special" packages. Brazilian, Pretty Kitty, Butt Facial, and Back Facial for $150 or Bikini, Underarms, Butt Facial and Back Facial for $100!
• Ribbon
• All the rainy days call for a nice warm cup of soup or toasted sandwich, my favorite place in Hartsville on such a day is The Midnight Rooster!
• Large and small paintbrush
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• Wire • Hot glue gun and glue
1 Tape off the areas you do not want painted, like the border and edge for stripe section. 2 Paint the background color. Let it dry completely. 3 Paint the saying/phrase and add any additional paint details. Let it dry. 4 While the sign is drying, create the bow. 5 Then take the floral sprigs and find the best layout. Once you find the plan, use your hot glue gun and glue the sprigs to the wooden frame/border of the sign. 6 Glue the bow at the top of the sign, covering the ends of the floral pieces. 7 If the sign comes with a hanger, then you are done! But if not, add a sawtooth hanger or ribbon to be able to hang the wreath.
Felt & Embroidery Hoop Wreath • Wooden embroidery hoop
• Hot glue and a hot glue gun • Floral stem wire
• Small sawtooth hanger and nails
• Felt
1 Create flowers and greenery. See the steps to
create the felt eucalyptus. There is a plethora of templates and how-tos on Pinterest, and I would suggest checking there for any particular bloom you want to create.
2 On all the blooms and leaves created, make
sure you have an extra length of wire. Use this wire to wrap around the hoop.
3 Keep adding the felt floral until the desired
shape and fullness.
4 To hang, hammer the sawtooth hanger in the
middle of the larger embroidery hoop clasp.
How To Make Felt Eucalyptus
1 Using a forest or mute green felt, cut out two lobbed leaf blobs. And don't stress! Plants are not perfect or symmetrical, so the finished product looks better with imperfections. Cut the shapes in a variety of sizes to have a gradient in leaf size on the stem later on. The number of leaves varies due to the length of the eucalyptus wanted and the spacing. 2 Pierce felt leaves in the middle between the two lobs.
4 Take your glue gun and glue the center of the felt. 5 Pinch the felt together to hold the piece in place and create the look of two leaves. 6 Repeat with gradually smaller felt pieces until the end of the wire. 7 For the last leaf, make sure it covers the end of the wire.
3 Take your largest leaf piece, using the hole string the leaf on the floral wire. Place the felt as far down as you want the length of the eucalyptus to be. November VIPMagSC.com April 20202019VIPMagSC.com
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LIFESTYLE
Asiana Gaskins-Nelson Pee Dee Area Youth of the Year
Asiana Gaskins-Nelson, a Lake City Boys & Girls Club member, was named the 2020 Pee Dee Area Youth of the Year on March 3, 2020 at the Steak N’ Burger Dinner and Youth of the Year Celebration. A sophomore at Lake City Early College and CTE High School, Asiana received a $4,000 scholarship from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area and the Carraway Turner Leadership Fund to pursue education after high school. She will compete in the state-wide Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year competition in April, in hopes of claiming the title of South Carolina Youth of the Year. She plans on attending Howard Univesity, where she wants to major in both Theatre and Criminal Justice. A bright and bubbly young woman, Asiana’s main passion is performing, and aspires to one day become a successful actress. Asiana discovered her dream of being an actress at the early age of nine. She said, “I knew from the time my mom put me in my first theatre class that performing was passion. While other little girls pretended to be princesses, I knew I wanted to be an actress.” Asiana has certainly stuck to her dream over the years, taking part in muscial theatre, dance, cheer, and singing activities in the community. She frequently acts in musicals and plays at the Blanding Street Theatre in Lake City, including Sister Act, her first adult production, the Wizard of Oz, The Jungle Book, and Aladdin. She is also a member of Dramatic Coffee Beans Inc., a performance group that meets at the Lake City Boys & Girls Club, Varsity Cheer, and Ensemble. A natural leader, Asiana’s drive and passion are inevitably infectious. Saying she draws inspiration from her brother, her greatest role model, she feels that watching his determination going through college to get both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree pushed her to create a detailed path for her future at such a young age. While she believes that acting is her destiny, she does not want it to be the only option. She hopes to potentially pursue a law degree as well, if her performing career does not take off as planned. Asiana has a strong family support system, and feels obligated to make them proud. 20
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The Lake City Boys & Girls Club has played a huge role in Asiana’s life. She became a member of the Club three and a half years ago, when her mom saw her struggling emotionally and looked for a positive place for her to go after-school where she could be supported by friends and staff. While she said she was nervous at first, Asiana soon felt a sense of belonging, and quickly made connections with both other members and staff. Since then, she has participated in a wide variety of programs at the Club, including the J.O.Y Mentoring Program, Job Readiness Training, where she was able to work part-time at Sonic, Junior Staff, and character building programs, like Smart Girls and ROAR. Her favorite memory at the Club so far has been participating in the Face Your Fears event, where members showcase their talents in front of their peers. Asiana sang “Treat Me Like Somebody,” by Tink, along with several other songs. She said, “I liked being able to see other people showcase their talents as well. Many other members have such incredible skills that we do not normally get to see on a day to day basis. I enjoyed being able to learn more about my friends and peers, especially in a setting that requires so much courage.” Asiana credits the Boys & Girls Club for helping her mature over the years. The relationships she has established with staff have helped her overcome several difficult times in her life. It is clear to see that no matter where life takes her, Asiana’s passion and drive will lead her to success. The Boys & Girls Club is fortunate to have such a vibrant member as the Pee Dee Area Youth of the Year. They are looking forward to seeing her compete on behalf of the organization at the State Competition.
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BUSINESS
EDWARD TANER & RICHARD URQUHART
The Village Marketplace Edward Taner has always been an antique picker. “My cousin and I couldn’t wait until the end of the school year to go dumpster-dive in the school dumpsters to see what we could find and then sell at a yard sale. To me, it’s all about the hunt. You never know what you will find.” As for his partner Richard, antique picking didn’t come quite as naturally. Ed adds, “But now he is just like the rest of us and will gladly pick up an item off the side of the road!” The love for the find is what led Ed and Rich to open a storefront in Bennettsville to display and sell for those that equally love a great find! Ed and Rich have always searched for antiques as a way to fund the activities they enjoyed doing, such as traveling. Ed shares, “We used to laugh that eBay would pay for all of our trips to London.” Now that they both have “retired,” they have the freedom to have fun with their passion. Ed admits, “We like all sorts of things. Our friends would laugh because there was a time we would change out our home furnishings monthly; we always found something new for the house. I like white ironstone, the dirtier (dark crazed), the better…it tells a story. Plus, chairs! I have no idea why, but I keep buying chairs.” Rich prefers British police and train memorabilia, as well as items with a medieval look. 22
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Ed and Rich now own their very own antique shop, The Village Marketplace, located in the heart of Bennettsville on Main Street. “Our shop is a mix of many things - period and antique furniture, glassware, porcelain, pottery, mid-century modern to quality used items. Rich and I wanted a store where everyone could shop, a shop that wouldn’t fit into a box or one aesthetic where you become a ‘one-note’ type of shop. Hence our name, The Village Marketplace. Small towns were once called villages before they were incorporated into towns and we are a marketplace where everyone can feel comfortable shopping. We carry items like a chipped piece of flow blue china that is too pretty to just toss out but would still look great for display, to a step back hutch worth $1,200.” With a select few vendors and cosigners, the shop changes constantly and new stock is brought in weekly if not almost daily. If you appreciate the eclectic and beautiful, this is the shop for you.
