magazine Publisher Tammy Clark tmclark225@gmail.com
Contributing Photographers Nancy Devon Carsten Fred Salley
Editor Heather Page heather@vipmagsc.com
Contributing Writers Dr. Ramesh Bharadwaj Mark W. Buyck, III James Daniels Ashley Elvington Rebecca Giese Allie Roark Doug Smith John Sweeney Donna Tracy
Office Manager Tiffany Skipper jtskipp35@gmail.com Advertising Executives Julie C. Tyler juliectyler@yahoo.com Creative Design Tuesday Taylor Ashley Rogers
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COVER CONCEPT
1 ... Set your thermostat to 78F. 2 ... Always run your heating/air conditioning fan in “Auto” mode.
This month we choose to be in this together. Because we can’t spend May enjoying our typical outdoor activities with family and friends, we’ve decided to help give you new ideas to freshen up your family’s dayto-day activities. Visit page 26 for Allie Roark’s tips on creating your own field day or page 30 for Rebecca Giese’s attempt to create a spa day at home! You won’t regret it!
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3 ... Service your home’s cooling system prior to summer months. 4 ... Make sure your air registers and returns are clear of obstructions. 5 ... Change out the return filter once a month. 6 ... Set the water heater thermostat to 120F. 7 ... Install low-flow shower heads and limit shower length to 5-7 minutes. 8 ... Wash clothes in cold water. 9 ... Ensure the refrigerator door gasket has a tight seal. 10 ... Replace burned out incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs. 11 ... Run ceiling fans in the counter-clockwise direction in the summer. 12 ... Close the shades and drapes during the day to help keep heat out.
CONTENTS
ISSUE 54
10
MAY 2020 BUSINESS 10 Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA: Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
12 Keeping Time: Melanie and Breeden DuBose 14 Edward Jones: CARES Act 18 Drink: Stir Crazy Manhattan
HEALTH + WELLNESS 20 HopeHealth: Stress During Uncertainty 22 What You Need To Know About The Coronavirus 24 May 2020 Calendar
HOME 26 Allie Roark: May We All Get Through E-Learning 28 Doug Smith: Baking Therapy 30 Have Yourself An At-Home Spa Day 32 Backyard Vacation: Backyard Tepee 34 Family Fun Dinner Ideas 36 10 At-Home Activities for Kids 38 Book Suggestion: On Ocean Boulevard 40 Did You Know....?: The Life of Dr. Leek
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43 Service Directory
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BUSINESS
Carolina Sandhills
story by Mark W. Buyck, III
NATI O N A L WI L DL I FE R EFU GE
A couple of Saturdays ago, my family escaped the house in search of outdoor recreation. After doing a little bit of research, we decided to visit the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge just outside of McBee. While I have spent nearly my entire life in the area, this was the first time I had ever visited the Refuge. The Refuge is an easy 1-hour drive from Florence. The main entrance is approximately 3 miles from downtown McBee, just off Route 1. Just inside the main entrance is a visitor center and a stand-alone kiosk with maps and brochures. The visitor center was closed; however, the kiosk had an ample supply of materials. The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge and the adjacent Sandhills State Forest are products of the Great Depression. The federal government began acquiring the property in the 1930’s as part of the National Industrial Recovery Act and Other New Deal Programs. The S.C. Sandhills are not particularly suited to farming in the first place and by the Great
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Depression this area had become severely eroded and barren. The establishing purpose for the Refuge was “to provide habitat for migratory birds, demonstrate sound management practices that enhance natural resource conservation, and to provide wildlifeoriented recreation opportunities.” When the redcockaded woodpecker was named an endangered species in 1970, the Refuge became a demonstration project for the restoration of longleaf pine habitat, the preferred nesting location for the woodpecker. The Refuge now claims to have the largest population
of red-cockaded woodpeckers in the world and one of the largest stands of longleaf pines in the Southeast. While driving through the Refuge, we noticed the evidence of controlled burning of the forest. This technique is essential for the management of the longleaf pines. There are 30 man-made lakes and ponds within the Refuge and numerous streams and brooks. There are also several hiking trails which were our ultimate destination. The trail we chose was Tate’s Trail. This is a partial loop trail approximately 6 miles. The trail is well marked and takes you through several longleaf pine stands. Make sure you don’t wear flat sole shoes as you will be walking over pine straw for most of the 6 miles! The trail parallels several ponds. There are number of boat ramps in the Refuge; however, these were all closed when we visited due to Covid-19 restrictions. Fishing is permitted in the Refuge as well as hunting. There was actually a turkey hunt the day we were there, although we never saw or heard any evidence of turkeys or hunters. The Refuge’s website www.fws.gov\refuge\ carolina_sandhills advises that there are over 100 miles of paved and dirt roads suitable for mountain biking. It also appears that there are enough paved roads that one could have a vigorous ride on just the paved portions. If you do visit, make sure you pack some sandwiches and water as you will not find provisions readily available. There are public restrooms including one at the turn-around point of the Tate’s Trail hike.
Business Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys 248 W. Evans St., Florence, SC | 843.662.3258 2050 Corporate Centre’ Dr., Suite 230, Myrtle Beach, SC 843.650.6777 May 2020
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BUSINESS: KEEPING TIME, A MONTHLY FEATURE
Whatever your style,
Melanie and Breeden DuBose say the key is finding your own way to find your most productive groove.
