magazine
Publisher Tammy Clark tmclark225@gmail.com
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Editor Heather Page heather@vipmagsc.com
Contributing Writers Mark W. Buyck, III Ashley Elvington Rebecca Giese Allie Roark Matt McColl Doug Smith John Sweeney Donna Tracy
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COVER CONCEPT Summer nights, bright lights, and hopefully very few bug bites - we are so excited for summer. This month’s cover has fireflies dancing all over it since one of our feature stories tells us fun facts about the luminescent insect (page 42). Check out page 14 for some great Father’s Day finds too. Barry Van Meter puts his heart into some amazing products that are custom made for you!
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CONTENTS
ISSUE 55
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JUNE 2020
BUSINESS 10 Thank You, Local Heroes! 12 Florence Chamber Member of the Month: Brian Higgs, Champion ESP 14 Fire & Ice Outdoor: Barry Van Meter 16 Edward Jones: Don't Play Politics with Your Portfolio 18 DroneSpray: Seth Lowe & David Leeth 20 Keeping Time: Red Doe Plantation 22 Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA: Politics in the Work Place
24 FMU: Orientation Socially Distances 30 June 2020 Calendar
HOME 32 Doug Smith: Chocolate German Cake 34 Tim Griggs: Gardening for Beginners
HEALTH + WELLNESS
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36 Allie Roark: Arbonne, Healthy Living 38 HopeHealth: The Importance of Well Visits
LIFESTYLE 40 Rebecca Giese: The New Date Night 42 Fun Facts About Fireflies 43 Service Directory 44 Drink of the Month: Bourbon & Honey Beer Cocktail
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COMMUNITY
THANK YOU, LOCAL HEROES! One great thing that has come from the pandemic has been watching the moments where our community has come together to thrive. Many local businesses and individuals have used their money, talents, and time to keep our community in good spirits. Here are a few moments captured over the past couple of months where people have helped those in need.
Todd, Templin, and Sandy Hardee purchased the old Post Office on Pearl Street in Darlington. While they have worked to update the building, they invited the community to Car Church where a different pastor from the area would preach on the loading dock of the building, bringing much peace to the community.
Thank you three-year-old Hawkins Anderson for your dedication and commitment to service in leading future generations. Hawkins and his family attended a twinkle parade at McLeod Regional Medical Center in April.
Southern Crown Beverages donated drinks to all care team members at MUSC Health Florence.
Anderson Brothers Bank donated $5000 for MUSC Health Florence Division (Florence and Marion).
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Senator Kent Williams, Rep. Lucas Atkinson and Sheriff Brian Wallace (pictured with Loren Rials - CFO, MUSC Marion Medical Center and Spencer Twigg - Asst. CEO, MUSC Marion Medical Center) fed the employees at MUSC Health Marion on April 16th. The food was prepared by T-Roy’s Restaurant in Marion. On May 19th, Firehouse Subs fed all care team members at MUSC Health Florence, compliments of David Carter and Associates Inc..
Wally’s Fire and Safety in Mullins donated face protection shields to MUSC Health Marion.
On April 30th, the City of Lake City donated 500 hospital gowns (PPE) to the staff of the Lake City Community Hospital. Locally owned Embroidery Solutions (Williamsburg County) stepped up and made the gowns for the hospital thanks to a collaboration between Williamsburg County and the City of Lake City.
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BUSINESS
Congrats, Champion ESP, on being the Florence Chamber Member of the Month!
pictured from left to right: Kayla Bodkins, Nick Olson, Brian Higgs, Pam Richardson, Marissa McDougal, Tony Woodberry
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+ CHAMPION ESP story by Ashley Elvington / photos by Fred Salley Photography
In 1981, Emery Higgs founded Sport Shack. Over the years, the business evolved into Champion Sport Shop and built a reputation for being one of the leading sporting goods stores in town. Thanks to team sales and inside sales, in-house screen printing was added to the business. In the early 1990s, Emery sold the retail sporting goods business but kept the screen printing aspect, which grew over time. His son, Brian Higgs, started working with his father in the mid-90s. Together, they added embroidery into their line of services. The business began to offer promotional items and laser engraving. While Emery passed away in February 2020, Brian is keeping his father’s legacy alive through Champion ESP. Through Champion ESP, Brian and his team work with individuals, businesses, churches, and schools – basically anyone who needs help with self-promotion in order to get their name and/or message out to the public. Brian shares, “Our main business is local to regional areas, but we actually have printed shirts for the cast of one of Showtime’s hit series, Billions!” A wide variety of items are sold throughout the year at Champion ESP, such as t-shirts, hats, casual business attire, workwear, advertising specialties, etc. “We normally can provide the customer with about anything they come up with for their product.” Brian is not alone in his efforts, as Champion ESP now has a team helping it succeed. Pam Richardson handles inside and outside sales, Kayla Bodkins handles inside sales, production management, and is a skilled embroider, Marissa McDougal is head of the graphics department and is also a skilled embroider, and Tony Woodberry and Nick Olsen are in the screen printing department. Brian admits, “The entire staff I have is outstanding!” According to Brian, the business has grown in large part due to the support of locals. “I feel like it is because of what we have to offer – a quality product with a quick turnaround.” This task is easily completed thanks to his staff. Brian and his team are grateful for their time spent with the Florence Chamber of Commerce and are grateful for the honor of Member of the Month. “My father joined a long time ago. I believe some businesses come into this town because of the Chamber, and we have provided them with so many things over the years. They have definitely been relaying so much helpful information about the SBA and the COVID-19 situation.” Brian Higgs grew up in Florence, graduated from Francis Marion University and went into his family’s business. He and his wife Joy have two daughters, Allie Clyde and Ellison. To learn more, visit www.championesp.com. Champion ESP is located at 1012 S Cashua Drive.