The shop is also a Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint retailer, which is a perfect fit for an antique store. Ed explains, “Some things just need a breath of life put back in them and Dixie Belle Paint puts out a fantastic product at a very affordable price point. There are over 64 fantastic colors that could be easily mixed to create thousands of variations. If you look back in time, furniture painting isn't something new. It has dated back for centuries for many different reasons. Sometimes it was to make a piece brilliant with gold leaf and bright colors, at times it was to make inexpensive pieces of wood like pine resemble more desirable pieces of wood like mahogany. For me, it keeps pieces out of landfills that normally would have been tossed.” The guys chose Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint because of the easy use and manipulation of the product. “You can achieve a high-end gloss finish to a primitive satin look by applying different colors of waxes and stains. The paint is mostly water-based and was created to work together. Besides normal prep, such as cleaning and in some cases priming, it is very easy to use and cleans up with water. It has acrylic in the paint, which helps to give it a hard finish that doesn't have to be sealed.” Ed and Rich have traveled as far as England and Scotland to pick; in fact, they used to go as often as every six to nine months. Ed recalls, “Not only would we shop at markets such as Portobello Road to scary-looking back alleyways, but we would also shop on eBay and have them shipped to a friend’s home. We had it down to a science as to how many suitcases we could pack inside each one to take over the pond, where to buy additional luggage for all the extras we bought, how many friends to bring along and how many suitcases and carry-on bags they could take home for us. One time, we had four large bags, three carry-on suitcases, two shopping bags and an additional two bags a friend had to bring back for us that we couldn't check.” Rich’s favorite find so far is a Waterford vase that he saw in a row lot at an auction. Ed’s is his first piece of ironstone as well as a 19th century step back hutch that took two hours to remove from a carriage house that was being demolished. One of their most beloved finds of all, however, has been the community of Bennettsville. Rich shares, “Bennettsville has been great to us! We could have gone anywhere to open a store and trust me, we looked. It took us two years to find this storefront. After a deal fell through in a neighboring town, we decided to come to Bennettsville to see what was going on. From there, we met a few store owners and Heath Harpe, who was the mayor. He took two and a half hours with us, showing what was going on in Bennettsville and plans that the city had. The best part of that was he never looked at his phone the entire time and told us that no matter which place we chose to rent, he would do anything to help bring our business to the town. He even had Police Chief Kevin Miller come out to meet us to address any security issues we had. That is what synced it for us to come to Bennettsville. We have had nothing but fantastic support from our locals. This is a small community and one cannot expect that every person is going to shop with you and they aren't going to shop with you every day. I'm not saying that it is easy in a small town that is coming back, because it isn't. But you have to treat people with respect and live by the motto that ‘only together can we raise the boat because divided we all will sink.’ As the President of our Chamber of Commerce (of which we are proud board members), Janelle Bakogiannis said to me one day, ‘Slowly, we are drowning out any negativity there is to be a small business owner in a small town.’”
Edward Taner and Richard Urquhart reside on a small farm in Dillon County along with their chickens, turkeys, cats, and dogs. Edward is retired from the casino industry while Richard is retired law enforcement, in which he served for 27 years. The Village Marketplace is located at 201 E. Main Street in Bennettsville, South Carolina. To learn more, visit their Facebook page (The Village Marketplace) or call (843) 535-3901.
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BUSINESS
ZACHARY, MELISSA AND BRENNAN HERNDON
Thieves Market Vendor Melissa Tyner Herndon has always been on the hunt for something special in life. Luckily, she has been able to obtain quite a few blessings so far: an education, which she obtained from Francis Marion University; a job as a sales and marketing manager for a Florence manufacturer; a marriage to her college sweetheart Tommy; and two beautiful children, Zachary (24) and Brennan (21). Once Brennan was born, Melissa began working part-time in marketing for a few years while enjoying motherhood. During her time off, she would search for and sell some of the unusual finds from her collection of antiques, one of Melissa’s biggest passions. Melissa has enjoyed the hunt for antiques ever since she was a little girl. She shares, “My mama, Vickie Tyner, would take me on Mondays to So-Lina Auction in Darlington. I would save my money and look forward to picking out treasures. I was always intrigued by the history and beauty of old china patterns, crystal chandeliers, and furniture. I still have things I bought when I was a young girl that I treasure. As I got older, my passion for those old, often discarded items continued to grow.” It was then that she decided to become a picker herself. “I always had friends and colleagues asking me to ‘keep an eye out’ for certain items they were looking for and, most of the time, I would find it for them. As I continued to pick, I found that I was picking more for other people than I was for myself. I kept asking myself if I could do this for real. William Goins, my 24
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dear friend and owner of the Thieves Market in Florence, really encouraged me to give it some consideration.” Melissa began her journey as a full-time picker in 2019, what she refers to as a “year of change.” She elaborates, “I was at a crossroads in my life. I had suffered from a complication in my health and my husband had been transferred with his job to Albany, Georgia. Albany is in Southwest Georgia and is an agricultural area. We are near Florida and Alabama and a lot of old tobacco barns and packhouses…the picking is just unbelievable! I was in prayer for God to guide my steps for where and what I needed to be doing in this crossroads season of my life. Every time I went thrifting or to an auction, the golden find would get dropped in my hands. I asked God if this was my sign. This went on for a few weeks and it was like that every time I went out picking." Melissa also thanks her husband for encouraging this new journey. "I will never forget it; one Friday afternoon I pulled in to our driveway to see the most beautiful BRAND NEW Chevrolet Silverado black pickup truck with an enclosed trailer to match that my sweet supportive husband surprised me with. He stood there, handed me the keys, and he told me ‘to go live my dream.’ So here I am, riding the backroads, cleaning out barns, seeing the most beautiful scenery and finding the best treasures I could imagine.” And just as it was a family tradition to go picking with her mom, Melissa now shares the same tradition with her sons Zach and Brennan.