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-by-day pursuit of professional success, focusing specifically on how they manage their time. You can hear the full interviews on the “Keeping Time Podcast,� available at www.sweeneymediaandconsulting.com.
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The Art of Working from Home story by John Sweeney / photography by James Walkup The COVID-19 pandemic has upended so many aspects of life, from the fear of the virus itself to the economic and personal effects felt each day. While governments and businesses struggle to find an exit to the crisis, those blessed to still be gainfully employed have been forced to work from home. Finding a work-life balance is hard enough when your couch isn’t doubling as a conference room. Such a task can require a new level of creativity, and there’s only one profession that is almost 100% creative to which we can turn for answers: artists. Enter the mother-daughter duo of Melanie and Breeden DuBose. These Florence based artists have made working from home… well… an art form. The DuBose women make their living selling their commissioned artwork. For Melanie, who has been a working artist for about 40 years, the specialty is portraits of children and pets. Breeden does more abstract pieces and joined her mom recently at their home studio after spending three years traveling the world following her graduation from the College of Charleston. The pair have insights to help any work-from-home profession. Each has their own work routines that differ about as much as their art, reflecting distinct styles that fit their personalities and habits. Melanie is the early riser, while Breeden tends to be more of a night owl. Breeden also likes to keep a structured schedule and walk away from work at a set time. On the other hand, Melanie seems to find it harder to get away from the “office” and feels like she can’t not work. Whatever your style, Melanie and Breeden say the key is finding your own way to find your most productive groove.
Fb: Breeden DuBose Art Instagram: breedenduboseart #: 8436213818 Fb: Melanie R DuBose Instagram: melanieduboseart #: 8436210998
“You have to come up with your own boundaries,” Melanie said, admitting the process can be a struggle. That’s why Breeden protects her routines. The younger DuBose thinks those who have been thrust into the work-from-home model by COVID-19 must fight to construct a routine as close to their office life as possible. “It’s important to stick to the daily schedule you normally have at the office,” Breeden said. “Soon enough, we’ll be out of this (COVID-19) and you don’t want to just be thrown back into it. I think it’s important to stay productive and do all you need to do in a day.” Listen to the Keeping Time Podcast at www.sweeneymediaandconsulting. com to learn more about how Melanie and Breeden DuBose creatively work from home, balance sharing a workspace, and gain inspiration from each other as artists and as people. Plus, listen to John’s two-year-old interrupt the interview asking for snacks (working from home, remember?)! The entire 30-minute conversation can be found on the Keeping Time Podcast, available at www.sweeneymediaandconsulting.com.
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BUSINESS
CARES Act Offers Help for Investors, Small Businesses As we go through the coronavirus crisis, we are all, first and foremost, concerned about the health of our loved ones and communities. But the economic implications of the virus have also weighed heavily on our minds. However, if you’re an investor or a business owner, you just got some help from Washington – and it could make a big difference, at least in the short term, for your financial future. Specifically, the passage of the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act offers, among other provisions, the following: • Expanded unemployment benefits – The CARES Act provides $250 billion for extended unemployment insurance, expands eligibility and provides workers with an additional $600 per week for four months, in addition to what state programs pay. The package will also cover the self-employed, independent contractors and “gig economy” workers. Obviously, if your employment has been affected, these benefits can be a lifeline. Furthermore, the benefits could help you avoid liquidating some long-term investments you’ve earmarked for retirement just to meet your daily cash flow needs. • Direct payments – Individuals will receive a one-time payment of up to $1,200; this amount is reduced for incomes over $75,000 and eliminated altogether at $99,000. Joint filers will receive up to $2,400, which will be reduced for incomes over $150,000 and eliminated at $198,000 for joint filers with no children. Plus, taxpayers with children will receive an extra $500 for each dependent child under the age of 17. If you don’t need this money for an immediate need, you might consider putting it into a low-risk, liquid account as part of an emergency fund. • No penalty on early withdrawals – Typically, you’d have to pay a 10% penalty on early withdrawals from IRAs, 401(k)s and similar retirement accounts. Under the CARES Act, this penalty will be waived for individuals 14
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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
who qualify for COVID-19 relief and/or in plans that allow COVID-19 distributions. Withdrawals will still be taxable, but the taxes can be spread out over three years. Still, you might want to avoid taking early withdrawals, as you’ll want to keep your retirement accounts intact as long as possible. • Suspension of required withdrawals – Once you turn 72, you’ll be required to take withdrawals from your traditional IRA and 401(k). The CARES Act waives these required minimum distributions for 2020. If you’re in this age group, but you don’t need the money, you can let your retirement accounts continue growing on a taxdeferred basis. • Increase of retirement plan loan limit – Retirement plan investors who qualify for COVID-19 relief can now borrow up to $100,000 from their accounts, up from $50,000, provided their plan allows loans. We recommend that you explore other options, such as the direct payments, to bridge the gap on current expenses and if you choose to take a plan loan work with your financial adviser to develop strategies to pay back these funds over time to reduce any long-term impact to your retirement goals. • Small-business loans – The CARES Act provides $349 billion to help small businesses – those with fewer than 500 employees – retain workers and avoid closing up shop. A significant part of this small business relief is the Paycheck Protection Program. This initiative provides federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain payroll during this emergency. Significantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers use the loans for payroll and other essential business expenses (such as mortgage interest, rent and utilities) and maintain their payroll during the crisis. We’ll be in a challenging economic environment for some time, but the CARES Act should give us a positive jolt – and brighten our outlook. 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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MAY COCKTAIL
STIR CRAZY MANHATTAN INGREDIENTS
• 2 ounces bourbon • 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth • 1 dash Fee Brothers Chocolate Bitters • 1 cherry DIRECTIONS
Add bourbon, sweet vermouth and chocolate bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir with a spoon until chilled throughout. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.