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FIRE AND I CE O U T D O O R
C U STOM WO O D WO R KI NG 14
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FIRE AND ICE OUTDOOR BARRY VAN METER story by Ashley Elvington Upon hearing about fire and ice, some of you may think of a Robert Frost poem; however, to Barry Van Meter, Fire and Ice Outdoors represents his passion. Although he is originally from Florida, Barry has spent some time living in both North and South Carolina. He graduated from Tavares High School and proceeded to attend MMI in Orlando. Barry has a wide variety of skills, as he has done everything from HVAC to motorcycle repairs and fabrication, to restaurant management. It was woodworking, however, that would set the course for his career today. He shares, “Our first big wood projects were farm-related. We had a hobby farm for years and started building things like chicken coops, run-in sheds, and milking stands.” According to Barry, necessity inspired this hobby. “I had most of the tools for building projects for the farm. After losing my job in restaurant management, I used what I had to make things to sell. My first creation was a picnic table with an icebox and a lava rock box for Sternos. My kids and I brainstormed ideas for outdoor furniture with elements of fire and ice, which is how we came up with our company name.” Once Barry sold the picnic table, he decided to change the business plan to focus more on portable products that could easily be shipped. He explains, “At first, we contacted other online outdoor companies and sold our products wholesale. Our first farmers’ market was in Camden, where our products did very well. It was probably around that time that we began to see our business as a sustainable long term endeavor.” In addition to the occasional custom table, Fire and Ice Outdoors also creates many wood and leather products, as well as camping gear. “For the home, we make kuksa wooden cups, leather and antler mason jar koozies, wooden measuring spoons, and cutting boards. For camping and outdoor uses, we have a selection of axes, knives, bow saws, flint and steel kits, sling-shots, and lightweight kits for camp cooking.” So far, Barry’s favorite item he has created is the bow saw. “I was able to engineer a design that allows a wooden lightweight saw to be folded in a way to cover the blade so it can be safely packed for backpack camping.” Fire and Ice Outdoors accepts custom orders as well. “We can engrave or burn images onto many of our wood and leather products. We can also paint stunning custom dot mandalas inside of our kuksa cups. Our products are unique because they are handcrafted outdoor products created by people who love the outdoors.” To view more items, visit their website or Facebook page, Fire and Ice Outdoor Furniture. While COVID-19 has changed the outlook of many business owners this year, Barry is grateful for the path God has led him down. “It has been a challenging year, but God has always provided. What began as a trying situation was really an opportunity to create and grow as a family. Losing my regular job was probably one of the best things to ever happen to me.”
“It has been a challenging year, but God has always provided. What began as a trying situation was really an opportunity to create and grow as a family. Losing my regular job was probably one of the best things to ever happen to me.” Barry Van Meter currently resides in Bishopville, South Carolina, with his wife and two children. To learn more, visit www.fireandiceoutdoor.com or Fire and Ice Furniture on Facebook. You can catch Barry and family at the Pee Dee State Farmers’ Market as well as the Florence City Farmers’ Market.
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BUSINESS
DON’T PLAY POLITICS WITH YOUR PORTFOLIO You’re probably aware this is an election year. During the next several months, the candidates will discuss issues that should greatly interest you as a citizen. But as an investor, how concerned should you be with the results of the presidential and congressional elections? Maybe not as much as you might think. At different times, the financial markets have performed well and poorly under different administrations and when different parties have controlled Congress. And after all the votes are counted, outcomes in the investment markets can be unpredictable. Consequently, you’ll be helping yourself greatly by not making big moves in your portfolio in anticipation of new legislation or political moves down the line. Of course, that’s not to say that nothing emerging from Washington could ever have an impact on your investment decisions. For example, if a future president and Congress decide to change the capital gains tax rate, it could affect some of your choices, such as which stocks and stock-based mutual funds you should buy, and how long you should hold them. Overall, though, your investment results will ultimately depend on actions you can take, including these:
Making changes for the right reasons – While the results of an election may not be a good reason to make changes in your investment portfolio, other factors can certainly lead you to take steps in this direction. For one thing, as you get closer to retirement, you may want to shift some – though certainly not all – of your investment dollars from more growthoriented vehicles to more conservative ones. Conversely, if you decide, well in advance, that you might want to retire earlier than you
originally thought, you may need to invest more aggressively, being aware of the increased risk involved.