Melissa mainly focuses on traditional furniture and midcentury pieces, especially ones that are paintable fixer-upper pieces. Some of her favorites include Hoosier cabinets, kitchen cupboards, and pie safes. “I love anything that relates to a 1950s kitchen. I love old kitchen utensils, cookware, Pyrex in rare colors, Fire King Jadeite, old kitchen appliances, cast iron cookware. I still buy china sets.” She loves quilts as well and will buy as many as she can find. She also loves glass chandeliers. “Shiny prisms…they always remind me of Dolly Parton. The shinier the better!” Melissa looks for vintage tools, vintage advertising signs and boxes, and bayonets. “I try to offer something for everyone and I try to offer something that all of my customers can afford. Not everything I pick is old, though. I have some items that are newer and are good substitutes for those on a budget. If I like it, I usually buy it.” As for her favorite find, she has two. “One is a corner cupboard that I bought not long ago. It came from my hometown of Hartsville, South Carolina. It is chipped and old, old, old, but it has glass and it is awesome. I bought it to go in my laundry room but it did not fit, so someone is going to be lucky to have that piece. My second favorite find is a yo-yo quilt…little tiny pinwheels that are sewn together to make a quilt.” Melissa never knows exactly what she’ll find when she goes picking and the thrill of the adventure is even more enjoyable with her boys by her side. “It really blesses my heart that both of my boys love the history of antiques and love to go picking. It is something that we can still do together. I remember when they were young and we would go over to the auction. They would make piles of the items they wanted and they had their hands in the air bidding with my bid number. They grew up going to yard sales and thrift stores and really have an eye for finding great picks.” As for Melissa’s mother, she helps her daughter when she can by checking on her booths at the Thieves Market, making sure they are neat and tidy while Melissa is out on the road. When it comes to picking, Brennan looks for items he can make money on. “I focus on furniture, collectibles, tools, John Deere items, hunting prints, glassware/barware, vintage signs, tobacco baskets, primitives and vintage Ducks Unlimited items.” Many of Zach's preferred picks are like his younger brothers but he has a special interest in midcentury furniture and unusual finds. The boys reminisce about the fun they had searching through yard sales and auctions with their mother when they were just toddlers. Comparing favorite finds, Brennan's is a South Carolina tobacco basket he gave his father for Christmas and Zach's has been a wooden Merita Bread box tray that is stamped and dated with Florence, South Carolina. No matter what Melissa and her boys may find, she is grateful to spend her life doing what she loves most. “I am so thankful for waking up every day to a new day and knowing I get to do what I love to do. I thank God every day for answering prayers and for paving the way!”
Melissa’s Tips for Picking Furniture: I always look at the drawers of a piece first to identify age and quality. If it has dovetailed drawers, that suggests that it is fine quality and an older piece. I look for the maker next. A lot of older furniture companies are out of business so that can give you the age of the piece as well. Lamps: The type of electrical plug a lamp has is usually the best indicator for age. Sometimes lamps have been rewired so I then try to lift off the felt bottom to see if I can find a manufacturers name to identify the age. Collectibles: There are a lot of reproductions out there. One of the biggest to mention is CocaCola signage. Check on the back first for the gold oblong “Made in China” sticker. If no sticker, check the font used for the logo. Sometimes there are dates around the logo. The real button signs are a much heavier weight and the sheen on them is very dull. FIreking Jadeite is another reproduction out there. The older jadeite is a more opalescent green than the newer reproductions. Look for the FIreking embossing on the bottom.
Melissa Tyner Herndon has been married to her college sweetheart, Tommy, for almost 30 years. They have two sons, Zachary and Brennan, and a special little dog named Lilly Belle. Zachary Herndon is an Inside Sales Representative for ABC Supply Co. and Assistant Varsity Football Coach at The King’s Academy. Brennan Herndon is the Owner of Herndon Landscaping and Tree Service.
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TAMMY COCKFIELD
The Market Antiques story by Ashley Elvington | photo by Nancy Devon Carsten
Thirty-eight years ago, Tammy Cockfield began her career as a florist. Over time, her job duties expanded into planning and managing events, as well as handling interior design and retail. She recalls, “There was an ease of access 15 years ago. Antique and vintage furniture is of better quality than the furniture made today.” Today, Tammy is the owner of The Market Antiques & Interiors in Lake City, South Carolina where she can entertain her passion for antiquing while benefiting the homes of her customers. When it comes to interior design and a favorite style, Tammy enjoys them all, as each home and customer are different. With antiques, however, her favorites include old Southern and English pieces, antique oriental rugs, books, and rustic pieces that make a statement in a room. “Each unique piece comes with a great story and history. There are so many to choose from; most of them have found a special place in the homes of my clients. The favorites that I have let go include a fabulous copula topped with a stag weathervane that eventually made its way to a famous singer’s home in Tennessee. A few others would be original framed art of many oil paintings, including some of my paint-by-numbers that I have framed in antique shadow boxes. There are many pieces that I have said would not leave the shop; however, over time I share my love of these beautiful treasures with clients.” While shopping for antiques, Tammy says there are several things to consider – the construction, the joints, the underside (if it is rough to the touch), the screws, the hinges, and the hardware (if it is handmade). “There will be a slight difference in hand-carved items; you will notice
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a slight variation in size and detail from piece to piece. For instance, in a set of chairs, each may be unique. A true antique is hard to find, so my general rule is if it makes a statement in your home, puts a smile on your face, and you cannot live without it, take it home!” The inventory at her shop is always changing, as people constantly come in to sell one or two treasures, along with items from estate sales, personal contacts, and auctions. Tammy is also willing to travel for great pieces, going as far as Michigan, Florida, and everywhere in between. To see the beautiful pieces Tammy has gathered from the community and all over the States, stop by and visit The Market Antiques & Interiors!
Tammy Cockfield and her husband of 39 years, Bo, have two children who have blessed Tammy and Bo with four grandsons. The Market Antiques & Interiors is located at 252 N. Church Street in Lake City, South Carolina. To learn more, visit them on Facebook or call (843)374-1903.
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BUSINESS
CHARLIE MAURER
Quality First Antiques The journey to antiquing can be quite an interesting one. Especially for Charlie Maurer, who received a degree in Physiology from Penn State. His background is of an impressive variety, from publishing scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals to teaching scanning electron microscopy labs at Penn State, to being lead-in-charge of quality control and training at BIOSIS (publisher of Biological Abstracts and Zoological Records) to technical support for Thomson Reuters. Even with all of his career achievements, antiquing has always remained a passion for Charlie. When it comes to antiquing, Charlie exercised his appreciation during his time with Sotheby’s, a Britishfounded American multinational corporation whose headquarters is stationed in New York. Sotheby’s is one of the world’s biggest brokers of fine and decorative artwork, jewelry, real estate, and collectibles. Charlie was previously an Associate Dealer founding member with expertise in 18th and early-to-mid 19th-century Staffordshire, 18th and early-to-mid 19th-century Chinese export porcelains, Imari, Kutani, Sumidagawa, Satsuma, Nabeshima, and Awaji pottery. He shares, “Licensed Sotheby’s associate dealers were required to be specialists in the fields in which they offered property and to provide a Guarantee of Authenticity of the property sold.” Now that Charlie has “retired” and is currently residing in Bennettsville, South Carolina (where he moved upon retiring in July 2014), he is the owner of Quality First Antiques, where he shares his expertise with anyone interested in learning. Charlie has loved antiquing since he purchased his very first piece at the young age of 5 - his Bingo pennies. In 1994, he founded Quality First Antiques, Inc., which 28
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lasted until 2005. He opened Quality First Antiques in Bennettsville in August 2018. Charlie’s range of interest includes antique Staffordshire pottery and porcelains, European porcelains, Asian porcelains, Pennsylvania redware, 18th- and 19th-century American, English, and French furniture, 18th-20th century American, Asian and European glass, and objects of virtue. His alltime favorite find is a Staffordshire early 1800s child’s canary yellow glazed mug, which he found at a flea market for .25 cents. As for Quality First Antiques, it contains a selection of British, continental, and Asian antiques. There is also a selection of early hand-forged iron utensils, a small selection of period furniture and some modern furniture and accessories included in the inventory. Charlie is constantly adding new items to the shop and has traveled as far as Ireland and Japan to pick. While he’s quite the traveler, Charlie has found a supportive community in Bennettsville. He still gets to teach every now and then when customers ask about particular items that catch their eye, eager to learn the history of things they haven’t seen before. In addition to running the shop, Charlie stays on the lookout for highquality items that local residents may want to send to Freeman’s Auction in Philadelphia. Charlie has contacts there and is eager to help in any way that he can. If you find yourself in Bennettsville or if the thrill of the hunt simply has you curious enough to stop by, come see Charlie at Quality First Antiques and see what he has to offer! Quality First Antiques is located at 137 Broad Street in Bennettsville, South Carolina. To learn more, please visit www.qualityfirstantiques. com or call (215)964-1949.