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HEALTH + WELLNESS
STRESS During Uncertainty
story by Paul Malvarosa, LMHC, LPC, HopeHealth Uncertainty and the unknown can create a lot of stress, especially during this period of social distancing, changing routines, job insecurities, and work-from-home challenges. While we may associate stress with feelings of anxiety or worry, pay attention to any extreme shifts in emotions and moods, the feeling of being overwhelmed or burnt-out, and an increase in irritability. On the other hand, you may feel numb or “stuck,” and unable to make decisions or complete your regular responsibilities. It may seem simple, but by being aware of when we feel this way, we can help ourselves adjust by breaking down tasks into smaller goals. By practicing this, we can feel accomplished which, in turn, may foster further motivation. A good way to remember this is to think “when things get hard, get back to basics.” Additionally, these emotions may create strain in relationships with loved ones and friends, especially when coped up during stay-at-home mandates. Instead of withdrawing, seek out support from others through messaging, phone calls, video calls, and other avenues. Not only can they lend a sympathetic ear, they also may provide helpful tips to managing coronavirus-related stress.
360 NORTH IRBY ST. FLORENCE 843.667.9414 | HOPE-HEALTH.ORG Paul Malvarosa is a licensed professional counselor at the Medical Plaza in Florence. He has special interest in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma exposure, personality disorders, and addiction.
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Prolonged uncertainty and stress don’t only impact emotions. Changes to physical health are also common. Some of the most noticeable may be the physical effects of stress that can include:
• muscle tension and/or pain • gastrointestinal (stomach) issues • changes in appetite • fatigue • changes to libido • hypertension • sleep disruption Prolonged stress has also been linked with a decrease in immune system functioning. Take notice and listen to what your body may be telling you.
Stress may also create some behaviors changes, including isolation or social withdrawal, angry outbursts, or an increase in substance use and/ or risk-taking. These can perhaps be viewed as ways to avoid the discomfort promoted by feelings of stress. Furthermore, stress can impact relationships and can impede effective communication, the ability to feel valued and heard.
Adults aren’t the only ones who may experiences changes in their mood or body due to stress. Children can be in tune with and reflect their caregivers’ emotions and stress levels. This may lead to the development of nervous habits such as nail biting or increased separation anxiety. Knowing what to say to a child is a difficult task and may depend on their age and personality. Also, recognize that children may process their experience non-verbally such as through play. Talk with other parents and resources, such as Military Kids Connect, and talk with children knowing that they may hear things from the news or their peers. Counseling can be an invaluable experience for the individual and family. Working with a therapist who is a good fit can aid personal growth, increase abilities needed to navigate challenges, and promote healthier fulfilling relationships. Other skills that can be honed via therapy are effective communication practices, increase of self-awareness, relaxation and distress tolerance, increased insight, and sense of self-competency. Remember, you are never alone in your experience. Help, and perhaps most valuable, hope is there for those who seek it. Many online resources are available to help; visit hope-health. org/resources for a downloadable wellness guide, Your Path to Wellness, with helpful resource links, apps, and services. May 2020
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HEALTH + WELLNESS
What You Need To Know About The
CONORAVIRUS
Dr. Ramesh Bharadwaj is the McLeod Health Medical Director of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. He cares for patients at McLeod Regional Medical Center.
story by Dr. Ramesh Bharadwaj, Medical Director of Infection Control and Epidemiology
During these unprecedented times, scientists are working diligently to learn as much as possible about the Coronavirus, also referred to as COVID-19.
Because it is “novel,� no one has immunity to it, and therefore, everyone is susceptible to the virus.
Yet with the global pandemic continuing to grow, we have many looming questions. As we search for answers, it is important to rely only on official sources for information, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or South Carolina DHEC. You can also find valuable resources at McLeodHealth.org.
The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. These symptoms very closely resemble the flu, which is still very active.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions with the most accurate information currently available.
The first step is to call your doctor or contact McLeod Telehealth.
WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people and others circulating among animals. Rarely, coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread to other people. COVID-19 is the disease caused by a novel, or new, coronavirus.
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WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD I LOOK FOR?
WHAT IF I START SHOWING SYMPTOMS? Approximately 80 percent of people who contract COVID-19 experience mild, cold-like symptoms or may have no symptoms at all.
After discussing your symptoms, the doctor may determine that you do not need to be tested for COVID-19. At this point, the doctor will advise you how to treat your symptoms from home, including what medications to take to reduce your fever and other symptoms. Staying at home helps prevent you from exposing others. For more serious cases, calling the doctor in advance will allow the emergency care team to prepare for your arrival at the hospital with tools, such as masks, alternative entryways into the hospital and rooms with controlled air flow.