Following a long-term strategy – In pretty much all walks of life, there are no shortcuts to success – and the same is true with investing. You need to follow a long-term strategy based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon, and you need the patience and perseverance to keep investing in all markets – up, down and sideways.
Avoiding mistakes – Many people think of an investment mistake as failing to “get in on the ground floor” of some company that ultimately grew to huge proportions. But it’s pretty hard to become an early investor in companies like these, many of which start out as privately held businesses without any stockholders. Furthermore, companies with shorter track records can be much more unpredictable investments. However, you do want to avoid some real mistakes, such as chasing “hot” stocks. By the time you hear about them, they may already be cooling off, and they might not even be appropriate for your needs. Another mistake: failing to diversify your portfolio. If you only own one type of asset, such as growth stocks, you could take a big hit during a market downturn. Spreading your dollars over a wide range of investments can help lower your risk exposure. (However, diversification by itself can’t guarantee a pro t or protect against all losses.) After Election Day, regardless of the outcome, you can help keep your portfolio on track by not playing politics with it. 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.
Howard Tripp , Financial Advisor
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howard.tripp@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com/howard-tripp 115 Cargill Way, Suite C-1 Hartsville, SC 29550 843-332-4298
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BUSINESS
DroneSpray
“We provide spot treatment for vulnerable and infected areas, such as a 50-acre field with only two acres of stressed crop. We can go out and treat those two specific acres without the farmer having to load up his sprayer and use it. If fields are too wet for traditional treatment, we can get in the field and treat for the farmer. If we are able to take just one task out of farmers’ hands, then we can free him or her up to focus on other areas that they may need to focus on.”
-Seth Lowe & David Leeth
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Tomato Bisque Innovative Technology to Care for Your Crops When it came to establishing the foundation of DroneSpray, Seth Lowe and David Leeth wanted to find a safer and more efficient way to manage crops and land. After discussing ways their business could achieve this, they discovered through precision agriculture technology that they could help farmers and landowners reduce costs and improve yield. Through DroneSpray, Seth and David can interact with farmers and landowners in hopes of understanding the challenges faced during the growing season. With this knowledge, the guys are able to utilize DroneSpray technology to save farmers’ time and money to ensure they maximize their return on investment. So far, their efforts have paid off. For example, they have seen success with utilizing plant count technology to provide accurate data for pine tree tracts and row crop stands. Seth shares, “We have not discovered a particular crop we couldn’t count using our software. The data we collect can then be provided to the landowner so they can analyze plant emergence and germination to determine if a replant in bare areas is needed. An assessment can also be made on seed quality, and yield potentials. Providing stand count data gives the landowner a better understanding of their yield potential so they can take the necessary steps to maximize their investment.” DroneSpray has also found success utilizing NDVI imaging into the data they provide landowners. NDVI imaging stands for Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. This index scales from -1 to +1 and is calculated from visible and near infrared light that reflects off of vegetation. David explains, “For example, a healthy patch of strawberries will show dark levels of green (closer to +1 on the scale) because it absorbs most of the visible light and reflects more of the near-infrared light. The opposite would be a field that is struggling with disease or such. This would be closer to -1 on the NDVI scale because it is absorbing more of the near-infrared light and reflecting more visible light. With our NDVI imaging, we can also run reports that detect water logging, drought, disease, weed, nitrogen status, and pest analysis.” Through the usage of multispectral NDVI imaging, farmers’ and owners’ can determine plant health. David shares, “This allows them to quickly identify issues in the field, which saves them
story by Ashley Elvington
time by not having to scout it. It also allows them to be proactive instead of reactive if treatment is needed.” While they cannot detect specific pests on plants, they can detect where there is presence of a pest and crop stress is being shown. Seth explains, “We are working with Carolina Seed Systems, a startup company located here in the Pee Dee, to identify when sugarcane aphid is present in their sorghum. Once the pest is identified, actions can be put in place to provide safe, swift, and precise treatment. This can help eliminate the pests before it spreads and causes further damage.” If you’re not a farmer, that’s ok because the guys also offer anyone interested in a NDVI or regular aerial survey of their home, land, or property. When it comes to deciding whether you should use DroneSpray instead of commercial herbicide or pesticide, the benefits are a-plenty. Seth explains, “We provide spot treatment for vulnerable and infected areas, such as a 50acre field with only two acres of stressed crop. We can go out and treat those two specific acres without the farmer having to load up his sprayer and use it. If fields are too wet for traditional treatment, we can get in the field and treat for the farmer. If we are able to take just one task out of farmers’ hands, then we can free him or her up to focus on other areas that they may need to focus on.” As their business vision expresses, Seth and David are helping "the world grow safer, more conservative, and more precise one field at a time." Contact them today to learn how DroneSpray can benefit your property! “Let’s Grow Together!” Seth Lowe and his wife Peyton share two four-legged children, Bailey and Duke. Seth is employed with Nucor Steel and Peyton is a nurse at McLeod Regional Medical Center. David Leeth lives in Hartsville with his dog, Reese. Both Seth and David, formerly roommates during senior year of college at the Citadel, are Hartsville natives and returned shortly after graduating. To learn more, visit www.dronespray.net. December VIPMagSC.com June 2020 2019VIPMagSC.com
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BUSINESS: KEEPING TIME, A MONTHLY FEATURE story by John Sweeney
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.