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BUSINESS
Howard Tripp , Financial Advisor howard.tripp@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com/howard-tripp 115 Cargill Way, Suite C-1 Hartsville, SC 29550 843-332-4298
It's Not Easy But Look Past The Market Selloff story provided by Howard Tripp, Edward Jones Financial Advisor
These are challenging times. Like everyone, you are concerned about keeping your family safe and healthy, and you’re doing your part to help protect your community from the effects of the coronavirus. And if you’re an investor, you must also address your financial situation. How should you respond to the current market volatility and recent declines in investment prices? For one thing, try to avoid what many others seem to be doing: panicking. The market selloff may feel unsettling, but it appears to be driven as much, or more, by fear and panic than by economic or financial reality. Uncertainty is high, but there are reasons – solid, objective reasons – that provide more confidence in the longer-term outlook, suggesting that conditions still warrant an eventual rebound. U.S. unemployment entered this situation near a 50-year low, with solid wage growth. We will see a temporary disruption to the labor market, of course, along with a decline in economic activity, but households entered this period in generally good shape. Furthermore, housing market indicators were moving upward and the decline in mortgage rates could add more strength. Also, the Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate cuts, taking short-term rates back near 0%, will support the economic rebound as the impact of the virus containment efforts eventually fade. In addition, while further volatility and the potential for further weakness will likely continue, the steep drops we’ve already seen indicate that the financial markets have “priced in” the likelihood of a short-term recession, which may mean that the worst of the stock market pain has already been endured, though, of course, there are no guarantees. First, though, it seems likely that the investment world will finally calm down only when the health situation 30
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shows signs of containment – and this will inevitably happen, despite the grim reports we are seeing these days. As a country, we have the motivation, the will, the solidarity and the resources to defeat the coronavirus and its effects, despite the pain and trauma it is now undoubtedly causing. So, back to our original question: What should you do? Here are a few suggestions:
• Remember why you’re investing. Given the market decline, you may be tempted to change your investment strategy. But keep in mind that your financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement, are longer-term than the shelf life of the coronavirus. These goals, not today’s headlines, should guide your decisions. • Re-evaluate your risk tolerance. The recent volatility provides a good test of your ability to weather shortterm swings in your portfolio. If you’re having a hard time coping with these losses, your portfolio may be positioned too aggressively for your risk tolerance. If so, you might want to adjust your portfolio mix to include more fixed-income securities, which can help provide more “downside” protection. However, this would also affect your long-term growth potential. • Look for buying opportunities. Stocks are now at their most compelling values in more than a decade – in other words, there are plenty of compelling investments out there. You can find many high-quality investments at very good prices, so you may want to consider taking advantage of the opportunity. These are trying times for all of us. But as an investor, you’ll help yourself greatly if you keep the situation in perspective, take a long-term view, evaluate your own risk tolerance and be receptive to new possibilities. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
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BUSINESS
1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic story by Mark W. Buyck, III In 1918 less than 2 billion people lived in the world. Today that number is approaching 7.8 billion. It is estimated that the Spanish flu of 1918 infected 500 million people worldwide. The death toll has been estimated anywhere between 17 million to 100 million people. In the Fall of 1918, the disease quickly spread throughout the United States. South Carolina, the Pee Dee, and Florence were not spared. To give some perspective to the numbers cited here, the population of Florence County in 1920 was slightly above 50,000. The population in the City of Florence was nearly 11,000. The current estimates for the county are 140,000 residents with 38,000 of those living in the City of Florence. Although the origin of the outbreak is unclear, the first widespread outbreak occurred among U.S. soldiers stationed in Europe during the summer of 1918. As WWI was winding down, those soldiers returned to their hometowns and army bases in America bringing the virus with them. 34
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Portions of the upstate began having a widespread outbreak by the last week of September 1918. This outbreak quickly spread throughout the state. On October 5, the Florence Board of Health closed all “schools, churches, moving picture houses, pool rooms, and all places of public gathering.” The Board of Health made exceptions for open-air meetings and churches held joint services outdoors. Two days later, the State Secretary of Health telegraphed sheriffs in all South Carolina counties to issue a similar order closing all places of public gathering in the state and also advised to “see that there is no crowding in stores and public conveyances.” The State Board of Health also ordered the closure of all state and county courts and postponed the upcoming State Fair. By mid-October, the disease was probably reaching its most widespread impact in the Pee Dee. Doctors and nurses were falling ill, and calls were made to other parts of the state as well as the federal government and other states for available physicians. In Hartsville,
Coker College set up an infirmary for the treatment of citizens. The Florence Red Cross established an emergency hospital while Dr. F. H. McLeod treated 50 influenza patients in his clinic. The Red Cross established a center for the distribution of food and medicine. Private citizens participated in the work. Fred L. Willcox forsook his law practice and began traveling the rural areas of Florence County providing treatment for farmers and agricultural workers. Small communities were hit particularly hard. In Marlboro County, McColl reported 600 cases. The Town of Tatum sent an urgent message to the State Health official “This situation is desperate. Five deaths today. Send doctors.” The State Health Officer presented a letter to the President of the Columbia Medical Society declaring “The Pee Dee section is stricken and whole communities are laid low overnight because of the extreme viralness and the rapid spread of this disease. Large numbers of people are dying of pneumonia without having received the benefit of either medical or nursing attention. It is absolutely imperative that every physician in the State of South Carolina who can be relieved from his present duties devote his services at this time to those who are suffering without help.” The need for volunteers was desperate and appreciated. Attorney and Author Henry Davis later described Fred Willcox’s work: "In this service, he directed his ministrations to the needy regardless of race or condition. One night he kept a lonely vigil
through all its hours with a poor old white tenant farmer far out in the country and ministered to all his needs. Near morning, the old man died. His kind benefactor closed his eyes, laid him out, and then drove home. This is only one instance of the kindly ministrations of this remarkable man in this great day of trial.” The Darlington News and Press on October 17 advised “Keep the children at home; avoid crowds; do not stand very close to strangers while talking; use disinfectants, throat gargle, and nose spray; wear a face mask, even if it doesn’t look good. ‘Safety first.’” The quarantine regulations continued in the Pee Dee until November 3. The highest number of active cases reported in Florence for one day was 390, 30 of those with pneumonia and 4 deaths. The blanket quarantine in Florence County was lifted on November 3 when it was determined that the virus had largely disappeared as quickly as it had come. It is estimated that when the virus finished running its course, 14,257 South Carolinians had died from the flu. Camp Jackson in Columbia reported 8,255 infected within the camp and 412 deaths. While the impact of the Spanish flu was profound, it did prompt an increased awareness of proper hygiene, sanitation, and public health measures in general.