DO I NEED TO GET TESTED FOR COVID-19? Not everyone who is sick needs to be tested. The CDC recommends that you should call your doctor IF: • You recently traveled to countries, regions, states or cities where COVID-19 is spreading OR • Have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. If you are only experiencing mild symptoms and have not been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or traveled to one of the areas where infection is widespread, you may not need to be tested.
HOW DOES IT SPREAD? Although there is still much to learn about COVID- 19, it appears to spread like other respiratory viruses – by people who are infected coughing or sneezing. The droplets are inhaled by other people or moved to the eyes, nose or mouth by contaminated hands.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AND MY LOVED ONES? The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The most important steps to take are much the same as for every cold and flu season: • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (using your elbow is also a good technique). Throw used tissues in the trash, and immediately wash your hands with soap and water. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick and put distance between yourself (about six feet) and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is also known as “social distancing.” • Clean your hands often using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
McLeod Outpatient Pharmacy Compounding Hand Sanitizer Spray The McLeod Choice Outpatient Pharmacy is compounding hand sanitizer spray for purchase through its curbside delivery service. The four-ounce bottles are $4.00 each and there is a limit of three bottles per person. Hours of operation for the curbside delivery service are Monday through Friday are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please call 843-777-5180 before arriving to pick up your prescription. You can also drop off a prescription and obtain over-thecounter medications if you provide the pharmacy runner with a list. The McLeod Choice Outpatient Pharmacy is located on the campus of McLeod Regional Medical Center. There are designated parking spaces for the pharmacy between the McLeod Cancer Center and the entrance to the McLeod Tower (building 2).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home as much as possible to limit their exposure to other people who may have COVID-19. These include: • People ages 60 and older • People with underlying health conditions, including heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, among others • People who have weakened immune systems • Women who are pregnant.
For more information, visit McLeodHealth.org or Coronavirus.gov.
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MAY 2020 CALENDAR of EVENTS sunday
monday
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4
5
11
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No Dirty Dishes Day
Walnut Day
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Wine Day
Brother’s Day
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Smile Day
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May 2020
Blueberry Cheesecake Day
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Fruit Cocktail Day
Limerick Day
Devils Food Cake Day
Day of Prayer
Nurses Day
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thursday
7
Cinco de Mayo
Eat What You Want Day
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wednesday
6
Star Wars Day
Lemonade Day
10
tuesday
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Dance Like a Chicken Day
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Pick Strawberries Day
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Grape Popsicle Day
Waitstaff Day
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Hamburger Day
Send in your events to heather@vipmagsc.com! friday
1
saturday
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National Truffle Day
Chocolate Parfait Day
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Dog Mom’s Day
Coconut Cream Pie Day
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Pizza Party Day
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Mimosa Day
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Maritime Day
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Learn About Composting Day
Lucky Penny Day
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Mint Julep Day
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May We All Get Through E-Learning
HOME
story by Allie Roark
Summer is rolling in with more uncertainty and confusion than ever. We all have so many questions and if you are anything like me, I am sure you want to know exactly when life will go back to some kind of normalcy. Who knew that we would take going to dinner, shopping at HomeGoods, or teaching in a classroom for granted. I always get a kick out of the videos of parents throwing their children out of the car when school opens back up. How many of you can relate? I just want to say thank you to all of the parents that have dominated this distance learning thing. I’m sure there were meltdowns, multiple thoughts of quitting your job as a ‘teacher’, and wanted to take back some things you’ve said or felt towards a certain teacher now that you are standing in their role. It’s been hard. As a teacher, I feel like I have worked harder than ever and that’s without having any little ones at home. I have so much respect for all of the educators that have not only had to teach their students but have also had
to teach their kids as well. Please know that we understand that life hasn’t stopped. I know many of you are still working full-time jobs and come home to do school with your child at night. The end is near my friend and next year, they will be ready for the new school year because of YOU. However, the workload is not the only thing that’s been tough on the teacher and kids, but as a teacher, I feel that I have been robbed of some of the most precious times with my students. Teaching is great, and I can do that easily through the computer screen. However, I miss the interactions and all of the unique personalities that each brings to the classroom. I am bummed that my students won’t discover my competitive side on field day. We kill it all year long so that we can spend the month of May having fun in the sun and making memories that we will always remember. Now I know your child’s teacher has some ideas up their sleeves, but just to be safe, I am excited to share a few ideas with you that will definitely give back what was lost to your child. (Please note, that most of them do NOT require a Chromebook.)
1. Backyard Field Day! This is so fun! Depending on how many family members you have, decide on team captains and throw some names in a hat. After deciding teams, get together and make team shirts with team names. Pinterest always has awesome ideas for activities. Maybe you want to create an obstacle course (great STEAM activity), a giant slip and slide, water balloon fight, a race around the block, tug of war, or pool games. Make it fun and memorable. Don’t forget to keep score and take lots of pictures. The winning group gets to pick dinner and the movie or game for family night. (Send some pictures to your child’s teacher. I know they would love seeing this.)