You can follow Red Doe’s progress and check out the home itself on Instagram at @reddoeplantation, as well as on the official Red Doe website: . explorereddoe.com.
Red Doe Plantation Many people can work from home, but for Chelsea and Josh Guthrie their work is their home.
The Guthries own, operate, and live at Red Doe Plantation the 1836 building and grounds on Francis The Guthries Marion Highway near Francis Marion University. The couple purchased the property in 2017, and with their three children in tow, are in the process of renovating the pre-Civil War structure to make it an event venue, community gathering place, and home. “It’s multitasking at its finest!” Chelsea laughs. That multitasking begins in the pre-dawn hours before the littlest Guthries wake. Mom and dad sit on the porch of Red Doe’s grand house - known as the Gregg House after the family who built it - and map out their day over a cup of coffee. It’s a simple ritual that sometimes takes as little as ten minutes, but it’s something that’s vital to not just their budding business, but their relationship, too.
circa 1950s
Don’t be afraid to correct course “Communication in our marriage is key,” Chelsea said. “Josh is very busy, I’m very busy, and obviously the children being home makes us even busier. So, that time in the morning is pretty important… If we don’t have that, it’s a tough day.” Renovating Red Doe is the fulfillment of a dream for the Guthries. About five years prior to pulling the trigger on the purchase, they had considered buying another historic property; however, the timing just wasn’t right then. But when Red Doe became available, the couple moved fast and before they knew it, Red Doe was theirs. Living at the property wasn’t part of the plan at first, but after the project was underway, Chelsea said the family had fallen more in love with the place and adjusted their plan. That’s key to their mindset of approaching time management and life, not being afraid to correct course when necessary. “We kind of have a motto in our family of just, ‘Ready, Fire, Aim,’ versus, ‘Ready, Aim, Fire,’” Chelsea said. “We are a ‘course correct’ kind of family. We go with it. We make a decision. If it’s not the right decision at the time, we course correct and learn from it. I think that’s really kind of guided our whole path and our life, as a marriage, a family, and our business decisions.”
Listen to the Keeping Time Podcast at www.sweeneymediaandconsulting.com to learn more about how Chelsea and Josh Guthrie are managing Red Doe into a premier event space. The entire conversation can be found on the Keeping Time Podcast, available at www.sweeneymediaandconsulting.com.
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1 ... Set your thermostat to 78F. 2 ... Always run your heating/air conditioning fan in “Auto” mode. 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.
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POLITICS IN THE
WORKPLACE story by
Mark W. Buyck, III Concentrating in Banking, Business, Civil and Business Litigation and Appeals, Contracts, Employment, Government, Real Estate
The Wall Street Journal recently wrote an editorial bemoaning “The Politicization of Everything.” The main point of the editorial: it is a sad day when Americans cannot enjoy a Sunday afternoon football game without having politics thrown in their faces. So what happens when these same Americans return to work on Monday morning? Should employees engage in a robust discussion of current events, or should they simply smile and comment on the weather? Should employers encourage employee interaction, or should they attempt to stifle any potentially divisive remarks? The answer to these questions depend a lot on the corporate culture of the company and the local workplace. It is important for employers and employees to recognize that talking about politics at work is a tricky business. Before engaging or encouraging political discussions at work or otherwise, one should recognize that it is highly unlikely that you will convince your listeners to change their position. Politics is personal and often defies logic. That is a fact, accept it. If you appreciate that your strongly held beliefs are not going to sway your employee’s equally strongly held beliefs, you can use political discussion as an opportunity to express your views while at the same time understanding the opposing view. Political discussions can be an opportunity to
ask questions, listen and understand why your coworker disagrees with your position. You can also use it as an opportunity to find common ground. We all want to live in a great community and country; however, we have different ideas about how to get there. South Carolina Code §16-17-560 makes it unlawful for anyone to “assault or intimidate a citizen (or) discharge a citizen from employment … because of political opinions or the exercise of political rights and privileges guaranteed to every citizen by the Constitution and laws of the United States or by the Constitution and laws of this State.” This is a criminal statute that carries a penalty of up to 2 years in jail. The statute can also form the basis of a cause of action for wrongful discharge. While it may be illegal to discharge an employee for his/her political beliefs, it would not be illegal if the termination was based on non-political grounds. For instance, if an employee is disrupting co-workers or interfering with the work of others, this may be a valid ground for termination. I would strongly recommend that if the underlying activity involves political expression, that you consult an attorney prior to taking any adverse action against the employee. The bottom line is that you are unlikely to ever sway a co-worker’s political opinions. With that in mind, if you engage in political discussions at work, be respectful of your co-worker’s point of view.
Serving Businesses and Individuals from Florence to Myrtle Beach: the Business Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys of Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A.
willcoxlaw.com
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248 West Evans Street | Florence, SC | 843.662.3258 2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230 | Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777
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BUSINESS
Francis Marion University
Orientation Socially Distances Through Social Media story by Matt McColl
Francis Marion University’s class of 2024 is coming together like no class before it.
through FMU’s Patriot Portal to help students explore and plan before their advising session.