The Willcox Law Firm was here in 1918 to respond to the needs of Florence and the Pee Dee. We will be here in 2020 to advise individuals and businesses recovering from Covid-19. 248 West Evans Street | Florence, SC | 843.662.3258 2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230 Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777
Business Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys April 2020
Mark W. Buyck, III VIPMagSC.com
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BUSINESS: KEEPING TIME, A MONTHLY FEATURE
Keeping Time, conversations in time management with community difference makers, is an interview series with community leaders from a variety of fields discussing their day-byday pursuit of professional success, focusing specifically on how they manage their time. You can hear the full 30-minute interviews on the “Keeping Time Podcast,” available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
STRUCTURE ALLOWS FOR BALANCE JASON & JENNIFER POWERS story by John Sweeney
A lot of life is lived within the brick walls of S/W printing at 128 S. Irby St. in Florence. This small print shop gives “family business” a whole new meaning. Stories of fathers and sons, husbands and wifes, and balancing the daily chaos that comes with running a family and a family business can all be found right here. Jason and Jennifer Powers are the caretakers of S/W these days, which is fitting given that their relationship would not have been possible without the business Jason’s father Steve Powers, along with his wife Susan, purchased back in 2001. Jason, their son, was 21 at the time and signed onto the family venture, but like all 21 year olds he was unsure of exactly where he wanted to go in life. Then Jennifer came along, starting at S/W as an intern from Francis Marion University. From then on, the picture became a whole lot clearer. First, there was professional respect, then friendship and then... “We fell in love,” Jason said. Today they have been married 12 years, have three children and are now running the family business. It’s sort of a small business fairytale, but the obvious question is how does the couple do it? Many (if not most) marriages have couples comparing notes after a long day at work; however, that conversation doesn’t need to take place in the Powers household because they went through it together. 36
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“We compartmentalize those things,” Jason said of the difference between home and work life. “We talk about work, but we try not to take it home because we have the kids and they don’t deserve to hear about work all the time. We sort of made a non-verbal pact that we’re just going to leave it here and we’ll deal with it when that (office) door opens and when the door at home opens we’ll deal with that.” It requires balance, sure, and the Powers appear to have found their own balance, which can be summed up in one word: structure. “We get up about 6 o’clock, Jason and I and then we get the kids up,” Jennifer said. “We divide and conquer. I’m getting them dressed and ready and brushing teeth, Jason’s going through book bags, singing all the folders and notebooks, and they are out the door about 7:05.” The Powers emphasize the fact that school time departure is 7:05am, not five minutes either way. The couple insists the precision with which they strive to run their lives gives them more freedom, not less. Within that lies their secret to balance. Learn more about how Jason and Jennifer Powers use structure to run a successful business, rewarding marriage and fulfilling family life by listening to our entire 30 minute conversation on the Keeping Time Podcast, logging on to www.sweeneymediaandconsulting.com.
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BUSINESS
WORKING FOR HER COMMUNITY
Nadine Harris Foxworth story by Ashley Elvington | photo by Jonathan Boatwright
Nadine Harris Foxworth is a woman with many titles - wife, mother, sister, auntie, cousin, and daughter, to name a few. She is also a self-proclaimed public advocate for “anyone who needs to be heard.” She elaborates, “I grew up knowing that I could make a positive impact on people's lives. My mother raised me to always shoot for the stars and let nothing stop me from dreaming.” Nadine is a local leader in her town of Marion, South Carolina, as well as a business owner in the community. She is currently running for a position on the school board in Marion. “My passion is to motive and to inspire our youth to make a difference in their education and futures. Most say that I show unconditional love when inspiring our youth because I believe in them, every one of them, no matter their situation.” Another title Nadine fulfills is that of pastor at a new local ministry called the Christian Assembly, where members believe that everyone is somebody. Her educational background includes an Associate in Computer Programming from FDTC, a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Coker College, and a Master’s in Business with Emphasis in Leadership from Grand Canyon University. “My faith in God has helped me make it this far. I have never 38
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stopped anything. I have experienced more than meets the eye. I learned how to change my hurt, fears, and disappointments into motivation and determination. I was not always the person people know today, I had ups and downs. I went through a period of feeling abandoned and alone, but I serve a God who never let me go. My faith has brought me a mighty long way.” She is currently one of the owners of a wellestablished medical transport company in Marion, Precise Care Transport. Nadine has been involved with this type of work for over 18 years. Precise was founded in 2011 to vendor transportation to the community of Marion to and from various appointments. “Throughout this journey, I was able to establish a lot of relationships with our local community. Our motto is ‘Patient Care First.’ We strive to give back to our community as much as possible. We also established three scholarships to inspire our youth to go beyond high school to set forth to higher learning.” The opportunity of higher learning is of extreme importance to Nadine, which is why she is currently running for a position on the school board in Marion. While she was born in New York, Nadine was raised in Marion since the age of eight and got to witness
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HEALTH + WELLNESS
HEALTH AT
WORK
Staying healthy at work is increasingly difficult as society has transitioned from more physically active forms of work to more sedentary positions such as in front of a computer screen. A study using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that in the early 1960s, about half of the jobs required robust physical activity compared to approximately 20 percent today. The less calories burned while on the job is a likely contributor to the increase in average weight we are seeing today and the rise in obesity. Regular activity is important as, in addition to affecting weight, it can prevent or improve other health factors such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, depression, and osteoporosis. So, what can you do if you are tied to your computer all day? The simple act of just standing rather than sitting while at your desk can be a beneficial solution. Many companies have offered computer stands which can be raised so the person can be at eye level with the computer screen while standing. During breaks go for a quick stroll or do some stretching at your desk. If these are not for you, try to increase your exercise outside of work. Aim for at least 150 minutes of active movement each week.
360 NORTH IRBY ST. FLORENCE 843.667.9414 | HOPE-HEALTH.ORG
Dr. Heather Leisy is the director of preventive medicine at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence. She provides preventive medical care and researches and implements methods to improve patient outcomes.