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2. Memory Book There are many ways to do this whether you want to use paper and markers or a computer program. Spend some time reflecting on the school year with your child. Have them draw pictures of their favorite memories from the beginning of the school year all the way to the end. Depending on the level of creativity, have your child write a book about the school year. Tell them that they are the main character in this story, and they are going to write about some of the problems they faced this school year and ways that they solved them. This is a precious keepsake that can give your child a chance to daydream and think about this school year’s precious moments. I highly suggest using Book Creator. This is a free tool that you can use to write your book. After you are finished, you can share the book online or print it and stick it on your bookshelf. Some other great resources to check out are MyStoryBook.com, Storyjumper.com, Storybird.com, and Toondoo.com.
3. Remember the Teacher Being a teacher myself, I had to throw this out there. Regardless of your child’s grades or behavior, your child is a piece of their teacher’s heart. Please remember them during this time. I personally love when my students write me letters. Make a card or a letter to send to your child’s teacher to thank them for their love, dedication, and hard work. This can be something you drop off at the school or mail to the teacher.
4. Get Silly Believe it or not, your child can dance. Throw on some music, turn it up, and let them show all of their favorite TikTok dances. Dance parties are underrated and everyone could use an excuse to let go.
5. Talent Show We all have our talents. Find a night or a day depending on when the whole family can get together and celebrate your talents. Make a stage, pick out your costumes, and challenge each other to come up with a dance to ‘Dance Monkey’ or another popular hit. These kids are talented with their moves, and I think we can all thank TikTok for that! Lastly, enjoy your summer, friends. Soak up this precious time with your kids, because it will be over before we know it. These times are hard, but I think we can all agree that we’ve learned so much through it all. May 2020
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HOME
Baking
Therapy story & recipe by Doug Smith
As a person that loves being out and about in the community, this social distancing thing has been very difficult. The worst part has been trying not to mentally check out or binge watch TV. For me, one way to fight this has been by taking trips to the local market (practicing social distancing) for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other supplies to bring home and cook. The local restaurant community has really stepped up. Some have become very creative in how they show their passion. We may not have the traditional Friday night date night but this has allowed us to spend time with our family in a unique way. With what feels like no work and no school, there are very little outside distractions. So what do we do with all this newfound time you ask? Reconnect as a family. There’s just something special about planning a meal and then cooking together. As each day has gone by we have become more creative and stretched outside of our culinary box. No bread at the market? No problem. This is a great opportunity to hone my bread baking skills. Not only is this a very easy recipe but it's also good therapy. As we carefully measured the ingredients, it allowed us to talk about something other than the news of the day; looking in the mixer with anticipation to see how this gooey mixture moved slowly from water and flour to a shiny stretchy dough ball. We then transferred the dough ball into a large bowl to proof. Don't rush it here! It takes a little time. Yes, we kept walking by the bowl talking about how good it smells, maybe even taking a peek or two. The great thing about baking bread is that it makes the whole house smell so good. To be honest, it was very little work, but the pleasure and memories we found were priceless. What we found in this crazy time of uncertainty, fear, and isolation has developed into what we started calling “Baking Therapy”. We have found comfort in talking about what we were going to eat with our fresh baked bread, and how we would make different shapes and sizes. How would it taste if we added this? Or changed that? I would call this a flavorful distraction from the stress of the day. Get more from Doug I pray that by the time we Smith by following are all reading this month’s him on Facebook and VIP Magazine, COVID-19 Instagram at "Doug has passed. Either way, the Food Guy". the baking therapy will continue for years to come.
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What we found in this crazy time of uncertainty, fear, and isolation has developed into what we started calling “Baking Therapy”.
Freshly Baked Bread INGREDIENTS •7 1/2c unbleached all-purpose flour (alternate 4c all-purpose & 3 1/2c whole wheat flour) • 3 cups lukewarm water • 1 tbsp sea salt • 1 1/2 tbsp (2 packets) active dry yeast • 1 tsp sugar MAKING THE DOUGH 1. Add yeast and sugar to lukewarm water and set aside. 2. Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl and add salt. 3. Mix and stir everything together to make a very sticky, rough dough. If you have a stand mixer, beat at medium speed with the dough hook for about 60 seconds. If you don't have a stand mixer, mix with a wooden spoon until everything is combined. 4. Next, let the dough rise. Just let it stay there, covering the bowl with a tea towel for 2 hours till it doubles in size. 5. Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, up to a few days even. BAKING THE BREAD 1. It's time to make bread! Sprinkle the top of the dough with flour; this will make it easier to work with. Place the dough onto a floured work surface. Cut in half, then grease your hands and gently shape into a log. Place into a loaf pan. 2. Let the loaf warm to room temperature and rise; this should take about an hour. 3. Preheat your oven to 450°F while the loaf rests. Place a cast-iron pan on the lowest oven rack with 1 cup of hot water in it to steam. 4. Just before baking, take a sharp knife and slash the bread 2 or 3 times, making a cut about 1/2 an inch deep. 5. Bake the bread for 25 to 35 minutes, until golden brown.
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HOME
At-Home Spa Day...
H AV E YO U R S E L F A N
story by Rebecca Geise
It is easy to be bogged down by the stress and anxiety surrounding us, with the news shouting negatives or your kids, well, just shouting. After a long day, nothing feels better or more essential than a relaxing night of self-care. Everyone has their version of self-care; maybe it's reading a book with a glass of wine or taking a bubble bath with your favorite scented candle burning nearby.