Making a big decision like choosing a college in the midst of a pandemic is nobody’s preferred path, but future Patriots are making it happen with a little help from FMU’s Office of Admissions.
FMU admissions counselors and financial aid staff are available to answer questions in other crucial areas. And there’s an virtual orientation experience online, where students and families can learn about FMU academics, campus living and housing, student life, and more at FMU. It’s available on the FMU website at https://www. fmarion.edu/admissions/orientation/.
FMU’s Director of Admissions Jamee Hunt Freeman says that while most in-person interactions have been cancelled, the incoming class has continued to move forward by using phone calls, and an array of online tools, to provide students with an informative, and even an enjoyable, experience. “Many students have expressed what a positive experience this has been, and step away feeling reassured about their entry into the university,” Freeman says. The most critical part of this year’s orientation experience is registering for fall classes. Students are scheduling one-on-one, online appointments with advisors from FMU’s Center for Academic Success and Advisement (CASA). The CASA advisors discuss academic majors and related issues, and help students plan their class schedule. Online tools are available 24
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The virtual orientation page includes links to register for orientation. Once students register for the overall orientation process, they receive a link that allows them to choose an appointment time for class registration. Freeman says this year’s class has a laudable attitude towards the unexpected nature of their initial college experience. “It’s been amazing to share in the enthusiasm and resiliency of this class, students are already forming close bonds that will carry them through their time here with FMU, and beyond,” Freeman says. “I’ve personally had a lot of fun seeing the students come together and meeting each other in their extraordinary circumstances. It’s always one of the highlights of my day.”
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JUNE 2020 CALENDAR of EVENTS sunday
monday
1
2
Say Something Nice Day
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8
Cancer Survivor’s Day
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National Best Friends Day
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Flag Day
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Nature Photography Day
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Happy Father's Day!
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National Insurance Awareness Day
tuesday
National HVAC Tech Day
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National Waffle Iron Day
wednesday
3
Leave The Office Early Day
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4
National Running Day
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Call Your Doctor Day
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National Iced Tea Day
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National Fudge Day
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30
Social Media Day
National Cheese Day
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German Chocolate Cake Day
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Global Garbage Man Day
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National Pink Day
thursday
National Pralines Day
Career Nurse Assistants Day
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National Handshake Day
Send in your events to heather@vipmagsc.com! friday
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saturday
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National Doughnut Day
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National Drive In Movie Day
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National RosĂŠ Day
National Loving Day
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National Flip Flop Day
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Take Your Dog to Work Day
Summer Begins
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Summersgiving
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HOME
Get more from Doug Smith by following him on Facebook and Instagram at "Doug the Food Guy".
German
story by Doug Smith
CHOCOLATE Cake I look for any occasion to bake a cake. When I found out that June 11th was National German Chocolate Cake Day, I got so excited! Like so many people, I thought German Chocolate Cake came from Germany. It turns out that the Germans have nothing to do with German Chocolate Cake. Instead, it’s named after Samuel German, an Englishman known as “Sammy” who had made his way to America in the 1800s. He got a job at the Baker’s Chocolate Company in Dorchester, Massachusetts (first American chocolate factory). Sammy German developed a special type of chocolate for Baker’s that had more sugar than the other chocolate the company was selling at the time. According to the history of the company, “Walter Baker bought the recipe for $1,000 and began marketing it as Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate.” 32
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In 1957, Mrs. George Clay published a cake recipe in the Dallas Morning Star using Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate. Most sources say her recipe was called German’s Chocolate Cake, but somewhere along the way the name was changed to German Chocolate Cake, and the apostrophe s was lost forever. The cake was so popular that it caused a noticeable increase in chocolate sales for Baker’s. In 1964, the company redesigned the wrapper for German’s sweet chocolate bar and included the recipe right on the label and it’s still there today.
Join me in honoring Mr. German this month by baking this traditional cake.
Mrs. Clay’s 1957 German's Chocolate Cake This is no ordinary chocolate cake recipe! Chocolate Ingredients: 4 oz sweet (German's) chocolate, chopped 1/2 c boiling water or brewed coffee 2 tsp vanilla extract
Coconut-Pecan Frosting Ingredients: 1 c evaporated milk or heavy cream 1 c granulated sugar 1/2 c unsalted butter 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten 1/8 tsp salt 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 1/3 c grated coconut 1 c pecans, lightly toasted and finely chopped
Batter Ingredients: 2 1/2 c sifted cake flour (could be substituted for 2c all-purpose flour, sifted) 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 1 c unsalted butter, softened (could substitute vegetable shortening) 2 c granulated sugar (could substitute 1 c granulated sugar with 1 cup packed light brown sugar) 4 large egg yolks 1 c buttermilk (could substitute sour milk which is 1 tbsp white vinegar and milk to equal 1 cup) 4 large egg whites
METHOD
• Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly touched, 30 to 35 minutes for 9-inch rounds; 45 to 50 minutes for the 8-inch squares; and 45 to 50 minutes for a 13- by 9-inch.