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Hand-in-hand with exercise is healthy eating. While at work, avoid the sweet treats brought in by coworkers or the unhealthy choices in vending machines is difficult. Food prep or planning, such as bringing in healthy snack and meal options to work, is helpful for stopping rushed food grabs that usually end up being fast food or other unhealthy alternatives. Stay hydrated! Bring a water bottle to encourage drinking more water instead of sweetened beverages or depending on the office’s coffee maker. Another health concern at work is physical positioning. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), disorders affecting the muscles and bones, called musculoskeletal, are the leading cause of lost work time. Staying in the same position for long amounts of time and repetitive movement can put strain on various parts of your body, including your back, neck, and wrists. Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders at work, or ergonomics, is performed by evaluating or fitting your workspace to your needs.
Key points to think about include: • take breaks and wear proper supportive gear for joints and back when recommended • proper bending and lifting techniques should be followed • while sitting at your desk, your chair should have adjustable height, lumbar support, comfortable cushion, and arm rests • keep a good posture - sit, or stand, upright with the shoulders relaxed and back • your screen should sit at eye level and wrists at a straight or neutral position on the keyboard One disease relating to repetitive work is carpal tunnel in which compression of a nerve within your wrist results in pain and numbness in the hand. Along with proper positioning and breaks, stretching your wrist, gloves to protect from vibrations, and exercises involving making a fist could assist in preventing carpal tunnel. For eye health, remember the 20-20-20 rule if performing a lot of close visual work like reading: every 20 minutes look out 20 feet for 20 seconds. Limiting blue light from screens may also help prevent eye strain and headaches. Concentrated work can also slow down your blinking so make a conscious effort to blink to keep your eyes hydrated. If your eyes are still dry, grab some over-the-counter preservative-free artificial tears to assist. Other ways to stay maintain a healthy workplace include: • frequently cleaning surfaces such as desktops, keyboards, phones, doorknobs, • washing your hands with soap and water • staying out of work if you are sick • injury prevention, such as taking care when sitting in a rolling chair, not dropping a bag or cord where someone may walk, and speaking up if you see other unmarked hazards like pooled water or a broken railing • complying with recommended vaccinations and injury prevention policies like using hearing protection or personal protective equipment Each work environment has its common accidents or potential hazards, and further details can likely be supplied to you by a representative at your organization upon request. Stay healthy and keep up the good work!
Staying healthy at work is increasingly difficult as society has transitioned from more physically active forms of work to more sedentary positions such as in front of a computer screen. April 2020
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HEALTH + WELLNESS
Don’t Let Underage Drinking Ruin Your Prom Fun Many teens dream of their high school years’ being full of traditional and memorable events. Few are as eagerly anticipated as Prom Night and Spring Break and their associated rituals. Unfortunately many teens, and parents, feel that including alcohol with these events is an acceptable rite of passage. Underage drinking, by far, continues to be the most common risky behavior challenging youth today. Although overall drug use by teens has been declining, underage alcohol use remains a significant threat to the health and safety of teens. Alcohol remains the number one drug of choice for teens statewide with 71% of high school students consuming alcohol at some point during their high school years. Even though a lower percentage of youth are drinking today than in years past, those that are consuming alcohol, are doing so at an alarming rate. In fact, the latest research shows that many youth are participating in the growing epidemic of binge drinking.
Even though a lower percentage of youth are drinking today than in years past, those that are consuming alcohol, are doing so at an alarming rate. In fact, the latest research shows that many youth are participating in the growing epidemic of binge drinking. 42
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Binge drinking is defined as consuming 4-5 drinks during one event causing the BAC level to rise to dangerous levels. Those who participate in this activity are much more likely to be involved in acts of violence, unwanted sexual activities, and more likely to drive a vehicle and be involved in a crash. Surprisingly to many, females participate in binge drinking at a higher rate than their male counterparts, leaving them particularly vulnerable. In order to minimize the potential dangers and consequences involved with underage drinking during the prom season, Circle Park Behavioral Health Services and the Florence County Coalition for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention, along with local law enforcement agencies have joined forces to support the “Don’t Let Underage Drinking Ruin Your Prom” Campaign. This campaign emphasizes that it is illegal if you are under the age of 21 to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages. Prom night parties and Spring Break activities tend to provide an opportunity for many high school students to participate in this dangerous activity. In an effort to address and minimize these potential incidences in our community, the 12th Judicial Circuit Alcohol Enforcement Team (AET), a multijurisdictional team of various agencies throughout Florence and Marion Counties, will be utilizing a series of enforcement activities during prom nights that may include:
• SOURCE INVESTIGATIONS AET members will be utilizing their resources to identify the source of alcohol that is being possessed or consumed by underage youth at prom activities. Those found to be providing alcohol to minors will be charged and prosecuted.
• PARTY PATROLS AET members will be patrolling neighborhoods, rural areas, bonfire sites, etc. where before and after prom parties may be taking place.
• PARKING LOT PATROLS AET members will patrol parking lots of local establishments and locations where prom activities may be occurring to ensure that underage alcohol possession and consumption is not taking place.
• RESTAURANT WALK-THROUGHS AET members will be visible making walk throughs at local restaurants popular with prom goers and interacting with them to ensure that they understand the importance of having an alcohol free prom night.
• COMPLIANCE CHECKS AET members will be checking local establishments to ensure that alcohol is not making it in to the hands of underage consumers.
Underage youth also need to be aware of the constructive possession statute in which anyone under the age of 21 can receive a citation or be arrested for possessing alcohol products; having them in their car; or being at a party or event where underage drinking is taking place, EVEN if they are not drinking themselves. We hope that all youth and parents participating in this year’s prom events will work together to make smart, legal and healthy choices to ensure that this year’s prom events in our community are fun, safe and alcohol free.
Triza Cox Empowering Communities for Healthy Outcomes/ State Opioid Response Coordinator Circle Park Behavioral Health Services
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GIFT GUIDE
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1 Lake City Art Puzzle, Main Street Mercantile, Lake City 2 The Pioneer Woman cookware, a’Bloom Florals, Lake City 3 Brackish feather bow tie, Butler’s Fine Mens Clothing, Florence 4 Spartina beach bag, Goosie Ganders, Florence 5 Rhode Fiona retro rainbow dress, Mosaic, Florence 6 Fox & Rooster mini-framed canvas, Marion Emporium, Marion 7 Pink Picasso Paint By Number, Pretty N Bliss, Florence 8 Squeakie canvas, East Main Street, Lake City 9 Beaded eye cuff, Raised Down South, Hartsville 44
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HEALTH + WELLNESS
The Importance of Checkups story by Ashley Elvington In the hustle and bustle of life, have you recently stopped to check up on yourself? Better yet, with your doctor? Self-care often tends to fall on the backburner while navigating through the many tasks and to-do lists life brings our way. Add a family onto that, and our priorities shift, as we spend the majority of our time focusing on the health and wellbeing of our spouse and children. While it is important for them to be healthy, it is just as important to maintain your own health. Generations ago, patients only visited doctors if they were already sick or close to being on their death bed. Things have since changed, of course, as preventative care is becoming more common in today’s world. Patients are now actively seeking advice in regards to how they can and should live a healthier lifestyle. In an effort to help patients maintain a high quality of life, physicians are encouraging patients to attend regular checkups in order to stay on top of their health and to hopefully prevent future treatments and surgeries due to health problems and/or complications. Check-ups can help reduce the risk of being too late when it comes to detecting conditions or diseases. Early detection is key when it comes to increasing your chances of getting better. Dr. Kevin Sponseller, Carolina Pines Family Medicine Specialist, shares, “For women, one of the most important checkups is a preventative mammogram. This is typically conducted once a woman turns 45 years old (without family history). Based on the results of that first mammogram, you may need to go back every year or every two years for a follow-up test. As for yearly check-ups, these include preventative and routine physicals, colonoscopy (without family history) every 10 years, DEXA scan every two years after the age of 65, and cardiovascular disease prevention.” For children, Dr. Sponseller recommends check-ups for the following ages – newborn (two days after delivery), 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18
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months, and then yearly after that. He adds, “For men, yearly exams include preventative and routine physicals, colonoscopy every 10 years (without family history), DEXA scan once after the age of 65, and cardiovascular disease prevention.”