I asked Hartsville pampering and skincare guru, owner of Down South Sugar LLC, Hayden Snyder, what her ideal spa night at home would entail. And she has it down to a science. She would start with a chai latte from Crema to sip on while reading a good book on her Kindle. And burn her favorite peony candle from SuperNatural. Then she would move onto an at-home facial kit, including a HydroJelly mask, to relax her skin as she takes care of her stress. Hayden then would finish off the night with a soak in the tub with either a fabulous bath bomb or lovely smelling bath salts. That most definitely sounds like a relaxing night to me! The most important thing is taking the time to recenter yourself. Stress can weaken your immune system, cause digestive issues, and even hair loss. If you don't have a full night to have fun and pamper yourself, take at least five minutes to breathe, meditate, and pray. Hayden currently has at-home facial kits and SuperNatural for sale while the business is closed due to the governor issued stay home order. Check out the Down South Sugar LLC Facebook page to find out more about the kits and schedule an actual spa day for when they reopen.
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205 N. 5th Street (20.90 mi) Hartsville, South Carolina 843.951.0000 Hayden Snyder, owner
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LIFESTYLE
backyard
VACATION story by Rebecca Giese
The weather is starting to warm up, and the days are getting longer, but we currently have very few places to go. It is time to take advantage of the outdoor space we do have and have a vacation in our backyard. I may have been a little stir crazy when I had this idea, but I think it turned out fabulous and had to share. At the very least, maybe it will inspire you to think creatively with your resources and space. I decided one day I was going to make a tepee using some old curtain rods and rope from the shed plus an old spare sheet. Next thing you know, I have strung lights, added rugs, and have a full "glamping" cocktail hour situation. Sometimes a little time to do something ridiculous and entirely over the top extra is what you need to have a good laugh, destress and stop worrying. 32 32
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If you want to make your own backyard tepee: Supplies: • At least three long rods, dowels or branches* *If you are making this for kids, I suggest PVC due to it is light for if and when it falls from playing.*
• • • •
Rope or Twine Staple and Staple Gun Drill Large sheet or table cloth*
*Any sheet will do but if you want it to stay up for a couple of days especially outside, I suggest an outdoor fabric table cloth.
Directions: 1. Drill large holes several inches from the top of the rod all the way through. Do this will each rod. 2. Take the rope and the first rid and tie a knot and sew the rope through the hole. Stand up all three rods in a triangular tepee shape (easier to do with two people) and sew the rope through the other rods' holes. Then continue to weave the rope around and between the rods until secure. The tie off the end of the rope. 3. Lay our your sheet or table cloth and cut and hole in the center, big enough to fit over the top of the rods. Once placed on the tepee, staple it securely to the rods. Then take your scissors and cut vertically to create the opening. 4. Take two small pieces of rope and staple them about halfway up on the two front poles to create the ties. Now you can tie back the doorway flaps. 5. Look around your house for extra blankets, pillows, rugs, Christmas lights, or anything else you want for your glamping cocktail hour or cozy spot to read a book.
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LIFESTYLE
family fun
DINNER story by Rebecca Giese
With sports, extracurriculars, and events being canceled or postponed, it is the perfect opportunity to spend more time as a family around the dinner table. So why not make it extra special and make some memories that you all will remember for years to come? Here are four fun dinner ideas the whole family will love at any age!
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Homemade Pizza Night! Instead of ordering pizza or popping your favorite frozen brand in the oven, gather all the ingredients to make your own. And get the whole family involved! Set out the toppings and give everyone their very own small pizza to add whatever combination they want. Having individual pizzas is excellent for your picky eaters and fun for the kids to create crazy flavor combos. To save some time and mess, use premade pizza dough or flatbread to create the perfect pizza. Pasta Party! Similar to pizza night, everyone will get the opportunity to make their perfect bowl of pasta. Create a bar with several pasta types, sauce options, and any protein or topping options you know your family will enjoy. And serve it buffet style! Play up the Olive Garden endless pasta theme by playing a playlist of Frank Sinatra in the background and have one of your kids pretend to be a server for salad and bread. Breakfast for Dinner! We have all been there; we can't figure out what to make, and the only real protein left in the fridge is a handful of eggs. Wait to go to the store until tomorrow and do breakfast for dinner. Play it up as a fun family night by having everyone wear their pajamas like it's the morning. Bonus, the kids, will be ready for bed after dinner. Movie-themed Dinner Night! Maybe you have a favorite family movie or plans to watch a new film on one of the many streaming apps. Have dinner themed on the movie, the location, characters, or even on what they are eating. Then enjoy the film as a family! Maybe some spaghetti and meatballs for Lady and The Trump or gumbo for Princess and The Frog.