TO PREPARE THE CHOCOLATE
• Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove the cakes to wire racks and let cool completely, at least 1.5 hours. The cake can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Position a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease three 9- by 1 1/2-inch round cake pans, two 8-inch by 2-inch square pans, or one 13- by 9-inch pan, line with parchment paper or waxed paper, and grease again. • Place the chocolate in a medium bowl, pour the boiling water over top, and stir until melted. Let cool. Stir in the vanilla.
TO MAKE THE FROSTING
TO MAKE THE BATTER • Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. • In a large bowl, beat the butter on low speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. • Increase the speed to medium, gradually add the sugar, and beat until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. • Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time.
• In a medium saucepan, cook the milk, sugar, butter, egg yolks, and salt over medium heat, stirring constantly, until bubbly and thickened or 170°F, about 12 minutes. • Remove from the heat and add the vanilla. Stir in the coconut and pecans. Let cool, stirring occasionally, until thick enough to spread, about 30 minutes.
• Stir in the chocolate.
TO ASSEMBLE
• Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk (4 portions for the flour; 3 portions for the milk) beginning and ending with the flour, until smooth. The batter will be rather thick.
• Place a cake layer on a serving plate, spread the top with one-third of the frosting. Arrange a second cake layer on top, spread with one-half of the remaining frosting, top with the remaining cake layer, and spread the remaining frosting on top. Or for a sheet cake, spread the frosting over the top and sides; or cut the cake lengthwise into thirds and layer. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Do not freeze.
• In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites on low until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase the speed to medium and beat until stiff but not dry, 5 to 8 minutes. • Fold one-fourth of the egg whites into the batter, then fold in the remaining whites.
*Bakers Chocolate Company Original Recipe June 2020
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Gardening for beginners
tricks to grow a healthier, more productive garden story by Rebecca Giese
Who added, build raised vegetable beds to their list this season? With everyone staying home more, this summer is the perfect time to try out your green thumb. We reached out to Sugar Hill Acres owner and farmer, Tim Griggs, to help you be as successful as possible on your gardening journey. Established 17 years ago, Sugar Hill Acres is a staple of the Byrdtown Community in Darlington County. The farm specializes in a variety of potatoes, including French fingerling and Red Pontiac Potatoes. These spuds are distributed across the Carolinas from Grow Food Carolina in Charleston, SC to Charlotte Fresh Point in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their potatoes can be found from now until mid-June in Food Lions, Publix, and even at Outback Steak House. If you are in the mood for a country drive, you can find Sugar Hill Acre produce locally every day at Griggs Grocery. Besides potatoes, they farm watermelons, cantaloupes, cotton, corn, tobacco, grass, and cattle. After years of farming, Tim has a few tricks up his sleeve to have a fruitful season.
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1 When starting a garden, you do not need a large plot of land. You will be surprised by the yield of a small, raised bed. You don't be a big space for a significant result! A raised bed doesn't have to be fancy; you can use old reclaimed wood, mesh (to keep grass from growing), potting soil and fertilizer to have a little garden.
And next year, consider starting your garden earlier with cold crops that need to be planted in February like broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, snow peas, and collards. Another easy to grow vegetable is potatoes, planted between February and March; all you need to do is water and watch for bugs for them to grow successfully.
2 If planting a smaller bed, try peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, herbs, they are easier for beginners and do not need much space as vined plants like squash and cucumbers.
3 Dig a 5 dollar hole for a 1 dollar plant. For example, for tomatoes, dig a hole 6 inches deep, add manure/ fertilizer, then plant the seedling. Fertilizing is key to good crop yield.
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TIM GRIGGS, SUGAR HILL ACRES
Spoon feed the plants, each time you go out to your garden, sprinkle some fertilizer. You will be amazed by the difference some fertilizer makes. 4 It is hard to overwater, with the South Carolina summers it is very easy for plants to get stressed and dry out. Watch your plants for signs of stress, like drooping or shriveling leaves. Also, try to put your garden in a place that does not get direct afternoon sun; this will help the garden not dry out during our hot summer afternoons.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
HEALTHY LIVING INSIDE & OUT
ever wondered about...
story by Allie Roark
WITH story by Allie Roark
The new year started, and we declared that we were going to find better versions of ourselves in 2020. We started strong by doing better with our finances, going to the gym, sticking with a routine, and making time for self-care. Then...the "Rona" happened. This resulted in closed gyms, working from home, online shopping, isolation, and binge eating. At least that’s how I spent the first few weeks of quarantine. Lucky for me, I have some sweet friends that took the role of influencing the importance of nutrition to our community and inspired me to join the party. It’s no secret that I have been struggling with cystic acne for the last two years. I mean, it was written all over my face. This past year being the worst. It seemed the more I stressed about getting rid of it, the more intense it got. Wedding festivities are approaching which means your girl has been desperate for a cure. After several visits to the dermatologist and a lot of money spent on cleansers and face products, I became hopeless when it was not getting any better. One day while mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, I noticed that a friend of mine was glowing in her stories and pictures. After trying to figure out which filter she was using, she began informing me about the company Arbonne. It wasn’t too long after when my best friend became a consultant and was preaching about all of the positive results that she too was seeing. In case
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you don’t know, Arbonne is a company with a mission to promote healthy living to improve the mind, body, and skin. They are firm in their values and intentionally focus on the person as a whole paving the road before them to flourish from the inside out. Every single product is Vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without gluten. Every ingredient used is plant-based and not harmful to the body. The reset was designed to get you back on track while encouraging healthy eating habits. The approach is to help reset your gut and teach you how to listen to what your body is telling you about certain food groups and your sensitivities. After hearing about the company, I decided to trust my gut and hop on the 30 Days to Healthy Living Reset train. To be honest with you, I didn’t do that great of a job researching considering I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The 30 Days to Healthy Living program was designed to reset your gut by eliminating sugar, gluten, and dairy and using their nutritional supplements to help aid in your overall wellness goals. I didn’t think I would be able to stick it out considering I’m dead without coffee, but I was able to conquer the challenge and prove to myself that I am stronger than I think.