Other preventative screenings include: • Annual Wellness Visit: Family history, blood pressure, BMI, counseling, preventative screening, and physical exam • Cancer screenings (in addition to breast and colorectal): Skin, cervical, testicular, and prostate • Sensory screenings: eyes, hearing • Immunizations: Tetanus, Tdap, influenza, pneumococcal, MMR, meningococcal, varicella, shingles, HPV, hepatitis A and B, and haemophilus influenza type B Dr. Sponseller concludes, “Wellness checks are important at all ages because it is the best way for your primary care physician to assist in providing age-appropriate preventative and diagnostic screenings and immunizations. It is also important that patients have the resources and education to help them promote a healthy lifestyle to prevent premature morbidity and mortality from chronic
diseases. Early diagnostic testing leads to decreased long term complications and can improve the quality of life.� The time to take care of yourself is now. Call your doctor today and make that first step towards better health. Dr. Kevin Sponseller and his wife, Kristin, have two daughters. Kevin completed his undergrad at UGA and attended Medical School at Windsor University School of Medicine. In his spare time, he enjoys outdoor activities, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. Dr. Kevin Sponseller chose family medicine so that he is able to treat patients of ALL ages, and follow kids and their families throughout the course of their lives. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sponseller, call 843.383.5171.
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AROUND TOWN: PEE DEE LAND TRUST’S 14TH ANNUAL OYSTER ROAST
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Annual Oyster Roast
Pee Dee Land Trust’s
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8 Pee Dee Land Trust’s 14th Annual Oyster Roast was held at Hobcaw Barony in Georgetown on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The grounds of the Baruch House overlooking Winyah Bay made the perfect setting for PDLT’s supporters to gather and enjoy live music, hot oysters and wonderful fellowship. PDLT would like to give a special thank you to all 5 sponsors who helped make the event a huge success. who attended, as well as the generous
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1. Suzanne King, Jill Lewis, Joe Lewis & Frances McIntosh 2. Attendees Enjoying Hot Oysters 3. John Long, Bron Long, Marsha Graves, & Bill Graves 4. Attendees Enjoying Hot Oysters 5. Janette Weaver, Brenda Coleman & Betty Searcy 6. Bill Gray, Mark Stokes, Sissy Smith, Robbie Gray & Wayne Walker 7. Julie Coggeshall, Marianne & Jim Crawford & Berry Coggeshall 8. Hughes Page, Lyles Cooper Lyles, Shannon Copes, Ashley Scott and Seth Cook 9. Tim Norwood, Sherwin & Mildred Welch
10. Richard Reynolds, Brooks & Margaret Charles, Georgiana & Thad Wester & Erin McEachin 11. McCall Swink, Mary Woods Swink, Caroline Morris & Turner Swink 12. Johnny Weaver, Jan & Ellis O’tuel 13. Bradley Callicott, Niki & Reed Sansbury 14. Erik Marechal, Carter Brand, Megan Hinton & Laura Marechal 15. Thomas, Jr., Mary Courtney & Thomas Rogers 16. Campbell Coxe, Meredith Coxe & Roger Schrum 17. Current and Past Board Members of PDLT
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HOME
IT'S
Okay
TO NOT BE OKAY story by Allie Roark
Remember the phrase, “April showers bring May flowers”? With all of the uncertainty and fear that is taking place in the world around us, I think we could all use a little inspiration. It may seem gloomy right now, but with hope, there’s bound to be a beautiful season. It’s crazy to think that I have had the honor of contributing to VIP Magazine for a year. I have truly loved every minute of this experience. Growing up, I wanted to be the next Andy Anderson and write for Composure Magazine in New York City like Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Even though I didn’t become the next “How-To Girl,” I tried to inspire others through my writings using different platforms. In 2016 I started my first blog, Cultivated in Grace. In my posts, I allowed myself to be vulnerable and share my heart with those who may have been in a similar season or place. This vulnerability was the result of a broken heart and a handful of unanswered prayers. I may have been low on hope, but I was able to grow in my relationship with God during this time. Little did I know or realize that I was able to use a hard season for a platform to show how good God is. Let’s fast forward some. As much as I enjoyed writing my blog posts and hearing from other girls how they were able to relate and find hope, I quickly shut it down. Why? Well, I let fear sink in, and I began comparing my blog to some other blogs that have been established for many years. This was exhausting. It was at that time that I questioned the whole thing. Blog writing is silly to some people. It’s definitely a step out of the box sort of thing, and I worried too much about what others thought.
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Comparison is the number one cause of discouragement. • I know this is a common feeling. So many of us feel discouraged with our jobs, because no matter how much you put into it, you just never feel recognized or appreciated. • I haven’t stepped into motherhood yet, but I have so many sweet friends that have recently become mothers and struggle with anxiety of being good enough. We see other mothers that are killing it with being room mom, having a Pinterest perfect house, and providing homemade dinner on the table every night. • Many struggle with their marriages and relationships and long for a happily-ever-after like the ones seen all over social media. Regardless of the situations where we are not okay, the good news is that it’s okay. It’s okay to not be okay, but do yourself a favor and don’t allow yourself to stay there. Let’s refuse to give up on the things that we love by criticizing ourselves thinking that we are not the women for the job. Instead of reading the complaints of negative people, remind yourself of all of the awesome contributions that you have made in your workplace. Let’s promise to remind ourselves that each of our stories were perfectly written for us. The things that we see on social media appear more glamorous than what they actually are. There is so much more that we don’t see, and if we did, we would probably start to think differently. Right now in these seasons of uncertainty and rain, God is cultivating and prepping for the beauty of what’s next.
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HOME
Did You Know...