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HOME
10 At-Home
ACTIVITIES story by Rebecca Giese
In-classroom learning has been canceled and in a blink, it will be summer vacation. Parents, you are rockstars! With the kids asking for a snack every five minutes and probably saying they are bored every three, I'm sure your level of patience has reached an all new high. I scoured the internet and our local businesses looking for great at-home activity options. Here's the top 10 that I found! 1. Making playdough is perfect in a pinch when all your current playdough has been mushed together into a lovely shade of brown or dried out. For this recipe, you may already have everything you need, minimizing your need to head out to the store.Â
1 cup of flour 1 cup of water 2 teaspoons cream of tartar 1/2 cup of salt Tablespoon of cooking oil
Mix in all ingredients over medium heat, stirring constantly. Stir until the mixture forms a ball. Add food coloring if desired. Store in an airtight container. 36 36
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2. Decorate cookies or cupcakes. Save time and the kitchen mess of making the cookies and icing by buying a cookie decorating kit from your local bakery. SugaRush in Hartsville continue to have different themed kits available, check out their Facebook page for more information! 3. Color Scavenger Hunt. On a piece of paper, use colored markers to create different boxes on the paper. Give the scavenger hunt to your kids and have them look for items in the yard or house that match the colors. Bonus if you use nonprimary color markers or a time limit to make it a little more complicated. 4. Painting kits are perfect for your small crafters and to help spark their imagination. Artbug Studio, owner Jenny Altman is offering several paint kit options that can be fun for any age. The Canvas Kids Kit is only $15 with all the supplies needed, including an 8x10 canvas(Additional $3 for brushes). If you have teens or adults in your house, she has Step-by-Step Art kits available all paints and 11x14 canvas for $25! Artbug even has wood-based paint kits, check out all the fantastic art based fun Jenny has available by checking out their Facebook page.
5. Make moon sand. Have your kids enjoy some sensory play with this easy moon sand recipe. 8 cups of all-purpose flour 1 cup of baby oil
Mix the flour and oil in a mixer until thoroughly combined; it may take up to 10 minutes. Add the moon sand to a plastic bin outside and let the kids play!
6. Create giant bubbles. You don't need a pre-made bubble mix and wands to have a blast with bubbles. All you need are some simple ingredients and items from around your house. 6 cups of water 1/2 cup dish detergent 1/2 cup corn starch 1 tbsp baking powder 1 tbsp Glycerine
Dissolve cornstarch in the water, then add the remaining ingredients. Be careful not to create a lot of foam while mixing. Let the bubble mixture sit for at least an hour before using it. During this time, with your kids, collect items around the house that you can to try and create bubbles with; the best are coat hangers, holla hoops, get creative!
7. Craft Night with Seersuckergypsy owner Roxie. She is hosting free virtual kids nights weekly. Each one is fun and simple to spark the kids' creativity. She also tries to create a craft with items that people have around their home or kids craft bin. For craft nights that require more or specialty items, she is selling kits ranging from $10-$20. Check out more information on their Facebook page.
9. DIY dinosaur eggs. Surprise your kids with dinosaur eggs that they have to crack to find the dinosaur (toy) inside or have them help make them. 1-cup all-purpose flour 1-cup coffee grounds (used ones work!) 1-cup sand 3/4-cup salt 1/2-cup water* several small plastic animals or dinosaurs
Mix the flour, coffee grounds, sand, and salt thoroughly. Then start mixing in water. The less water, the faster the drying time, so add the water in moderate amounts to about 1/2 cup. You know the mix is ready when you "squish it," and it stays together. Mold the eggs around the dinosaur toy and let them sit in a safe spot until dry, which may be up to 3 days. Have fun! Under adult supervision, let the kids use hammers and tools to open the eggs and get the dinosaurs!
10. Yarn Maze. Wishing you can go for a walk, but it is the third rainy day in a row? Set up a yarn maze in the home. Have the yarn go under tables, over chairs, zig-zagging around the house. If you have multiple children, use different colored yarn or string going on different paths and race!
8. Go on a Bear Hunt. Many neighborhoods, especially in downtown Hartsville area, have started putting teddy bears and other stuff animals in their windows. As you go for a family walk, add a bit of fun and be on the lookout for the "bears."
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BOOK
Are you looking for recommendations for a new book to read during 2020? Look no further! Even though we may not be able to visit the beach personally this month, On Ocean Boulevard helps us feel like our toes are in the sand.
DEPUTY Series Premiere airs January 2nd at 9 pm on Fox
On Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe The New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Guests returns at long last to her beloved Beach House series in this breathtaking novel about one family’s summer of forging new beginnings against the enduring beauty and resilience of the natural world. It’s been sixteen years since Caretta “Cara” Rutledge has returned home to the beautiful shores of Charleston, South Carolina. Over those years, she has weathered the tides of deaths and births, struggles and joys. And now, as Cara prepares for her second wedding, her life is about to change yet again. Meanwhile, the rest of the storied Rutledge family is also in flux. Cara’s niece Linnea returns to Sullivan’s Island to begin a new career and an unexpected relationship. Linnea’s parents, having survived bankruptcy, pin their hopes and futures on the construction of a new home on Ocean Boulevard. But as excitement over the house and wedding builds, a devastating illness strikes the family and brings plans to a screeching halt. It is under these trying circumstances that the Rutledge family must come together yet again to discover the enduring strength in love, tradition, and legacy from mother to daughter to granddaughter. Like the sea turtles that come ashore annually on these windswept islands, three generations of the Rutledge family experience a season of return, rebirth, and growth. “Authentic, generous, and heartfelt” (New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews), On Ocean Boulevard is Mary Alice Monroe at her very best.