www.AllieRoark.arbonne.com/
The 30 Days to Healthy Living includes: 2 bags of protein, 2 boxes of fizz sticks, 1 bag of fiber, 1 box of digestion plus, 2 boxes of detox tea, and a body cleanse. If I were Oprah, I would be sending you all home with the kit and a lifetime supply of fizz sticks. Fizz sticks have the ability to change the world. They are a refreshing essential to your body, and you only add it to a glass of water. Not only did they increase my energy and focus, but they also replaced my craving for coffee and soda. Fizz sticks are full of natural sugar, B Vitamins, and naturally derived caffeine from guarana and green tea. I learned so much in the short 30-day program. Not only did I truly enjoy and look forward to my protein shakes, but there were also so many other benefits. Although Arbonne does not cure anything, I noticed how my anxiety had decreased, my stomach didn’t hurt anymore, I wasn’t bloated, and most importantly I recognized the girl in the mirror again. I never realized how much my stomach hurt until it didn’t hurt anymore. It turns out that Arbonne was right - your gut is very controlling to your mind, body, and skin. Now that my 30 days are over, I am still going strong. I learned the importance of listening to my body and discovering the foods that I am sensitive to. It’s been 6 weeks, and I have never felt better. You hear about companies like this a lot, and as a society, we are notorious for rolling our eyes when we see someone new start selling a product. Arbonne is a Certified B Corporation. Because of my journey with Arbonne, I decided that I want to help empower others in finding the same magic that helped me flourish. Although it left me a few scars, I am thankful for the sign right in front of (or on) my face. I struggled with an imbalance in nutrition. No cream, facewash, or pimple patch could take away what was hurting on the inside. The things that we put in our body play a huge role in our health. Everyone has the opportunity to flourish from the inside out, but first, you need to believe that you are worth the change because you 1,000 percent are! June 2020
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HEALTH + WELLNESS
THE IMPORTANCE OF
WELL VISITS story by Donna Tracy, Communications Coordinator, HopeHealth
You wake up with a sore throat and headache. You feel worse than you’ve ever felt before. So, you call your health care provider and schedule a sick-visit appointment. It’s an important part of your health care. But did you know it’s just as important to visit your provider when you are well? What is a well visit?
Well visits help:
Well visits are appointments with your primary care provider that focus on your overall health. Typically, the visit includes a review of medications, as well as personal and family medical history, routine vaccinations, blood pressure and vital sign checks, blood tests, lifestyle screenings, age-appropriate screenings, depression screenings, and more.
• set health goals • track wellness • adjust medications • stay up to date on immunizations • identify appropriate screenings • catch potential issues earlier
Who should get a well visit? Well visits are recommended for everyone – from newborns to seniors. “An annual, complete physical exam, or well visit, is the most important thing an individual can do for his or her health,” said Nicolas Licari, a family nurse practitioner at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence. “Our goal is to keep you healthy, prevent future illness and disease, and to help you manage any existing chronic health conditions. Well visits let us get to know you, your health history, and your overall health and medical condition.”
• manage chronic conditions
Who do I see? Do you need a primary care provider who specializes in your age group? Some providers will see patients of all ages. Others focus on specific life stages: • general practitioners see patient of all ages • family medicine providers see patient of all ages • pediatricians care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults • internal medicine providers generally see only adult patients age 18 and older • geriatric providers specialized in senior care
Women can also opt to choose a gynecologist who focuses on women’s health as or in addition to her primary care provider.
360 NORTH IRBY ST. FLORENCE 843.667.9414 | HOPE-HEALTH.ORG
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Newborns and toddlers Pediatricians take a closer look at issues such as cognitive and physical development, and keep track of preventive measures such as vaccinations. “This is where health care starts,” said Jessica Robinson, a physician assistant with HopeHealth Pediatrics in Manning. “From day one or two after they are born - it is the foundation of teaching children to care for their health for the rest of their lives.”