Huey Cooper 1887-1978 People who are truly different seem to bring out either the best or the worst in those who interact with them. That reaction is a real indication of the character of the other person, not of the one who is different. Huey Cooper will always be an inspiration to the community of Lake City because he brought out the very best in us.
story by James Daniels
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Huey was a small black man, not quite 5 feet tall, who shuffled around the streets of Lake City for many decades. He resembled more a troll than a man, with his short stature, his shuffling gait, his too-big clothes, his walking cane which, because of his size, resembled a staff and his barely decipherable speech. The story goes that Huey, when a young man, had been on the back of a logging truck when it was struck by a fast train at the Main Street crossing in Lake City. But, for all his limitations, Huey became a fond memory to generations of Lake City’s residents. After Huey’s accident in the late 1910s, he was taken to a railroad company hospital where he remained for many months. Upon discharge, he returned to Lake City and a town ill-prepared to receive him. There were no social services then and racial discrimination was the norm. His family lived in the Bethesda church community (Coopers) about five miles east of Cades but was unable to care for him, so Huey remained in Lake City. Charles Kelley’s family provided him a place to stay in a single room building behind their home. It's unclear how he fed and clothed himself in those early days though we know he would cut people’s lawns with a push mower for food and spending money. We do know that he would roam Main Street most of the day, interacting with anyone who would give him some time. Huey could only speak a few words clearly, but he could, we think, make himself understood. He would whistle to attract your attention. It wasn’t a loud sound. It was more like making the sounds of birds. If you would stop, he would generally ask you to buy him a Coca-Cola, buy a pencil someone had given him, or just to give him a dime or a quarter. If you gave him a coin, he would let you rub his lucky rabbit’s foot. I’m sure that rabbit’s foot was lucky for Huey as it paid for many a meal for him. Huey’s life shows that, sometimes, a tragedy is only a prelude to a blessing. Sometime around 1960, Huey lost his shelter. The Kelley family leased their property to a grocery chain, which tore down Huey’s single-room dwelling. His distress was evident to all. With no close family to care for him, Huey’s future was bleak. But Huey’s tears touched the hearts of the Police Chief, Maxie Hinds, and Decatur Wall, who took it upon themselves the task of providing for Huey’s future.
Chief Hinds set up a small building behind the Dairy Queen on Main Street (where Enterprise Car rental is now) with a new roof, electric lights, and running water. He also paid the utility bills and allowed Huey the use of the building free of charge. Since Huey had no close relatives, Chief Hinds acted as Huey’s guardian. One of his first acts as guardian was to get him a welfare check. He also set up a charge account at the Mayflower Café, where Mrs. Tom Marshall would bill him monthly. His checks were deposited in a local bank and, each month, a police officer would accompany him when he withdrew money to pay his bill. His spending money was usually a result of the generosity of the town’s citizens, and that lucky rabbit’s foot. The town’s police officers looked after Huey. They gave him cigars (there was always a stub of one in his mouth) and fruit or candy on special occasions. When the weather was cold and wet, they would allow him to sleep in one of their jail cells. They also allowed the paper boys to bag their papers inside the station when it was cold and wet and, on at least one occasion, one of them noted that the officers also shared some confiscated moonshine with Huey, who was most appreciative. When he could get transportation, Huey would return to his home church, Bethesda Methodist, for Sunday services. But, if Huey wasn’t around town for more than a day, the locals would ask after him and the police would locate him. Lake City took care of Huey until the mid-1970’s when he went to Andrews to live with a nephew and great-niece who cared for him the remainder of his life. Huey’s absence was felt in the community so much that the Darla Moore Foundation erected a statue of him on the very corner where he spent most of his life. Usually, statues are for the famous, for heroes. But it is fitting that Huey has one in the center of the community that he loved and that loved him. It is also a monument that recalls a significant story about how a community looked beyond the superficial and cared for "one of the least of these.” Huey’s statue is proof that every life is significant.
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HOME HOME
a trusted kitchen tool
The Cast Iron Pan story by Doug Smith
The neediest cooking utensil at our home, a cast iron pan, requires constant care and attention. Neglect it for too long, or put it away wet, and it will most certainly rust. Scrub it too hard, or let a drop of dish soap hit its surface and you might remove the seasoning you spent weeks and months building up one seared steak at a time. Knowing this, it’s still one of my most prized possessions. The humble cast iron pan, a classic trusted tool, has always been naturally non-stick. It demands a little bit of patience from its caretaker. A healthy layer of seasoning doesn’t happen after your first or even eighth use of the pan. It’s a continual process. Yes, I have messed up attempting to cook an egg before the pan was seasoned well enough, which ended up in a scrambled, gummy mess. One morning I woke up to a nightmare; someone had put my pan in the dishwasher. Not sure how that happened. There were times when I have left it to soak in soapy water in the sink overnight, too lazy to clean it after making dinner, again stripping it of all its non-stick properties. Gradually, I learned how to take proper care of this tool and it has paid off time after time. The more confident I felt cooking with cast iron in the kitchen, the more hopeful I grew that I might one day be able to share my new found love for the cast iron pan. We have created multiple recipes using one of my hand me down pans that I love more and more each day. Now when I notice the first signs of
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rust, I don’t panic. All I need to do is clean the pan with a little paste made from sea salt and olive oil. After a few minutes of tender care, my cast iron pan once again forgives me. Eventually, I felt like I could also forgive myself for not taking better care of my beloved pan. These days, my cast iron pan lives on the stovetop. With daily use, it’s a diligent reminder of all the progress we’ve made together. Years later, it still holds me accountable. When I notice areas of the pan starting to rust, it’s usually a sign that I need to slow down and pay more attention to the pan. Along with meal planning, cooking with my cast-iron pan and giving it a healthy oiling is now part of my weekly routine. Since inheriting my first one, my cast iron collection has expanded. I have a good selection from the small 6-inch skillet, in which I found will cook an egg perfectly, to multiple hand-me-down 12-inch pans that I cook everything from fresh vegetables to putting the perfect crust on blackened fish. What I have found is that my kitchen cabinets are overflowing with the equipment I use now and then like a food processor, an immersion blender, crockpot, and the list goes on and on but it’s my cast iron pans that ask the most of me and that’s ok because they also bring me lots of joy.
Get more from Doug Smith by
following him on Facebook and
Instagram at "Doug the Food Guy".
3 Steps To A Happy Cast Iron Pan WASH Wash your cast iron cookware by hand. Use a pan scraper for stuck-on food. For stubborn, stuck-on food, simmer a little water for 3-5 minutes, then use the scraper after the pan has cooled. If needed, make a paste with a teaspoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of salt to thoroughly clean dried-on food.
DRY Dry promptly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. If you notice a little black residue on your towel, it's just seasoning and is perfectly normal.
OIL Rub a very light layer of cooking oil onto the surface of your cookware. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains.
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DRINK OF THE MONTH
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Dreamy Night ingredients: 1 1/2 oz vodka 1/2 oz Blue Curacao 1 tsp lemon juice Slice of lemon rind for garnish Soda water directions: Combine all ingredients in a highball glass. Add rind for garnish if desired. Top off with soda water.
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SERVICE DIRECTORY
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