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about the author: Mary Alice Monroe is the New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the Beach House series: The Beach House, Beach House Memories, Swimming Lessons, Beach House for Rent, and Beach House Reunion. She is a 2018 Inductee into the South Carolina Academy of Authors’ Hall of Fame, and her books have received numerous awards, including the 2008 South Carolina Center for the Book Award for Writing, the 2014 South Carolina Award for Literary Excellence, the 2015 SW Florida Author of Distinction Award, the RT Lifetime Achievement Award, the International Book Award for Green Fiction, and the 2017 Southern Book Prize for Fiction. Her bestselling novel The Beach House is also a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. An active conservationist, she lives in the lowcountry of South Carolina. Visit her at MaryAliceMonroe.com and at Facebook.com/MaryAliceMonroe.
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HOME
Did You Know...
Celebrating The Life of
DR. LEEK story by James Daniels, researched by Kent Daniels
Southern literature loves to focus on individuals with unusual characteristics or traits. It almost makes it seem as if everyone in the South is an eccentric with a drawl. While I don’t think everyone here is that way, we certainly have had our share. Oh, the stories we could tell about our neighbors. But the most interesting stories are usually true ones, and ones that leave you wondering about that person’s life. One such character in our town, as I was growing up, was Dr. Leek, Dr. Arthur Mason Leek, DMV. A character and an enigma, he ran a veterinary clinic on Acline Street, just across the railroad track from the Mule Stables. The sign over his clinic read, “Hotel de Dog.” Since I was a child in the 1940s, I have always thought that odd. Back then people didn’t really care for their pets. They left them outside in the elements and fed them scraps. He did, however, vaccinate dogs against rabies. Everyone was afraid of rabid animals in that era. Its likely Dr. Leek never earned much money as he lived in a boarding house and walked everywhere in town. There was probably a large potential clientele, however, as Lake City was a farming community with lots of horses and mules. When he first arrived in town, his offices were in the King, Eaddy, and Singletary stables, which was at the corner of Main and Church streets. The first ad for his services called him
a “Veterinary Surgeon and Dentist.” From everything we can learn, he must have meant “tooth puller.” We have not found any traces of his having attended dental school anywhere. There was a genuine dentist just across the street from him, Dr. Nesmith, who had gone to dental school and, I suspect, was someone who took umbrage at Dr. Leek referring to himself as a dentist. Subsequent ads only refer to him as a Veterinary Surgeon. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. Dr. Leek was born 13 June 1869 in New Haven, Connecticut. His father was a baker and, after a short stint working as a laborer, he also took up the trade. He must not have been satisfied as he went to the New York American Veterinary college, graduating in 1903, at the age of 34. After working in a Saratoga Springs, NY, animal hospital for the summer, he moved to Stratford Springs, Connecticut, and hung out his shingle. Three years later, we find him back in New Haven advertising himself as a Vetinary (sic) Dentist. We next find his trail when he arrives in Miami, FL, in 1916 where he tells the Miami News that he expects to locate there. One can only speculate how Dr. Leek left Miami, and when, as he was advertising his services as a Veterinary Surgeon in Denmark, SC, in 1919. His office was in Newsom’s Mule and Horse Stables, but he advises his patrons to “Please phone in orders to Peoples
The first ad for his services called him a “Veterinary Surgeon and Dentist.” From everything we can learn, he must have meant “tooth puller.” We have not found any traces of his having attended dental school anywhere. 40
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Pharmacy, No. 66, Denmark, SC�. He was still in Denmark in August of 1920 but must have left for Lake City, SC, soon thereafter. In 1948, his obituary said that he had lived in Lake City for 30 years. The first ad we find for his services in Lake City was printed in 1922.
travel to South Boston on business. Perhaps the connection is to be found in the fact that both South Boston and Lake City had a large tobacco industry. So far, we do not know that answer. Yet, it was a late marriage for both, and they seemed happy with their lot.
Dr. Leek spent most of his life as a bachelor. In 1928, however, he married Imogene Watkins of South Boston, VA. He was 59 years old and she was 49 when they married, both for the first time. So, here is another mystery to uncover. How did he meet her? Where did he meet her? She was a woman who loved laughing and always had a big smile. Her father was the Superintendent of Schools for Halifax County, VA. She lived in South Boston, VA, with her father until she married. Perhaps they met through her brother, who worked for a Wagon Factory and later as a stock (horses and cows) salesman. Perhaps Dr. Leek had to
Those of us who have deep roots in our community feel a sadness when people such as the Leeks leave no progeny to carry on their memory. They came into our lives, established relationships and friendships and then simply went away. It seems the community’s responsibility to remember them and to talk about them and to celebrate their uniqueness. Dr. Leek died at his home in 1948. His wife died in 1965 after living at the South Carolina Presbyterian home in Summerville for seven years. Both are buried in the Lake City Cemetery.
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SERVICE DIRECTORY
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MAY COCKTAIL
THE CUCUMBER QUARANTINE INGREDIENTS
• 2 ounces vodka • 1 ounce lime juice • 1/2 ounce simple syrup • 1 cucumber sliced DIRECTIONS
Muddle half of the cucumber slices in a mixing glass. Add the vodka, lime, simple syrup and ice. Shake and strain in a glass of your preference. Garnish with cucumber and lime slices and mint (optional).
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