Children and teens While COVID-19 has closed schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, children still need to complete well visits. Schools generally have immunization requirements that follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. These immunizations are often given during well visits. “Scheduled well visits are an essential part of children’s health care and should occur in person whenever possible,” said Dr. Michael K. Foxworth II, a pediatrician at the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence. Additionally, the teenage years are a time of transitional growth and development between childhood and adulthood. Physical, neurodevelopmental, psychological, and social changes rapidly evolve during this period. It is a time of special health and developmental needs. Teens should see their primary care provider every year for a well child visit where they can discuss any concerns, complete physical exams for participation in sports, and receive important anticipatory guidance and immunizations. By doing this, many causes of injury, illness, and death can be prevented.
Young adults Young adults, ages about 18-26, are at a crucial age for promoting their own longterm health. Through well visits, young adults are provided with the knowledge, tools, resources they need to stay healthy and prevent future diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Adults As adults, screenings are important tools for catching diseases early. A well visit allows discussing recommended, age-appropriate screenings including colorectal cancer screenings, mammograms for women, and prostate screenings for men.
Seniors For seniors, well visits allow patients to discuss factors such as fall risks, physical activity levels, functional abilities, and memory issues with their provider, in addition to vaccinations such as pneumococcal, shingles, and pneumonia vaccinations. No matter what your age, scheduling a well visit is an essential part of taking care of your health. These visits can find something you didn’t know about that could save your life. It happens all the time even in the healthiest of people. For your best opportunity to stay healthy and for healthier long-term outcomes, make your annual appointment with your primary care provider today. June 2020
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LIFESTYLE
the new date night story by Rebecca Giese
Dating can be hard regardless of the circumstances, but things have gotten tricker during a global pandemic and quarantine. How can you make memories, learn more about your significant other, and enjoy each other's company outside of everyday situations when most general entertainment is closed. With a dash of creativity, you can have a lot of fun, and you won't miss the traditional "dinner and a movie" date night. • Spend some time outdoors. Enjoy one of the many rivers, creeks, and lakes around the Pee Dee via Kayak. Maybe hike at Sugar Loaf or walk at Kalmia Gardens. There are so many options to enjoy nature around the Pee Dee! • Go stargazing. On a clear night, take all the blankets and pillows you can find and drive to a location off the beaten path. Arrange cozy bedding in the back of the van, the bed of a truck, or on some soft grass. Enjoy a night of listening to the coyotes' howl and crickets chirp, while guessing the constellations. • Learn a new hobby together. Instead of a regular date night, take time to learn something together, whether it's trying golf or picking out a craft kit, enjoy that time together and laugh at the hilarious struggle that will ensue. • Themed dinner night. It is an excellent replacement for a traditional "dinner and a movie" date, cook together a meal based around a favorite movie. After or during dinner, enjoy watching said movie. • Have a game night. Teach each other a favorite family card or board game. You'll laugh a lot just don't get too competitive. My top choice of board games has to be Ticket to Ride, easy to learn, and harder to master. • Do a puzzle. Puzzles are vastly underrated. The harder the puzzle, the better work together to see the puzzle completed unless you lose a couple of pieces, been there done that. 40 40
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LIFESTYLE
FUN FACTS
Fireflies and Lightning Bugs Fireflies, or lightning bugs as some call them, have always been fascinating. As a kid, it’s a goal to catch one and watch them fly around in a mason jar before releasing them back into the night sky. Even as an adult, there’s something magical about seeing them. Have you ever wondered how they light up a portion of their tiny bodies or even why they do it? Here are a few fun facts about the elusive creatures.
Did you know? • There are about 2,000 firefly species. They are soft-bodied beetles and nocturnal members of the family Lampyridae.
In some firefly species, only one sex lights up; in most, however, both sexes glow. Often the males will fly while the female waits in trees, shrubs, and grasses to spot an attractive male. When she finds one, she’ll signal it with a flash.
• Most fireflies are winged,
• When they aren’t flashing their lights to mate, it’s to
which distinguishes them from other luminescent insects of the same family, commonly known as glowworms.
• Fireflies have light organs that are located under their abdomens. They take in oxygen and, inside special cells, combine it with a substance called luciferin to produce light with almost no heat; it’s considered “cold light.”
• Their flashing lights are mostly used to find mates. Fireflies flash patterns that are unique to each species.
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defend their territory or to warn predators to stay away.
• An adult firefly only lives long enough to mate and lay eggs. Females deposit their eggs in the ground, which is where larvae develop into adulthood. Underground larvae feed on worms and slugs by injecting them with a numbing fluid. Adults typically feed on nectar or pollen, though some do not eat at all. Their adult life is about three to four weeks.
• Fireflies live in a variety of warm environments and are a familiar sight on summer evenings. They love moisture and prefer humid regions of Asia and the Americas.
SERVICE DIRECTORY
June 2020
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DRINK OF THE MONTH
FATHER APPROVED:
BOURBON & HONEY BEER COCKTAIL
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INGREDIENTS
• 2 ounces bourbon • 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice • 1 teaspoon honey • 2 dashes bitters • 2 bottles (12 ounces each) lager beer • Lemon twist for garnish DIRECTIONS
Add bourbon, lemon juice, honey and bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice; shake well, until honey is dissolved. Divide between two pint glasses, top with beer. Garnish with lemon twist.
